Larry Wimble's "Cozy Mark IV" Site

Frequently Asked Questions
With Answers

Check out the Question list below. If you don't find the question (or answer) you're looking for, feel free to email me. I'll post the question (and hopefully an answer) to this FAQ.

 
 

Links

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Miscellaneous & Rants
Other Cozy Resources & Builders
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Rough River 2004 Pics

 
 
 
 

Chapter Detail

1: Description & Introduction
2: Bill of Materials
3: Education
4: Fuselage Bulkheads
5: Fuselage Sides
6: Fuselage Assembly
7: Fuselage Exterior
8: Headrest & Seat Belts
9: Main Gear & Landing Brake
10: Canard
11: Elevators
12: Canard installation
13: Nose, Nose gear, and Brakes
14: Center Section Spar
15: Firewall
16: Control System
17: Trim System
18: Canopy and Turtleback
19: Wings, Ailerons & Wing Attach
20: Winglets and Rudders
21: Strakes, Fuel, and Baggage
22: Electrical
23: Engine Installation
24: Covers and Fairings
25: Finishing
26: Upholstery

  
 
 
 
 

1. General Questions

2. Project-Specific Questions

  
 
 
 

Answers to General Questions

1.1 Is building a plane safe?

If the proper care is taken to do things as the designer says to do them, then the answer is "Yes". In this particular instance, the Cozy is an extrapolation of a very sound aircraft design by Burt Rutan. It has an excellent safety history of it's own, as well.

1.2 Will you fly it or use a test pilot for it's first flight?

Good question. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, but the decision will probably have to do with whether or not I can talk another Cozy owner into coaching me with his/her Cozy.

1.3 What is the Cozy made out of?

The Cozy is made primarily from composites. In particular, the aircraft is mostly made by creating a sandwich of foam in the center, with fiberglass on the outsides. Depending upon the type of foam, it is cut to the shape either using a hot wire or a large knife (SAFTEY: Be careful here. Some foams cannot be cut with a hot wire as poisonous gasses are emitted). A filler called "slurry" is then applied to the foam. With the foam properly prepared, you can then begin to apply fiberglass and the appropriate resin and filler. If you'd like to learn more about this process, There is an Excellent Article on the basics of composite construction by Ron Alexander.
1.4 Do you need any special skills or tools?
As far as tools go, there are some things that are required, such as a respirator. Other things that are needed can be made, such as a "hot-box" for storing the resins and a scale for measuring out appropriate amounts of hardner or catalyst to resin. As for special skills, there's nothing that you cannot "pick up" as you go along. Of course, it helps if you like to work with your hands and you don't mind getting them (as well as the rest of your body) covered in epoxy :-)
1.5 Can you buy the parts in a kit?
For some aircraft, you certainly can. For the Cozy, the answer is "No". While some pieces are available pre-constructed from various vendors, the Cozy is largely a "Plans Build" aircraft. You purchase the plans from Co-Z Development Corp or an authorized reseller, and build the aircraft yourself.
Answers to Project Specific Questions

2.1 How long will it take you to complete the project?

I think this project can easily be completed within four years. Optimistically, I hope it can be completed in more like three years.
2.2 What do you intend to use as a powerplant?
While some say that the use of an automotive engine in a Cozy degrades it's resale value, I am of the opinion that with the right engine, the airplane can be just as safe and produce as much thrust as with a certificated engine. I further believe that the savings created by use of a converted automotive engine offsets significantly any reduction in resale value (not that I have ANY intention of selling the bird). Consequently, the search began for an automotive engine that fits the safety criteria and also wouldn't negatively impact the specification. The result: A Mazda 13-B rotary engine.
2.3 Will you equip your plane for night flight or IFR operation?
Absolutely. I love flying at night, and since I'm in the process of getting my instrument rating, why shouldn't I be able to fly my own plane IFR?
 
 
 
 

Copyright (c) 2003 Lawrence A. Wimble - All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Any party using the suggestions, ideas, instructions or examples from this website does so at their own risk and discretion and without recourse against anyone.
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