Allan Gratia
  • Male
  • Pipe Creek, TX
  • United States
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Allan Gratia's Discussions

DAR cost

Started this discussion. Last reply by John Austin Jun 9, 2021. 17 Replies

Just got a quote from a San Antonio area DAR for an Airworthiness Inspection.  $1000 flat rate.  Is that the going rate, as this seems expensive from what I've heard in the past?Will someone please…Continue

white zenair rivets

Started this discussion. Last reply by Allan Gratia Sep 25, 2020. 2 Replies

Does anyone know if they make A5 rivets painted with a white head?  Plane parts are painted, but during assembly there will be rivets unpainted.  Thought I might save some time but I can't seem to…Continue

Shielded versus unshielded wire

Started this discussion. Last reply by Ralph Powell Feb 10, 2020. 3 Replies

Ola' everyone.What is the rule for using shielded vs. unshielded wire?  I understand the EMI and the reasoning behind shielded, but why are some wires in our aircraft unshielded?  To prevent…Continue

website tracking

Started this discussion. Last reply by Ken Ryan Jan 15, 2020. 7 Replies

I added an anti-tracking software to my computer (Avast) and everytime I log into our Zenith.aero website (i.e. this very forum), I get a warning that I'm being tracked.  The following are the…Continue

 

Allan Gratia's Page

Latest Activity

Allan Gratia posted a photo
Jan 19, 2022
Allan Gratia posted a discussion

DAR cost

Just got a quote from a San Antonio area DAR for an Airworthiness Inspection.  $1000 flat rate.  Is that the going rate, as this seems expensive from what I've heard in the past?Will someone please recommend a reasonable DAR in our area (San Antonio, TX)?  Thanks.See More
Jan 20, 2021
Allan Gratia posted a discussion

white zenair rivets

Does anyone know if they make A5 rivets painted with a white head?  Plane parts are painted, but during assembly there will be rivets unpainted.  Thought I might save some time but I can't seem to find any structural rivets with white heads.See More
Sep 24, 2020
Allan Gratia posted a discussion

Shielded versus unshielded wire

Ola' everyone.What is the rule for using shielded vs. unshielded wire?  I understand the EMI and the reasoning behind shielded, but why are some wires in our aircraft unshielded?  To prevent interference, shouldn't ALL wires be shielded?Example:  Shielded for the strobe/nav lights.  What about landing and taxi lights?  What about flaperon motor?  My Dynon autopilot wires are not shielded.  Why not?Thanks guys.See More
Feb 8, 2020
Allan Gratia posted a discussion

website tracking

I added an anti-tracking software to my computer (Avast) and everytime I log into our Zenith.aero website (i.e. this very forum), I get a warning that I'm being tracked.  The following are the messages that Avast blocks from this website:https://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/lib/js/jquery/jquery-ui.min.js?xn_version=2186421962…See More
Jan 6, 2020
Gary Motley left a comment for Allan Gratia
"Sure Allen,I have two coms, one GPS, one ELT, one transponder, one ADSB, a VOR/ILS, a marker beacon as  well as one on the glare shield for satellite radio. "
Nov 6, 2019
Allan Gratia posted a discussion

which side to mount 2.5 gallon header tank

Getting ready to install the Viking header tank on the Cruzer.  While in the "hell hole", it occurred to me that it MAY make a difference as to which side to install it.  The weight is what I'm considering (2.5 gallons plus the tank weight).  I weigh 220 and my wife is considerably smaller.  If I'm flying with her, or if I'm solo, would it make sense to install it on the passenger side of the fuselage to help balance weight?  The videos all seem to show the installation behind the pilot.  Or is…See More
Apr 21, 2019

Profile Information

Aircraft Model
CH 750 Cruzer
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Kit
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Viking
Building Experience
Have worked on airplanes before
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Built RV 6A (mostly), private pilot (instrument rated), Doctor of Chiropractic
Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
XS43

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Allan Gratia's Blog

650 versus 750 Cruzer

Posted on April 25, 2017 at 4:31pm 10 Comments

Hi Everyone,

I have narrowed my search for a kitplane down to the Cruzer or perhaps a 650.  I can't seem to find any posts or articles comparing or explaining why one would choose one over the other.  My mission is primarily 150 to 250 mile hops, as well as pleasure flying.  I live in near San Antonio, TX and will fly to Houston, Austin, Big Bend and Corpus Christie.  I know the 650 is faster, but comfort is also a factor.  Any thoughts?

Comment Wall (3 comments)

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At 4:44pm on November 6, 2019, Gary Motley said…

Sure Allen,I have two coms, one GPS, one ELT, one transponder, one ADSB, a VOR/ILS, a marker beacon as  well as one on the glare shield for satellite radio. 

At 1:33pm on January 22, 2019, Robert Riat said…

The engine was $21,000 and the complete forward firewall including mount, cowl, propeller, and everything to make it run (less battery) was $5800.  Expensive compared to some, but it seems to have a good  track record - I think Roger has a couple thousand hours on the one they have in the factory Cruzer.  My stol plane weighed in at 807lbs. and I certified it at 1440lbs gross. I can fill my tanks (30 gallons), take a 250lb passenger and the plane leaps

off the runway.  I can be 500agl by the time at the end of our 3200’ runway so it has plenty of power for the plane.  I suppose the Viking will do the same.

At 12:32pm on January 22, 2019, Robert Riat said…

Allan,  Hope it’s okay if I comment here.  Like Ford or Chevy owners, there are probably

lots of opinions on who has the best engine and I’m not into cutting down any of them.  If

it starts good, runs good, has enough power and is dependable then I would say it’s a good engine.  Cost and weight seem to be the biggest issues.  I finished a stol 750 last year and

installed a UL350is — too early to tell, but I do have 80+ hours on it and, so far, it hasn’t

missed a beat.  Was easy to install, starts instantly, has great power and is light weight.

The only negative part is the cost.

  I am currently building a 650 (picked up the kit about 6 weeks ago)  and I plan to install

a UL350 in it.  My old Warrior has a Lycoming engine and I had a 172 with a Continental

and either would be my next choice - I just like having fuel injection and Fadec.  I’ve had

lots of construction equipment in my life with lots of radiator issues so my preference is

air cooled, but the”best engine” is what fits the best criteria for each builder.  Good luck

with your project!

Robert

 
 
 

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