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1st
Builder Completed S-16!
 Congratulations
to Dick Harriman for being the first to complete an S-16. The plane
was completed in 1056 hours, which is exceptional since it is not stock.
Dick elected to install a Subaru engine and made various modifications.
Dick reports the plane is flying, stable in trim, and sweet on the
controls. No confirmed performance numbers until he has more time to
tune in the prop. He is expecting to out run my IO-240 powered S-16.
A big thanks for the pictures of a very pretty plane. We will post
more news when available.
Parts to an S-16 lay over the shop floor for the FAA
inspection for 51%. Passed! Now our first QBHP* is on the list.
*Quick Build High Performance
This is how all them parts fit into a single box. Crate
measures 4'x4'x16'. Bring your friends to off load, it weighs in at 1,100 lbs. plus.
Special care to insure intact arrival is evidenced by the crate within a crate
design for items like spars and pre-formed leading edge skins.
A second batch of S-16's is already
in the works, so barring a sell out of this batch we may have a few in stock. The
production cycle can handle about 10 units at a time, or 52 units per year. An increase of
this capacity can be made if required.
IO-320 INSTALL PROJECT
To make a smooth flow over the fuselage, 1/2" is
added to the outer front section on each side. The IO-320 was
1" too wide for the IO-240 firewall. Modifications to the molds
are being studied.
The cowl is 1" wider with 1/2" width increase to
each opening. It should have excellent climb cooling. The
cowling is actually 3" shorter than the IO-240 install.
Side view shows add-on to sides to increase width (gray
colored area).
Induction will use a NACA scoop for low drag.
...OTHER S-16 NEWS
Sheared wing tips are being studied to increase effective span. An
increase of 18" overall is projected.
We should be switching back to the
trike gear soon. Believe it or not, a lot of folks prefer the trike,
which is a real pussycat to TO and land.
ABOUT OUR ENGINE INSTALL KIT:
For us to provide everything needed to install the engine has always been our way. Now
that we have entered the "real" airplane engine arena, we find that this is not
expected. The argument has been that there are so many engines that will work that it is
impossible to cover them all. That much is true, but what about supplying a full install
kit for a specific engine, would that have some appeal?
The response from our engine supplier is "FINALLY!" They are pleased with our
effort because it means the chances of their engine being properly installed are improved
many fold.
The response from the builders has been an even split, and the reason is there are so
many used engines on the market for reasonable prices. They are just that, used engines,
and they will take some time and money to bring up to flight status.
For the average pilot the total package concept has its appeal, since they are more of
a flyer than a builder, and even less of an engine overhaul specialist. So, in time the
truly complete kit for "real" airplane engine kits will gain popularity.
Meanwhile we will continue in this vein of "everything needed is provided".
GETTING STARTED WITH THE LEAST CASH OUT OF POCKET
You can forget what the engineers say, because what makes an airplane fly is plain and
simple...money. To get into the air in your plane is a dream we have been providing for
over 15 years. Coming up with ways to afford this dream has also been our business. With
the development of the S-16 the bar for entry has been raised, so our effort to keep this
affordable has been increased also.
The one tool we have created to ease the initial out of pocket expense is partial kits.
This has been the industry standard as long as rivets have been driven in garages. This
worked great for kits that took years to assemble. What point is there to having the whole
kit on hand if it will take you four years to build anyway?
With the S-16 all that changes. Your kit arrives in one huge box (16'x4'x4'). Inside
this box is everything you need to build the airframe, and engine, if you choose. The only
down side is the chunk of cash that is required to land that big crate on your driveway.
Getting a loan may be the best solution. If your local banker is like most, lending
money on a kit plane is out of the logical realm of things to do (as is most things to
bankers). There are others who will loan money on kit planes...in fact NAFCO specializes in just that.
NAFCO
Phone (888) 393-6193 Fax (916) 393-6116
If you’re not into borrowing money but still have the itch to get started
building, try a partial kit. Our control surface kit is not only a good introduction but
low bucks too. This kit will introduce you on the quality and completeness level of the
S-16. Once that kit is assembled you could be ready for another one, perhaps the wing or
fuselage. These kits are in production with delivery times of 8-12 weeks.
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