Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/418587
8 Vol.3 No.11 / November 2014 FLIGHTLINE CHRISTOPHER BRAUN, EAA Lifetime 808722, of Roseville, California, has rein- vented the 80-year-old cleco pliers design after using the traditional tool on his Zenith CH 750 STOL project caused hand and wrist pain. Called the Clecall Cleco Pliers, it's 70 percent lighter than the original, has an upright orientation allowing easier access when working in tight areas, and results in far less fatigue from continuous insertion and removal of clecos, according to Braun. After creating various cardboard and aluminum designs, he employed 3-D printing to fashion a working plastic prototype, then fine-tuned it to create an aluminum prototype. They first became available in September, and initial market response was ex- tremely positive. "The builders and mechanics that we have spoken to are very excited about the feel of the new cleco pliers and the speed in which it can be used on projects," he said. "Clecall is thrilled that users around the world will begin to experience less pain and headache when using the ergo- nomically designed tool." The Clecall is sold exclusively through Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. ( www.AircraftSpruce.com ) for $39.95. Cleco Pliers Reinvented BELITE PRESIDENT JAMES WIEBE fl ew the Belite SeaLite amphibi- ous ultralight of the water in mid-September. Even with dif cult conditions for a seaplane—light winds, 90-degree-plus temps, 3,800-foot density altitude—it performed well. The SeaLite took around 20 seconds to get airborne of the water. The Belite SeaLite is powered by a 50-hp F23 Hirth powerplant, coupled with a solid carbon-fiber, three-blade propeller. The plane was solid on the water, in light chop and in smooth water, and broke out of the calm water by lift- ing a float first. In its amphibious (land/sea) confi guration, the SeaLite is priced at $60,000; in straight fl oat confi guration (no wheels, just fl oats), the SeaLite is priced at $50,000. The Belite SeaLite is a variant of the Belite UltraCub. The amphibious version incorporates carbon-fi ber fl oats, coupled with trailing link retractable landing gear. The straight fl oat version uses the same carbon-fi ber fl oats in a water-only (no wheels) version. For more information, call 316-253-6746 or e-mail info@beliteaircraft.com . Belite SeaLite Takes Flight CUBCRAFTERS HAS partnered with Aerocet to of er amphibious fl oats specifi cally designed for CubCrafters' CC11 airframes, which include the popular Carbon Cub SS, Sport Cub S2, and Carbon Cub EX kit models. Aerocet's Model 1500 amphibious fl oats represent an entirely new design approach for the company and feature an all-carbon-fi ber hull for light weight (only 245 pounds) and durability. "We've worked with the Aerocet team on this project for almost three years," CubCrafters General Manager Randy Lervold said. Aerocet's new Model 1500 amphibious floats include a carbon-fiber version of the company's double-fluted hull design that weighs less but affords superior strength. The rivet-free construction eliminates leaks, and with all-stainless-steel hardware, precludes corrosion. The floats con- tain six watertight compartments, and large storage lockers can accom- modate fuel cans. The Aerocet Model 1500 amphibi- ous floats are available from CubCraft- ers as an option for new aircraft, kits, and installation on existing aircraft. Contact CubCrafters or your CubCrafters Certified Sales Center for more information: visit www.CubCrafters.com . CubCrafters Offers Aerocet Floats