Hi Folks,
Through a bit of luck and happenstance, I've joined the seemingly burgeoning group of PA-14 clone builders on here. I was looking for a high wing 4 (ish) place to build, which quickly shortlisted the Wag Aero 2+2 (my S.O. and I are trim enough to cram into the front). I started asking around and soon came across a project in the area that had been dormant for around 30 years. It's in very good shape and the workmanship is great - the previous builder is a machinist. The fuselage structure is done, as well as the empennage and half the wing ribs. The control column, rudder pedals, and gear cabane and bungee struts are also done. At least a decade's worth of work left to do, and a lot of skills to master before I get there, but excited to start picking away at it.
A few decision points I'll need to reach relatively soon, once I start moving on the build. Bear in mind that my typical flight will be medium-distance cross countries around the Midwest, and operating at prepared strips only (farm strips on up). Would like the option of having skis. Engine yet to be determined, probably an O-320.
- Wood or metal wings? I already have a set of ribs (aileron stations) built in wood, and while I'm not an expert woodworker I'm more comfortable working with wood vs sheet metal and have a small basement woodshop. At a gross weight of 2100 lbs and 150-160 horse, is this an issue?
- Flaps? I'm leaning toward no. Would greatly simplify my life building the wings without them and I'm operating relatively close to sea level at prepared airports.
- Spoilers? The Wag Aero plans include them, and it seems like they might be fun to use. I was thinking that I could rig them to a servo with a control on the stick to actuate them on approach. It's a pretty simple system, and way easier than building flaps.
Thanks, look forward to getting going!
Through a bit of luck and happenstance, I've joined the seemingly burgeoning group of PA-14 clone builders on here. I was looking for a high wing 4 (ish) place to build, which quickly shortlisted the Wag Aero 2+2 (my S.O. and I are trim enough to cram into the front). I started asking around and soon came across a project in the area that had been dormant for around 30 years. It's in very good shape and the workmanship is great - the previous builder is a machinist. The fuselage structure is done, as well as the empennage and half the wing ribs. The control column, rudder pedals, and gear cabane and bungee struts are also done. At least a decade's worth of work left to do, and a lot of skills to master before I get there, but excited to start picking away at it.
A few decision points I'll need to reach relatively soon, once I start moving on the build. Bear in mind that my typical flight will be medium-distance cross countries around the Midwest, and operating at prepared strips only (farm strips on up). Would like the option of having skis. Engine yet to be determined, probably an O-320.
- Wood or metal wings? I already have a set of ribs (aileron stations) built in wood, and while I'm not an expert woodworker I'm more comfortable working with wood vs sheet metal and have a small basement woodshop. At a gross weight of 2100 lbs and 150-160 horse, is this an issue?
- Flaps? I'm leaning toward no. Would greatly simplify my life building the wings without them and I'm operating relatively close to sea level at prepared airports.
- Spoilers? The Wag Aero plans include them, and it seems like they might be fun to use. I was thinking that I could rig them to a servo with a control on the stick to actuate them on approach. It's a pretty simple system, and way easier than building flaps.
Thanks, look forward to getting going!