Relay-Version: B 2.11 6/12/87; site scorn
Path: uunet!cs.utexas.edu!usc!jarthur!bridge2!pvf
From: pvf@ESD.3Com.COM (Paul Fries)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation
Subject: Re: How hard is it to build an airplane from a kit?
Keywords: Wheeler Express, Lancair IV
Message-ID: <2697@bridge2.ESD.3Com.COM>
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 90 10:33:28 PDT
References: <264@dannet.UUCP>
Sender: news@bridge2.ESD.3Com.COM
Organization: 3Com Corporation
Lines: 65

Well, I chose the Wheeler Express over the Lancair back when there was
no Lancair IV to talk about.  I wanted the 4 seats.  Even with the
Lancair IV available, I think I made the right choice for me.

some of the reasons include:

FIXED GEAR

  Not too long ago, I was over at Livermore to look at another Wheeler
  builder's progress.  While there, a Lancair 235 builder showed up.
  He loves the Express, and commented that, if given the opportunity to
  do it all again, he would choose the Wheeler.  His bigest headache
  was making the gear systems work and fit properly.  He preferred the
  Wheeler manual, too.

  As far as the efficiency of fixed vs retracts goes, I have come to
  the conclusion that, at least in this arena, a well designed
  (streamlined, faired) set of fixed gear can be as efficient as a
  moderately well done set of retracts.  There are many things in a
  retract system that can quickly rob you of most of your advantages.
  If the gear doors don't fit just so, there will be leaks that create
  drag.

  Of course, you can now order the Express with retracts too, so maybe this
  is not a very strong argument in your case.

MATERIALS

  While the Lancair uses a heat cured epoxy system for the factory built
  components, you cannot use it in your building at home.  Repairs can
  be a problem, since you cannot do the same sorts of fabrication at
  home.  With the Wheeler, I use the same material systems that they
  used at the factory.  If I needed to, I could (for instance) cut a 
  hole in the wing for access to some area, and then repair it with
  reasonable expectations that my work would be compatible and as strong
  as the original.

  Then, there is the question of temp stability of the materials.  Yes,
  the oven cured epoxy has a wider temperature stability range, but,
  remember, the work you add does not.  So, I am not sure that it is
  really worth the exotic materials in the first place.  True, N320L
  is painted red to emphasize Neico's belief in the stability of the
  system, but I have heard MANY people who know more than me say that
  painting that plane red was a BAD idea.

MORE MATERIALS
  
  I went to visit Neico Aviation at Santa Paula and noticed that
  there was a lot of bondo-like material being used to create the smooth
  surface for painting.  The Wheeler comes with a special coating that
  is applied as the first step in molding the components that is ready
  to paint.  This alone could relieve you of many frustrating hours of
  work.  Additionally, there are those who say that a crack in the bondo
  on the Lancair could allow water to get into the laminate which could
  cause you some trouble.  A few freeze/thaw cycles in such a condition
  could possibly ruin your day.  This whole area is a little unclear
  to me.  I am no expert on composites.  But still, why risk it.

Finally, while 300+ mph in the Lancair is very alluring, the Wheeler is
still plenty fast compared to most things you can buy for the same price.
Certainly, you cannot touch it (cost wise) with any factory new airplane.
I will still have an airplane that is for serious cross country.  With the
92 gallons of fuel I can carry, I can go 1800+ miles in a reasonably long
day of flying.  Certainly, the plane will have better endurance than my
bladder.