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I read with interest Mike Smythe impressions of the Europa over the last
400 hrs.
I am a Europa builder near Pretoria, South Africa where we take a lot of
flak from mainly Kis builders. I have helped a Kis builder with his wing
closeout and was very impressed with the quality of the honeycomb
Fibreglass parts.
I have flown in the Kis TR-1 fitted with a 65 HP Revmaster engine at
Margate and despite being somewhat underpowered still managed a
respectable 120 knots without wheel spats. This aircraft is now flying
with a 160 HP Lycoming 0-320, although I believe it now lacks elevator
authority at low speed due to the heavy engine. Having only microlight
experience I cannot give a subjective report on handling.
Are there any flyers out there with experience on both types?
I am nearing completion of my fuselage (busy fitting doors) although
have yet to make a decision about engine choice. The 912 UL appears
to be underpowered at gross weight at our altitude and temps (4800 ft
& 20 to 30 Celsius). Dr Chris Neisser 912S powered version should fly
later this year. A 914 powered version project has been abandoned and
I believe is up for sale. Also waiting info on the 3300 Jabiru and the
Wilksh Diesel although the latter may still be a few years down the road.
I subcontracted the filling of the flying surfaces to someone who has
finished many aircraft including another Europa, Lanceair 4 , Kis TR-4,
Quicky 2,..... He prefers the Europa supplied filler mixed with a high TG
epoxy to the Supafill which I bought for the control surfaces. He reports
a sample to float higher above the water line than the Supafill. I
calculated the sg to be 0.6 cf 0.44 advertised. Any comments?
Mike I don't believe there any Europa Flyers / builders in Cape Town. We
are having our EAA airweek over the Easter weekend which this year
will be held in Klerksdorp. You may see one or two there. Any other
flyers able to make the trip down?
Mark #285
M C CLARK
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Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 00:51:34 +0200
From: "mike smythe" by way of Moira Millar <mike@msmythe.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Tail wheel mod
We have flown our Europa over 400 hours during the last 4 years and Jim
Naylor and I have been in either the right or left seat for most of this
time.Last Summer we did the tailwheel mod and fitted a VP prop.These two
mods have totally transformed the a/c.For me the prop has meant that there
is no longer any need to raise the tail at 35kts and so enter the unstable
period when directional control in a crosswind,on a rough field or when hot
and heavy could give problems.The reduced angle of attack on the ground as
a result of the tailwheel mod prevents the a/c being bounced into the air
before its ready to fly,now as speed passes 35kts we ease the back pressure
on the stick and and at 50kts we are off the ground into a positive rate of
climb with no drama.Landings are also much less dramatic than before, the
a/c is more forgiving and not so speed critical and will stay on the ground
also as a result of the lower angle of attack.
After 4 years I trully believe our Europa has exceeded all its promises.it
is just not possible to become bored with it.During the last 25 years I
have flown more than 30 types including Pitts and Pulsars(awfull!!)nothing
has yet come close to Europa for performance,comfort and economy and the
sheer joy of flying this amazing aircraft.
WE are based at Bidford near Stratford and any builder ,flyer is welcome to
drop in and see us..we dont need much pursuading to give a demo.! With
regard to the letter from the anonymous sceptics they are obviously not
flyers ,just frustrated builders..
Anyone wanting to fly in to Bidford should give me a call on 01386 710440...
I will be in Cape Town over Easter and would like to meet up with any
Europa flyers there.
Mike Smith..Europa No.39
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