Please remember
that these airplanes are experimental and are built for education and recreation.
This information in whole or in part, is not intended to be used for aircraft
construction. Opinions of this builder are just that, opinions. Any modifications
to the plans for this aircraft are done by the builder without endorsement from
Rand Robinson. Therefore do not rely on the modifications to this aircraft as
being safe as this bird has not flown yet. The modifications still need to be
tested and proven satisfactory..
Caveat Emptor...let
the buyer beware, You get what you pay for!
Modifications I
need to make to fit a large pilot. Fuselage widened to 43" inside. Side
wall height increased 2". Length of fuselage increased 12" over the
plans KR2S (3"in front of the main spar 9 " aft of the rear spar,
1" in each bay). Longerons increased from 5/8 x 5/8" to 5/8 x 1".
With the combination of my spar caps made larger and the increased height of
the spars to fit the new AS5048 airfoil and full width verticals, the plane
will have a better payload carrying ability. Power will be from a 3100cc Corvair
turning a 60" 3 blade Warp Drive carbon fiber prop.
In The Beginning...
He said "Let
there be Wright" and there was Orville and Wilber. (FAST FORWARD) When
I was growing up I loved to fly. I built model airplanes both plastic and radio
Controlled. I joined CAP when I was 13. I almost bought an experimental biplane
for $125 at 14. It needed lots of work, but since I did not drive, I didn't
know how to get it home to Baltimore from West Virginia. Looking at the price
of store bought aircraft, even way back then, I new I could never afford one.
So after a few years in CAP and the Boy Scouts, I left.
When I was 20 I
worked at BWI and National airports as a baggage gorilla. I learned the ins
and outs of the commercial side of air travel. That job only lasted about two
years. So the airplane stuff was put on hold again.
In 1994 I graduated
with my Associate of Science Degree in Photography. In December I moved to the
Bahamas as a photographer at the AUTEC Navy Base. I got to hang out of a helicopter
and take picture of torpedo tests for the Navy. I even got to drive a British
Nuclear Attack Sub (HMS Splendid) 350 feet down. Due to a contract changeover
my position was eliminated. The positive note was that the new contractor needed
my services up here in New England. Brrrrrr!!!! What a change!
I was watching a
PBS Special "Plane Crazy" This guy wanted to design, build and fly
a plane in 30 days. What a challenge. Well this sparked my interest in flying
again. So I checked out the websites. Bought a copy of Aerocrafter. I was looking
for a cheap, fast two place plane for some fun. The best bang for the buck was
the KR series of aircraft. So I purchased my plans in September of 1998. I said
"I can build this" Tools , wood, plywood and a lot of other parts
were purchased in the next year. I just missed the '98 Gathering. But I attended
the '99 and 2000 at Lake Barkley KY. I am planning on attending the 2001 gathering
at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. With any luck I will be able to bring my bird to the
2002 Gathering.
This brings us to
why you are here, my web based builders log. Enjoy!
