My Europa is a Classic so has adequate foam for flotation provided the
wings remain attached after a ditching. One option for XS owners is to
include polystyrene pellets (like that used in packaging) within the
unused voids in the wing. These weigh next to nothing and would provide
significant buoyancy.
A floating aircraft after a ditching is a useful survival aid. It helps
provide both protection and location which are the two most important
aids to survival. However even when floating the aircraft may or may not
provide significant protection depending on sea conditions and final
attitude of the aircraft.
Back in 1995 a colleague of mine nearly lost his life in the English
Channel when his liferaft didn't work after his aircraft sunk. He was
only in the water 35 minutes but it took 2 days in hospital to overcome
the hypothermia. It was estimated that he would have only lasted a about
a further 20 minutes and this was at one of the warmest times of year
for water temperature. Having done sea survival training I am firmly
convinced that dry suits are the best safety aid along with a PLB. Even
in hot summer conditions they are not uncomfortable to wear. Flying at
higher altitudes with vents open and the suit partially unzipped ensures
adequate comfort levels.
Nigel Charles
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
R.C.Harrison
Sent: 07 January 2007 16:46
Subject: RE: Europa-List: 2002 Europa XS Mono Wheel for Sale
<ptag.dev@tiscali.co.uk>
Hi! Bob
I'd expect the Classic foam wings to float but no chance of the XS
floating!
There was one once floated that ditched off Alderney until they
recovered it by towing it the wrong way then had to tow it the opposite
way (can't remember which way but I think it was successfully towed
forwards?) perhaps someone can confirm ? It could be a useful bit of
information to have stored one day !
Regards
Bob Harrison
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bob
Hitchcock
Sent: 07 January 2007 09:50
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 2002 Europa XS Mono Wheel for Sale
<robert.hitchcock@virgin.net>
It definitely does float then? Two quality life-jackets, no life
raft..............
Regards
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Graham Singleton" <grahamsingleton@btinternet.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2007 5:16 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 2002 Europa XS Mono Wheel for Sale
> <grahamsingleton@btinternet.com>
>
> RV7 ?
> Would it be possible to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific with an RV7
and
> would it float if the fan stopped? Cost of gas when Putin has it all?
> Graham
>
> Garry wrote:
>
>> Steve,
>> Jim Nelson, Jim Brown, Marvin Alvarez, myself and many other early
Europa
>> builders have chosen to go with Vans RV-7's. Contact me off list for
>> details. I still have my Europa and still love it though.
>> Garry Stout
>> 914 Trigear
>>
>>*
>>*
>>
>
>
>
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