Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

[carllee]

This part hasn't been produced in over 40 years, but I'm getting ready to start making them again. You can see it on the tail of serial number 2. They're also pictured and listed in the illustrated parts list for serial numbers 1-125.

Some of you saw, and commented on the prototype part I had on my plane in Colorado. The final design includes the lens and also a mounting plate that will seal the lights inside the part, and provide for better attachment to the stinger.

The plan would be to provide a self build kit, The kit would include the mounting plate and the lens. The mounting plate would come with a white finish, so would match 90% of the fleet, but would need to be drilled to accommodate your strobe/identifier lights. The lens would need to be trimmed, and drilled for the fasteners.

The pricing is going to depend on production numbers, but I'm shooting for around $300 for the kit.

 

[carllee]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Here are some pictures of the kit with the mounting plate and lens. The part will accommodate any type of identifier/strobe light combo.

The addition of this part really improves the appearance of the airplane. It gives it a finished look at the back of the plane, and is consistent with all of the other identifier lights. All of the identifier/strobe lights on our Commanders are behind a lens that blends with the airframe. This carries that look throughout, and completes the look of the airplane.

 

[jukelemon]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Very nice

 

[Pete]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Count me in I'll take one kit. Thanks, great job.

 

[bconst]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

I’m in. How much?

 

[Sherman]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Carl-Superb job! Some angles of pictured Lens reminds me of a space suit face mask, fitting for the Space Shuttle connection. Your pics of the 112GA, and rear lens are very interesting both in terms of original plan to include a rear lens (as you said), and your design 'interpretation'.

When do you anticipate full production? Ready for 2018 Flyin? I think this would be a great ''End improvement" for N112HT.

 

[carllee]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Carl-Superb job! Some angles of pictured Lens reminds me of a space suit face mask, fitting for the Space Shuttle connection. Your pics of the 112GA, and rear lens are very interesting both in terms of original plan to include a rear lens (as you said), and your design 'interpretation'.

When do you anticipate full production? Ready for 2018 Flyin? I think this would be a great ''End improvement" for N112HT.

It's one of those parts you don't realize you're missing until you put it on the plane. Once you put it on you can't ever take it off without making the plane look incomplete. Without the original to compare I was left to "interpretation". The criteria for the design was 1) provide enough room for both the strobe and identifier lights. 2) continue the existing contour of the stinger. 3) compliment the angle of the rudder and the appearance of the rear of the plane. 4) make a high quality part consistent with the design of our airplanes.

Production and pricing is somewhat dependent on the level of interest, but I intend to have them ready in 6-8 weeks.

 

[jukelemon]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

I would like one for sure.

Question though...the pic looks to have metal brackets to mount the lens but the other pics look like it has something different? Am I seeing things wrong?

For me...the metal brackets are ideal as that would be a simple mount to the existing area and then attach the lens. Am I thinking about it right?

 

[carllee]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!

Some of you saw, and commented on the prototype part I had on my plane in Colorado. The final design includes the lens and also a mounting plate that will seal the lights inside the part, and provide for better attachment to the stinger.

In the picture the prototype part was attached by some metal brackets. These were used only to test fit the lens. They didn't provide for a proper seal from dirt, moisture, and exhaust residue.

 

[gmores]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Looks good Carl.

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

I would like one please...

 

[Lechlis]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

I will take a kit

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Got to be good for at least a couple of knots . . .

 

[N4843W]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

I shall have one of those thangs

 

[carllee]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

I made a commitment with a supplier for the lenses today, so I should have some kits ready to ship soon. If you are interested please email me back directly, or send me a PM. I'll put your name on a list and send ordering instructions when they are ready.

 

[TKutchera]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Im in Carl

Tim

 

[Sherman]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Carl, how many more do you need to get cost down to say $198 vs $250?

 

[KikoandPat]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Couut me in for a set, Thanks ! Kiko

 

[Airotto370]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Me likey! I'm in!

 

[bradmc]

Re: Hey, who chopped off the back of my airplane!?

Me, too.