I guess I should've forwarded this to KRnet too, so here goes... John Martindale wrote:
> I find this issue of interest. Is there any chance you could send me a copy > over here. Happy to cover costs. John, I'm too lazy to type in William's original Sport Pilot article, as it was pretty long. Maybe somebody could paraphrase it for you. Here is my rebuttal, although the third paragraph and the middle sentence in the last paragraph were deleted from what appeared in print: Having read William Wynne's "Internet Fun and Fantasy" regarding the usefulness of the Internet with respect to aircraft and engine building, I have to comment. While it is true that there is some disinformation out there, it is FAR outweighed by the expertise available on the many forums and the hundreds of how-to web pages that show step-by-step construction details for other builders, where only a vacuum existed before. I run two Internet email lists, KRnet (www.krnet.org) for the KR aircraft, and CorvAircraft (www.corvaircraft.com/) for the Corvair engine. These two lists have about 600 subscribers each, some of which are long-time engineers, aircraft mechanics, builders, and pilots. 95% of the time, a neophyte's question will be answered quickly and correctly by one of the experts. The other 5% of the time, a debate may ensue, but the truth (or at least both sides of the issue) will come out, and we all get a little more educated in the process. A quick visit to www.N56ML.com will quickly answer just about any question you could have on building a KR, and www.krnet.org will show you over a hundred projects and flying KRs to learn from. I think it's safe to say that the KR series has been completely revitalized due to the support of Internet web sites and the KRnet email list. An Internet collaboration was even responsible for the development of a new low-drag airfoil especially for the KRs (see http://www.krnet.org/as504x/ ). The vast majority of "type" websites are established by builders who have no other agenda than to help others avoid the pitfalls that they themselves have already experienced, and at their own expense. Even the Corvair engine owes some of its recent success to the Internet, as I'm sure William would acknowledge. And if somebody showed up asking about a bogus engine manufacturer, it wouldn't take us long to expose the charlatan. I don't think there's any doubt that the Internet is a huge asset for experimental airplane builders and future pilots... Now here is what Bob Lester said: Bravo! It's about time someone spoke the truth! My friend, Steve Makish, and I have built and flown KR2s for more than 15 years. Both are award winners. I'm telling you this not to brag, but to let you know we know what we are talking about. Both of us have tried to educate other builders on both the KR and Corvair websites, In nearly every case, we've been shot down by know-it-alls who had not finished building their aircraft much less flown them. But on the website they set themselves up as high authorities. After repeated flaming we both quit trying. When we do get a call from a builder, we advise him to go to the website and look at the two groups. One lists the people still building; the second lists those people who have finished and flown. They will give you facts, not just their theories presented as fact. You'll live longer. Bob Lester ---------------------------------------------- I guess these both speak for themselves, but I don't remember Bob ever having posted to either KRnet or to CorvAircraft, and if he did, a search of the archives shows that he didn't sign it with the word "Lester" in it. It's a shame though, because the KR/Corvair building communty could certainly have used some the extensive flying and building experience he has. I do remember somebody giving Steve Makish a hard time for no reason, but he's over it now, and we're lucky to have him around still. I've been flamed a few times myself, but I have thick enough skin to keep coming back for more. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to move my website to the "Flying KRs" column, but I guess until then I'm just another know-it-all... Mark Langford, Huntsville, Alabama see KR2S project N56ML at http://home.hiwaay.net/~langford email to N56ML "at" hiwaay.net --------------------------------------------------------------
