Hatz Biplane Association

HI,
This is my first post here. I bought a Hatz Bantam project a couple months ago from Rusty Brockman up in Colorado. The plans are Serial # 35. I've been getting materials and tools together and now the vegetable gardens are planted am finding time for the airplane.
I've been flying airplanes about 30 years. Started in Alaska flying a F-19 TaylorCraft, and then bought a Cessna 180 on floats. Put about 800 hrs on the T-craft, restored it and sold it. Still own and fly the C-180.
I've always wanted to build a bi-plane and when I was at Oshkosh a few years ago and saw Sandy and Mark Marino's Hatz Bantam I knew this is what I wanted to build.
Rusty and his partner, Jack Greiner(who passed away a few months ago) had completed most of the upper wing and the fuselage. I got the spars and aluminum ribs for the lower wings and some additional parts and fittings. So I have a big head start.
Like to know of any other Hatz builders in my area, Taos, N.M.
Thank you, Jack

It was a good talk, and nice to see there are other builders out there. It's crazy you're just up the road, and also a serial number "neighbor". Small world. I look forward to seeing your progress, along with that of other builders.

Nick

It was good to talk with you the other day, Nick. As you now know, I and Jack are building 035 in Longmont, CO. We also would be happy to learn of others building Bantams. Additionally I will be posting a suggestion of a group order for the Bantam under the "Flying Wires" thread. We are pretty happy with the fuselage we got from Mark. Anyone else want to admit to building a Bantam? Rusty

Thanks for your reply and it's great to see you on the forum! Your Vintage Hatz is the inspiration for this Bantam. I check your website often for new pics. Admittedly, I dowloaded on of your photos (for my use only) and re-proportioned it to be similar to the Bantam and it still looks great.

How is your project coming?

I'll keep the speed ring in mind, but that's a long way down the road still.

Hi Nick,

Although we are building our own Classic version, the "Vintage Hatz", we are delighted that you adopted about the same tailplane layout as the late Mehlin Smith or our's and feel, that your version probably with a 7-cyl Rotec would be a very interesting and beautiful version of the very clever Hatz Bantam design! We would like to note that we would be able to offer a speedring inlc. installation hardware also for the 7-cyl. Rotec. Just in case this would be of interest for you.

Kind regards

Hans & Sam, H.C.#78, Switzerland

Just checking in to see how many Bantam builders are active here. I started Bantam 034 earlier this year and was able to knock out the horizontal tail surface parts pretty quick and get one horizontal welded up.

It's been a fun project and I can't wait to try neat ideas. Hopefully working in the hot rod design and fabrication industry will carry over on the project.

Right now, the 3 engine choices are the Rotec R2800 (of course), the Jabiru 3300 (not really caring for this option), and the Continental C-90 (the current winner). One thing is for sure: here in Colorado I'd really prefer to have an engine that will swing a big prop. There is plenty of time to figure this dilemma out. The "weight vs power" thing is a fine balancing act.

So, who else is out there?

Nick Pfannenstiel