I have been told that the Fuselage is a lot more interesting to build than the wings. There are lots of different parts, and more thought has to be put into how they go together. I assume this also means that it can take longer to complete. I am fully intending to build according to the plans and not make any time-consuming modifications. Here is a list of the specific features of my fuselage that may be different for other planes:
Slider Canopy: Although I would love to have the visibility afforded by the tip-up canopy, I live in Texas, and it gets pretty hot here at times. Having the ability to taxi with the canopy open is a big deal. It also gets rather windy around here. I don't want to have to worry about losing the canopy on a windy day.
Tricycle Gear: This decision was a no-brainer. Lower insurance costs, better handling and visibility, and increased safety are all stacked in favor of the nosegear version. You can build a taildragger if you want. I'll be plenty happy flying my nosegear-equipped plane.
Electric Elevator Trim: The main reason is because I don't want to have to deal with the big cable obstacle in the center of the console that you get with the manual trim. I already have the servo installed, so now it's just a matter of running the wire and installing the switch.
Two Side Steps: I don't have any idea why Vans even makes this an option. The -9A stands up really tall. There is no practical way to get up on the wing without a step. I haven't decided how I am going to finish the steps, but I think I will look into getting them chromed. I'm putting one on each side because I like things to be symmetrical. |