Testimonials

Del Preston's CA-2 Flies!

By Brian Lindner Editor : CA-2 FLYER

Owner and builder Delmar Preston, Cochranton PA, spent three years building his 1/2 VW powered CA-2. He decided to have an experienced UL pilot ( miniMax among others ) fly his ship for the first time.

First flight was attempted on June 13, '02. At 100' AGL the engine died stone dead, the pilot executed a successful dead stick landing, with no damage to the plane or pilot. Investigation revealed a bit of solder covering the fuel outlet of the tank. A pencil type screen was installed at the outlet to avoid any future problems of this sort.

On July 1 '02 the plane was successfully flown without incident.

After spending hours practicing taxiing of the aircraft, the old timers were telling Del to fly it or take it to the go-cart track! So on Sept. 28, '02, Del made 2 flights totaling 50 min. Flight was described as AWESOME!

Del's CA-2 by the numbers

1/2 VW.........Hummel cut case version
94mm jugs, 69mm stroke
Flys at 3000 rpm

Prop..............54 X 20 Culver

Carb........Zenith updraft, Alum. Ford Model "A" replacement

Ignition.....Fairbanks mag ( primary )
Modified distributor / Motorcycle coil ( secondary )
Dual sparkplug heads

Weight.........................305 lbs
       Note: this is with- Full paint,
       brakes, dual ign. w/battery
       All SS pop rivets used.

CG came in just a bit forward of neutral. Requires just a bit of back pressure on the stick to maintain level flight.

Cruise speed.....mid 50s mph

Cost..................Airframe $2500
Engine (used) $1000

If you've flown or are building the CA-2, please send your testimonial to be published on this page.

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