Originally posted by DavidR
Turbine conversions are not just a simple matter of making a few minor modifications or just sticking a piece of rolled up stainless steel and a bigger fuel tank into a model. That is the message that Larry seems to be trying to portray here.
Sorry David,
I don't mean to pick on you but I just had to post my thoughts.
I'm rebuilding a very used JHH Kfir for use with my MW54. As far as I can tell the basic airframe is very solid and converting it is, in fact, rather simple.
Engine in the back, a bit of CF in the wings, redesigned control surfaces, hings and rods.
I can't claim to be anywhere near as knowledgeable as some of the people who post here but I do know how to work with composites and I do know how to engineer an airframe. I do think that with a little common sense (and maybe a pocket calculator
) a turbine conversion is totally safe.
You'll always have those yahoos out there who think that duct tape is good enough to mount an engine. They happen all over our sport and not just jets. The idiot who buzzes the flight line with his 99% epoxy 1% balsa ugly stick is just as dangerous.
BTW, I'm not here to defend Larry. I don't know him (other than reputation). This is purely my opinion.
As to experience, nobody knows enough. IMHO the best way to learn is to do it. The difference between a dangerous rookie and a safe one is whether or not he listens to advice (or asks for it as well).
(just my 2X10 cents worth)