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The M-19 is a single-place, high-wing,
conventional fixed gear (taildragger) aircraft powered by the Volkswagen
engine converted for aircraft use. Recommended horsepower is in the
range of 50-60 HP. Any less than that will probably work, but will be
borderline in performance. Any more than that will be extra weight and
fuel consumption, and won't gain you much of value. The basic design
does not include brakes, wing flaps, or trim.
The Barnard M-19 "Flying
Squirrel" is the sport pilot's airplane, an affordable, simple,
reliable homebuilt airplane that brings with it a return to flying the way
it was intended to be. Many other homebuilt and kit designs have made
these same claims, but very few have delivered. This one does, and Marvin
Barnard is the main reason why.
The M-19 was conceived and designed by
Marvin R. Barnard, a man who has managed to focus on the most basic of
motivations for homebuilding: to create an airplane which can be built
quickly and easily using basic materials and methods, at the lowest
possible cost. Marvin built and tested the prototype, and flies it
regularly.
The M-19 was never intended to be a trophy
winner in any category but one: SATISFACTION. Building and flying this
airplane should satisfy the pilot's desire to fly a basic standard
airplane, and satisfy the builder and experimenter's desire to... build
and experiment!
The M-19 will probably be out of its
element if you put a full electrical system, leather interior, glossy
paint job, IFR panel, fairings, or other dress-up items in or on it. This
airplane will be happiest with you out flying it, not fiddling with it in
the hangar or shop, or tacking some extra weight onto it. You want to go
dodge some clouds and scout some terrain... so does the Squirrel! You want
to fly for an hour or two without having to go through a half-hour
preflight... so does the Squirrel! You want to go to a fly-in somewhere
over the county line, and not have to save up for a week or two to afford
the gas... the Squirrel can do it!
Ask yourself why you took up flying; list
all the reasons. The Squirrel can probably answer most of those except for
flying fast and carrying passengers. The M-19 represents "stick and
rudder" flying at its finest, and will keep your piloting skills
where they need to be.
This is not an airplane that you can put in a
climb, intercept a vector, and engage the autopilot; this airplane needs
for YOU to fly it. There are no optional extra controls, trim wheels,
engage/disengage accessories- this airplane needs for you to be the pilot.
Similarly, there are no kit-in-a-box prefab parts; this airplane needs for
you to be the builder.
Whatever needs to go on this airplane must be
fabricated, but the plans and manual are very detailed and complete, and
the determined builder should have no trouble fabricating and assembling
the airplane from the information supplied.
Materials lists are provided,
and Wicks
Aircraft Supply has assembled a fairly complete package of materials
which can be purchased instead of "shopping around" for bits and
pieces, but the beauty of this airplane is that you can build it
inexpensively by using your own ingenuity and "outsourcing
skills" (scrounging) to get what you need to build it. Aviation-grade
materials and techniques are specified, but the individual builder is the
essential ingredient to producing a strong, reliable, airworthy aircraft.
For more information check out http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/Dropzone/5610/index.html or contact:
Marvin R. Barnard P.O. Box 24 Norman, IN 47264-9703
e-mail: Marvin_R_Barnard@notesbridge.cummins.com
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