Cozy MK IV Serial #1537 N724CZ

This is my supplemental builders blog for a Cozy Mark IV which is a 4-seat, single engine, homebuilt light aircraft designed by Nat Puffer, with parts and plans supplied by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. The aircraft is built from plans using basic raw materials. It is not a kit aircraft, though many small parts are available prefabricated. The Cozy is similar in design and construction to the 2-seat Rutan Long-EZ, from which it is derived, with approval from Burt Rutan.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

2019/6/20 Update - Canopy latch hardware

I was still lacking some of the canopy latching hardware. I needed the 3/8" AL 2024 square stock but isn't listed on the common supplier web sites. I found 12' of 6060 for $7 at a local metal distributor.

The first set I made using a hand held drill. It works, but the hole is slightly crooked. Probably okay since the longeron is not straight either. Maybe it's better to have it at an angle. :-)

Anyway, I decided to make a few extra sets using the table top lathe. I had to shim the stock to the correct height, but using scrap aluminum sheets of different thicknesses, got it aligned. Using a straight edge, got the stock parallel with the drill bit, then used the carriage screw to center the stock.

A modified longer latch arm will be tried since there may be some interference with the Tosten military grip. -update: Added photo at the bottom. Almost 500 flights with this modified latch. Still lacking a way to lock the canopy, but I haven't given up yet.