We have been aware of the CX7 since it was just a concept floating around at Thatcher Aircraft, Inc., several years ago.
Per Dave Thatchers' request, we have not posted any information on the future plan or development process of this
aircraft that we have become aware of during this time.

Although Dave prefers to remain quiet on specific details, it is now widely known that the CX7 is in an active prototype
construction phase and progressing very well. Although much work remains on this project, Dave has decided
to allow us to post some of the photos we've collected to date. As he releases additional information
and photos to us, they will be posted here as soon as they are received. Here is the link: CX7 Prototype Webpage

Weather permitting, Glen Bradley will be at SnF 2018 this week with his CX5 in the "Alternative Engine" area. Glen has scheduled two forums in CFAA classroom 11 (Wednesday & Friday - 1-2 pm both days). A recent check of the SnF Forum website has both of Glens forum topics incorrectly titled "The Third Thatcher - The CX7 Side-by-Side". Although that title was used in error by the schedulers at SnF, Glen will make every effort to answer most general CX7 questions raised.
 

We've recently learned that another CX4 has made it's maiden flight, however, we don't know when that actually was. This fastback version (#385, N63TG) was completed and has been flying by Tony Gallo of Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.

Tony recently indicated on the Yahoo group site that his bird has 60 hours of time, and he is flying behind a RevMaster 2300, but no other details were made available. He doesn't appear to be a regular contributor on the Yahoo site, but if he would like to share any details of the build or his flying experiences with his bird, we'd be happy to post them here!

Editor Note: Tony just posted this (Apr 17) on the Yahoo group site - directed to Glen Bradley:
"It was nice seeing you at Sun N Fun. I really don't have a way of telling rate of climb, but from a standing start up to 1,000 ft is 1 minute. My comfortable cruise is about 112 to 115 at 22 to 23 in. manifold pressure, and top speed is 140. Anything over that and it seems the engine is working to hard for the extra speed. I do not have wheel pants on yet.

The prop is a 3 blade Warp Drive - 56". Joe at RevMaster says it is ok to run a composite prop so I am. The flying season is just getting under way here in New Hampshire & I will post more info as the season progresses."
 

"There is a lot to say about this trip....all good. I have never had a trip of any type go as well as this one and certainly not a fly-in trip. Other than having to hand pull my airplane several hundred yards by hand on Monday in the heat, all was good. The following report is somewhat detailed and may bore some of you so be forewarned."

Saturday, before SunNFun:
"I left and flew formation with my good friend Mike Ricketts to the Defuniak Springs fly-in. Not much really went on there but Patty Wagstaff was a nice first for me. She is, as most great pilots are, humble and gracious. She didn't fly but answered a couple of questions at the boring FAA Wings presentation. I got her autograph for my daughter.

By noon the free lunch was served and Mike and I decided it was just going to get hotter so we decided to leave, along with a whole lot of other pilots. I was too hot to pull my airplane by hand to the distant start up area uphill so Mike pulled it while I pushed. Mike did most of the work. Thanks Mike!!

I took off and got to 3000 feet where it wasn't quite so hot and bumpy but otherwise the flight to Tallahassee went quite well. I landed and cooled off for two hours in the pilot lounge after fueling the plane self-serve. Then my son came and we drove into town for lunch at Chipotle. I said goodbye to him early evening and settled down in Millionaire's Pilot lounge all by myself; 6 recliners in one big room & 2 recliners in a sleep room. I had the lounge with wide screen TV and the sleeping recliner room all to myself all night. Hot coffee, soda, homemade cookies and chips etc available as needed but I was full from dinner. I took a hot shower and really relaxed watching TV before sleeping. Slept surprisingly well in one of the recliners."

Sunday before SunNFun:
"I got up early, finished my dinner of left-overs. I had already gassed the plane self-serve (4.70 per gallon) so the ramp fee and overnight fee were waived. What a deal. The folks at Millionaire were great and friendly. It's beautiful modern place with a Cub hanging from the third story into the lobby. I ate my left over dinner and got on my way to Tampa N while I still had relatively cool air.

I decided to get as close as I could to LAL because I knew I'd never find a place to stay the night in LAL. The flight to Tampa N was superb. Smooth and CAVU around the curve of Florida. I landed at a new place for me, Tampa N - strong headwinds all the way but CAVU otherwise. Flew right over the miles and miles of swamp and grasslands and Crystal River, the place where I have taken my kids to swim with the manatees.

Tampa N turned out to be superb. The strip is narrow and a bit bumpy on this live-in aviation community/public airport. Wasn't sure I could even land there but ForeFlight said "open to the public", so I did. I went into the FBO which turned out to be the Happy Hangar restaurant.

After fueling up at 3.80 cash, I went inside for another cool-down and caffeine replenishment with lunch. I got what I thought was a small chicken sandwich (I am trying to be good) and it turned out to be HUGE...for 4 bucks. Great service. Hitched a ride to my motel with a family there and checked in to the Best Western. Not expensive and quite nice with hot breakfast included. Slept well with the AC set on 67.

Monday - Arrival Day for Me:
Got up before sunup, downloaded UBER APP and took UBER for the first time ever to the airport ($6). NO cabs were available even with several hours notice. They just don't have cabs there. I was hoping for an early start to avoid the heat.

LAL was IFR but I knew it would lift so I coffeed up while I waited. As soon as the airports enroute went VFR, I took off through a corridor of kinda ok weather knowing it was clearing fast. LAL was 25 sm away. Todd Henning (Community site guru) texted me just before I took off that the normal Lake Parker approach procedure I had memorized wasn't' being used on Monday - even though the NOTAM said it would be, so I called approach and they handed me off to the Tower. I got a L downwind to 9L. Tower told me to keep in close so I did and they complimented me on doing a great job.

I had a 17 knot direct crosswind and maxed out both the aileron and rudder on my not so smooth landing but "got 'er down" and taxied in showing my P for Paradise City sign. I taxied a long way before they make me shut down and then I had to pull the plane by hand all the way from Paradise City to the ALTERNATIVE ENGINE display area. A long way on a very hot day. That was by far the most difficult part of the entire week. I was Extremely hot and a long way, but I had arrived!!!! I was at SunNFun with the Thatcher CX5. Yippee!!! A milestone!!

About the time I got the airplane tied down; including the tail to a tree with the huge rope required for run-ups (I had been told to bring such a rope). Pat and Ralph arrived and the fun began. By that I mean that I had wonderful conversations the entire week with Pat and Ralph Maloof.

Pat is quite knowledgeable and also knows tons of people in the SunNFun community. Ralph turned out to be a real treasure - his specific and detailed knowledge of nearly anything related to the engineering of aircraft and engines was stunning but, much to my surprise, his knowledge in nearly all areas of engineering was so very impressive.

As I asked him questions every day on our drive to and from Orlando he became a good friend (and I don't use that term lightly) and my knowledge base grew constantly. Wow, what an unexpected treat to get to know Ralph. BTW Ralph and Joe are the two owners of RevMaster Engines. I also renewed and deepened my friendship with Pat Panzera. It was superb.

Tuesday - Public allowed in, first day of SunNFun:
LAL set an all time record temp of 96 degrees / hotter on the ramp of course. I drank 14 bottles of water on Tu. Hardest day for me but lots of fun as I talked to dozens of guys about the CX5 and the RevMaster engine. Good attendance at our tent and I met lots of guys who already had researched the plane and engine already.

One of those was Adam who had been reading the list comments for years and came to SunNFun, taking a day off work, just to see the CX5. He bought the first set of plans I sold at the show, Number 96.

Wednesday:
A cold front moved through with some heavy rain and winds. I was concerned that a tree or tree limb might fall on my airplane overnight and memories of the tornadoes a few years back did not help. Talked to tons of guys and had a lot of fun getting very tired again.

Had a well attended forum at 10 and support at the forum from Pat, Bob Hasson, the Leonard brothers (who always make me smile) and out newest flying CX4 owner Harold McCollum. Good forum. Thanks guys!

The weather slowed down the general attendance just enough that I finally got to check the oil and see if any was on the belly of the plane from the breather. Oil usage: zero observable on stick. Oil on bottom from breather: 2 drops

Thursday:
Arrived to find my airplane was fine. Whew!!
It was COOL. Almost cold. From this point on the weather at LAL was cool at night with highs in the daytime of high 70s. Wow. Blue sky and Blue Angel airshow every day. I never got to see any of the air shows but that's fine. I've saw plenty of shows years ago but I surely HEARD the airshow- the Blues were deafening....made talking difficult at times.

Friday:
Another typical gorgeous day- could not have been better. Forum was at noon at also well attended. Pat is always there for me in the forums and his help with the projection unit etc are appreciated. A gaggle of guys walked back with me to the tent area and we talked for a very long time. BTW, the schedule called for my running the RevMaster engine on my plane every day at about 3:30 so I did. Every day I would warm it up a bit and then full throttle. Everyone seemed to be impressed.

Saturday - "tire kicker day":
Actually it wasn't that bad in our section because the crowds walked on by going to the glitter and noise of the main areas. It was a very busy day for me. As usual I hardly had time to go to the bathroom. Lots of discussions re the plane and the engine. Lots of interest, much from people from other countries who sometimes were surprisingly knowledgeable re Thatcher Aircraft already.

Late Saturday afternoon:
Pat left for the airport to fly back to CA and I said bye to my new friends in the Alternative Engine section. Adam also turned out to be a tremendous amount of help because Pat, Ralph and I were driving to Orlando to the motel every night but they were leaving Sat afternoon so I had a room but no way to get there. Adam was generous enough to offer his place for the night along with transportation to and from the airport.

I got to stay with him and his son on Sat night. His wife was out of town so we guys had the place to ourselves and his two Great Danes were very nice. I had a great time meeting and petting those two huge dogs. Awesome. Thanks Adam.

Sunday:
Got up before sunup and headed out with Adam to the airport. Not many people there yet so it was easy to undig the tie downs I had put in and remove the temp fence in front of the plane. Then I rounded up volunteers with a golf cart to help me get the plane WAY back down to the camping area so I could fuel it and take off. I had a long rope so I pulled the CX5 with the golf cart via the nose strut....very slowly and carefully. The wing-walkers checked clearances and moved some temp signs for wing clearance. It went slowly but well.

Soon I was in the camping area at the E of the field by Paradise City. I knew I could get fuel there so I filled up and followed the FOLLOW ME cart out to the taxi way. It went well and I was only about number 4 in line so I was off before I knew it. They were having two planes take off staggered on the same runway so faster planes overtook slower ones etc. It was fun.

I flew the required 3 miles E and then turned on course toward Tallahassee. At altitude I was cold so I shut the vents a bit and watched the S FL houses scroll by, along the a Nuclear Power Plant and the cross Fl canal. Saw the Twin Otter skydiving plane climbing out nearby me and continued on noticing the very nice and straight, but almost abandoned roads that I-75 stole traffic from. I have driven those roads many times but it was much nicer to look down on them and never have to stop at roughly twice the speed and NO curves that waste miles. Awesome flight.

Got to TAL about the time my son got up and he said he'd bring Chipotle again. It was just as good as the week before. We talked a while and he returned to campus to study. I relaxed in the recliner for a while and charged my iPad and Dual GPS.

I departed early afternoon and hit choppy air immediately. I had bumps and turbulent air and long updrafts and downdrafts giving me 500 fpm up or down at random. I took it up to 5000 feet where it was not quite a bumpy. CAVU otherwise. About half way home (45 min) the air smoothed out above 4000 so I cruised along watching the Air Force outlying fields of Eglin AF Base slide under the wing. The restricted area was not "hot" on Sunday so I turned direct to Pensacola.

At my 9 o'clock was a huge forest fire (often set intentionally to burn off underbrush etc) . The air was not turbulent so the smoke gently clouded the air from the surface up to about 6000 feet, gently drifting to the N. I would have had to go around to the coast but I found an area of relative clear air and flew through with no issues. From there on it was literally downhill to PNS at 19 in MP and 115 mph most times but occasionally up to 127 (still some very long updrafts and downdrafts but smooth). The PNS tower gave me a L base entry behind a big bird taking off so I extended for turbulence and landed on the runway I know so well about 1.5 hours after I left TLH.

It felt good to be home and I felt I had accomplished a lot. Few trips work out so well and I suspect that is the closest to a perfect trip I will ever have. Thanks again to all of you for your support.

Trip Statistics

• The best I can tell I got about 25-28 mpg overall on the trip. That includes all fuel and two stops going down and one going back home. I had 15-20 mph headwinds going down and averaged 3-5 tailwind coming home.

• Oil usage> zero

• Altitudes flown> mostly about 2500 msl going down; mostly 4-5000 coming home.

• Bladder endurance: 2 hours comfortable; followed by miserable beginning at 2.25 hours. A relief tube will be installed before my next long cross country.

Most Common Comments About The Plane

• It's gorgeous. It's beautiful. Nice design.

• Will it REALLY carry two big guys? Amazing

• There is nothing else out there to compare.

• How do you like the RevMaster?

• How much fuel does it hold?

• The visibility out of it looks awesome!

• Plenty of room inside!!

Summary

 I had the best flight ever to SunNFun!. Pat and Ralph were superb hosts and the other volunteers were helpful and cheerful all week. I made a couple of new friends. The plane drew strong compliments every day and performed flawlessly. The weather could not have been better. All in all: A+

Glen B
 

"This is going to be just a brief summary because I am exhausted. Much more tomorrow.

The trip was the best I have ever had to any fly-in thanks to my friends Pat Panzera, Ralph Maloof and awesome weather. Pat is a supreme planner and Ralph is a gentleman genius.

Monday and Tuesday were VERY hot. I drank 14 bottles of water Tues. Wednesday was windy with rain. I worried about the safety of my plane, especially since it was parked under tall trees. Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun delivered AWESOME weather and I got to talk to tons of people about Thatcher Aircraft and the RevMaster Engine.

Both forums were well attended and Pat was there to support me as were the Leonard brothers. The PowerPoint worked for both forums which is a first.

The flight back today was superb and the plane performed flawlessly. I stopped in Tallahassee for about 4 hours to see my son and then flew on home in about an hour and a half. CAVU except for a huge forest fire which made about 20 miles almost IFR.

I will post lots of details tomorrow or Tues. I have lots to catch up on at home but all went well and the other volunteers were awesome- a great group of people. I also made several new friends, among the top being Adam who bought a set of CX5 plans and let me stay at his house Sat. night with his two Great Danes....awesome.

Glad to be home and I am tired but it was a wonderful way to get exhausted."

Glen B
 

'LiveATC.net" is the original source for streaming all audio from Sun n Fun. Use the link below to go directly to their website, then choose the stream of your choice (ie: Sun 'n Fun Radio, KLAL Approach/Departure, KLAL Ground/Advisory, KLAL Lake Parker VFR Arrival, KLAL Tower, Sun 'n Fun Air Show/Blue Angels):
https://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=KLAL

"Sun n Fun Today" is the official daily paper distributed by General Aviation News on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to the current and recent legacy issues available:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia

Curious about the SnF weather? Here's the link to the current NWS 7-day forecast for Lakeland (KLAL):
NWS KLAL 7-Day Forecast

Curious about the SnF forums? Here's the link, then select the desired day and enter "forum" in the search box:
SnF Daily Schedule

Todays Airshow: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm EST

LiveAirshowTV, in conjunction with Livestream, will be streaming video from the Sun n' Fun Airshow today. You can view the video in full screen. Here's the link:
LiveAirshowTV Sun n' Fun Airshow Video Stream - Sunday

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-6-web

Todays Airshow: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm EST

Tonights Airshow: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm EST

LiveAirshowTV, in conjunction with Livestream, will be streaming video from the Sun n' Fun Airshow today. You can view the video in full screen. Here's the link:
LiveAirshowTV Sun n' Fun Airshow Video Stream - Saturday

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-5-web
 

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-web_d4486927cab5cc

Todays Airshow: 1:30-5:30 EST

Glen's Forum:
Glen has another forum scheduled today in the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) (12:00 noon; 1st floor; room 2).

Glen's Comments (Day 4):
Just a short note.- Yes its been busy! The cooler temps yesterday and today are welcome...

Once again, a crowd gathered around Glen, curious about his building and flying the CX5.


 

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-web

Glen's Comments (Day 3 - 9:30 am EST):
"Well I breathed a sigh of relief to see that neither hail nor tree limbs had damaged my plane. Yesterday set an all time record high for Lakeland ...96. Rain has stopped and today's high is expected to be high 70s. Makes me smile. So far flight home Sunday looks good too.

The CX5 has had tons of attention. I talk to interested guys much of the day and many of them are already familiar with THATCHER aircraft. The afternoon full power run-up at 3:30 was a hit and generated lots of questions.

Wed forum was very well attended and Pat and the Leonard brothers lent their support by complimenting THATCHER designs in their own special way. It was very good. Expected to clear here in a couple hours and then sunny and cool.

Great trip!
Glen"
 

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-2-wednesday-web

Glen's Comments (Day 2 - 6:00 am EST):
"Pat Panzera and I both present forums today. I encourage any of our group here at Sun n' Fun to attend.

• Pat's forum today is on the Revmaster (9 am; 3rd floor; room 10).

• My forum is across the hall (10 am; 3rd floor; room 11)."

"Sun n Fun Today" is the daily paper distributed on the Sun n Fun grounds every day. Here's the link to today's edition:
https://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/2017-snf-day-1-tuesday-web

Glen's Comments (Day 1 - 10:10 am EST):
"All set and watching crowds come in. Talked to Ralph Maloof, engineer for RevMaster, all the way from Orlando this morning. To say he is a wealth of information is an extreme understatement. I got answers to lots of very technical questions about the R2300 and engine design in General and the various fuel options. Also learned he holds many product/engineering patents on all kinds of devices.

Ralph is truly an amazing man. I have found that the RevMaster engine is even more bulletproof than I thought. They drag race the smaller engine at 8000 rpm and 230 hp. That means the 2300 is loafing at 85 hp.
http://www.revmasteraviation.com/?p=308

Rain expected Thursday, but then cooler. I'm smiling at that. And now the forecast for the trip home is good too. Hope it holds. Thanks again guys for your support."

The CX5 has a Panther for a neighbor in the Engine Workshop area on the north side of the tent.

Ralph Maloof and Pat Panzera discussing the RevMaster 2300 Redrive in the Engine Workshop tent.
The RevMaster 2300 Redrive produces 100 engine hp at 3500 RPM with a prop speed of 2700 RPM.

They're parked in the "Engine Workshop" area, with the plane soon to be tied down just outside the tent (11 am CST). Thanks to everyone that made this trip possible! 

The 54th CX4 has completed its maiden flight!

Harold McCollum just reported to Glen Bradley that his CX4, Serial number 292, N292CX, has completed its first flight at Keystone Heights Airport (42J) in Starke, Florida earlier today. He did mention to Glen that he was shocked with his birds power and speed. We didn't have the opportunity to speak to Harold yet, but he did mention earlier this week that he would send us complete details on the flight.

Keystone Heights was chosen for the initial flights of his bird because it features a 5000' surfaced runway. After the preliminary initial flight testing, Harold will be moving his bird closer to his home at Spencers Airpark (FL13) in Middleburg, Florida 32068.

This is the update we just received from Harold:

"Today 2-3-2017 at 1600 EST N292CX took to the sky and out preformed ALL expectations. When I took the runway I told the area I was going to do an aborted takeoff. I put the throttle half way up on my 2180 engine to run down the runway, about a minute into the roll the airplane jumped into the sky and I added power. It was all I could do on putting the ball back to center and the airspeed jumped to 100 mph with a nose high attitude.

I realized I had a tiger by the tail and it shot to patter altitude before down wind. So of the guys gave me a rough rpm for 80 mph at 1700 which I tried 1400 and it still gave me 90 down wind. This plane is one of the cleanest and best airplane ever designed I do not understand why these planes are not selling for $28,000. Dave and Glen job well done." 

Harold, on behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
congratulations on your first flight!!

The 53rd CX4 has made its maiden flight!

Ed Seffel has just announced that after surviving a flood, with 15 inches of water, mud and debris in the hanger that his CX4 N341CX, Serial number 341, made its first flight in Bulverde, Texas on Thursday August 4th, 2016.

His CX4 has a 2180 VW behind an Ed Sterba 54/46 prop. Ed wants to publically thank Dave Thatcher for his great design that has resulted in another great flying aircraft!

Ed, on behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
Congratulations on your first flight!!
 

Flying the Thatcher CX4 and CX5!

"Flying the Thatcher CX4 and CX5" is the latest article by Patrick Panzera that has been published in the current issue of Sport Aviation/Experimenter (August 2016). In it, Pat shares his perspectives of both planes after having the opportunity to fly each of them.

Here's a link to a pdf of the article:
Sport Aviation/Experimenter CX4 & CX5 August2016

Editor Note: Our thanks to EAA for the magazine coverage, Pat Panzera for another excellent article, Sheldon Heatherington for the beautiful photo's, and of course Dave Thatcher and Glen Bradley for making both planes available!
 

Unable to attend Oshkosh 2016?
Here are a few links that may help ease the pain:
(NOTE: These links should be active for the duration of the convention.
They may take a short time to load due to the large volume of web traffic they create!)

Live Streaming Video:

EAA Official Link
Note: As of today, the Airshow, Theater in the Woods, and Random Feed links are not currently displayed on this EAA webpage, but will be added as those video streams are finalized.

Direct YouTube Streaming Feeds:
Warbirds - North Webcam
Vintage - Central Webcam
Ultralights - South Webcam
 

Live Streaming Audio:

EAA Radio

LiveATC.net - LiveATC.net is the original source for streaming audio from Oshkosh. Use the link to go directly to their website, then choose the stream of your choice:

- Tower 9/27 (North)
- Tower 18L/36R (South)
- Tower 18R/36L (South)
- AirVenture Air Boss
- Arrival ATIS
- Fisk VFR Approach
- Milwaukee Approach

Current Oshkosh (KOSH) Weather:

National Weather Service (NWS)

The 52nd CX4 Has Taken to the Air!

CX4 19-8513 serial number 164 took to the skies of Manjimup, WA Australia yesterday 2nd July 2016. Test flight was done by the builder/owner Kevin Wintergreene. "The plane flew hands off and performed really well with only a small adjustment required to the right aileron. Thanks to Dave Thatcher for producing such a nice aircraft."

Gentlemen,

Since my announcement on March 31 to discontinue this website, I have received a couple of direct offers (and noticed several others extended via the Yahoo group site) to continue this Community website forward. Not wanting to discount the thoughtfulness behind each of these offers, I do have multiple reasons for my underlying feelings against the value of this type of “assistance”.

Since day one, all efforts I’ve made with the Community site have been done as a labor of love, personally funded, and I have not received any financial support or donations from any other source. Although the cash outlay over the years has not been excessive, the personal labor required to grow and maintain the entire site has continued to multiply.

The original page source code was configured in FrontPage 2003 SP3 (HTML – Note: FP2003 is no longer supported, but runs and is still used on my Win7 desktop. Changed files are manually uploaded to the web server using a separate ftp application (FileZilla). As pages were added to the site, the last page created was essentially copied, and edited for the desired results. As a result I’ve made countless manual changes to the code on every individual page. Over time, ancillary files used throughout the site (ie photos) have grown top heavy as images were updated or otherwise replaced, the original files were left on the web servers.

To manually maintain the website now for someone new to it all would take far more time than I suspect anyone has. In spite of the best of intentions, I cannot see anyone maintaining interest in the efforts required for very long before giving up. Accepting the inevitable result, I feel it best that it just be shut down now, without dragging any of it through the mud.

If someone would come forward and outline a plan to redesign and rebuild the site using the structure given by CSS’s, I think it could have a chance. But without the potential to generate any reward for the efforts required, I don’t believe anyone would be willing. Furthermore, I’m not going to turn the cx4community.com name over to anyone. If someone would be interested in taking the site forward, they’d need to arrange a new sight of their own (.com address), and transfer the new site contents to it as they are rebuilt.

Being open HTML, the current site contents can be examined and copied if desired anytime. You’d just have to determine how to “View Source” for each individual page. I may be willing to package and supply all image files for the site if I think doing so has merit, but I will not be available to provide any type of help or assistance with any future actions dealing with this website or any of its content.

Regards,
Todd

The CX4 & CX5 Community website has been a personal labor of love that I created years ago to provide a one-stop easy to navigate ad-free multi-language international website for posting any Dave Thatcher CX4 & CX5 aircraft information I could gather. Its structure and content have been a result of my personal research across the internet but has also been greatly assisted by the sharing of information by many others.

My career has always come first, but I did make the recent decision to finally retire and was looking forward to finally being able to devote time once again to making the site current and keeping it that way (and finally start building my own CX5!). Unfortunately, life has presented me with other plans. Major health issues have surfaced, and the time and effort they demand leave room for nothing else.

For this reason, I will be permanently shutting the CX4 & CX5 Community website down in the very near future. I will keep it on-line for a short time to permit anyone to capture any of the content that is currently there.

My heartfelt thanks to Dave Thatcher for his fantastic aircraft designs and for permitting me to build and maintain the CX4 & CX5 Community website over the years, to the many new friends I’ve made and to the many others that have contributed to the websites success.

Best Wishes and Regards to all,
Todd
West Bend, Wisconsin
 

The 51st CX4 Has Taken to the Air!

Dean Tompkins, one of our many good friends in Australia, just announced that his CX4 (#434) made its maiden flight yesterday morning. Dean reported no surprises, and said it just flew nicely, proving the saying "if it looks good the it will fly good".

Dean thanks Dave for giving us all this wonderful aeroplane and also thanks Mick Wright for his encouragement, assistance and advice over the life of the project. He added "Keep at it guys, the end result is worth every minute spent"
 

The 50th CX4 Has Made It's Maiden Flight!

Joel Williams (Running Springs, California, USA) is very happy to report that after a brief 6 year build period that CX4-A, N252EX, serial number #252 has just made it's first flight from Hemet Ryan Airport (KHMT) in Hemet, CA.

Joel was quick to add that his bird flew great and he had no issues to report. Another beautiful CX4 has taken to the skies!

Joel, on behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
we all send our congratulations on the first flight of your bird!
 

The assembled CX4 center section and wings were built by Thomas Webster of Columbus, Ohio from plans number 350. They were donated to EAA Chapter 9 when Tom passed away several years ago. The members of EAA 9 have decided not to continue the build and would like to sell the parts. A photo and contact information can be found on the For Sale page.
 

Thom Riddle just sent us this quick update on N254RM

An update on my CX4 that Roger Miller built, #398, N254RM. After this morning's flight, the Hobbs meter now reads exactly 100.0 hours. It still flies great and is so economical to operate I don't even have to think about the cost of flying it.

Thom Riddle
Buffalo, NY

Editor Note: Thom has been regularly posting comments on the Yahoo group about his experience with and the performance of his CX4 since he purchased it from Roger Miller. His comments are clear and concise. If you haven't been following them on a regular basis, we highly recommend that you take a look! (Start by searching on his name)

We've only received a couple Hobb's meter updates from the flying CX4 & CX5 fleet in recent months. We'd like to keep this number as current as possible, so if you can help, please let us know. You can use the link (in gray) near the top of this page or post it on the Yahoo group and we'll take it from there!

Thanks!
 

The 49th CX4 Had Its Wheels Leave The Ground!

Donald Nattress (Richard's Landing, St. Joseph's Island, Ontario, Canada) just sent the following news to Dave:

Good Day Dave,

I am happy to report that CX-4 "C-IWAA", serial # 176 has had it's maiden flight, and is now comfortably at home in it's hangar on St. Joseph Island, Ontario, Canada.

The aircraft is powered by Scott Casler's 2180 swinging an Ed Sterba 54x46 prop. All temps and pressures were nominal.

This little airplane is slippery! Took several attempts to get it to slow down enough to land. Slow flight at 41 mph, just nibbling at the stall, was easy, with aileron authority all the way. She will need rudder and aileron trim tabs ( heavy left wing and left rudder required ).

What a satisfying project this has been. Thank you Dave, for a great little design, and I must remember my friend, the late Peter Beck, for all his good counsel......Cheers, Don

Don, on behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
we all send you our congratulations on the first flight!!
 

Unable to attend Oshkosh 2015?
Here are a couple of video & audio links that may help ease the pain:
(NOTE: These links should be active for the duration of the convention.
They may take a short time to load due to the large volume of web traffic they create!)

Live Streaming Video:

Warbirds - North Webcam
Vintage - Central Webcam
Ultralights - South Webcam
Airshow Webcam (Active during airshows only)

Live Streaming Audio:

EAA Radio

LiveATC.net - LiveATC.net is the original source for streaming audio from Oshkosh. Use the link to go directly to their website, then choose the stream of your choice:

- Tower 9/27 (North)
- Tower 18L/36R (South)
- Tower 18R/36L (South)
- AirVenture Air Boss
- Arrival ATIS
- Fisk VFR Approach
- Milwaukee Approach

Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. has announced that the original CX4 (#001, N3058W)
is looking for a new hanger to call home.

While Dave has graciously made the CX4 available for many pilots to fly since its maiden flight, he has decided that its finally time for N3058W to be sold and find a new hanger to call home. The history of this aircraft is known by many, with numerous postings and photographs throughout this website, the Thatcher CX4 website and the Yahoo group.

The aircraft can be seen at Dave's hanger at Pensacola International and he has listed it on Barnstormers as well.
For further information, please contact Dave directly at (850) 712-4539 or thatchercx4@cox.net.
 

The 48th CX4 Recently Made Its First Flight!

Jack Ference (Pickerington, Ohio, USA) is pleased to announce the first flight of his CX4A (#355, N443JF) on Tuesday April 28, 2015. His good friend Jim Baldwin made the first flight, and Jacks next goal is to get himself current.

He's running a Revmaster 2300 with an Ed Sterba 54 x 48 prop and reports the first flight gave 3000 rpm on takeoff and climbout at 100 mph. Max throttle in the air gave 3200 rpm and 140 mph+. Better numbers will be developed as flight testing continues.

Jack did report a nosewheel shimmy problem on landing and said this will be corrected first. He commented that its a great airplane, and says thanks again to David for designing it for us.

Jack, on behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
Congratulations on the first flight!!

We all look forward to hearing how your bird flies with the RevMaster and you as PIC!

PS - In a follow-up Yahoo post 5/13/2015, Jack added: "I now have a little over 1 hour and initial numbers are looking good.

• Oil temp running at 180,
  CHTs 310 to 390,
  EGTs are 1250 to 1350.

• At 2500 and 17 in. indicates 110 mph,
  2800 and 19 in. is 120 mph,
  3000 and 22.5 in. is 130 mph.

These numbers are without wheel pants. After more testing will see what everything ends up being. Don’t know if it will need more prop or not."

Jack
 

Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. just notified CX5 builders via the Yahoo Group that
the aft fuselage drawing (sheet 4) will require changes.

Dave recommends not making the CX5 bulkheads until he can get the changes made and distributed to everyone.
 

Thatcher Aircraft, Inc. has just released a Recommended Modification for the CX4 & CX5 Tail Wheel Spring Mount.

It was reported on February 26, 2015 that during a routine condition inspection of a CX4 with 485 hours of rough sod field operation, cracks were found on the F12 bulkhead where the tail wheel bracket attaches.

 It is recommended to remove the angle and replace with the bracket shown in the advisory.

Details of the modification can be found on the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 website.
Here's the link:
Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Advisories Webpage
 

What does this mean? It greatly simplifies the process for builders when ordering CX5 parts from them.

Simply go to the Kit/Plans page on their website (Aircraft Spruce Kits/Plans). Click on "Thatcher" in the list on the left, then click on "Thatcher CX5" to go to the page with the Thatcher CX5 information & parts available under AS kit part number 01-01439.

The most important feature of this new webpage is the ability to see a complete listing of the individual parts, and edit the quantity desired (0, 1, 2, 3, etc) of any or all items on the list before placing your order.  To see the expanded list, click on the "Click here for Expanded Kit Components" link on their webpage. Their on-line list will always reflect the current pricing for every item shown.

The Aircraft Spruce expanded list reflects the parts they have available as shown on the CX5 Material List dated February 8, 2015. It will be necessary to edit your order for any changes released after this date (See "CX5 Material List" change notices on the "Prototype Update" page.

Editor Note:  On behalf of all the current and future CX5 builders around the world, we'd really like to thank both Josh Solis and Michael Vega at Aircraft Spruce for their time and effort in making this new webpage available!
 

Lee Bates built CX4 N27CX a few years back (plans #027 & the 16th CX4 to fly). Its initial flight was in November of 2009.

After his experiences building and flying his bird, he made the decision to sell it to a gentleman in Kerrville, TX, USA, and then moved on to other projects. Not being one to ever sit still, Lee became an author and wrote an autobiography, targeted to the younger audiences of today. It is about the life experiences learned and shared during his professional engineering career at Boeing Aircraft. Lee hopes that it will encourage our younger generation to pursue a rewarding career in the engineering field.

Lees 384 page book, "Due Diligence," has just been published and is available through Amazon. Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Due-Diligence-Memoirs-Engineer-Outdoorsman-ebook/dp/B00S55P7XC

The 47th CX4 Is Flying!

Bob Squires (Ovilla, Texas, USA) notified us that his bird, Pan-Lom Garuda (#440, N440BS) had its airworthiness certificate issued on October 22.  Fast forward to today and Bob sent us a note stating that N440BS made its maiden flight on December 12th from Mid-Way Regional airport (KJWY), Midlothian, Texas.

Bob, Your bird is beautiful. On behalf of everyone in the Thatcher CX4 & CX5 Community,
Congratulations on your first flight!!
 

Yes, the holiday season is getting close and normally the Yahoo group gets quiet because everyone is getting ready for all the holiday festivities. It appears this year that CX builders are staying in their shops a while longer, cutting, bending, drilling holes and popping rivets in 6061-T6 of all shapes and sizes!

Dave passed along these photos of another CX5 that is well under way. Nick Proietto and his two sons (CX5 #26, West Grove, Pennsylvania, USA) have been busy on their bird. Nick mentioned that between the three of them, the work area was full of other projects (OK - the normal collection of guy stuff) when this project was started. At every step of the way, they've had to rearrange things to accommodate the CX5. Sounds like the same story we've heard from most every other builder...

Keep up the good work guys!  Your initial efforts look great!

Peter Beck (CX5 #22, Louisville, Kentucky, USA) recently posted the following:

"Big week in Louisville!  The Revmaster R2300 engine (serial 0144) arrived the day before Thanksgiving, and I was able to hang it that same weekend.

Ernie Martin had shipped in the cowl that he was intending to use as the plug (master) for new CX5 cowls so it could be checked for fit. He flew in in his beautiful, UL 206 powered CX4 to add a second pair of hands and eyes to the fit-up. We found that some reasonably significant mods are going to have to be made.

The Revmaster has a longer prop hub than most other VW variants. Also, the spark plug coils and valve covers require more cowl cheek space. The objective was to create a cowl that would not force any changes whatever to the engine configured as Revmaster produces it. (By itself, the engine is a true work of art). Moreover, my personal choice is to use the Revflo carburetor, alternate air and ram air tube, which may require a longer, shaped, ram air intake port in the cowl

Many many thanks to Ernie for the trip and for his ongoing effort to support us builders with beautiful fiberglass parts.

Which brings me to a Christmas season appreciation for Dave Thatcher and all the guys and spouses making any of the CX parts - from Dave himself, to Greg Westberry (kits), to Ernie (fiberglass parts), to Ed Klepeis (engine mounts), Joe and Roberta Horvath (R2300 engine) at Revmaster. These people all are performing a true labor of love.

None of us builders have an excess of cash, and we are all tempted every now and then to think of the parts the people above produce as too costly. I've worn the producer T-shirt, and I assure everyone that they are not, and that every producer is giving far more in skill, experience, time and commitment to quality as well as materials than they are getting in return for the amount charged. What they are doing makes homebuilding and flying work. Godspeed to all of them. And blue skies and a Blessed Christmas to all."

Peter Beck

PS - Peter also mentioned that his shop is always open to CX5 / CX4 fans and the coffee is always on.
Please phone ahead 502-599-4885.

Glen Bradley asked if we could post a couple of new CX5 photo's...

Russell Hill (CX5 #52 Pensacola, FL USA) has gotten a serious start on his CX5 project, and passed these photo's along to Glen to show his progress. Glen mentioned that there are now four CX5's being built in the Pensacola area!

The 46th CX4 Just Made It's Maiden Flight!

Les Brusse (Enterprise, Alabama. USA) notified us that after five years of building, he was excited to report that CX4 N136JB (plans number 215) took to the sky for it's first flight on 12/01/2014 at his home field in Enterprise (KEDN).

Les said flying it feels good and thanks Dave Thatcher for all his help and encouragement during the build.
Here's a video of it taken a couple days ago:

 

Les, Thanks for sharing your news & congratulations
 from everyone in the Thatcher Community!
 

A recent event with the nose gear on CX5 001 prompted this modification that Dave Thatcher recommends be done on all CX4 & CX5 Tri-gear front forks. A minor engine oil leak was discovered, with oil traveling down the front strut that ultimately impregnated the Belleville washer stack. This oil relieved the preload on the washer stack, and allowed a severe shimmy to occur on the front wheel assembly during taxi. The front wheel assembly rotated 360° during the shimmy, and entered the prop arc. The prop and wheel pant were damaged.

To prevent this extreme rotation in the future, a wheel stop was designed to limit the front wheel rotation to 45° left and 45° right of center. Details of this modification has been added to the "Advisories" page of  www.thatchercx4.com.

Note: The complete Advisory is in a PDF format that can easily be printed and saved.

Dave previously issued a Mandatory Modification for replacement of the
Teleflex rudder cables used in all CX4's in back in March of 2013.

Dave had requested that this modification be immediately posted on the CX4 & CX5 Community website. An oversight was made when this important modification was not added to the Thatchercx4.com "Advisory" webpage. This has been corrected. Details of this modification have been added to the "Advisories" page of  www.thatchercx4.com.

Note: The complete Advisory is in a PDF format that can easily be printed and saved.
 

The 45th CX4 Just Made It's Maiden Flight!

Philip Richards (New Zealand) just notified us that his bird (#463, ZK-JDY) spread its wings and took to the sky
 for the first time. Phil reports that his CX4 is powered with a Rotax 912 (80 hp) and early indications are that
it flies and climbs really well.

Phil, Thanks for sharing your news. Congratulations from everyone in the Thatcher Community!
We're certain everyone will be interested in future PIREPs as you gain flight experience with your bird
 and your unique choice of engine.

Editor Note: Phil's CX4 is the third to fly in New Zealand.
 

Brandon Burgdorf just posted a new video of N147HL on Vimeo!

With the experience gained with the CX5 speed brake redesign, Dave just completed the design
and installation of a similar speed brake on his CX4 (#001, N3058W).

Sheldon Heatherington had the first opportunity to fly Dave's bird after its installation, and reports the following:

'I just got finished flying the CX4 with the new air brake installed. Flies like a dream with no adverse affects. When down, it really helps slow the plane down, without just falling out of the sky.

When on final once stabilized, it comes down at a good rate of decent. You can find a point on the runway, and it will go to that point. If you started the approach right, you will hit your mark every time.

Also, when the brake is out, you can fully slip it all the way down, with no blanketing of the elevator/rudder what so ever."

Sheldon

Editor Note: Dave has just notified us that as of Wednesday September 24, plans are available for anyone interested in installing this Speed Brake mod in their CX4. The cost is $40.00 USD and he covers the shipping. See the Parts page here or on Dave's website for ordering information.
 

The 44th CX4 Has Taken To the Sky!

Earlier this year, Mick Wright notified us that another CX4 in Australia was close to flying.

That day has arrived. Mick just posted the following on Yahoo:

Congratulations to Dennis Martin of Ridgehaven, Australia!
 His CX4 (#505, 19-8461) took to the sky today for its first flight at
Truro Flats Air Park, South Australia.

Dennis, We all offer our congratulations on your flight!
 

A friend of Charlie Wieland (Huntington Beach CA USA) informed us that Charlie's CX4 (#260, N260CW) made it's first flight back in April. Charlie wanted to hold back from making any announcement about the flight, made by Dave Stevenson, until he had the opportunity to personally fly his bird and was able to provide a personal flight evaluation (so the results would be more than just hear say).

When asked for an initial PIREP anyway, Charlie did report the following about the flight:

"The airplane, based at AJO in Corona, CA, is flying very well, low oil and C/H temps and very light, easy and balanced controls with a good rate of climb (1000'/min and a very plus 130 MPH @ 2800-3000 RPM). The engine is a GP 2180 cc with large oil cooler and pump.

Trim tabs were needed on rudder and ailerons and lighter springs were installed on tail wheel which gave excellent control on taxi and landings. I need air plastic scoops on rear of canopy to exit cabin air because of tight rubber seal on the rear of canopy.

I have put in about 15 hrs toward my T/W certification and I feel like a groom watching his best man go on the honeymoon. Dave, my test pilot and instructor, is very qualified and has helped me rig, debug and fly the plane. I have used the CX4 for taxi practice. It now has 10 hrs on the tach and the plane is ready for me to fly".

Charlie Wieland
N260CW

Editor Note: Charlie's news means a revision is required to the record of CX4's that have now taken their first flight. We reported on July 25th that Earnest Martin's bird was the 42nd to take to the air. Charlie's bird now moves into that spot, and Earnest's bird jumps up to number 43!

Charlie, Congrats on your birds first flight, and we all look forward to your first PIREP once you get your endorsement.

Our thanks to Glen Wilcox for sharing this information with us all.
 

Here's the link:
Thatcher CX5 Material List - July 26, 2014

Editor Note:  We also have a folder in the files section of the Yahoo group site where this updated CX5 Material list is also available.

Glen Bradley posted a PIREP yesterday (See Prototype Updates page) with some initial detail on the operation and performance enhancements made possible with the speed brake Dave redesigned on the CX5. Dave has updated the Material List to reflect the changes.

The 42nd CX4 Has Taken It's First Flight!

Brandon Burgdorf has N147HL tied down at Oshkosh!

Here's the first CX5 builder report update!

Unable to attend Oshkosh 2014?
Here are a couple of video & audio links that may help ease the pain:
(NOTE: These links should be active for the duration of the convention.
They may take a short time to load due to the large volume of web traffic they create!)

Live Streaming Video:

Warbirds - North Webcam
Vintage - Central Webcam
Ultralights - South Webcam
Airshow Webcam (Active during airshows only)
One Week Wonder Build Progress
Theater in the Woods Webcam (Active during scheduled evening programs only)
AirVenture Museum (4 Interactive Webcams)
 

Live Streaming Audio:

EAA Radio

LiveATC.net - LiveATC.net is the original source for streaming audio from Oshkosh. Use the link to go directly to their website, then choose the stream of your choice:

- Tower 9/27 (North)
- Tower 18L/36R (South)
- Tower 18R/36L (South)
- AirVenture Air Boss
- Arrival ATIS
- Fisk VFR Approach
- Milwaukee Approach

He just posted the following on the Yahoo CX4 group site:

"Friends,

I need a little help from our pool of creative individuals. Mr. Thatcher was kind enough to purchase a full-page ad in our upcoming book, Alternative Engines Volume 4.

We need a little help creating a timeless ad for the CX4 and CX5. The book will be in print for decades to come, the same way our other three volumes have been since 1995, 2000 and 2008 respectively. (Roughly every 5 years we compile the engine articles that appeared in CONTACT! Magazine and publish a 330+ page soft-cover book.)

Anyhow, to make things interesting, we're having a competition. I'll be awarding the best submission a free subscription to CONTACT! Magazine. If you already have one, your subscription will be added to by the new subscription. Everyone who submits an honest ad will receive the current issue featuring the new CX5 on the cover.

If you already have that issue, you can select another one from our list of back issues: http://contactmagazine.com/backissu.html
(sorry that it's not up to date) or our next issue, which is also a special, an all Pietenpol issue.

We need to move fast on this as we plan to go to print at the end of next week so I'll need all submissions by next Tuesday (July 1) at the latest. Even though I'm offering a reward for your submission, don't do it for that reason - do it to help promote the Thatcher CX4 and CX5.

Thank you!
Pat"

Editor Note: The Thatcher CX Community is made up of many creative people. Let's see who can develop an ad Dave and the rest of us can be proud of!     Send your ideas to Pat directly at editor@contactmagazine.com
 

Greg Westberry (Westberry Manufacturing, LLC), with Dave's involvement, has completed testing of a CX5 wing.
The wing was mounted on a test stand and loaded to both 3.8 G and 5.7 G levels.
The wing passed both tests.

Photo's of the testing can be seen on Dave's website (http://www.thatchercx4.com/load_test.htm).

Editor Note:  We have posted the load testing photos on the CX4 & CX5 Specifications page of this website
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page).
 

The line item containing 10 ft of 1/2" x .058 4130 tubing has been removed.
Dave reports that it was used in the engine mount, but he has gone to a bigger tube for the mount.

Here's the link:
Thatcher CX5 Material List - June 20, 2014

Editor Note:  We also have a folder in the files section of the Yahoo group site where the most recently updated CX5 Material list is available.
 

We put together this short clip so everyone could hear for themselves!

Here's the link:

Thatcher CX5 Material List - June 12, 2014
 

I took a 25 min video and took the 2 min of it that I was demonstrating stalls in the CX5. I had several but they all look the same on video.

Like the CX4, the CX5 does not like to stall. It tends to just mush down and lose altitude slowly if you don't force it. About 5 mph before the stall break (which is felt more than seen) it starts to "nibble". I call it that because it is much less intense than a buffet, but very obvious. It is a more rapid buffeting, if you will, and of smaller amplitude. It is felt through the controls as well as the seat of your pants.

It is very obvious but in no way intense or severe. Can't be seen on the video though.In the video, I release the back pressure just a little as it stalled to show you how little forward stick is required for recovery. The CG was near the forward limit for this stall so it stalled at a higher speed than it would with a more normal or rearward CG.

A full stall landing in ground effect takes place at about 40...depending on CG.
 

Brandon Burgdorf mounted a GoPro on his left wing tip
to give us all a new perspective of flight in his CX4.

Greg Pixley continues to explore the country with his beautiful CX4.
He captured the details of his latest adventure in this PIREP:

"Memorial Day weekend provided the perfect opportunity for me to take N347CX on a road trip from the panhandle of Florida to Washington DC. I logged 16 hours and flew over 1700 miles with 10 lbs of baggage and despite the attempts of two lines of thunderstorms, she performed flawlessly and got me there and back without a hiccup.

This video is from the last leg Of Greg's return flight.

I've now got 88 hours on #347 and its great to finally be at the point where everything is still working after each flight and the only time I spend on MX is changing oil, doing inspections, or doing elective aircraft mods.

I plan to do a more detailed with some pictures for Todd's website to include video of the thunderstorm drama and how Stratus/XM weather saved me and got me home. For those of you building now, I'd say it important that you add a power source for your Iphone/IPad/Stratus or other portable electronic devices you plan on using in the cockpit.

Power management was key for me on this trip. I added a cigarette lighter receptacle in the cockpit and bought a plug-in adaptors for two USB cables. That got everything running, although the cockpit was a spiderweb of cable.

I planned five legs each one about 175 miles long. There were several valuable “lessons learned” I should share from this trip. The first leg was to Butler Municipal AL. When I finally found the airport I noticed there was NOTHING there! A quick look at the AFD showed no fuel available...maybe I should have looked at that before during planning!

Now with just over 1/8th of a tank indicated fuel remaining, I'm flying to the next airport hoping I have enough gas...

Lesson Learned #1: Have a good idea what your engine burns going X-country before going X-country! I was using 5 GPH as a planning number to keep me safe, actual turns out to be about 4.3 at 3000 rpm and 120 mph. First leg was 1.9 hours and 8.2 gals.

The rest of the trip to DC was pretty uneventful with the exception of a line of thunderstorms around Charlotte NC. It was dark and nasty underneath some bumpy weather but with the help
of XM weather I was able to navigate around the rain and made it to Richmond Executive airport just before sunset.

The next morning I flew the last leg to Bay Bridge airport which was inside the 60nm DC ring but just outside the SFRA. I used ATC for the entire trip going north. The reason I couldn't do the entire trip in one day was due to a late start on Friday. The plane burned (leaked) about half a quart of oil that I added along the way.

The return trip Monday showed weather pretty much CAVU for the entire trip so I was confident I'd have no problem. Departed at 0700 and flew to a different set of airports designed to over-fly some of the controlled airspace at Charlotte and Richmond.

My first stop was at another small town airport in Lawrenceville VA. This time I thought I'd vetted the airfields...this one said “open Memorial Day” but when I landed, there was nobody there! The fuel pump required someone to run the credit card. Called the airport number on the building went to a county number (which was closed).

I called the airport manager and heard the phone in the building ring! As I started walking down the road to the nearest farmhouse, a man showed up to mow the grass...turns out to also be the airport manager!

Lesson Learned #2: Self Service gas! With only 10.5 gallons, I didn't have the option to comfortably takeoff and fly to the next field on 3 gallons.

The remainder of the trip was flown VFR without talking to ATC. At Eufaula AL I added about ¾ quart of oil (had to buy a quart) and flew the last leg where I hit a line of thunderstorms I wasn't expecting.

Selecting the least ugly option on XM, I was able to avoid the heavy rain and limit exposure to light drizzle. The storm pushed me down to about 2000' and way off course. Fortunately, the last leg was the shortest and I had lots of gas.

Got the plane back in the hanger and drove 45 minutes home for a total time of 12 hours! Total cost for fuel, tie down and one night in a $40 cheap hotel was $475, more than my wife flying on Southwest but man did I have more fun!"

Greg
Niceville, FL, USA
N347CX, CX4 S/N 347

Greg replied to several questions raised on the Yahoo group:

Did you use 'Airnav' to locate fuel stops ? I depend on it for my trips.
You mentioned XM weather. I thought Stratus/IPad (I assume Foreflight) was supposed to provide WX for no charge ?
What route did you use to circumnavigate DC. Did you go out over the bay to go around Andrews ?

What engine/prop.
What temps did you see for oil, CHT. Where is your oil cooler?
Do you add STP or other additives to your oil. What brand oil ? Weight ?
Did you use MoGas or AvGas ?

Will,

You busted me...Stratus uses ADS-B weather data sent to Foreflight via wifi. I have not used Airnav but will give it a look. I figured using 100 LL self service airports would keep me going but prefer 93 ethanol free. I'm pulling the plugs this weekend to see how 16 hours of 100 LL impacted the plugs.

For avoiding Andrews AFB and the 30 mile ring, I flew west of Pax a River NAS and up the coast over land/water using two geo points to keep me out of trouble. All was done under control of Potomac then Pax ATC.

The engine is the GPASC 2180 with an Ed Sterba 54X46 propeller. Oil temperature is dependent on OAT but I rarely see more than 185 degrees except on summer days during climb. This trip oil temp was never an issue with the oil cooler on top of the engine venting out the top per plans. CHT never exceeds 300 and stayed around 250 after climb. The VDO sender has been suspect to me and seems to read low, but I've had no valve growth during the last 25 hours so it's not overheating. I'm using Valvoline racing oil with ZDP (30W summer, 10/30 winter) and have never tried STP.

 I had a 10 mph tailwind going and was able to average about 135mph ground speed (120IAS). Flew most at 3500', 20" MP and 3000RPM. 7.9 hours going out and 8.1 hours returning but the routes were slightly different. Fuel was 4.34gph going and 4.39gph returning. There was a headwind on the return. Oil pressure on the motor has been great maintaining in excess of 10 psi per 1000 RPM.
 

He asked that we post the list here and on the Yahoo group for everyone. It is in a PDF format that can easily be saved to your local computer and printed. Here's the link:

Thatcher CX5 Material List - May 25, 2014
 

Mick Wright (19-7872, #235) sent us this CX4 update from Australia.

2 of 36 builders in Australia (Mick Wright & Kevin Osborne) have completed and flown their birds. Mick reports that his bird (19-7872, #235) has now completed approx 50 hrs trouble free.

The ranks of flying CX4's is about to grow once again. Dennis Martin (19-8461, #505), Ridgehaven, Australia is about to have its preflight final inspection.

In a rare moment, this photo was recently taken of 19-7872 and 19-8461 parked alongside each other at the Barossa Birdman Club Fly-in in Gawler. The Barossa Birdman Club owns and operates Truro Flats Airpark. It has an east west runway measuring over 1,000 metres. Many recreational aircraft operate from this airfield including Powered parachutes, Trikes, Ultralights, single and two seater high and low wing homebuilt and kit aircraft. It is the oldest and largest (ultralight) recreational flying club in South Australia. Visiting aircraft are always most welcome.

Mick

Thom Riddle took his CX4 up today for a scenic flight over the Niagara River in New York state, and captured some highlights to share with us all!

"For those not familiar with this area:

First part is flying west along Niagara River's north side (in NY) approaching the Falls. Ontario Canada is on opposite side of river.

Part way through this part I turned the camera looking southward for a quick moment with Lake Erie in the distance.

After turning northward, you can see the Hydroelectric power plants and supply reservoirs. Two plants and two reservoirs, one of each in New York and second pair on left across the river in Ontario.

Once I got past KIAG class D airspace, I descended to about 2,000' msl where it started getting bumpy so I quit recording. Lake Ontario is in the distance."

Thom Riddle
N254RM - CX4 s/n 398

Glen Bradley takes us on a brief tour of Thatcher Aircraft.

"I know some of you might be concerned that a lot of special tools are needed to build Thatcher aircraft. Even though several people have said that you won't, I know seeing is believing so here is a video of Dave's shop and his tools.

Near the end of the video I am showing the paint section and there is some large square tubing standing there....this is what Dave takes and makes into the nose gear mount. I failed to show the box of 1x12 form blocks that were cut out of shelving material. Anyway. I thought you might like to see it in person. Very low tech."
 

Join Brandon Burgdorf for another flight in N147HL

I have been waiting for a perfect morning to take Dave on his first flight and this morning seemed to be it. I went to the airport early and checked the plane over and called Dave. NO answer. ugh He always answers, is he sick? Something else wrong???? I'll know at breakfast if he shows up.

I had exactly an hour so I decided to go flying anyway- it was gorgeous and silky smooth. One of those perfect mornings- cool, still air, unlimited visibility, not much traffic. You can tell exactly what the control inputs are doing on days like this. I loved it- I am very sorry Dave missed it.

AS usual, Dave and I meet for breakfast about 830 at Chik Fil A. I was a little concerned that he might be sick or whatever and not show up. But he did and he was fine. We talked about the usual aircraft things and I told him what had happened re the early morning attempt to call.He said, "Well, we could go now!"

I hesitated because it was now 80 degrees and a little wind had come up. We drove to the airport 3 miles away and ultimately, the beautiful day won out and I said "Let's GO". In a few minutes we were both strapped in and cranked up. We have a intercom built in the radio and it is voice activated --- worked well. I love the ICOM radio.

I taxied out and could tell almost no difference from solo. I was ready at the end and smoothly pushed in the power. Liftoff took about three seconds longer than usual and climb out was brisk. We climbed at 80 mph and got a good solid 600+ fpm at all times (thermals made it vary some)....by the time I turned an early crosswind I had 700 feet and was just over the end of the runway. What a performer!!

On crosswind I throttled back to cruise power for climb and on downwind at 1000 feet was grateful the tower ask us to do a 360 for spacing. Dave and I had discussed that I might ask for one anyway so he could fly the plane for a while. I gave the plane to him and I could feel him feeling out the controls during a very nice 360. It made me smile. We have both waited a very long time for this day.

I took control again for landing and came in a little high just in case the rate of descent was greater. There was no need to....it glided normally (which is incredible) and I had to slip to a landing. Flare was normal and we had a smooth touchdown. Mission complete.

Dave said there was plenty of room in the rear cockpit- he is 6 foot 2 in. and, to my surprise he said the visibility was GREAT from back there. I did not expect it to be that great from the rear seat but he said it was excellent. It was a very solid flight and we were both very impressed with the performance. The climb out was, in fact, exactly what I had expected ....600 fpm plus some depending on thermals.

So, IN SUMMARY, we flew the CX5 with two big people- (one tall, one huge) and almost full fuel on a warm day (density altitude about 2000 feet). I weigh 270, Dave weighs 180 and we had ten pounds of baggage in the back and very close to full fuel plus headsets etc. Other than slight trim differences the airplane flew very much the same as solo. Total weight for the flight > right at 1300 pounds. I am constantly amazed at the performance of this airplane.

All in all a GREAT DAY!!!
I will be smiling all day. I'll bet Dave will be too.

Glen

And Dave was quick to add his comments:

Yea, it was great. The excellent visibility, out the sides & from the rear seat was unexpected. I liked the feel of the controls, too. I feel real good about this airplane.

Best regards to all who have plans to this airplane. You are going to like it.
Dave Thatcher
 

There has been another exchange on the Yahoo group lately regarding design load numbers for the CX5. In response to those that have contributed to this discussion, Dave posted the following on the Yahoo group site earlier today:

"Gentlemen:

A load test of the wing has been in mind from the start. I can not do it.

Mr. Greg Westberry, who makes the kits for the CX4, and will be making the kit for the CX5, and is going to do the test. He will prove out his wing kit as well.

This means making a wing and center section, taking it to 3.8 g's, then on to 6 g's. I have sent him the funds to do this. Now give him a chance. He is a very busy man. The CX4 is still a very popular airplane. Is every one straight on the wing bolt question now?

The design limit load factor is 3.8 for the CX5 (like Piper and Cessna) and the ultimate load is 5.7. (A safety factor of 1.9)
I used 6 as my design figure because the sand bags come in 50 lb bags. This makes the math easy and includes in the safety factor, plus some.

Mr. Anderson thought I was using 6 g's as the limit load factor and needed to add 1.5 g's more for safety. The bolts would not hold 7.5 g's.

I apologize to him for this miss understanding and appreciate his contribution to the Yahoo Group."

Best regards,
Dave Thatcher
 

There has been an exchange on the Yahoo group lately regarding control surface travel
in the CX4.

Dave has gotten involved, and asked that anyone having difficulty with getting the desired travels contact him directly via email. Expecting the same topic to be raised with the CX5, Glen recorded a brief video showing the control surface travel he has in the CX5.

Glen made another video available showing two people entering and exiting the CX5 cockpit.

"After a pleasant breakfast with Dave this morning, I went back to the airport and enlisted the help of a couple of line crew at Pensacola Aviation to help me make a brief video of getting in and out of the CX5. It is attached.

I am 5' 10" and the other guy is 6' even. He had never gotten in the plane before. Note: We are both sitting on 2 inch cushions."

"It is a small world indeed. I am in South Bend, IN, USA for an apprenticeship contest. I am a sheet metal worker by trade and our apprentices are competing in a statewide contest here. I helped yesterday all day and today my time was free. So I went to the Elkhart airport which isn't to far to bum around and talk to some folks.

I found an EAA sign and went in to talk and the lady had just got done cooking breakfast and said the guys were down in the hangar working on the Cub. She told me how to get there.

I poked my head in the door. There were several guys, 6 or so. I told them I was just bumming around and they were all very friendly. Got to talking about the Thatcher CX4 I just built and it just so happened that a guy spoke up there that had built a CX4!

It was Dennis Hackbarth, the gentleman who built the first CX4 fastback, I believe (Editor Note: Dennis built S/N 241, N938DH, and it was 17th CX4 to fly for the first time on June 4, 2010). We talked for quite a while and compared notes and so on. It was awful neat to be part of such a small club (41 complete & flying around the world), and run into a fellow builder like that. It is indeed a small world."

Brandon

Dennis & Brandon                   
 

Glen took the CX5 up for another early morning flight!

Glen asked us to get his new videos online. He took advantage of another beautiful morning in Pensacola to go flying. Here's a recap of his arrival at the FBO.

NOTE: These videos are in High Definition. Click the icon in the lower right corner of the YouTube windows and enjoy them full-screen!

He added his in-cockpit narration to the video of the early morning flight, including slips and several touch & go's.

You can read his full post on the Pilot Reports page.

The 41st CX4 Has Taken It's First Flight!

Brandon Burgdorf (Evansville, Indiana, USA) started the build of N147HL (#519) on August 18, 2012, taking a spar cap from raw stock to a finished part in one evening. He compiled the following video recap of his build progress since that first evening:

Fast forward to today, and Brandon is excited to report that his bird has just taken its maiden flight!

"Tonight I flew # 41 for the first time! Very uneventful other than a heavy left wing and the CHT gauge not working. I will post more info when I have more time, but for the meantime I wanted to post some videos. More to come!   Thanks group, for all of the support and help along the way!!"

Brandon captured the flight details on video, as seen from both the ground and the GoPro he mounted in the plane:

Editor Note:

Brandon, With your excellent blog, many have watched your build progress from day one. With your first flight today, you've realized a dream we all share in an incredibly short amount of time. On behalf of the global CX Community, our congratulations go out to you (and your family for giving you their support throughout the process)!  Your bird is beautiful!

Thanks for sharing all the details since that first night in your workshop and the video of the first flight. We all look forward to your future PIREPS as you begin to fly off the initial 40!

It was great that you were able to squeeze Sun n' Fun into your busy schedule. We all enjoyed meeting you in person!

Todd
 

I want to apologize to everyone for the delay on getting this information on-line. I was able to have web access at the booth, but the volume of people that came through was high and I ended up spending a large amount of time trying to talk to everyone. Over the years, I have come to know many names of the regulars on Herb's Yahoo group site. This year, I was able to meet many of them who stopped by the booth in person (as well as countless others who expressed a strong interest in both of Dave's CX designs).

Since returning home late last Sunday, I began and have been working non-stop on a special project that should be of interest to anyone starting or planning a CX5 build. Those that already have plans (or anyone one else planning a future plans purchase) will note that Dave compiled a five page material list for the plane, containing approximately 182 line items. Of these, 139 are sourced from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty company.

For those not familiar with Aircraft Spruce, they have an excellent website (Aircraft Spruce) devoted to most needs of homebuilders world-wide. One page on the website (Building Materials & Kits/Kits & Plans) lists many of the kits they support, and many kits listed have a order form that has been pre-filled with all the current parts they can supply for the kit. This form can be edited to adjust desired quantities for one, several or all parts associated with the kit.

With Dave's approval, I spoke to Josh (the Aircraft Spruce Product Support Manager, responsible for this section of their website) at their booth this year and inquired if we could develop this ordering procedure for the CX5. He thought it was a great idea and agreed to help make it happen once he returned to his office in California after the show. I've been working to configure the material list into a format that will be most easy for Josh to incorporate into his system.

I don't know how long it will take before it becomes available on their website, but I will notify everyone here and on the Yahoo group when it gets up and running. If this project is well received, I'll discuss with Josh expanding it to include the CX4.

I want to personally thank Dave, despite his feeling less than 100%, and Glen for making the trip down this year. The efforts they have made taking the CX5 from a design on a napkin to a completed aircraft with it's initial 40 flown off in such a short time has been remarkable, and the information they've shared along the way has been appreciated by everyone.

I had the privilege of spending a large amount of time with Greg Westberry during the week, and he's another person I've developed a huge amount of respect for. The caliber of work with the CX4 kits he's developed so far is exceptional, and his plans for the future CX5 kits will be no different.

Greg Pixley (aka Pix - not Alan) flew his CX4 down, and offered to park it at the booth for the duration of the week. Greg is another great guy, and much to my surprise, won the bet with his other half on going over to Universal in Orlando during the week.

In speaking with Glen just the other day, he mentioned that this "Community" website was appropriately named. With all the people I've had the opportunity to meet over the years, I couldn't agree more!

Thanks,
Todd

(Scroll down - There's much more!)

As everyone already knows, Glen Bradley had planned on flying the CX5 to Lakeland, but despite his and Dave's best efforts with all of the preparation, were not able complete all of the tasks required. For this reason the CX5 was not at Sun n' Fun.

Greg Westberry, Glen Bradley, Greg Pixley and Dave had the booth setup by the end of the day on Monday (3/31) in preparation for the expected stream of visitors throughout the week.

Greg Westberry (Westberry Manufacturing LLC) coordinated the booth setup this year, where examples of his CX4 wing and tail kits were displayed. Samples of all the CX4 composite parts available from Earnest Martin were also shown.

Note:  We've added photo's of Greg's CX4 kits to the Westberry Manufacturing LLC page on this website.

Greg Pixley, Niceville, FL, USA (CX4 S/N 347, N347) flew his beautiful CX4 down for the show, and it was displayed at the booth. It did attract a steady stream of visitors, several people tried it on for size and everyone was kept busy answering questions.

Note: Greg has posted two flying videos on YouTube. Here's the links:

http://youtu.be/2hQrbnHiIA4

http://youtu.be/j2feRHnYg40

Tom Stallings of Garden City, Kansas who holds the title of having the first CX4 to fly into an EAA AirVenture convention (July 2011) flew down to SnF this year and camped next to his plane. Tom came by the booth several times during the week, and it was everyone's pleasure to meet him and visit in person.

We stopped by Homebuilt Parking to get several photos of Tom with his plane, but just like Oshkosh several years earlier, he was once again wandering the grounds. Note: Tom did make the maiden flight of S/N 0200 on Aug 23, 2009.

The Thatcher/Westberry booth was visited by various media representatives during the week. In the photo below, Greg Westberry is being interviewed. As we learn of these interviews being made available, we will post links to them on this page.

Dave, Glen and Greg hosted a forum on two separate days during the convention. Both were well attended and many questions were asked. Everyone was disappointed that the CX5 wasn't able to fly down, but everyone we spoke with understood the circumstances and felt the right decision had been made.

We were able to get a video of the entire forum held on Friday (4/4) and pending additional edits, will have it on-line
(YouTube and the top of this page) ASAP.

With so many people coming through the booth everyday, it was tough to sneak away to grab a bite to eat. Brandon Burgdorf (Evansville, Indiana) made a food run and came back with a snack (OK - lunch) for Glen.

Brandon snapped a quick photo and sent it to us for posting. We'll let each of you come up with your own caption - but don't forget: Despite being a bigger guy, Glen has over 200 hours in the CX4, has loved every minute of flying it and is looking forward to flying it many more!

Another CX4 is getting close to its first flight.

Brandon Burgdorf, Evansville, Indiana, USA just made several photo's available of N147HL (#519) as he transferred it to the local airport (with the help of two eager assistants) for final assembly and DAR inspection on April 4th.

Brandon's bird is another example of a very good looking CX4!  He started building in August 2012 and has made remarkable progress in a very short time. Click here to visit his builders blog. 

Before heading out to our day job early this morning, we asked Dave how many plan
requests he has received since his release announcement on Tuesday.

As of this morning, he had already shipped out 21, including several sets going to international locations:

• 17 sets throughout the US
• 2 sets to Australia
• 1 set to Turkey
• 1 set to Thailand

On behalf of builders everywhere, we'd like to thank Dave and Glen for their efforts in taking the CX5 from concept to reality with plans in builders hands in a very short time, and for keeping us all informed throughout the process!
 

He posted this message on the Yahoo Group earlier today:

Three U.S. senators earlier this week introduced the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act as a companion bill to one unveiled in the House of Representatives in December, which includes a provision that would reform airman medical certificate standards while maintaining safety.

Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) co-sponsored the bill that provides a solution to a long-standing hurdle of burdensome medical certificate standards for pilots who fly recreationally. In March 2012, EAA and AOPA requested an exemption that would ease third-class medical requirements for pilots flying certain types of aircraft, but the FAA has not to date taken action on that request despite more than 16,000 comments received in favor of the proposal.

"I urge the FAA to work with our pilots, respond to these reasonable petitions, and provide additional flexibility," Sen. Boozman said when introducing the legislation. "If the FAA continues to delay, this bill will start the discussion toward a legislative solution."

In announcing the bill, Sen. Boozman also noted that current regulations require private pilots flying aircraft for recreational purposes to have a third-class medical certificate. Over the last decade, 60,000 pilots left the industry, many due to the costly and time consuming process of obtaining a medical certificate. This bill expands on the success of FAA's sport pilot regulations that were adopted in 2004 and allow pilots to fly many types of small, light aircraft without a third-class medical certificate but require that all pilots undergo a flight review by a certified flight instructor every two years. During these biennial flight reviews, instructors will continue to evaluate each pilot's physical and cognitive condition, as well as his or her ability to safely operate an aircraft.

The proposed legislation would allow pilots to use a valid state driver's license in place of the traditional medical certificate if the flights are:

• Not for compensation

• Conducted in VFR operations only, at or below 14,000 feet MSL

• No faster than 250 knots

• In aircraft with no more than six seats and no more than 6,000 pounds gross takeoff weight.

In addition to allowing pilots to operate common GA aircraft for personal and recreational flying without a third-class medical, the bill mandates that the FAA prepare and send a report to Congress detailing the impact of the bill's passage on general aviation safety within five years of the bill's enactment.

"We appreciate the senators' attention and action on this issue that has negatively affected many pilots," said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. "It is time to use the positive safety experience gained from a decade of sport pilot activity - as well as such flying activities as gliders and ballooning - to establish medical certification reforms that will sustain and grow general aviation in this country."

The House bill, H.R. 3708, was introduced in December by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO). To date that bill has gained 52 co-sponsors and continues to gather support.

For Our Friends in the US - Please Take Action: Rally Congress!

On the heels of this week's introduction in the United States Senate of the bipartisan General Aviation Protection Act, EAA has activated its Rally Congress website to make it easy for members to contact their elected officials and urge them to cosponsor this important legislation.

S2103, which mirrors to the House's HR3708 introduced in December 2013, widens the pool of recreational pilots who can enjoy flying their small aircraft without the expense and regulatory burden of third-class medical certification. The House version of the bill is gaining traction with a bipartisan coalition of 52 cosponsors. There are currently two cosponsors of the Senate bill.

Please take a few moments and Rally Congress to support the General Aviation Protection Act!

Glen Bradley had the opportunity to take the CX4 up today. He posted the following PIREP:

"I have been busy and haven't flown the CX4 much lately but this morning was perfect weather so......I was there at sunrise even though the clock said it was 7 instead of 6 as usual (DST).

Well, it was SILKY smooth and visibility was good too. It was one of those flights where there is absolutely NO movement of the plane that is not input from the pilot. It was a true gliding on air experience. Wonderful. Just a gentle vibration from the engine and mind and plane became one. It was such a neat flight. Mesmerizing!

As I was tooling around I couldn't help but think of the incredible efficiency of the CX4. Here is a REAL airplane (not as my old National Aerobatic champion friend called ultralights--"flying lawn furniture") that was FAST and efficient with GREAT control response. It is the best of all worlds and I had to reflect on the genius of the plane. Wow.

I flew for about 45 min and made a mental note to stop by the gas station later in the day and get enough non-ethanol fuel to fill it back up--- about 2 gallons. Amazing.

Here is a plane that does exactly what you want it to do, has awesome visibility and can outrun C172s on 50HP and costs about 1/6 the cost in fuel. Doing all that while handling like a miniature fighter instead of a school bus. Don't get me wrong-- C172s are one of my all time favorite factory built planes but.....there is no comparison at all in the way they handle compared to the CX4.

I thought about all you guys building a CX4 (and those soon to build the CX5) and thought I should just remind you of how wonderful it is going to be to takeoff in the plane you built and experience what I did today (and you will have WAY more HP than I did). It is truly something to look forward to. A flight to remember.

Dr. Glen Bradley
Pensacola FL
 

Greg (Allan) Pixley (Niceville, FL, USA; CX4 S/N 347; N347CX) recently completed his initial 40 hours and has begun over the past several weekends to expand his travels.

Check out his PIREP on the Pilot Reports page!

There has been an interesting thread on the Yahoo group regarding both the CX4 & CX5.
Glen Bradley posted this yesterday:

"I know some of you CX4 builders feel kind of left out lately because the CX5 is in the limelight right now. Well, I am here to tell you that BOTH airplanes are awesome. Don't feel the least bit left out. (incidentally, the Forums will cover BOTH aircraft).

I say this because----- I flew Dave's 4 today for 45 min. I hadn't flown it in a very long time and it was like putting on an old comfortable shoe. With almost 200 hours in it , I felt at home immediately, of course. Even better, it was FUN to fly...an awesome airplane. (and Dave's has only 50 HP).

Yes, the two planes are a little different in some ways- but clearly have the same genes. One sits somewhat more or less IN the CX4 and ON the CX5.... a higher seating position. Not radically different but noticeable if you are paying attention. The nose is low in cruise in the 4 and even more so in the 5....both FAR superior to nearly all planes I have flown. The 5 has absolutely the BEST visibility of any plane I have flown and the 4 is almost as good. Awesome on a blue sky CAVU day like today. Stunning.

If you even ask me which I like better I won't be able to answer that question. Not because I am holding anything back, but because they are both so good but slightly different. OF course, some guys need a two place so the question of which to build is answered automatically for them. Some guys DON't want a two place....they WANT to fly alone (and not have people asking for rides). It's a personal choice. Fortunately, it is a choice with NO bad options.

Your choice is AWESOME or AWESOME.

Glen Bradley"

Mark Waldron replied with the following:

"Glen,

As always, thanks for your posts. As the only guy with time in both airplanes, any further thoughts and comparisons of flying qualities would be very welcome. For instance, I'd be interested in your perceptions of roll rates (I'm guessing the CX5 might be a little slower in roll given the same input?), stability (static and dynamic), differences in techniques to manage airspeed/altitude on final approach, etc. Obviously, not a treatise or hard numbers, but any subjective opinions you've got at this stage.

Thanks again,
Mark W."

And Glen's response:

"Well, you are exactly right- the CX5 roll rate is a little slower as it is now (we are changing the aileron linkage to speed it up a bit) but it is mainly a matter of the aileron being a little heavier since it is so much bigger in surface area. It is not something that a new pilot would even notice but with a lot of hours in the 4 I noticed it. Don't misunderstand- compared to a Champ or Cub etc it is like power steering.

Speed management on both planes is essential on final because they tend to float. The 5, with just me in it and full fuel, floats more than the 4. Not sure how it will do with a heavy passenger but it floats a good bit now. So, just keep final approach speeds down and it will be fine. If not, you can always slip it down final or land a little hot. I try to land near stall- a taildragger habit-- but there is absolutely no problem putting it down 10-15 mph above stall and let the nose come over to plant the plane. The speed brake on the 5 does help but I tend to not use it simply because I don't need it and I slip to adjust for a high approach. I will be using it more so that I can report on how well it works.

Dave's 4 is only 50 HP and does fine so I can imagine what a larger engine would do. I'd love to fly one sometime. Therefore, I can't compare climb rates in any meaningful way. I will say that the 50HP CX4 vs. the 85HP CX5 comes out with the 5 climbing way faster....nearly double the rate with the climb prop it has on it now. We have ordered a cruise prop and should have it in two weeks, so then I can report on it. Now at 22in I get 3100 rpm in the 5 for a cruise of 115. The photo plane said I'm much faster than that. (my 90 indicated was their 97) I am expecting to indicate around 125 w the cruise prop....maybe more.

The nose position is lower in the 5 for a little better forward visibility but----both are so good that to say that might mislead one into thinking the 4s visibility is not nearly as good. IT IS SUPERB too.

I have driven a Miata and a Nissan Altima. The 4 is most like the Miata>> smaller , nimble, but with not much extra room. The 5 is like a Sports Sedan (Altima)...handled almost as well, a little bigger, and lots of extra room. Both are wonderful but different. I hate comparisons like that but maybe it will help. THEY ARE BOTH AWESOME FOR SURE. So I think it probably comes down to whether you want a two place plane or not and if you are going to do lots of cross country flying.
The fuel capacity in the 4 is 10.5 gal. ---- 20 useable in the 5. I think I can easily slow down a little from 75% and use only 4gph in the 5. Since Dave's 4 has only 50 hp it can't be compared to what most builders have in their 4s....but I can get it down to a little under 3 gph at very low cruise.

Both aircraft track well on landing and both need L rudder on takeoff. They are very similar in that regard. Of course, at over 250 pounds I have more room in the 5 but I never felt cramped in the 4 either.

Both look almost the same and people rave about how nice looking both airplanes are. Two superb winners. Your choice.

Glen Bradley

PS------- IF the 4 is a Miata and the 5 is a modern Sports Sedan....then a Cessna or Piper Cherokee are like an old Buick or Cadillac."
 

Pat Panzera just announced that the next issue of Contact! will have a feature article on the CX5.

Individual copies of the magazine can be ordered through the following link
(Scroll to the bottom of the page):

http://contactmagazine.com/backissu.html

Subscriptions are available through the following link
(This will be the first issue of the a new subscription if started immediately):

http://www.contactmagazine.com/subscrip.html

If you have any questions, contact Pat Panzera directly at editor@contactmagazine.com
 

Glen Bradley has officially flown off the CX5 initial 40 hours.

Available with or without pre-assembled spars, simply deburr the holes, sand the edges smooth and you're ready to rivet. Either version comes complete with all parts and hardware, and can be upgraded to include flush rivets.

Pricing information is available on the Plans, Parts and Engines page!

Contact Greg at flybgair@visioncomm.org or call 423.667.9708 for additional information or to place your order today!
 

Dave and Glen will also be hosting a forum on two days during the convention:
"Building and Flying the CX5 LSA 2 Place" (and the CX4 too, of course)
• Wed. April 2, 11AM, Room 11
• Fri April 4, 9AM,  Room 11

For those flying in this year, click here for the 2014 Sun 'n Fun NOTAM

Click here for a printable PDF of the maps below.

At first glance, you'd think that Glen Bradley had really expanded his CX5 flight envelope...

It appears as though Shawn has started a new thread. Another Yahoo CX4 group contributor, Robert Kent, also of Washington state, has Glen practicing "Valley Flying" around Mt. Rainier. Robert added that the altimeter reading of 2,700 ft is none too high in these mountains. 

Editor Note:
Thanks to Shawn & Robert for sharing the photo edits! As we wait for Glen to fly off the 40 hours and for Dave to finalize and release the plans, the ingenuity of pending builders is not a surprise as they envision flying the CX5 in their local terrain...
 

As he continues to build time on the CX5, Glen Bradley has made two more videos available:

The Pensacola News Journal (Pensacola, Florida USA) published another great CX5 story, written again by Kimberly Blair with photos by Ben Twingley, in their Tuesday, January 7, 2014 edition:

Experimental aircraft test pilot Glen Bradley is prohibited from taking passengers along for a ride during the test flights of the two-seater Thatcher CX5. But he’s giving them a taste of what it was like to have the wind beneath the wings of the two-seater experimental plane in a video posted on YouTube on New Year’s Day.
 

Ride along on test flight: Glen Bradley takes viewers on a test flight of the two-seater Thatcher CX5.

The video is of the first test flight of the aircraft on Dec. 23 at Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores, Ala., one of the few airports in the area at which an experimental plane can be tested. Bradley took it on an abbreviated flight on Dec. 17, but had to quickly return to the runway when a gauge displayed a faulty reading. But as soon as weather permitted, he launched from the tarmac for a flight free of anxiety from a pilot’s perspective.

“The goal of a first flight is for it to be uneventful,” Bradley said. “This one was. It was perfect. The aircraft performed exactly like we expected it to.”

Named after its well-known designer and builder, Dave Thatcher of Pensacola, the CX5 is the brother of Thatcher’s first experimental plane, the CX4, a one-seater he designed on a McDonald’s napkin in 2003. He designed the 5 model amid public demand for a two-seater and spent the past two years building it with Bradley. A story about Thatcher and his new plane design was featured in the Nov. 6 Pensacola News Journal.  Both of his planes are like sports cars with wings that are propelled by modified Volkswagen engines but designed to be stylish, safe and affordable for amateur pilots.

At 81, Thatcher’s test flying days are behind him. So he wistfully watched the test flight in December from the tarmac at Jack Edwards. “It felt wonderful,” he said of watching the aircraft fly flawlessly. “It’s was a long time coming, so I was very pleased it flew as well as it did.”

Although, he was at Jack Edwards Airport on Thursday ironing one small issue. “The oil temperature got up pretty high, and I’m making a minor modification to a lower area of cowling to let more air out (of the engine),” he said. Such minor adjustments are to be expected, he said.

Demand growing
As soon as Bradley logs the 40 required test-flight hours, Thatcher will be the plane’s first passenger.“ It has dual controls so I’ll fly it if Glen lets me fly,” Thatcher said with a laugh. “He loves that plane so much; he might not let me fly it.”

Since first taking the controls, Bradley has been logging reports for the experimental aircraft community, which the EAA industry online magazine says has been eagerly awaiting news on the details of the flight. “We were hoping it would (gain) 1,000 feet a minute, and it did,” Bradley said of the rate of speed with which the plane gained altitude.

While he described the plane flying very much like its brother, the CX4, Bradley said there’s no comparison to the CX4 when it comes to visibility. “The canopy in the 5 is more rounded and higher,” he said. “The 4 has great visibility but this has even greater visibility ... with the fact the wing is about a foot or so further back.”

Bradley intends to take the plane through vigorous testing over the next few weeks, clocking about three hours of flight time a day. He’ll coax it into routine stalls and recoveries and takeoffs under different weather conditions, noting the details for a pilot’s handbook he’s compiling on the plane.

Meanwhile, Thatcher is polishing off the plane’s plans for a growing number of pilots who are waiting to purchase a set for $475. He sold 574 plans for the CX4. The 5’s plans will be available after Bradley completes testing the plane, which he expects to be sometime in mid-February, weather permitting.

Once he’s completed the test flights, the Thatcher CX5 will return to Pensacola International Airport, where the plane was built in a private hangar. “And I can take people up for flights,” Bradley said. “I already have way too many people to give flights to than I can give. Everybody wants a flight.”
 

This was printed in a sidebar to the article:

Two experimental aircrafts, the CX5, foreground, and CX4, were designed and built by Pensacola resident and airplane mechanic David Thatcher. More than 500 copies of his first aircraft design the CX4 have been sold to builders all over the world. Both planes utilize a Volkswagen engine and can be run on premium automotive fuel.
Ben Twingley/btwingley@pnj.com
 

Glen Bradley continues to build hours in the CX5. He went up again today - twice. Here's his latest PIREP:

Glen Bradley had added a Sony Action Cam in the CX5 for Mondays flight, and following a great edit of the video by his son, just posted it on YouTube. This is his first in-flight video in the CX5, and we're certain he will be posting more as he works to fly-off the initial forty hours.

"This flight was about 30 min but mostly flying around the airport, so my wonderful son edited it down to 7 min. I am flying over Gulf Shores AL, a nice community about an hours drive from Pensacola. Phase I test flights are not allowed in Class C airspace so I will fly the 40 hours off there.

The canopy was covered with fog for the first bit of the video but it cleared. As soon as I take off I fly off on an angle to the runway so as to make it easy to lose altitude on the remaining runway (two turns are required and each one loses altitude). Then as I near 800 feet or so I am in a great position to make a 180 back in the opposite direction to land without the extra turn to line up with the runway. I try to stack the cards in my favor on test flights.

I level off at 1000 feet and get up to cruise speed but was also climbing a little so I just let the altitude creep up to almost 2000. The airspeed indicator is one that straight down indicates about 122 mph so I was not far from that at cruise with the Climb prop.

I lifted off in about 750 feet (displaced threshold is 500) and came in high and hot on purpose even though the plane felt totally solid- it felt a lot like the CX4 but a little heavier on the ailerons. I slipped most of the way down final (notice nose is offset to the right) and still had way too much speed so I floated a long way past the video crew. My actual touchdown point is hard to discern from the video because it was so smooth (smiling) but it was WAY down the runway and well below 50 mph.

The 5 is very stable on the ground and in the air. I had to taxi in on a service road instead of a taxiway so it was very narrow. Notice that even with almost no time in the plane it taxied so well I navigated the narrow road easily and with a good speed. I was smiling and quite happy all the way home...and beyond.

Now that my son has learned how to edit the video footage I will be uploading others of things like steep turns, stalls, etc. I hope you enjoy the video."
 

Editor Note:

Glen, The video of the flight turned out great. With it, you're sharing the excitement of these initial flights with potential builders all over the world. On behalf of everyone that will be watching, Thanks for your efforts! 

Kudos to your son for his edit. He did a beautiful job!