I wonder if it would make sense to remove the wings in situations like this?
It is an advantage that Europa owners have, and reduces lifting surfaces
greatly. The stabs and wings can be protected by laying on the ground under
a staked tarp. That way, the wind could not get under them. Assuming there
is time to react, and the fuse tied down well, it would at least help keep
the plane from pulling at the reins so much, and repairing a debris damaged
fuselage may be easier than repairing a wing and ensuring its profile?
Happy to hear all is not too bad with the planes, the marquee and materials,
and everyone safe (no one got their 'hides tanned' in the other
sense..pardon the pun). It could have been worse, especially for you, Bud,
with a lot of inventory on-field. Many other planes will be trucked out to
the insurance yards I would bet, but you will undoubtedly make quick work to
get yours airworthy again. Homer Bakers will be down awhile -but not too
long, and Baby Blue's name can be temporarily renamed to Baby 'Black' and
Blue!
There is a lot to be thankful for,
Greg Fuchs A050 (working 'in the wings' ..again)
_____
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bud Yerly
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2011 6:37 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Sun'n'Fun
A quick addendum to Steve's last post.
We had a great day today (Saturday). Lots of activity and the initial
damage to my display planes is ugly, but repairable. Homer Baker's 914PL
took the brunt with a damaged fin, broken rudder, broken stab with loose
tail plane bearings, a small wrinkle in the aft fuselage, and a damaged
airbrake and aileron. N12AY needs a new rudder (always wanted to add an
electric rudder trim tab and now maybe I will.) Numerous scrapes and pits
on both planes from debris.
Jeff and Mary's Baby Blue departed the show today. She was surrounded by
wrecked Thorp T-18s and RV 6&7s Baby Bably Blue went flying without anyone
at the controls, but because she was tied down well, not hit by other
aircraft, it proves that the resilience of composites allowed her to ride
the 95 mph winds without a trace of damage. Fabric rips, metal crumples but
composites bend.
We all poured over Baby Blue this morning and pronounced it still fit to fly
and I have heard from Mary and Jeff that they have already landed back
home.
Today everyone got to work on their tan. Sunday is the last day of the show
and we are ready to go home from what has not been Sun 'n Fun this year.
On my end, no rest for the wicked I am afraid. The aircraft will have to be
trucked out as they are un-flyable. So no flights for prospects this year.
We have had a number of interested people in our bird and I will work
tirelessly to get 12AY ready to fly again to hopefully seal some deals.
Best Regards,
Bud
----- Original Message -----
From: PITT STEVEN <mailto:steven.pitt2@ntlworld.com>
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:55 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Sun'n'Fun
Hi to all on the list,
An update on Sun'n'Fun. We made it to the show today and assisted with the
clear up before having the stand ready to open about 10.00am.
A large marquee from another vendor collapse alongside our plot on top of a
car and one glider wing. This received a glancing blow which will mean a
repair to the air brake and aileron but little else.
The rest of the glider fuselage was mildly damaged on the surface of the
tailplanes, again this will be easily resolved by Bud and his team.
Bud's own aircraft also received minor damage to the rudder.
Our marquee was completely unscathed and all the chairs and marketing
materials were safe inside, although there was a 'river' coursing through
it.
Jeff Behrnes 'Baby Blue' was out on the flight line and Jeff reports all is
well, which is remarkeable in view of the damage caused to other aircraft in
the vicinity.
No other Europa aircraft were present (despite photos suggesting different)
and the people mentioned in other emails had arrived by car and are all in
one piece.
You can see photos and a video on the EAA website with a commentary from Rod
Hightower, the new EAA President. The damage was truly heartbreaking and the
photos graphically make the point. No one was seriously injured, as far as
is known, so the show was in retrieval mode today with spirited displays by
the Blue Angels and Raptor in clear blue skies.
Thanks to everyone for their concern and thoughts and we are all thankful
that the Europa team are in one piece and enjoying Sun'n'Fun once more.
Regards
Steve Pitt with Jeff, Mary, Nigel, Diane and Terry.
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