Dragonfly Mk iii

Will Kumley

Will Kumley

Line Up and Wait
Joined
Aug 6, 2019
Messages
698
Location
Pacific Southwest
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Display name:
Will
Where can I find information on these neat little airplanes? I've found a few, as in minimal, websites that talk about them and am interested in them. It might be a decent choice for my wife and I if I can figure out the details. Most websites seem to show they have a useful load around 550-600 lbs, while I found another site that puts it closer to 400 lbs.
 
I have a couple hundred hours in one, what do you want to know?
 
Found this wealth of information while researching the plane and figured I'd put it here in case anyone is looking for similar info in the future.

Dragonfly (quickheads.com)

Quick facts:
The original gross weight as designed was 1,050 lbs but was updated around 96-97 up to 1,250 lbs if some steps were taken. The plane was originally designed to weigh roughly 600 lbs empty when completed.

The original canard wing design had problems with reduced lift when in rain or if contaminated by bugs. It was later replaced with a new design.

Sparrow strainers were determined to be required after some early problems with the plane going into what was described as deep dives.

The nose gear attach point to the firewall has been identified as a potential weak point as it doesn't take kindly to stall landings.

Plenty more information in the attached website and newsletters so don't stop with the anecdotes I added into here if you're interested in the dragonfly.
 
Will Kumley said:
Where can I find information on these neat little airplanes? I've found a few, as in minimal, websites that talk about them and am interested in them. It might be a decent choice for my wife and I if I can figure out the details. Most websites seem to show they have a useful load around 550-600 lbs, while I found another site that puts it closer to 400 lbs.
Click to expand...
I have one but never painted it. It’s yours for cheap if you’re interested. Has a 1835 cc vw engine new never fired it up. Contact me at sputterairlines@sbcglobal.net
 
Will Kumley said:
Where can I find information on these neat little airplanes? I've found a few, as in minimal, websites that talk about them and am interested in them. It might be a decent choice for my wife and I if I can figure out the details. Most websites seem to show they have a useful load around 550-600 lbs, while I found another site that puts it closer to 400 lbs.
Click to expand...
I have one if you’re interested. New never started 1835cc vw engine. MkII inboard gear. Basic VFR panel.
For sale cheap. You can contact me at +18474762793.
My name is Steve
 
Will Kumley said:
Where can I find information on these neat little airplanes? I've found a few, as in minimal, websites that talk about them and am interested in them. It might be a decent choice for my wife and I if I can figure out the details. Most websites seem to show they have a useful load around 550-600 lbs, while I found another site that puts it closer to 400 lbs.
Click to expand...

Make sure both of you actually sit in it first. Those tiny composite AC are a tight fit if you are no the FAAs 175lb 5'8" individual.
 
The original plans state that there is room for a 6ft 4” pilot and passenger. The leg room problem comes from installing toe brakes instead of the hand brake. Inside width is 43 inches but there are left,right and center consoles all of them are 3”wide.
 
pfarber said:
Make sure both of you actually sit in it first. Those tiny composite AC are a tight fit if you are no the FAAs 175lb 5'8" individual.
Click to expand...
We did and seating side to side seemed a little tight but not terrible. On the flight I noticed there was virtually nowhere that my wife would be able to comfortably rest her feet as she doesn't like to be on the rudders with me and I can appreciate that.
 
I removed the pedals on the right side for more passenger leg room. The plans stated that the Dragonfly is not a cross country a/c but more of a short distance plane.
 
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