I want to build

[anthonyh]

Hi Guys,
I am researching building a bipe and it looks like the Hatz may just be the plane for me. I have fallen in love with the Waco YMF-5 but that is pretty much out of my reach. I have considered building one but you are pretty much on your own in that respect. No support at all. Not really a project for a 1st time builder.
I started flying lesson several years ago and stopped to build the wife a new house and I am going to resume my lessons in the spring. I intend on flying rental aircraft, Cubs, Champs, Decathalons at the local strip to gain hours while I am building my dream.
My ambition is to build the plane equipped with a radial engine. What are the major pitfalls of building the Hatz? I am very proficient in my wood working skills and I have 2 certified welders who have volunteered to help me with the fuse as well as an A&P who has restored numerous Stearmans.
I plan on joining the local EAA chapter and get as much info and help as I can. Any info I can get as fer as the best way to get started in the right direction on building a Hatz would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Anthony

[dougm]

Hi Anthony,
It sounds like you are very well positioned to start working on a Hatz. I'm like you in that I'm strong on the woodworking side, but have no real metal working skills. My approach was to start on the pieces that fit my current skills and learn the others as I went along, so I tackled the ribs and other wood parts first. I have taken the time to learn welding and feel quite confident now to tackle the fuse, tail, etc.

The fact that you have two welders available to help and some with Stearman experience to lean on means you have plenty of people to learn from and to help. I have an A&P friend who is letting me use his basement machine shop to turn out the threaded plugs on a lathe... and add another skill to my list. It's great fun and you learn a lot in the process.

I'm still early in building, but I can't say that I foresee any real "pitfalls". Every build has its challenges, but the Hatz doesn't really present anything out of the ordinary.

[anthonyh]

Doung thanks for the reply,
I am heavily in R/C planes and I am finishing up a 33% scale J-3 Cub that will fly this weekend. In the past 3 years I also completed a 25% Waco YMF-5 and a 33% YMF-5. Both of the Waco's took approx 1,000hrs each to complete.
I am an engineer/supervisor in an aerospace machine shop in Cincinnati Ohio and I have access to the machinery in the shop as well as my brother owns and runs a machine shop locally as well. Any and all machining work will not be an issue.
I am going to have to construct a garage to build the Hatz in, I may go ahead and gather all the plans and start building the wing ribs in my R/C shop in the basement this winter.
Thanks again for the replay and I will let you guys know when I get started.
Anthony

[M Lightsey]

Hi Anthony,

Right now I'm ferrying a YMF-5 back to my shop for re-cover and having built and flown a Hatz crosscountry as well, I can tell you that you'll be happy with the decision to build a Hatz. The Waco and the Hatz have very similar feels and control responses, but for me the Hatz has a much more comfortable seating position. The Waco's rudder pedals are too close and I have a hard time with the brakes, my knees are hitting the instument panel. The crusing speeds of the two planes are very similar, about 100 mph, but the Hatz is using less than half the fuel. 7 gph vs. 15gph. The Waco does have a generous baggage capacity (75lbs), the ability to put two in the front and much great fuel capacity and range, but unless you're planning on selling rides commercially, I think you'll be happy with the Hatz.

Buying and restoring an actual antique project is a different thing and has it's own rewards. It put's you into the circle of antique airplane nuts and that can be very cool as well.

My $0.02

Mark

[Nick]

Hi Anthony,

Welcome! I'm about half way through my Hatz. I originally settled on the Hatz in a large part due to this forum and the availability of other builders to offer advice. I have rarely been disappointed. (sometimes you just have to figure something out yerself!) As an engineer, I'm sure that won't be a problem for you.

I sure wish I had your machine shop resources.

Nick

[anthonyh]

Thanks Guys,
The building part of the experience will be a joy for me. I am sure I will be asking alot of questions and begging for answers.
I will try to link a couple pics of my R/C builds. I like building more than flying.


Having access to a machine shop will definetly be a plus. I also have access to a heat treat furnace as well but I do not know if that will be needed.
Thanks Again!!
Anthony

sr59571.jpg

Copy of Picture 120.jpg

[anthonyh]

I have been reading thru the threads here(several hours worth) and the archives and it is very inspiring. I have decided to go ahead and order the plans/CD package from MAKELAN and start building the wing ribs this winter. I have all the required tools in my R/C shop so it makes sense to start there. I plan on building the wings then ordering a fully welded fuse from MAKELAN down the road as long as thay are still available when the time comes.
I plan on becoming a member of the Hatz Biplane Association and joinging the local chapter of the EAA. I am totally unfamiliar with any and all requirements associated with building a home built aircraft so this will be an adventure just figuring out what needs to be done to satusfy the requirements I am sure.
Thanks!!
Anthony

[mtaylor]

Anthony,

Your the perfect candidate for becoming one of the "Hatz Nutz". You'll do fine!

I am in Cincy and am almost done with my Hatz. Email me at hatz 493 at hotmail dot com.

Where do you fly your R/C's? I have many friends in the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club (GCRCC) and have been the laison between my EAA chapter and the club's big annual airshow at HAO.

Would like to see your R/C's.

Mark Taylor
HBA East Coast Director
Hatz #493

[anthonyh]

Mark,
I have sent you an e-mail. You are just the guy I need to chat with and I would love to get a look at your Hatz.
Thanks!!
Anthony

[anthonyh]

Isn't the net great,
Turns out Mark lives about 5 miles or so from me and knows a few people I know. Very small world. Can't wait to pay him a visit.
Anthony