Stabilizer
Here is a picture of the horizontal stabilizer all primed and riveted. I will stop work here as you need the fuselage to make sure it is square!
Stabilizer
I've been working on the spar for the stabilizer. Here are some photos after it's all drilled and clecoed. Peter Beck's spar is just slightly different from plans in that it uses some .032 aluminum bent over with doublers. Next - need to disassemble, debur, clean, prime and rivet!
Decided that I will use a spray can to prime some of the parts. Going to use this SEM Gray self-ething primer.
Decided that I will use a spray can to prime some of the parts. Going to use this SEM Gray self-ething primer.
Home
The purpose of this site is to document my project and share any knowledge I learn. The purpose of the project is to build my first homebuilt aircraft. Life is a journey and through this project I look forward to learning, meeting new people, and in the end having the satisfaction of flying my airplane!
The Thatcher CX4 is a great little airplane that was recently designed by David Thatcher of Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. Over 350 plans have been sold and I feel it is one of the best new designs in years.
This is definitely an “Old School” type airplane. A lot of folks try to over-power, over-instrument a plane when all they are going to do is fly around on a clear day. Sure, I like to do some aerobatics and pull some G’s but I always have loved just flying. The CX4 has graceful lines, great looks, agile handling, and affordability! This will be a great plane for my son, father, and me to fly!
Watch the above Movie but bigger!
The CX4 got it’s name from a Radio Show starring comic aviation hero “Hop Harrigan” - click below for a sample
Listen to the Show
The Thatcher CX4 is a great little airplane that was recently designed by David Thatcher of Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. Over 350 plans have been sold and I feel it is one of the best new designs in years.
This is definitely an “Old School” type airplane. A lot of folks try to over-power, over-instrument a plane when all they are going to do is fly around on a clear day. Sure, I like to do some aerobatics and pull some G’s but I always have loved just flying. The CX4 has graceful lines, great looks, agile handling, and affordability! This will be a great plane for my son, father, and me to fly!
Watch the above Movie but bigger!
The CX4 got it’s name from a Radio Show starring comic aviation hero “Hop Harrigan” - click below for a sample
Listen to the Show
About the Project
The Thatcher CX4 is a single seat sport airplane that fits the Light Sport Category. It is all aluminum with a fiberglass cowl and wing-tips. It is powered by an economical VW engine.Since I have a full time job, I want this to be a good building experience. I ordered the quick-build kit from Peter Beck. I have a lot of support from friends at the local EAA Chapter 172 and I am sure I will need them during this project.
I plan on building exactly as laid out in the plans using pop-rivets for simplicity. It will be equipped with basic flight & engine instruments, radio, and GPS.
About the Builder
My name is Ed Christian. I currently own a RV-6 which was built by Ben Covington. It is based at 61GA - the Pea Patch Aerodrome. It is a great airplane and I enjoy it very much. I have always had a desire to build an airplane. When I read the sport aviation article about the Thatcher CX4 - it sure did catch my interest. It has great lines and a simple design. This will be my first homebuilt project.
My father got me interested in flying at a young age. I started flying a J-3 Cub at 16 years old. I was fortunate to have a great instructor Forrest Boshears! After college, I joined the Air Force and flew T-38’s and F-16’s. After that, I was hired by Delta Air Lines. I flew the 727 as engineer, MD-88, 757, 767, and I am currently on the 777.
Solo at KDNL in J-3 Cub
T-38 Columbus AFB
F-16 Hill AFB
Big GE Engine B777LR
Links
Thatcher CX4
Engines
- http://www.thatchercx4.com - Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. The official website for CX4! About, Ordering, Specs, Parts, etc.
- David Thatcher - email to order Canopy, Windshield, Front windshield retainer, Canopy and windshield bows with skirts, Canopy latch, Stick & elevator control with boot Rudder pedals and assembly, Elevator horn, Exhaust system , Nylon bearing set
- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CX4 - Online forum for CX4 builders and enthusiasts
- Peter Beck - email Peter Beck about Pre-maid spar, Pre-maid ribs/bulkheads or Quick-Build Wings &
Fuselage - Earnest Martin - email Earnest Martin about Cowl, Wingtips, Wheel pants
- http://www.wicksaircraft.com
- http://www.aircraftspruce.com
- http://www.greatplainsas.com - they also have the gear, wheels, brakes, spinner, etc. for CX4
- http://www.airpartsinc.com
Engines
- http://www.greatplainsas.com
- http://www.hummelengines.com
- http://www.aeroconversions.com - need to make a custom motor mount (not per plans)
- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AirVW - Online forum for VW engine conversions for aircraft use
- http://www.sensenichprop.com
- http://www.tn-prop.com
- http://www.greatplainsas.com/ed.html - Ed Sterba
- http://www.princeaircraft.com
- Aymar-DeMuth Propellers 8213 Elberta Dr. Ellicott City MD 21043 aymar-demuth@juno.com
- Dave Thatcher Video 1 - Dave Thatcher - Sun-n-Fun 2005: Part 1: Forming ribs, spars, fuselage skin relation to wing
- Dave Thatcher Video 2 - Dave Thatcher - Sun-n-Fun 2005: Part 2: Control stick, bending metal
- Dave Thatcher Video 3 - Dave Thatcher - Sun-n-Fun 2005: Part 3: Bending wing skin, riveting, windshield skirt
- Dave Thatcher Video 4 - Dave Thatcher - Sun-n-Fun 2005: Part 3: Caulking, top of fin & bottom of rudder, canopy bow, canopy, flight characteristics
- EAA Homebuilder’s Hints - Great videos on different aspects of homebuilding
Ideas
Battery TenderI use one of these on my RV-6. I will definately add one on the CX4 - it insures your battery is at full charge every time you show up! You keep a connection where you can easily get to it like the oil door or exhaust outlet in cowl.
http://batterytender.com
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