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QuickTalk 15 - LETTERS

I've been working on my Q2 on and off (more off) for about 2-1/2 years. I'm now shooting for first flight by this fall.

I think Quickie Aircraft Corp. deserves some good words instead of what I usually read in the newsletter. I deal with the public in my business and have found that not complaining and raising hell all the time gets better results. I had no real long waits for shorted or backordered items. I've kept a log of calls and letters to Q.A.C. and find three weeks was the longest wait. Yes, I will run out of a few things, but if care is taken I think the Q2 could be built with what is sent. The time spent writing nasty letters and making phone calls could be spent planning work so there is not wasted material.

So - Great Job Q.A.C. and don't let the complainers get you down!

Q2 TIP - Cut the small spacers (1/4" o.d. x 3/16" i.d. 4130 tubing) using a tubing cutter and then ream with 3/16" drill bit. Holding spacer lightly with vise grips.

Dan Johnston (#2052), Cambridge, OH


(ED: NOTE: It's about time you happy guys started writing in. Thanks, Dan.)


Please include me on the mailing list of your great newsletter. I have Quickie Kit #541 and the typical horror story of defective and backordered parts and lies from QAC.

Terrence Crouch


I am planning to update my construction manual on Varieze props to suit the needs of Q2 builders. I would much appreciate it if you would publish the following:

Wanted - Revmaster-powered Q2 test bed for wooden props. Experienced, competent prop builder. Proven airplane only, Midwest location preferred. Least you can gain is a free spare prop. Larry Weishaar, 1924 North 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702, (217) 544-6086.

Larry Weishaar (Q2 #2391)


Thank you for the expiration notice. My last QUICKTALK issue was Jan-Feb and wouldn't want to miss one. Have other (good) homebuilts so stopped this one at about 50% to wait for a decent engine, better rain and short field performance, though I weigh less than 140 and the structure is light too, so far.

Charles A. Roehrig (#289)


I've designed a neat glass, S-curved tail wheel strut that eliminates all lateral flexing, puts the pivoting axes vertical, allows direct rudder steering (with hidden springs in the wheel steering lines) and is much stronger than the original. We've load-tested it but my Q-200 won't be ready for flight 'till next year. Anybody interested in trying it?

By the way, I also have a completed set of G.A.W. elevators and canard cores to give away. The elevators make dandy shop shelves meanwhile.

Keep up the good work.

Dick Sprague (Q-2 2388), 6805 S.W. Gaines Avenue, Stuart, FL 33497


I enjoyed our meeting last month with the guys from QAC and wanted to reiterate my appreciation for your including the nice letter from Bruce Patten in the Jan/Feb issue of QUICKTALK. In the next issue, it might be good to mention our new "Quick-Ship" service for rush orders; the builders might like to know that this is available. To recap, any order of five items or less that can be shipped UPS will be shipped within 48 hours (or customer advised) if Quick-Ship is mentioned. I notice that Robert Herd used it recently and hope it worked as promised. Also, we will also have a toll free "800" order line available in a week or so although I do not have the number yet. Finally, as Gene and I discussed with you here, the "battle" we are doing with Alpha Plastics comes down to someone offering "similar" products at lower prices while claiming that the products are the same as ours. This is not only unethical; it is possibly dangerous to composite aircraft builders. Only aircraft grade Safety Poxy and Hexcel Bid and UNI are approved by RAF and other designers because the commercial substitutes being sold by Alpha Plastics have failed their tests. Until these other materials are approved, we strongly recommend builders use only approved materials. Quality control costs money, and this is an expense we gladly pay to ensure quality materials even if the retail price tag is slightly higher. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and I'll see you at Oshkosh this summer.

Jim Irwin, President, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.


Recently I was introduced to a management tool, which is applicable to "Quickie Type" Aircraft (or any homebuilt for that matter). That tool is called C.P.M. (critical path management).

C.P.M. was developed by one of the large aircraft manufacturers to streamline production and keep track of progress.

Being a "Q2" builder, I decided it might be worthwhile to perform a C.P.M. analysis of the "Q2". The results of this work are:

1. A set of flow charts depicting all of the operations required to construct a "Q2".

2. A complete listing of those operations.

3. Estimated time to perform each operation.

Additionally, each operation of the flow charts contains a space to be colored when that operation is completed. By placing the flow charts on the wall of the shop, I can see at a glance what work remains and how much time it will take to perform that work.

Also depicted on the flow charts is where each "layup" or "cure cycle" occurs. This is helpful in planning the most efficient use of your time.

If you feel like I did (prior to performing the C.P.M. analysis) then you can appreciate having a clear picture of where you stand in construction of your project.

The "Q2 C.P.M. Analysis" is available from: Haxton Enterprises, P.O.Box 1291, Smyrna, GA 30081-1291. The price is $20 (U.S.).

Phil Haxton (S/N 2011)


Enclosed is my renewal for one year. I enjoy the honesty that QUICKTALK provides and someday I will send in my personal experience with my Quickie #461.

Harry Daymond (#461)



You can order a PDF or printed copy of QuickTalk #15 by using the Q-talk Back Issue Order Page.