> Message text written by INTERNET:europa@avnet.co.uk
> >All in all it sounds that Ivan & co have hit the nail on the head when it
> comes to an aircraft that will meet the needs of the US market where the
> only
> questions asked are ... how quickly can I build it, how far can it go, how
> fast can it go and how do I fit into it!!<
>
> Tony, this sounds like the tale of the fox and the grapes, they got to be
> sour...
Not at all true. Those comments were all made to me at Sun 'n Fun when I
spent time trying (and succeeding in one case) to close sales for Ivan.
Europa have listened to what the US market is asking for and have done very
well to adapt what has become the definative UK homebuilt aircraft to this
new, and very challenging market. The Europa as it stands is superbly adapted
to meet the needs of the UK builder but did lack some of the things that were
perceived by US buyers as being important. The XS very nicely meets these
needs as you yourself have proven with your own comments.
> Finally Ivan has been seeing the light that has been shining in his face
> for so long. I have several times pointed out here that only masochists
> can have fun putting an airplane togethe rfrom styrofoam blocks and filler.
Actually the only slow thing about the build process is learning how to do
it! Once the learning stage is over it is amazing how quickly you can do
things. Having built four ailerons and about to start on a fifth I can
certainly say things get _a lot_ faster with practice. With a correctly set
up workshop I can confidently say that an experienced Europa builder could
easily complete the tailkit, flaps and ailerons in around six weeks, working
part time. The remaining nine months is learning how to do it :-) The
learning process has one hidden benefit - this mail system - we now have a
group of people from all round the world that give their time and wisdom
willingly and freely in order to help others that are following in their
footsteps. I think the cost of the Europa has been more than covered by the
new friendships I have made over the past year.
I have actually enjoyed putting together the wing and flying surfaces from
blocks. I now have new skills and I certainly understand the mechanical
characteristics of the pieces I have made - which may come in handy in the
future if I every need to repair them.
It is perhaps a sign of the times that the XS has been released - a case of
the "I want it, and I want it - NOW" attitude that seems to dominate society
today, versus the traditional method of construction where the challenge of
building was as important as the flying.
Regards
Tony
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Tony Krzyzewski tonyk@kaon.co.nz
Managing Director Ph 64 9 358 9124
Kaon Technologies Fx 64 9 358 9127
Auckland
New Zealand
Networkers visit www.kaon.co.nz
Aviators visit www.kaon.co.nz/europa/272index.html
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