REFLECTOR:RE: cheapskates
Alexander Balic
reflector@tvbf.org
Thu, 17 Jul 2003 17:32:15 -0500
Tom ,
I agree with the bulk your last post, but I bought 6 of those "cruddy"
eyeballs that you mentioned for a total of $100 including frieght, if I
purchased them from A/S, by the time I would have received them, it would
have cost me about $525 which is simply ridiculous - took me about 2 hours
of my time to disassemble them, clean, and re-paint to textured black- would
have probably painted to spruce ones too, so I saved $425, which
incidentally was about what I spent on my altimeter and vertical card
compass, so I am pleased with the bargain that I got. you know it all adds
up, but I certainly wouldn't skimp on important things like the
instruments, and safety equipment, but other things like eyeball vents-
sure... And it certainly seems true that the Lancair guys are of a different
social order than us Velocity folks.
-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Tom Martino
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 3:44 PM
To: reflector@tvbf.org
Subject: RE: Re: REFLECTOR: FIRE, SAFETY, OBSERVATIONS, ETC. (for Jim
Agnew and others)
I understand the purpose of the Reflector is to exchange ideas and give
opinions. I gave mine. It's all good. I mean no offense to those who want
to put windows in their firewalls. I feel adequate fire detection and
suppression would be a better alternative. I also thank you for the
suggestion on the fuel cut off. You are right.
When I a previously asked about the Velocity safety record (in regard to
other experimental aircraft) ... I got a ton of responses -- PRIVATELY.
They expressed concerns over the safety and reliability of the Velocity. It
is interesting that none was willing to post publicly.
>From what I gathered, Velocity is a solid design and really not that
complicated. However, unlike Lancairs -- most Velocities are built by the
owners and NOT by professionals. That could be the reason they have a
dismal record compared to the Lancair. (By the way, I'm all for owners
doing the work!)
I also think Lancair builders are willing to spend more -- possibly because
they have already resigned themselves to buying a very expensive kit to
begin with. Whereas the Velocity price is reasonable enough to get people
into the project ... yet expensive enough to "tax" their resources when it
comes to completing them with the best of materials.
One example is the recent discussion on Reflector regarding "Eyeball Vents".
The photos show cruddy old vents that needed a lot of work to make them
perfect. The savings? Maybe $30. You can buy beautiful brushed aluminum
vents for $85. Does it seem reasonable to invest all this time and money in
a project and skimp on such little things? While eyeball vents are not a
safety item, it does say something about the culture of "Velocity".
I have seen dozens of planes and it amazes me how many of them cut corners
or go the "cheaper" route just to save a few bucks.
I am not advocating spending money for the hell of it ... but this is a
"once in a lifetime project" for many ... and you may as well do it "top
shelf" from, the beginning.
Incidentally ... ALL of the Velocity builders I've met are nicer than
Lancair builders! And the Velocity Factory people are great.
By the way ... I have four new (machine gray) eyeball vents I'd like to give
away to anyone who cares to email me with their mailing address.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Agnew [mailto:jim_agnew_2@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 3:14 PM
To: Velocity Reflector
Subject: Fwd: Re: REFLECTOR: fire warning (was explosion) (CORRECTION)
This note should have been in response to Tom Martino !
Sorry
--- Jim Agnew <jim_agnew_2@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 13:33:41 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Jim Agnew <jim_agnew_2@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: fire warning (was explosion)
> To: reflector@tvbf.org
>
> Well Ronnie, I don't think that I'm crazy and long ago I
> installed a "POSSIBLE FIRE DETECTION system" in my aft
> cowling.
>
> Is the Velocity a time bomb, no, however it does have
> what
> in my opinion is a serious defect in the lack of a fuel
> cutoff. If you do get a fire you have two choices, keep
> the engine running and if it is a gas fire keep pumping
> gas
> into the fire or shut your engine down and try to get on
> the ground as soon as possible. One problem, the prop
> will
> probably windmill and keep pumping gas into the fire.
>
> Now you know why I have a fuel cutoff valve in the plane
> on
> the inside of the engine bulkhead.
>
> It is an individual choice and you have either not
> thought
> about the problem or have dismissed it. Others see that
> there is a potential problem and are looking for
> solutions
> and that is exactly what the reflector is for.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> --- Tom Martino <tmartino@troubleshooter.com> wrote:
> > Thank God the general public doesn't ready these
> > postings! A window in
> > the firewall to see a fire? Are we going mad?
> >
> > It sounds as if Velocities are flying time bombs just
> > waiting to burst
> > into flames. Come on ... lets get real.
> >
> > We should put all of our efforts into preventing fires
> to
> > begin with,
> > then we should explore realistic detection equipment
> that
> > won't require
> > peaking through a freekin window behind the back seat.
> >
> > I can jus imagine how that window will go over with my
> > passengers:
> >
> > "Tom, isn't that nice a rear window!"
> >
> > Oh that, I put it there to spot flames in the engine
> > compartment.
> >
> > After fire detection, perhaps a fire suppression system
> > would be in
> > order.
> >
> > Are Velocities that prone to fire? Are we
> exaggerating?
> >
> >
> > Back on the topic of a window ... ever see your oven
> > glass when smoke
> > and fire actually erupt in the oven. It goes black
> from
> > soot.
> >
> > I have to believe that there are other modifications we
> > can do besides a
> > fire window.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> =====
> James F. Agnew
> Jim_Agnew_2@Yahoo.Com
> Tampa, FL
> Velocity 173 Elite Aircraft Completed
>
=====
James F. Agnew
Jim_Agnew_2@Yahoo.Com
Tampa, FL
Velocity 173 Elite Aircraft Completed
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