Chapter Log

Step 0 - Materials
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 69.25, Actual: $ 3800.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Dennis Oelmann had a completed canard ready to install, and the temptation was too high to pass up for such a critical component of the plane. It wasn't cheap, but to put two full chapters out of the way and let me focus on other things, I think it was money well spent. His work is exquisite.

Step 1 - Cutting Foam Cores and Bonding to Torque Tubes
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Nothing to do here.

Step 2 - Installing of Bottom Skin
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Nothing to do here.

Step 3 - Installation of Top Skin
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Nothing to do here.

Step 4 - Installing NC-6 Inserts and NC-3 Hinges
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Nothing to do here.

Step 5 - Checking Elevator Travel and Installing Tip Fairings
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

Nothing to do here.

Step 6 - Pitch Trim Belcrank and Elevator Mass Balance Weights
Status: Completed 
Est Time: 0.00, Actual: 0.00
Est Cost: $ 0.00, Actual: $ 0.00
Date Completed: 04/01/2005

There has been some debate about the elevator balance weights in icing conditions. Ice (or other foreign matter) can build up in the balance weight notches, and cause them to bind up, effectively locking up your pitch control. Additionally, the thin BID strap over the balance weights has very little grip on the lead weights. If they experience any shock, the balance weights can slide out and jam the elevators.

The solution is the debate - many builders have argued (some strenuously) that no fix is necessary. However, the fix is extremely simple and appears to have minimal downside. It consists of two changes. The first is a layer of BID on the SIDES of the elevator balance weights. This serves to provide additional support to prevent the weights from sliding out of their straps, even if the straps lose their adhesion. The second is a small cup over the balance weight recess (large enough to allow for full travel). This may help prevent ice from building up inside the balance weight recess.

None of this converts the Cozy into a known-ice-capable aircraft. Indeed, if the cups DO fill with ice, I'll have exactly the same problem, only this time it will be harder to clear the ice out. But the small amount of additional protection seems worth the effort, and I've learned that ultimately, the pilot/owner must be the final arbiter of what goes into or onto his/her aircraft!