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What’s Included
Obviously, all you see in the pictures.
Sandell SN3308
Garmin GNS 530
Garmin GTX 330 Nav/Com
PS Engineering PMA 700M-S audio panel
PS
Engineering PCD 7100R disc player
Autopilot
Complete Aerox Oxygen System
.... and a lot lot more! Details coming!!
Gear Configuration
There is NOTHING better for rough fields that the strength of two main wheels and the non-stress of the tail-dragger wheel where there is almost no
weight. Also, consider that if you ever have to unexpectedly land and there is not a runway available the difference in a successful landing or one that damages the airplane can easily be from the type of
landing gear you have.
The tri-gear configuration is the worst because of the weight bearing fragile front wheel which also has high parasitic drag. (Which is why Ivan Shaw
designed the original Europa without a front wheel.) The mono wheel is good for rough fields but the design disadvantages are just WAY too much and outweigh the few advantages not to mention the
disadvantages on a paved runway, as well. The outrigger wheels are indeed susceptible to damage and the mono-wheel airplane is a bear to handle on the ground. I also very much dislike the noise and heat
that comes through the opening in the cockpit floor as well as the lost space in the cockpit. My conversion to a tail-dragger, from the get-go, was performed at the original U.S. Europa office in Florida.
Another advantage to my gear setup is one you won’t hear many people aware of. Avoiding prop damage! When flying out of gravel or rough fields
there is a definite advantage to having more blade clearance from the ground. A tail-dragger has the prop higher from the ground on the all-important initial throttle up thus less chance of prop damage from ground
debris, gravel, stones, etc.
Engine
One reason I went to a six cylinder rather than a four was for better performance at higher altitudes, whether from the ground or higher air altitudes for
calmer air; also one reason I purchased an oxygen system. It is also less expensive than the high-priced Rotax, simpler durable design, cheaper to maintain and repair, no weight penalty, and inherently
far smoother! The resonant frequency vibrations from a 4 cylinder can, over time, have an effect on every delicate part on an airplane. Of course the power potential is a big plus, as well, for the safety of a
shorter takeoff and faster cruising speeds.
Weight is the enemy of any airplane. If you want to know if a part is too heavy, here is the rule of thumb; (Burt Rutan) “If you throw it up in the
air and it comes back down…. It’s too heavy!” With that being said, this was the reason my partner and I searched long and hard for a more powerful engine than a four but one without a weight
penalty; believe me, hard to do! I know of people who installed the Subaru 6 cylinder and it was not a successful marriage because of its weight. I know of no other 6 cylinder engine that is acceptable
in a Europa. For those that want performance, in my opinion, is the perfect match.
My intention was to turbocharged the engine after the warranty period expired. Without a harmful weight penalty nothing can come even close. taking
off at 6000’ altitude is NOT going to be a problem! My partner, Tom, owned his own turbo charging business for twenty years, “Turbo Tom’s”. He was a master technician and wrote
many articles for Kit Planes Magazine.
85% Completion Is The Perfect Stage To Purchase An Aircraft
Why? Well, if buying one that is completed you do not get a chance to really dig deep and inspect the work and detail that was done in building the
plane. It’s all covered up with filler and paint. Yeah, pictures can show some things but you’re only going to see what the builder wants you to see. With a plane that is finished except the
interior and exterior surfaces you get to see everything! The other WONDERFUL advantage is that you get to make the final selection of the interior materials , colors, and design, as well as the point color
scheme you want rather settle for what the seller wanted. This plane is meticulously built. The guys from Europa said these were the best wings they had ever seen outside the factory made wings.
What Is Required To Finish The Aircraft
To the best of my knowledge, engine gauges, a prop, interior, filler for the wings, and paint. Trying to think if I have a spinner or not. Seems I
recall they come with the kit but I can’t picture it in my mind.
As you know you can have minimal quality done or exquisite quality done. I’ll quote what I feel is each end.
~ Interior Finish - $1500 to $2500
~ Fill and Sand Wings - $500
~ Paint Wings and Fuselage – $2000 - $10,000
~ Prop
-$2,000 -$3,000
~ Engine Gauges – $200 - $1200
~ Wheel Pants - $200
Interior Finish – I see kits for other planes starting at $1000 for a basic cloth setup. I would expect ultra leather to add another $1000. I
should be able to dig through my papers when we’re done and track down the interior kit manufacturer I was going to work with. Your local hungry car interior specialist could also be a great buy avenue.
Fill and Sand Wings - $500 if you have cheap labor.
Paint Wings and Fuselage – $1500-$2000 for “acceptable”. $5000 for elaborate trick pinstripes and color paint scheme? The range of prices for above are so great I couldn’t even begin to know. Someone could paint for $2,000 or $20,000. Fill in the wings can be free if doing it
yourself and with a friend to paying an “aviation expert” a lot of bucks to do it. I do recall the nice interior being about $1,800 in a kit but I also know I had a local auto interior person show me
some really trick stuff for about $1500 for everything.
Prop Choices
Two and 3 blade models. Normally you will use a 2 blade up to about 150 hp. Obviously, research needs to be done to make sure of the best match for
your needs (quick climb verses top speed) and fixed, ground adjustable, or constant speed prop. Keep in mind that most articles will refer to the Europa using a 4 cylinder. Yours will have the 6. Sooooo much nicer!!!
Prop - 2 Blade – Approx. $2000 (80-150 hp) or $3500 for trick constant speed prop. A Sensenich ground adjustable composite sells
for $1525. Plan on a 3 to 4 week lead time. An Airmaster Prop, AP420 is developed particularly for Jabiru engines. The AP420 is supplied as a complete system which includes AP420 feathering
hub, Sensenich composite blades with inbuilt stainless steel leading edge protection, polished aluminum spinner in a choice of sizes from 8" to 11", AC200 "SmartPitch" constant speed
controller, pre-made wiring looms, mounting hardware, installation tools, spare brushes, operators manual and prop log book. This is the most complete and elegant CS propeller system on the market.
Easy to install and operate. The AP420 complete is $6,150 plus a Jabiru 2” extension for $60.
Engine Gauges - Engine gauges can be next to nothing if using automotive or pricey if using fancy aviation all in one graphic type presentations. JPI does
have a cool all-in-one that fits the spot I have designated on the panel. $500 for automotive gauges to $3000 for what I had
planned to purchase to fit in the open and perfectly placed last spot of the panel. Very trick!!
http://www.jpinstruments.com/edm_730_830.html $2,750 MSRP
http://www.jpinstruments.com/edm_740.html $3,250 MSRP
Summary & Price
I do not believe there is another plane out there that has the features mine does in this price range. I am very picky and ok ....somewhat
spoiled. I wanted as close to the best of everything including all the goodies but not at the expense of the plane flying ‘true’ and having an aircraft with the utmost integrity. The engine,
wheel configuration, avionics, amenities, and the superior quality of build, in my opinion is the best anywhere.
What influences my price verses keeping the plane and finishing it: I have about $80,000 in the plane, not counting my partner’s labor (who was
a brilliant engineer and wrote articles for Kit Planes) nor counting my labor. I realize labor isn’t always recoverable but that is ok; this has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life.
The economy is soft but demand for these economic planes is actually good because pilots are downsizing for fuel saving considerations.
I am willing to accept offers in the 50’s. Less would be foolish of me so please don’t ask. No doubt there are cheaper planes out
there; ones with less amenities, but more importantly some that do not fly true, or worse, may not be airworthy. I know of a Europa builder here in Atlanta that built his Europa in FOUR months by
himself!! Impressive? Not to me!! It flew horribly! More importantly, I wondered how anyone could feel secure and at ease when flying this plane. Most of the time, we get what we pay
for. This is definitely one of those times to keep this in mind. And how do you know you are purchasing a quality build? Buy an aircraft before the work has been covered up with filler and paint.
Sincerely,
Rich Lang
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