KR> Aerobatics in the KR?

Hi, Dene! Was it my plane (ZS-WEC), by any chance? Cheers, Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia E-mail: serge.vi...@ate-international.com

KR> High altitude

My KR2 was built at sea level (Port Elisabeth, South Africa), and I flew it for two years at high altitude, hot conditions (Johannesburg). My fied was at 5300' altitude. The engine was a very good VW Type 4, 2 liter, which is rated at 65hp. But the combination of engine and prop had been

KR> Germany KR builder

Wilkommen, Juergen! Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia E-mail: serge.vi...@ate-international.com

KR> Alternator

When they saw my huge, automotive type alternator, the French builders said I should try aternators taken from large lawnmowers. These things have car-type headlights, nowadays, and they have very small, lightweight alternators. I think I will put that on the improvement list. Serge Vidal KR2

KR> Firewall grommets

Question from Dene: Hi again Serge While looking at the pics of WEC, specifically the one of the new motor installation I noticed the nifty little grommets or compression glands on the firewall with what looks like the fuel line and wiring passing through them. Where can I get these things? I

KR> New Kr'er? - Type V???

Welcome on board! One question All the literature I own mentions VW Type 1, 2, 3 and 4... But what can a Type V possibly be? Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning

KR> Folding Wings

I would not mind a picture, for interest's sake. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia E-mail: serge.vi...@ate-international.com

KR> I-KRFN Rotax 912 first test

Auguri, Franco! I'm very happy for you. Your performances seem almost too good to be true. About pitch sensitivity: well, you must simply be a veeery good pilot! Ciao, and happy landings. Serge Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total

KR> type 4 Failures? What failures

My 2 cents worth, as an operator of and a strong believer in the Type 4. - All the literature (engine rebuild manuals, etc.) I could find on the subject states that the Type 4 is by far the best VW air cooled engine. Better than Type 1, 2, 3, and 4. No wonder: it is the most recent one, and it is

KR> Re-painting the aircraft

After having removed the previous registration marks, which were painted on, I decided I might as well repaint my KR2 completely. Too many patches. You see, first, I added NACA airscoops for the cockpit. Then, I cut some holes in the tailplane to give access to the rudder hinges. Then, I enlarged

KR> Re-painting the aircraft

Thanks, Mark. You do pretty well indeed for a non-expert. Serge -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On Behalf Of Mark Langford Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 01:04 To: KRnet Subject: Re: KR> Re-painting the aircraft "Serge

KR> Updated story and pics of ZS-WEC

Some of you may remember the story of my South African registered KR2, which transited through Tunisia (where I now live, and where aircraft are apparentlyt not welcome!), before ending up in Orleans, France. Well, last month, I did a trip to France in order to unpack the aircraft, prepare it for

KR> Elevator Mass Balance mounting / Bingelis

Here is the link to Old Tony's articles http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilders/authors/bingelis/ ... and the one about flutter. http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilders/authors/bingelis/How%20to%20Mass%20 Balance%20Control%20Surfaces.html#TopOfPage Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger,

KR> kr2 purchase?

Good idea! 90% complete will leave you with only 90% to go! ;-) Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia E-mail: serge.vi...@ate-international.com

KR>Carb heat

Really? How hot exactly do you think the intake air has to be to prevent carb icing? I thought as long as it was above icing temp, it would be fine? I guess I should rather weld a pipe along a portion of the exhaust as an air source? In that case, my only problem would be to find some ducting

KR>Landing Gear Geometry

Barry, I have even less weight on the tail (1.6 kg), and my header tank fills 48 liters. My heavy VW type IV engine has been pushed forward by 50mm also. My main wheels are slightly ahead of the main spar, say 80mm. And it works fine. Once you are on board, it's a different situation. Just keep

KR>Carb icing & size

<. So yes Serge apply heat.> OK. To the intake air, or to the carb body? Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC - Taildragger, VW powered (2.4 liter, dual electronic ignition) - Total aircraft time: 390h - Aircraft hangared at: Orleans, France - Pilot moaning in: Tunis, Tunisia E-mail:

KR>Carb heat

I have an idea for a carb heat system that I would like to discuss. So far, my VW-powered KR2 has no carb heat. Air intake is through a round air filter box that is clamped directly against the carburetor intake. My idea is to run a pipe from a hot area of the engine baffling system directly to

KR>fuel vent

My KR2 only has a nifty aluminum fuel cap, which is formed of two parts: a round cap, and a streamlined aluminium rod acting as a grip. There is a tiny hole on the rod (2mm) facing back, and linked to another, vertical hole in the cap itself. And that's it. Has been working for almost 400 hours

KR>fuel vent

W 2452 AUSTRALIA phone: 61 2 66584767 email: johnj...@chc.net.au - Original Message - From: "Serge F. Vidal" <serge.vi...@ate-international.com> To: "'KRnet'" <kr...@mylist.net> Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 6:28 PM Subject: RE: KR>fuel vent > My K

KR>KR-2 Weight and balance

Hans, The mass and balance sheet of the KR2 construction manual should get you started. I will send you my Excel spreadsheet if you give us an E-mail address. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On

KR>Wheel landing vs 3 point

Colin, I could not agree more. When I learnt to fly ZS-WEC, it was in Johannesburg, meaning high altitude (5300') and hot temperatures (up to 30 degrees Celsius), both factiors making take-off and landing rolls longer. I am not a very talented pilot, and at that stage, I had only 170 hours. At

KR>Construction manual - Missing page

Could somebody send me a copy of page 11 of the manual? It is missing in my copy. Kindly send it by E-mail (or by Fax, if you don't mind the cost!). Thanks in advance. (And before you're tempted to lecture me, rest assured, my aircraft was built with a legal copy of the construction manual.

KR>Help me use that veeery long drill bit!

I have an impressive drill bit in my office. Diameter is 8mm (that is 0.32"), and length is... 2100 mm! (Yep, that is 82.7"!). Was made specially for my KR2. Understand why? The idea is: I am preparing to get inspected by the French authorities. The French law makes no provision for an imported

KR>Training Wheel

Actually, large inline skate wheels (100 or 120 mm diameter) would make perfect KR2 tailwheels. I would have used one if they had been available in South Africa. The "Jet warbird" you are referring to is a "FOUGA MAGISTER". It is a French design, and it is an old two seater jet trainer (normally

KR>Vacuum gauge vs manifold pressure gauge / cyanoacrylate glue

I was once told that cyanoacrylate glues (common name "Superglue") is not suitable for vehicle applications, because it does not withstand vibrations. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia Art Cacella wrote: [ For some I've even epoxied (or Crazy Glue, cyanoacrylate ?) rivnuts into the

KR>Template to convert automotive size instruments into aircraft size 2.25" instruments

Those who requested the PowerPoint template, it's on its way. I improved it with an explanation sketch and a few words of caution, which I repeat here for everybody's benefit. There are variations in instrument body diameter from one instrument manufacturer to the next There also are variations

KR>Serge Vidal's Throttle Quadrant

Joe, I did not put a mixture lever, because I use a Zenith-Stromberg carburetor, on which the mixture setting is a screw. I am busy doing a control knob for that. Adding a mixture lever is very easy. All you have to do is to "pile up" two throttle units, which means you will add a third plate on

KR>Vacuum gauge vs manifold pressure gauge

On ZS-WEC, my KR2, I converted all the automotive size instruments into aircraft size (2.25 inches) instruments. All I had to do was to make square flanges of the correct size out of aluminium 2.8mm sheets (I dreamt of a thicker, plastic sheet, without finding one), then cut out a hole in the

KR>FOAM FOR NEW WINGS

Mark, My KR2 uses Styrofoam all over. I fear the reaction of the French airworthiness inspector on that. If he (or she, let's be politically correct for a change) questions the airworthiness of the foam, or compliance with the plans, what should I answer? Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia

KR>Instrument panel labeling

This is also how I did my labelling: Brother P-Touch, 2 sizes of black label ribbon: 6.35mm and 12.7mm, or if you prefer, 1/4" and 1/2". Works great, looks great, sticks hard. Except that in South Africa, the machines entry prices are $ 80 or so, and each ribbon is sold $ 12 or so! Serge Vidal

KR>Fun Friday-lost my mind:-)

Peter, The reason why rotary engines are out of business almost worldwide is because they pollute much more than conventional engines, and therefore, they could no longer meet the very stringent pollution regulations of the 1990's. Mazda was the only manufacturer giving it a try, and they decided

KR>RE: Get it certified outside U.S.territory

Dear Ralf, I understand your disappointment and your concern, being in a similar situation (As far as I am concerned, when I moved from South Africa to Tunisia, I brought my KR2 along, hoping to register in Tunisia, which soon proved impossible; I then had to re-export the plane, to France, where

KR> Re: Get it certified outside U.S.territory / Entering european airspace

The solution is probably Denmark. Good luck,keep us posted. Serge Vidal I will try this: a.) Ship it to the U.S. b.) Get it certified on U.S. territory c.) Ship it back to germany d.) fly it - or - a.) Ship it to denmark ( where it was previously registered and flown ) - just a 4 hour

KR>How to inspect the wings?

I'm now having a good idea of how to register my South African built KR2 in France. The main issue will be to prove them that the primary structure is sound. Now, this means inspecting the wing spars. The guys who will do the inspection want me to propose a convincing way to do so. I proposed to

KR>Fuel pump, flow restriction

Ron Freiberger said: [...The answer is to bypass the pump with a low restriction check valve. Aircraft Spruce p/n 10630. I bought one, and it's a nice job] I also bought a bypass valve from Aircraft Spruce.Don't know if it's the same P/N, but the one I've got takes way too much pressure to

KR>Transponder ground plane

Just two words on the situation, otherwise you will not understand the question: I am in Tunisia, my KR2 is in France. I want to prepare my trip to go there, and I will make a few mods to the aircraft. So, I am now busy preparing parts, but I have no access to the aircraft now to check layouts,

KR>Get certified outside U.S.territory

Let me give yo a tip about the legalities involved, this will help you understand the issue. - There are agreements between countries to let each other's aircraft fly. - But for that, they must comply with internationally agreed requirements. - Experimentals, by definition, do not comply. They

KR>Certification

Nope. Not ICAO has nothing to do with it. ICAO is an international regulatory body, they have no national authority whatsoever. Not JAA either. JAA is a Joint Aviation Authority, whose job is to edict rules that will be follower by all its European member states. But it does not apply nor

KR>Tank System

Mark, My setup is a bit different. - Only the header tank has a filler; you fill the wing tanks through the header. - I have one return line going to both wing tanks with a tee. - A 3/8" works well - The header tank is vented through his cap. Remarks: if you have caps on your wing tanks, and if

KR>Throttle quadrants... a few more words

Those who asked for pics of my throttle, they are on their way. A few more tips: 1 - Shape My "throttle quadrant" is not really a quadrant. A quadrant is a portion of a disk, right? So, real quadrants (like the Piper ones) have a handle that is articulated at its BOTTOM. The quadrant box and the

KR>GK 1 Aircraft

Jim, The registration is a South-African experimental registration. As you know, the KR1 and KR2 were success stories in South Africa.The local agent even tried to "mass-produce" parts a while ago. Then, a couple of accidents occurred, and the KR got a bad name. But there is a lot of local

KR>KR-2S & 150 hp Franklin : These 7 things

It beats me. I fail to understand what exactly is the benefit of an aircraft engine over an automotive conversion. Certified aircraft engines are overpriced, fuel-guzzling, noisy, tricky and unreliable beasts. They lag 70 years behind automotive technology, and due to the cost of certification

KR>Throttle quadrant

Since I am now many miles away from my KR2, I keep myself busy by making some parts that do not require many measurements. I started with redoing the throttle quadrant. Of course, you don't need a throttle quadrant if you are happy with a push-pull, vernier type throttle, but if, like me, you like

KR>Engines - Certified versus automotive conversions

I truly did not know automotive conversions were an insurance problem. Sorry for you, guys. I think people tend to be a little bit personal on that engine debate. Hey, it's experimental aviation! Do as you please, and let the others do as they please! Just make your own opinion, and make your

KR>Turbo-Diesel kitplane

I did some extra research. The Dieselis is not yet marketed as a kitplane, but kit development is well under way in the Netherlands, under the name "RangeR". Maybe they will sell the engine separately one day? Here is the link. http://www.dac-ranger.nl/engsite/enstart.html Serge Vidal KR2

KR>Window under the passenger seat

This one is for structure experts. I have been dreaming for a while of cutting a window (a clear hatch, if you prefer) under the passenger seat. This would be a round window, about 12 cm (say 6 inches) in diameter. I would use it when I fly solo, with the passenger seat bottom cushion removed, as

KR>Window under the passenger seat

Thanks, Brian, for these thoughts. I agree. I want the window to open, because I know it will be dirty, and you don't shoot nice pictures through Perspex anyway. About the exhaust fumes, I think it will be OK if I open the hatch only to shoot the pics. My idea is to make a spring loaded

KR>Test

KR>Test

Test, please ignore. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia

KR>Engines

Gavin, here are my 2 cents worth. The VW engines are called Type 1,2,3, and 4. The Type 4 comes from the VW Minibus, and the Porshe 914. It comes as either a 1.7 liter, or as a 2 liter. It is the best, for two good reasons: it is the most powerful, and it is made of a better aluminium alloy, that

KR>Metric system [ NON_KR SUBJECT]

Well, as Jesus said, Sancta simplicitas! Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On Behalf Of Aggie lewanda Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2003 7:21 PM To: KR builders and pilots Subject: RE: KR>Metric

KR>Flying KRs at night

>From my point of view, the main issue is: a KR does not fly hands-off. So, it will be a mission to fly straight-and-level while doing the nav at night. Now, I fully support your view. I am busy upgrading my KR for night flying, just in case... This way I will also be able to practice my night

KR>Trans antenna

Actually, Colin, you scared me enough to have me do some research. First of all, let me precise that I didn't do anything. I bought the plane like that.Second, the antenna is a standard aircraft antenna (fin-shaped), removed from a certified aeroplane. Third, the transponder is a Bendix KT-76A -

KR>(no subject)

Yep. In mine, the trim is OK to relieve stick pressure, but the aircraft is way too sensitive in pitch to fly hands off. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From: krnet-bounces+serge.vidal=ate-international@mylist.net

KR>rudder pedals

...Er... That is highly debatable. I once got a jammed rudder -Original Message- From: krnet-bounces+serge.vidal=ate-international@mylist.net Err... That's debatable! I once got a rudder failure (just read the archives for details), and I was quite happy to still have brakes on

KR>Transponder antenna location

In my KR , the transponder antenna has been mounted under the baggage compartment shelf. Aneat, uncluttered location, with way more space available than under the seat. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net

KR>Any contacts in France?

In an attempt to save my KR from the local Customs services, I need to contact experimental aircraft builders/owners in France. Are there any here? Someone got a contact? Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia

KR>Mertic system [ NON_KR SUBJEST]

I will challenge that. The beauty of the Metric system is that all units (length, mass, volume, etc.) are related in a decimal way. For example, one cubic meter is just 1000 liters. Try to do the same when dealing with pounds and inches! Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original

KR>assembly plant

"The General's army of Mexicans" In French, we call a "Mexican Army" an army that has got more generals than soldiers, or by extension, any organization with more bosses than workers. Serge Vidal Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net

KR>Building a KR2

My 2 cents worth as an historian: They could not throw the imperial system overboard with the tea in Boston, 'cause we, Frenchmen, had not invented the scientific replacement yet. The Metric system came only with OUR revolution, only a few years down the line. Of couse, later, the Metric system

KR>KR Aileron control at low speeds?

That's true for my KR2 as well: What I experience is that strong rudder input will drop the opposite wing slightly. I never tried throughout the speed range, but it is true around, say, 80 Kts. ZS-WEC is stock, as per plans. I don't understand what you mean by 3 degrees washout, but if it is in

KR>Brakes

I have a better setup: motorcycle brakes, mounted the "cheapie" option (brake handles clamped fore of the main spar), and I have more than enough braking power, even if the KR weights twice as much as a loaded motorcycle! Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -Original Message- From:

KR>Brakes

Disk brakes, of course, with hydraulic actuators. I'm told they were taken from a Suzuki Katana. This being said, it's no rocket science to adapt almost any motorcycle disk brake to an aircraft wheel! It just takes a couple of brackets Serge Vidal -Original Message- From:

KR>assembly plant-REALLY DEEP Pockets

According to me, the answer is a bit more complex. Up to these liability lawsuits, aircraft and aircraft parts were almost mass-produced, hence keeping costs low. And all things considered, airframes, which are very labour-intensive items, still come at a reasonable price. Engines and avionics

KR>assembly plant

FINE! AS A NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER, I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO SHOUT FROM NOW ON! :-) Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC (Still feelin' lonely at Tunis Customs store!) -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On Behalf Of Max Hardberger Sent: Thursday,

KR>assembly plant

I like the concept of "Freedom of Speed!) Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC (Planning an escape from Tunis Customs store) -Original Message- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On Behalf Of Max Hardberger Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 2:46 AM To: KR builders and

KR>Re: vertical winglets

Retrofitting winglets to existing planes seems to happen all the time... in the glider world. A colleague of mine owns a glider that she recently upgraded that way. There seems to be kits readily available for that, and glider pilots are very enthusiastic about them. Another thing they are crazy

KR>assembly plant

Dear Mr Locker, Please, do not pay too much attention to the tone of the replies you will get from this network. KR builders are passionate people, and as such, easily make passionate statements. That's part of the fun of belonging in this community. Yet, among us, commonsense prevails. If your

KR>Migrant KR2

Dear Netheads, My KR2, ZS-WEC, has successfully completed a very long trip, from South Africa to Tunisia (North Africa). No glory in it: it travelled in a shipping container, together with my furniture! Just before I shipped the plane, I finally managed to upgrade the engine from a stock VW 2

KR>Wing wiring

Colin, I went through the wing wiring process recently on my KR2. Here is how I did: 1 - I located the position of the nav lights on the wing tips, then glued some sticker templates of my nav lights mounting holes. There are three holes for each: two for the mounting screws, one big hole for the

KR>Migrant KR2

rom: "Serge F. Vidal" <serge.vi...@ate-international.com> To: "'KR builders and pilots'" <kr...@mylist.net> Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 7:03 AM Subject: KR>Migrant KR2 > Dear Netheads, > > My KR2, ZS-WEC, has successfully completed a very long tri

KR>cutting aircraft cable

Snip Simple solution: use transparent heat shrink sleeve. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC

KR>Isn't that PCB idea great?

Netters, What I really like about the KRNet is the incredible amount of creativity that we manage to pool together. I think that PCB idea is a perfect example. Indeed, it is fiberglass, of the best kind (multiple laminations). And I think it is the first time somebody tries to use it as an