| Ultralight aviation was inspired by grass roots
aviators! You can't get more grass roots than the Hummel CA-2 a
little 250 lbs single seat all metal craft that you build from
plans. At the show I came across a little
CA-2 that was recently completed by Delmar Preston of Cochranton PA.
According the Delmar "the plans come in 17 x 11 sheets, are very
clear and easy to follow, and include a step by step builders manual
which also gives you a complete parts list and materials list."
| Wing Span |
26 feet |
| Length |
16.5 feet |
| Empty weight |
250 lbs |
| Gross weight |
500 lbs |
| HP |
25 to 40 |
| Cruise |
55 mph |
| Fuel
capacity |
5 gallons |
|
Delmar says the plane can be built with regular
tools but he purchased "a small 30 inch shear and an air riveter to
help install the over 4,000 rivets." Delmar built his CA 2 in his
basement which required cutting a hole in the wall to get it out.
His shop area was 14 x 10 feet. He started
construction on the tail first to get the feel of building his
"first plane" and then moved on to the wings and then the fuselage.
In total he put in about 400 hours on the airframe
and another 200 hours on engine installation, paint and rigging. He
indicated that there was no welding required in the whole plane,
"just a lot of pop rivets and bolts."
His little CA-2 is powered by a half Volkswagen
engine, with 94 mm jugs and a 69 mm stroke. He also built the engine
from plans and installed a secondary motorcycle ignition. The engine
is direct drive and spins a 54 x 22 Tennessee wood prop. This engine
and prop configuration gives him a take off distance of about 200
feet a climb of around 300 feet per minute and a cruise of 55 mph on
1.5 gallons of fuel per hour!
The airframe materials can be purchased for around
$2,500 and there is a great little newsletter available for $10 per
year.
For more information on the CA-2 contact
Delmar Preston
PO Box 32 Cochranton
PA 16314
Hummel Aviation
Bryan, Ohio
209 N. Union
Bryan Ohio 43506
Phone 419-636-6700
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