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 Post subject: just wondering...
PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:26 pm 
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I'm working on a experimental homebuilt. I have learned a lot so far with this project. However, I still would love to have a "warbird". It is beyond my means to buy a traditional warbird. I had an idea though that might scratch the itch. If I bought a basketcase T-28 or something similar. Would it be possible to build a safe aircraft, that while it may be a "bastard" of mixed parts and pieces, and for sure not authentic, yet still look the part? Could it be done for less than what a -28 would normally cost? I'm thinking a 28 using maybe a used DC-3 engine/prop, and strictly VFR equipped. What do ya'll think?

Boyce


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:41 pm 
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The FAA will shut you down.
There are different classes of experimental, ie, amature built, exhibition. This doesn't fit any class in the experimental category.

Sorry.

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:01 pm 
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Just build one from scratch, then it for sure is a home built.


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:04 pm 
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so, sounds like I need to build from scratch (or thereabouts) and call it a homebuilt? Maybe I could build the forms, and then make wing ribs etc. Then I could source the original extrusions, forgings from a salvaged wreck. Use an original set of landing gear. Basically manufacture myself anything that can be done out of 2024 aluminum, or 4130. Maybe this would fly with the FAA?


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 9:12 pm 
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so, sounds like I need to build from scratch (or thereabouts) and call it a homebuilt? Maybe I could build the forms, and then make wing ribs etc. Then I could source the original extrusions, forgings from a salvaged wreck. Use an original set of landing gear. Basically manufacture myself anything that can be done out of 2024 aluminum, or 4130. Maybe this would fly with the FAA?


Not to sound negative, and I have to admit that I've had some pretty hair brained ideas, but you're better off buying a T-28.

Chunks


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 9:18 pm 
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If you are going to that extent why not obtain a data plate? Lots of loop holes there. You will be free to do almost anything.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:50 am 
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The FAA will shut you down.
There are different classes of experimental, ie, amature built, exhibition. This doesn't fit any class in the experimental category.


B.S., not true, anything can be built experimental. You can even build a toilet w/ wings and it would still be ok.

Quote:
Just build one from scratch, then it for sure is a home built.


He can build any darn thing he wants, it's his choice.

Quote:
so, sounds like I need to build from scratch (or thereabouts) and call it a homebuilt? Maybe I could build the forms, and then make wing ribs etc. Then I could source the original extrusions, forgings from a salvaged wreck. Use an original set of landing gear. Basically manufacture myself anything that can be done out of 2024 aluminum, or 4130. Maybe this would fly with the FAA?


Like I said you can build it out of lead, and if you think it will fly, to heck with what anyone says-prove it will.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:00 am 
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A2C wrote:
B.S., not true, anything can be built experimental. You can even build a toilet w/ wings and it would still be ok.


You really don't have a clue, do you?

Just how is this project going to be licenced?

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:51 am 
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Gents, please keep it polite (accurate too, would be nice). Mod.

The Australian experimental process (based, IIRC, on the US one) requires that you demonstrate stress calcs, prob perf and viability etc. - it's got to be something that won't fold up on take off with you in it.

If you show up with a lead toilet, they might pass you, just because it'll save sending you to the nuthatch.

No, 'they' really won't let you commit creative suicide with a thoroughly unairworthy design.

Answering the question, it is possible to obtain an identity (the dataplate ref) and then build a warbird using airworthy parts and fabrication. However, in my experience as a reporter, it's going to be long and expensive - cheaper to buy a going warbird, because you won't save on cash unless you've got two lifetimes+ to invest.

There are a couple of alternatives. There's the mini homebuilt warbirds; like the WAR replicas (Fw 190, Sea Fury - have a google) a real warbird what's light - the warbugs - L4, L5 Birddog, etc, and thirdly there's the full size ones in different construction - there's several Spitfire homebuilt designs; again google. Another would be the Spitfire Mk.26 kitplane.

HTH!

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:41 am 
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Quote:
You really don't have a clue, do you?

Just how is this project going to be licenced?


If the toilet, or UFO replica, or doghouse with wings ie snoopy replica has been built w/ proper stringer spacing and skin thickness-ie according to the AC-4313.

If it's got a particular purpose, ie, proper calculations, you could sit down with the DAR and show him all the supporting evidence. If what you want makes sense from an engineering standpoint- supporting photos and calculations, and the workmanship is good, he'll sign it off.


Last edited by A2C on Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:48 am, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:47 am 
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Quote:
I'm working on a experimental homebuilt. I have learned a lot so far with this project. However, I still would love to have a "warbird". It is beyond my means to buy a traditional warbird. I had an idea though that might scratch the itch. If I bought a basketcase T-28 or something similar. Would it be possible to build a safe aircraft, that while it may be a "bastard" of mixed parts and pieces, and for sure not authentic, yet still look the part? Could it be done for less than what a -28 would normally cost? I'm thinking a 28 using maybe a used DC-3 engine/prop, and strictly VFR equipped. What do ya'll think?


Go for it, just make sure you use a DC-3 oil tank and firewall forward. For the wings you can do a T-28 fuel system. If you think it will work do it. Ask yourself if you can commit 10 years or more to it before starting. Give it a name such as "The Skyboss", and tell them you're racing it Reno, and it'll make more sense to them.

One thing I would do would be to put an R-2000 on it to clean it up. I think the R-1820 make the -28 look too chunky.

I would opt for something more extreme, I mean something really high tech. Like a totally new concept such as a jet powered flying disk, or a new propulsion system, etc.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:06 am 
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skymstr02 wrote:
A2C wrote:
B.S., not true, anything can be built experimental. You can even build a toilet w/ wings and it would still be ok.


You really don't have a clue, do you?

Just how is this project going to be licenced?


Depends.

If it is a T-28 rebuild (with data plate) then it would be an Experimental - Exhibition A/W.

If it is a bastardized T-28 with DC-3 parts, etc; and it is airworthy then he could get a Experimental-Amateur Built A/W.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:09 am 
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If it is a bastardized T-28 with DC-3 parts, etc; and it is airworthy then he could get a Experimental-Amateur Built A/W.


That's possible. I would think in order to fall into that cat. it would need to be 51% or greater in difference.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:13 am 
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A2C wrote:
Quote:
If it is a bastardized T-28 with DC-3 parts, etc; and it is airworthy then he could get a Experimental-Amateur Built A/W.


That's possible. I would think in order to fall into that cat. it would need to be 51% or greater in difference.


People take all kinds of airplane parts and create a new airplanes.

Super Cub fuselage stretched and widened, wings from something else, gear from something else. Just because you saved some time by using parts from other things does not mean it cannot be certified in the Experimental-Amateur Built Cat.

It's done all the time.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:43 am 
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Anything is possible, we're Americans!


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