>Will I pick up the technicalities and jargon
>(and skills) required to build a Europa as part of the
"building-experience"
>or is a certain degree of expertise assumed by Europa?
Hi Simon
I'm builder no. 097, 4 years into the build and now coming up to half way
through the fuselage. Prior to starting on the Europa, I had never done
much more than change a fuse in a plug. For example, I'd never start
messing around under the bonnet of the car.
I wouldn't want to kid you as to how much input is required in terms of time
(and money!), but you'll pick up all the skills needed as you go along.
The manuals are easily understood and I rarely have to call anyone for help,
because I don't understand something. And if you do, you've got both the
Internet and the factory to call on. You cannot believe how many hints and
tips you'll pick up on the Internet, from those who have gone before.
I am really amazed at all the skills I have picked up: glassing (of course);
metalwork; woodwork even. Coming soon - electrics, instruments and engine!
And when you get something to work that you've spent days making - (eg. the
elevator/aileron control system) why, you'll spend hours playing with it
afterwards (by 'it' I mean the part you've just made!). Whilst I regret
the amount of time the build has taken me, partly as a result of being so
slow and finnicky about everything and partly because of my business
commitments) I wouldn't trade the satisfaction, knowledge and skills that I
have gained for anything.
As regards the bikes, two fold-up bikes will fit in, because this was shown
on the very first Europa video. I like the new Strida fold-up bike, but I
have my doubts whether they would fit in. Can't speak for the Brompton
either. But if the worst comes to the worst and you have to use a taxi
occasionally, so what? I have an XS fuselage and there certainly appears
to be plenty of storage space and_far_more than in most 2-place homebuilts.
Would I recommend the Europa as a touring aeroplane? Yes I would,
unreservedly.
Lloyd Owens
-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Miles <bs716815@skynet.be>
Subject: List newcomer with questions
>Hello everyone!
>
>My name is Simon Miles, a Brussels based UK PPL holder. I've been a member
>of the list before (some time ago) as an interested 'listener'. I now (at
>last...) really have the opportunity to buy and build a Europa kit - but I
>have a couple of questions...
>
>Firstly, I've read that the Europa is a serious "going-places" aeroplane.
>This suits me perfectly as touring is my main reason for flying. In terms
of
>getting there quickly and economically, everything I have read seems to
>support the idea. But what about baggage? At the moment my girlfriend and I
>use a C172 for touring and one of its benefits is that it will easily take
>our two folding bikes (which are made by Brompton). I seem to remember
>reading somewhere that Ivan Shaw designed the Europa to do just that - is
it
>true and, if so, what space is left for toothbrushes etc.? It's an
important
>question because my girlfriend (and I agree with her) won't entertain the
>idea of travelling by 'plane if, at the end of the journey (particularly if
>it is a day-trip), we're stuck at an airfield with no transport...
>
>Secondly, does a mono-wheel Europa really need above average piloting
skills
>to land or just some diligent practice?
>
>Finally, for now, the questions and answers that I have seen on this list
>seem to be rather technical! >
>I apologise if these questions have been asked before (I'm sure they have,
>many times..) but I hope someone can answer them.
>
>Many thanks,
>
>Simon Miles.
>
>
|