What I learned this week!

[Tim Hickey]

First a public "Thank You" to those who responded to my email about direct
communications between builders.

And thanks to Wayne who showed me how to find the address from the incoming
email.

And I agree with Bob P that it is best to ask the questions here on the list
so that everyone has a chance to see the discussion. But there are still
times when a direct question from me to you might be best off line, if only
to conceal my own "cloudlessness" while I dig for understanding.

The choice of engine for a Rebel has many facets. Since we are building to a
1320 LSA gross, the empty weight of the completed machine is very important.
Considering that the Rebel was designed to a 1650 GW, we are in a bit of a
hole to start with. In other words, the airframe is a lot beefier for a 1320
gross that it might need to be. That being said, there are a few recognized
areas that can stand some additional "strengthen" to avoid problems in the
future.

The airframe will weigh what it weighs when we are done. We probably don't
really have too much influence on the empty weight of the airframe. The best
thing we can do is not go overboard on interior trim, and we should keep the
panel light and simple. After all, this is a day, vfr machine only.

The engine choice is another matter. I really prefer to use a Lyc O-235 with
118 hp if I can stand the weight. If not, then I am moved to used the Rotax.

My questions about Jim Coles C of G, and the 3 inch extension of his motor
mount we based on wondering if the extension should be more than the 3
inch. Just off the top of my head, it would seem that everything added to
the aircraft in the way of payload serves to move the C of G towards the
rear. If that is true, and I have not yet investigated that, then would it
not be best to have the C of G of the empty aircraft plus the pilot located
well towards the front of the permissible range?

We are months away from having to make that choice, but it is an important
one, and it is never to soon to start gathering data.

One more question:
Does anyone have hard data on the weight of a paint job for a Rebel?

Thanks.

Tim Hickey
R808




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