"Now that it looks like we have past the lowest point in the Europa's
history so far, let us all work together whether in the club, on the forum
or in any other capacity to ensure that this great little aircraft has the
support it deserves."
If folks don't mind, I'd like to expand on Nigel's point quoted above with
some of my own thoughts.
I genuinely believe we are at a turning point for this little aircraft type.
Consider the following:
1) We have a new Factory operation that everyone believes can do the job
properly to the benefit of fliers, builders and newcomers to our community
2) Without wanting to pre-empt things, there is a realistic opportunity to
get Sport Plane wings for the US market, glider wings for the European
market, a Factory taildragger version for all markets, etc.
3) In the UK we have three Europa folks on the PFA's Executive Committee who
can ensure that the scope for using these wonderful planes to their fullest
is created over here
4) We have massive change going on in European aviation regulation - which
could lead to significant new capabilities over here to match the freedoms
our North American friends already have
5) From talking to a few folks, I believe there is now a much better
understanding around the world of the Club, its strengths, what it can do
and has done for the Europa community, and what is needed to benefit more
folks outside the UK
6) I see on this Forum a great willingness for everyone to pull together for
the benefit of all
The sooner I can get G-EZZA in the air and start having some of this fun,
the better! :-)
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
Tail done
Standard XS wings with mods underway
CM installed in fuse (with airbrakes fittings)
1200 build hours to date
Intended fit:
Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of nigel charles
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Re Open Letter and New Europa
<nigelcharles@tiscali.co.uk>
>I will even rejoin the club, UK-centric as it is<
The club might appear UK-centric because there is little support and
input from abroad. How many articles for the magazine come from outside
the UK? I would think about 10% at best. If you want a more
international club it is best achieved by contribution. I am sure that
our new editor would welcome articles from all corners of the globe.
There are also other ways that we could have a more united and
international club. Like the factory had a USA office we could look at
including a USA representative on the club committee. A successful club
needs people who think about what they can do for the club as well as
what can it do for them. I know that from within the committee, a lot of
time consuming unpaid work is done. If this is not providing the service
you would like then get involved and get it changed. Provided your
opinions are shared by others progress can be made.
Now that it looks like we have past the lowest point in the Europa's
history so far, let us all work together whether in the club, on the
forum or in any other capacity to ensure that this great little aircraft
has the support it deserves.
About 10 years ago Michael Burke (a TV presenter in both the UK and the
USA) did a series of programmes called 'Connections' looking at how the
best inventions were achieved by technologies coming together at a
critical point in time. In a minor way I believe that the Europa could
be considered to be one of these. The combination of composite
construction (from Rutan), modern engine technology (from Rotax),
exceptional aerodynamic expertise (from Don Dykins) and many areas of
development in electronics and computers enabled Ivan Shaw to design
such an outstanding aircraft. There are very few aircraft that can
take-off from grass strips, carry 520lb payload for over 4 hours at
120kts whilst only burning 15 litres/hr. This started as a concept about
15 years ago and whilst the product has been developed, the original
design still stands up against newer machines. I my opinion there is
still no better aircraft for this area of the kit built market.
I will get off my soap box now.
Regards
Nigel Charles
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