Originally Posted by
mcoates
I have reached out to the RA-Aus to ask how something that stalls at 60 kn can be registered with the organisation. Told them I brought a PC 9 in an online auction and wanted to get it registered with them
I got an instant reply saying that most emails are replied to within 10 days...... DUH
I recall this conversation popping some years ago where some thought it might be prudent to move the Vari-eze's out of the Amateur Built category and into the less stringent RAAus category. This was around the time when the upper speed restrictions in RAAus were relaxed (repealed??) the sticking point was the high stall speed of the Vari eze. This was overcome with the simple statement that VE's are canard designs and can't be stalled.
Sort of true, but not really, the canard wing certainly stalls which due higher incidence prevents the other wing from stalling. However and aside from that many aircraft don't actually stall due limited up elevator or stick pushers, although obviously can be with a bit more effort, as can some VE's if you really work at and don't mind the notion that recovery is unlikely.
I suspect the Vari-eze probably shouldn't be in the RAAus category as its high minimum flight speeds and lack of off field landing capability do raise its risk factor in engine failure scenarios.
Surprised and pleased to see how well the cabin structure held up, vari lucky pilot, shame to see a unique and pretty much irreplaceable aircraft lost though, probably getting close to only half a dozen left in the country.