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11/22/03
Going fine Tom

 The plane has 64.9 hours on it and is very controllable in 20 - 30 mph winds. Today I put it into the wind and gradually transitioned to slow flight, straight and level, maintaining 1,400 ft. I got the GPS to register 8.8 mph. Bicycles were passing me by. Pretty fun. Took it up to 7,100 ft. msl from a takeoff at 17 ft. above msl. Could be a record. Phil took his Excalibur up to 7,200 ft. msl but I bet his strip is a good bit higher than ours (cheat). I have not yet gotten around to flying dual from the back seat but that will come in due time as well.

 The next project is the Trans-Atlantic Excalibur. I ordered the pair of 5 gallon wing tanks from LEAF and I am in the scheming process to decide where I will mount them. If I can work out the details, I will hang them in close to the fuselage down low suspended from the lift struts. That will maintain rear seat visibility but will require a 12V fuel pump to accomplish transfer to the main tank in flight. I expect to use quick disconnects to plumb them through a left, right, both, or off valve body. From the valve, the fuel line will tee in to the main fuel line below my tank (remember that I draw fuel from a bushed elbow at the bottom of the tank. When I use the pump to transfer fuel, it will flow back into the tank via the main fuel line and the process will be registered by the fuel gauge. The tank will be removable and will not be used on most flights. They will only be needed when I go to a fly-in or some other extended flight.

 Sincerely,

 Ed Moody II

Hello, Tom...                                1/16/04

  The Instructor (Paul) who has been looking "over my shoulder" and who is a personal friend of the DAR who is going to inspect the Excalibur was doing some taxi tests today.  Got up to flying speed and he flew the plane down the runway at about 10' altitude and low speed (50mph) with partial power.  He said everything worked real well.  He was impressed with the sensitivity of the controls and the stability of the airplane.  Said all the control surfaces were in the operational limit and nothing was out of sync.  It flew straight and level with only minimal back stick pressure (which I can fix with a little more tension on the bungee strap under my seat.)  I was impressed (and moved a little emotionally)... got some video of the whole thing and have watched it over and over here at home.  He was airborne in about 30 - 40 feet and landed at about 40mph.  All in all, it was a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment seeing it fly for the first time.

You build a great kit.

Rev. Dick Braswell

Hi, Tom.... after all the tweaking and gap sealing the local UL instructor rode with me for about 1 and a half hours dual, and let me go.  So, now, I am officially a test pilot with 2:30 under my belt.  The 2:30 I spent solo today was so much fun I told Pat it alone was worth the 200+ hard hours I spent putting the thing together.  Wow!  what fun.  I flew within 10 miles of the airport today at altitudes up to 1200' trying out different power settings and listening for any STRANGE noises.  The Excalibur is a GREAT AIRPLANE.  It was relatively easy for me to adjust to (from all the GA stuff I've flown) and the landings were a real blast.  I'm amazed at the take off and climb power the 503 churns out.  At 5000 RPMs I cruised at about 60MPH and the climb out got close to 6800RPMs with a steep angle of attack.  The controls are docile and handling a 10 knot crosswind presented no real problem to me today.  Anyway, I am so glad to have the liberty to fly at my discretion (with acceptable weather, of course) and get on with the next 37+hours of testing.  

Rev. Dick Braswell

PS...  The Instructor told me the Excalibur flew much better than any Challenger he's ever flown.  Now, what about that ! ! !

Hey Tom!                   1.13.04

I know it has been a long time coming, but I finally flew my Excalibur this morning for the first time.  I couldn't find anyone locally who was willing to test fly it for me, so I simply told myself that I had absolutely no reason to doubt its airworthiness.  It flies absolutely beautifully!  The Rotax 582 is actually much more than the airplane needs, but they go together flawlessly.  And, of course, this was my first solo in any airplane.  I made a couple of less-than-perfect landings, but the gear is undamaged.  Thank you for all the help and support you have given me.

I will stay in touch.   

Bob Vingi    (Virginia)

Philip P. Marcotte

558 20th Ave

Blanchard MI  49310

December 2, 2003

 

Tom Karr, President

Excalibur Aircraft

6439 Tractor Rd

Sebring FL  33872

Dear Tom,

 I'm writing this letter to express my gratitude to you and your staff for all the help in building my Excalibur Aircraft. You have helped me all along the way.  Your continual moral support, technical support, and answering my many questions is greatly appreciated.  Your supplying extra parts when I screwed up is indicative of the great support you've given me.

My aircraft was approved by the FAA on September 10, 2003.  Since that time I have been able to accumulate a little over 15 hours of flight time.  I just came in this evening from 0.8 hours of the most pleasurable flying ever.  The OAT was 22 degrees at 700'agl but I was in seventh heaven.  I was dressed for the cold and simply enjoyed the flying.  It's like flying my own private miniature fighter plane.

This airplane is all I had hoped it would be.  Stall speed is coming in at 32mph.  That's with a Rotax 503 turning a 68x32 Tennessee wood prop. My checks of IAS show that it is within 1 mph according to GPS speed with no winds.

Now that I have the controls configured and trimmed where they should be the airplane handles like a dream.  I was seeing a climb of 1000'pm at 50mph this evening, understanding the temperature was quite cool.  I throttled back for landings and came over the fence at 45mph - ample speed at these temperatures to make very smooth landings with a relatively short roll out.

Take-off happens quite 'suddenly' when the airplane reaches flying speed.  The craft literally 'jumps' off the ground.  Climb out is quick with a Vy of 720fpm at 50mph (at higher temp than tonight).

I am very pleased with the aircraft performance and the past and continual support from you.  I hope that we continue to remain in contact as friends and colleagues.

I would recommend the Excalibur and the excellent factory support to anyone interested in building a light airplane.

I'm enjoying the heck out of my airplane and ever so glad I chose the Excalibur.  Keep up the great work. I LOVE MY EXCALIBUR!!!!!!  What a ball to fly

Phil Marcotte

Dear Tom,
   I just wanted to write you a note of thanks for all your help in getting my Excalibur(N3077Y) flying.  Initially I was deciding whether to build a Challenger or an Excalibur, but after having flown both the Challenger and the Excalibur and visiting your factory, I decided on the Excalibur.  Now I realize I made the correct decision!  When I first purchased my kit on 10-26-2001, you stated "We'll be with you 100% of the way" and I must say you exceeded that promise. Never having built an aircraft before, I would need a lot of help and you were always available to answer my questions (which allowed me to finish my aircraft in six months!)  Not only were you available to help during the building phase, but you have continued to help out while I was getting my FAA airworthiness inspection and during my test flying and trimming of the aircraft.  The rudder trim you recently fabricated for me has worked perfectly.
   Aircraft performance has equaled or exceeded all of the specifications put forth on your web site.  My solo stall speed (pilot weight 190# + full fuel) is 33mph, solo take off roll is less than 100', I can cruise up to 90mph and the aircraft will exceed 90mph in level flight. My climb rate exceeds 1200fpm, I have flown with a 500# load and have climbed to 10,000' and could have gone higher. Fuel consumption with my Rotax-582 is about 3.5 to 4.0 gph at 85mph cruise.  Power off sink rate is about 325 to 375fpm and although not a true glider and I am not an experienced glider pilot, I have  gained altitude power off while trying to soar in thermals that I noticed birds were using.  My aircraft flies and lands very nicely power off.
   Overall I have really been enjoying flying N3077Y and look foward to putting amphibious floats on the airplane later this year.  Once again Tom, thanks for all your support.
   Sincerely,       Dave O'Brien, Airline Capt.

Tom,                                         1.12.04

I just want to remind you, it's been one year since I bought my Excalibur Kit.

After several months of assembly I saw it in the air.  The sense of satisfaction was inspiring and it made me proud.  I spent August and September tweaking it with test pilots and started my lessons in my own Excalibur in October.

It's a great flying plane - It acts like it wants to fly - even dual, with my instructor (440 lbs combined ) it nearly jumps off the ground at around 50mph - and the glide ratio on landing approaches feel solid - no hint of stall as it floats gently down the runway.  It's a delight to fly.  My only regret is that I spent a year thinking about building and flying before I did it.

I can't tell you how pleased I've been with the airplane and the support you gave during the building. The quality of your Service and the Airplane have both exceeded my expectations.

Also, I want to comment on the powerplant.  The Rotax 503 dos a far better job than I expected.  The primer allows an excellent cold start.  I love to hear it run while bringing it up to flying temps.

My instructor says I can make money by letting him use my plane to give lessons. Of course, there's no way thats going to happen.

Thanks again for all your help in helping me attain a life long goal.

Rex Sturkie         

 Tom,

I didn't send the email for eye wash - it's all so true - I expect to have many more happy hours in my Excalibur.

Rex

Saturday I went to the hangar to give my Excalibur some exercise. It was about 38 degrees and VERY windy. On the ground the winds were 35-40MPH and at 2000' it was hitting about 50. After warming her up I did a couple of crow hops both ways to see how she handled. I have had her up in 30MPH winds but not 40-50 so I took it slow and easy. On my 3rd crow hop she leaped in the air but I was ready for it. The runway is 10/28 and I was heading for 280 and the winds were from 220 so I had a bit of a crab. Naturally she was up in no time and the climb rate was over 1200FPM and my airspeed was 40MPH at that time!
   The winds were strong but not gusting so the flight was incredibly smooth. At one point I slowed my airspeed down to 30 and I noticed the ground speed was 80 (according to my GPS). I have not encountered such strong crosswinds before so it was neat to practice flying in these conditions.
   On my first attempt to land, I GROSSLY misjudged the crosswinds and was pushed way out on my base leg so I had to head back into the wind to line up with the runway. I could have sworn I was banking at close to 90 degrees! The ground speed was 25 and I had to crab quite a bit to get back on course. When I was lined up on final I still had to crab quite a bit to stay straight. It was quite an experience to crab like this so close to the ground. I was waiting for ground effect to enable me to straighten out...  waiting... waiting... waiting...  It never happened. So, I made my first one wheeled landing! I was VERY careful to watch the wingtip to make sure it did not kiss the ground. It seemed like I stayed on the one main (right) for 30 seconds before I slowed down enough to let the left wing drop. I did not use the brakes because this was exciting and I wanted to experience this for as long as I could. Once she was down I turned around (I used about 2000' of runway) and headed for the hangar. I made sure my right aileron and elevator were down in case the winds gusted.
   Even though that was an exciting flight and she handled great, I was not willing to risk it again as the winds were starting to gust. I shut her down, pushed her in the hangar and started working on the doors. Even though it was about 40 degrees I was not cold at all. I think the sun shining in through the lexan has a 'greenhouse' effect. All I had on was a light jacket, long sleeves, jeans, tennis shoes, and some light gloves (ok I also had on my undies). I was very warm and comfortable. I had left some tools at home so I was not able to do too much on the doors so I closed up the holes in the engine (muffler, air filters, etc) to keep out moisture and headed home. It was a great day!



Disclaimer: These stunts were performed by a professional stuntman on a closed course. Do not attempt these manuevers at home. :)

---

FYI

Regards,

Richard M. Wright

-----Original Message-----
From: JACK WAGGONNER [mailto:JHW2000@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 5:07 PM
To: rwright@ulpilot.com
Subject: Re: Excalibur

Richard,

Thank you so much for your reply re Excalibur.  I have visited your site and viewed your fantastic painting of your Excalibur.  I am on the brink of making the big decision to make the final jump and buy, after months of evaluations.  Your info plus the letter you attached has left me even more favorably impressed with the EXCALIBUR. 

Again, thanks for your courtesy.

Jack Waggonner

Tyler, Texas  

----- Original Message -----

From: Richard M. Wright

Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 3:22 PM

To: 'JACK WAGGONNER'

Subject: RE: Excalibur

 

Greetings,

 

         I only have favorable things to say about Tom Karr and the Excalibur factory.  He has had my money for about 2 years and he still calls me, emails me, etc. I currently have logged about 177 hrs flying my Excalibur, and I am one very pleased customer. 

  

---

Dear Tom;

The building process has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling projects I have ever undertaken (outside of being a pastor and preaching the Gospel).  I'll be glad to recommend the Excalibur Experience to any of your prospective customers. 

Got the bungee elevator neutralizer installed and it works great.  Hope to get the windshield on this week and start the taxi tests.  If all the paperwork stays on schedule, should be ready for the maiden flight before Christmas. 

Thanks for everything...

Bro Dick
(Dick Braswell)

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