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I have a chance to buy a Tierra II but it needs to be completely recovered and some other minor work. What I need to know is a "ball park" figure as to what it would cost to recover it. Any help would be appreciated. Vic
Victor Mahagan <mahagan@texas.net>
- Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 09:16:57 (PDT)
Hello Victor,
Of course you'll want to call GCA and get some costs from them. If you choose to go another route, recent reports are that a set of sails (NOT including the nose piece) from Ron Gonci (also Spruce and Specialty) is going to set you back about $1300.00. You'll probably want to replace some rivets in the wings, and it's a good time to replace aileron hardware (maybe $30-$40 max). If it's an old bird, you might consider getting wing sails that hold the additional ribs that newer T's have, and maybe even getting a new set of ribs from GCA, only because they have a different curve to them, and Dan Johnson thinks they make an improvement in flight characteristics.
Mike =]

Does anyone have information re. the specs on a T-bird trigear with 503 rotax such as vne speed, center of gravity, etc. golden circle hasn't been much help to date on that topic.
john streitberger <streitberger@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 20:34:24 (PDT)
Hello John,
There's a lot of information about Center of Gravity on this web site. Start here and follow the links. Try a web site search for Vne. This site is over 175 megs now, so I'm not sure any more what's here.
Mike =]

Looking for anyone that has a FP101 or FP202. I'm restoring a FP101 and can use some help in answering questions when they come up... thanks
Eugene Naves <getalife27@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 15:09:38 (PDT)
Hello Eugene,
I can't help. Trying to keep this web site specific to Tierras and T-Birds. Sorry.
Mike =]

G'day, I don't know anything about T Birds (construction, specs. or how sold) or what models are available, could you give me some information of these things. I have actually been searching for ultralight plans for home building (not kit). Would you know of any producers of plans for dacron/aluminium tube types. Would you happen to know of a good book on construction of these types of aircraft. Thank You and Good Flying.
Alan Parrish <s347473@student.uq.edu.au>
- Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 06:37:24 (PDT)
Ladies and Guys, Just an update on the Wankel Rotary from Golden Circle Air, inc. I've been using it on one of the Factory trainers now for a year. It has over 350 hours without a hic-cup. It burns 3.4 G/P/H; Has more power than he 618 Rotax, maybe a little less than the 912. It weighs 114 pounds complete. I've flown at Oshkosh and lakeland Florida. The power comes in smooth and immediate. there is no oil can so you don't have oil temp, oil pressure, oil cooler, oil lines that leak. You only have to watch two engine instruments. the Tach. and the Water temp. Might be a good idea to install a volt meter too. It's simple to install and hook up. If your looking for 4 cycle dependability... here ya go.
Bob Ellefson <bobdorly@netins.net>
- Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 04:34:12 (PDT)
That (crashed plane) happened about 50 miles from my home just outside of West Memphis. They said the wings collapsed and the pilot was 71 years old. His survivors on TV said that he was doing what he loved and... he was going to kill himself in that plane. That is the usual response from non-ultralight people and fear of flying people. ... there was an Ag. plane went down about 100 miles to the south of me the same day and killed the pilot. ... same respones about flying went out.... However ,on the same day about 15 miles to the north... 2 people killed in a head-on collision with a Pepsi truck. Being safe in whatever you do and good common sense will go a long way , but, when it is time to go, it is time to go.
Joe Wooten <wooten@nelsondesigngroup.com>
- Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 06:23:15 (PDT)
I am also using an IVO prop on my '83 Tierra 1. I have a 503 single carb, and the prop is a 62" three blade Quick Adj. IVO. I turn it 6000 rpm static, and 5200 at cruise. I show approx. 55 mph in that configuration. It takes off in about 150 ft and climbs about 700 fpm. To say that I am pleased with the performance is an understatement. to install this prop on my airplane, I had to make a longer shaft for my belt drive reduction unit to get the proper clearence that IVO recomended. I may have to change the pitch when I get my floats installed, but that remains to be seen.
Jeff Campbell <jeffnancyc@ime.net>
- Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 05:37:38 (PDT)
Yes, I am currently using a IVO prop on my 1983 Tierra II. However, I am not satisfied with the current performance I am receiving with my configuration. I want to improve my climb out and don't want necessarily want to buy a larger engine to do so. I talked to Stuart at Powerfin and have decided to change to a C gear box and a new Powerfin F prop. If this doesn't change the performance enough I may decide to sell the Tierra and get a different bird. I'll keep you posted.
Mark A. Carter <mark@ultrapilot.com>
- Friday, June 16, 2000 at 12:42:31 (PDT)
Hi fellow and fellowette T-Birders. Would like to hear suggestions for mounting locations and procedures for a VHF antenna. Just seems like a can't find a location that is away from the engine and also has a large enough ground plane.
Jerry Hodson <jjhodson@netusa1.net>
- Friday, June 09, 2000 at 22:18:47 (PDT)
I have a 1983 Tierra II, with a 532DC engine. I need to know which props I can use. I have an Ivoprop (3 blade), but I cannot get the 5" clearance that is required. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Also, I don't have any idea what pitch I need to get the correct static RPM. Thanks in advance, Marvin
Marvin Shackelford <Marvin.Shackelford@tnmemp.ang.af.mil>
- Friday, June 09, 2000 at 11:21:14 (PDT)
Hello Marvin,
I think Mark Carter is using an Ivo on his 1983 T-II. Check with him at mark@ultrapilot.com
Mike =]

I would very much appreciate that. Is this a factory item on early Tierras or a creation of your own? Would it be suitable for my tri-gear if I can find a way to adapt it to the round tube? Thanks much
L Kilburg <lnk@cis.net>
- Friday, June 09, 2000 at 09:33:29 (PDT)
Woops. Hold everything. I didn't understand that you are on trigear. I do NOT think it would be a good idea to put leaf springs on a round tube. 2" square only.
Your questions: Yes, this was factory standard on, at least, the 1983 and 1984 T's.
You should also check with Mark (above) because he has an interesting gear adaptation you might like.

I have heard of replacing the mains on a Tierra/T-Bird with leaf springs. Anyone have any info on what it takes? I fly from a very rough field and could sure use something that doesn't get damaged so easily. Any info on strengthening the nose wheel on tri gear (more precisely the tube above the nose wheel) would also be helpful.
L. Kilburg <LNK@CIS.Net>
- Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 12:32:41 (PDT)
Here's a picture of the original leaf spring gear. They've been pounded over and over with rough field landings for almost 150 hours now. No problems or maintenance. Also able to "tweak" them for camber and toe-in to suit. Let me know if you want a picture of the wheel end, or measurements, etc.
Mike =]

I recently returned from southern California with my T-1 on a flat bed car trailer . If you plan on hauling your T-Bird around like this I'll give you a few tips . Mine is the outside frame rail type which worked well . The deck length is 20 feet so I was able to leave the landing gear on . I pushed the plane all the way to the front of the trailer after laying some old carpet on the floor . I then slid in a wing and covered it with more carpet ( usually free at a carpet shop -- often in their dumpster .) I placed extra carpet pieces on protruding metal parts like the aileron horns and duct taped them in place .Slide the second wing in on top of the first. You will need a 4X4 post or something similar to suspend the rear of the plane with . Just lay it across the frame rails near the tail wheel & duct tape it to the rails . Do this before puting the wings in of course . Lay more carpet pieces over the second wing so you won't chafe them when tying them down . Be gentle with your tie-downs & use plenty of them . Lash the front of the cabin securely to the front rails . Lash the end of the elevator / stabilizers to the rails to prevent movement . If in doubt , use more rope . I would recommend removing the engine also ( 4 bolts ) . I hauled mine about 600 miles in strong winds & it made it just fine . John
John Silver <hazencajun@webtv.net>
- Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 20:18:46 (PDT)
Hi Folks!!!! I would like to replace the rubber tubing that secures the instrument panel to the airframe. Does anyone know the specs on that tubing so I can look for it locally??? Also, what are the specs on the trigear T1 main gear legs and the teleflex cables? I figure I may as well change them... not that it has broken or anything.... just preventative maintenance, dontchaknow.... Thanks in advance, Bill
Bill Werner <bjw6632@aol.com>
- Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 04:58:58 (PDT)
Hi Bill, This picture of your panel looks like the tubing is 1/4 or 3/8 inch surgical tubing? This picture of a new T-Bird panel looks like something else. A call to Kenny at GCA (515) 834-2225 would probably clear that up. About the tri-gear conversion, you might contact Mark Carter or Gerald Jones who have converted their ships this year. For Teleflex cables, your local marine supplier, West Marine, or GCA. Two 14 foot long cables (elevator) and one 8 foot cable (ailerons) should install without any trouble. This is a good time to replace hardware at each end also. Remember, your life may depend on the airworthiness of any change you make to your ship. Check with the manufacturer , an FAA A&P or EAA technical advisor before putting your ship back in service. Mike =]

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