Hatz Biplane Association

Just re reread my post and, even previewing it before posting, I still see an error. It should say "ferrous metal WILL grab", not "with grab".

Great hint on magnet. Also avoid using stainless steel nuts and washers. If i had it to do over - I would install a raised lip across the floor behind the rear pit seat??

Michael
N838MM

As with any tail dragger, if you drop something, all you can do is sit and listen to it bounce it's way down into the belly and back towards the tail. When the sounds stop, you have an idea how far back your gonna have to fish. It's so much better when something dropped can be retrieved by a magnet. On that subject, I found out that the best way to use the magnet when retrieving is to lay under the fuselage and slide the magnet over the belly skin fabric in the vacinity of the dropped object. When you reach the spot where it's lying, the magnet will grab it making it more difficult to slide the magnet over the fabric skin. Then you can use the magnet to slide the object towards the nearest port of hand entry. This trick is also a great way to "sweep" the entire belly of the fuselage and wings looking for FOD (Foriegn Object Damage, in Air Farce jargon). Anything in there of ferruos metal with "grab" the magnet leaving no doubt that you've found something. It would ruin your day to do a loop or aileron roll and have a stray bolt or washer fall into a bellcrank and lock up the ailerons or elevator.

Just a little tidbit, but it might prove useful to someone someday.

For the first time since Jan 2003. I have got to practice getting in the front pit (all wings are on). I have tried several ways. the best for me is the backwards entry. I step up on the wing turn towards the tail, hold on to the rear pit supports, step in with my left foot, follow with the right, then turn and sit. Works the same getting out. I am 6'-6" 200 pounds. No problem and needs no assistance. The rear pit is a snap.

The only problem I have discovered is that if you drop something - good luck on reaching it.

michael
N838MM

That picture has been published several times in past newsletters and I've attached the largest jpg file I have. The last time I remember it being published was in the June 2004 issue.
Do a right click and "save picture as" to your hard drive... with proper credit to the artist.

Jeff

Pretty funny! After 12 years of flying passengers in my Hatz I have seen some pretty creative ways to get in/out of the front cockpit. Some people use one way in but a different way out...maybe in a rush to get to firm ground(?)! "Stay away from the site gauge...watch out for the antenna...stay on the wing walk!!!" Young ladies are always a challenge...you know the "don't touch the butt rule". My brother-in-law is a big guy and I thought for sure he would get in but never get out! That cartoon does say it all!

Vic in NH

Jeff,

Is that cartoon available in a larger version somewhere online? It is awesome!

Some folks have done that. Others have made their door extend further down which is what I'll be doing.

I've seen a Hatz CB-1 with a "door". It looks like it amounted to two or three inches and hinged downward. Is this the kind of door that you are putting in your Hatz's?

Some folks have built doors to aid in getting in & out of the front 'pit. I will be putting a door in mine as well. I'm using the Waco "F" series as a guide and have some drawings to work from. There are no drawings for a door on the standard plans, but there are plenty of examples out there to draw from.