Member Profile: Neil Myers (and sons) Cosy KR2
| If Neil Myers had stayed in his native South Africa, he would be flying his Cozy and sharing his flights with Pretoria EAA Chapter 322. But that was not to be. The cost to import the Cozy to Canada could not be rationalized, so the ‘nearly built’ airplane was donated to Chapter 322 and Neil left Africa to pursue his dreams in Western Canada. Once Neil, Kathy and their twin sons were settled in Okotoks, Alberta, the family’s thoughts again turned to home-building and a new project was spurred on by one of Neil’s sons who shared Dad’s passion for aviation. Together, they launched a project in Dad’s garage with help and guidance. Team Myers has been unrelenting in achieving quality and their project will undoubtedly be a truly unique airplane in the best tradition of home-building. The modifications are too numerous to describe here, but here are a few photos and some highlights of the presentation Neil gave to delighted attendees of the December 2005 EAA Chapter 1410 meeting. |
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The plane they chose was the plans-built KR2S—at least that’s where they began. From the start, the plan was innovation. Every part and component of the stock KR2 was examined and challenged. "How can we make it better/ faster/ more interesting/ more attractive or compelling, and safer."
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Here Neil is holding the completed rudder. The fuselage has been extended 14” and is equipped with a modified carbon fiber tail spring. The wing will be covered with 1 mil plywood rather than aluminum. The cabin is a two seater with a customized hat rack with compartments for small luggage, maps and flying gear. Dual controls have been added to the cabin and both elevator and aileron systems have been changed from cable to push-rods. |
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The KR2 gear, normally retractable, has an annoying tendency to go through the wing with a hard landing, so the Myers reconfigured theirs to avoid this problem and made the gear fixed, spring-leaf. Notice there are no brake lines showing, although hydraulic brakes are installed. The aluminum gear leg has been bullet-drilled to create the hydraulic fluid lines. |
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When completed, the airplane will be powered by a Porsche 911 auto engine. The engine conversion is well underway. Many innovations involve precise metal machining, such as the fuel caps and their mounting fitting to the specially welded aluminum fuel tanks. The panel, is the masterpiece of this homebuilt, and the panel innovations undertaken will soon be available on websites and through Neil and Darryl.
Neil and Kathy at home on the air ranch in Okotoks, Alberta. |
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We can be sure, there will be some innovative modifications forthcoming, inspired by the this project. Another Cosy KR2 in flight. |