Duncan of Devonport’s KR2-S BLOG Started: 1 Aug 2004

Hi, and welcome to my BLOG (Builder’s Log).

This is a picture of what my plane will (hopefully) look like...
Ever since I held the controls during my initial trial flight (1 Sept 2003), I knew I wanted my own plane.  I would have started building immediately, except that I hadn’t a clue what to build.  I had to go through the long (but fascinating) voyage of discovery as I found out about high wing vs low wing, speed demons vs ‘low and slow’, composites vs metal vs wood, engine types and power, etc etc. In short, I had to build up an aviation mental repertoire of planes and everything which went with them.

By the time I got my PPL (March 2004) I was ready. I knew what I wanted.  I’d run the gamut of lusting after the Lancairs and Glasairs of the world, and realised that in reality I could afford about 25$k (NZD).  And the only reason I could afford this much was that I’d recently bought a new car (Toyota MR-S) which I could sell for about $25K. The plane would have to be plans-built, and the powerplant would have to be an auto-conversion.  Nothing else would come in on the money.

Fortunately, I discovered the KR2-S. It can be built entirely from plans and raw materials. And it’s preferred engine was a Volkswagen conversion. I noted with interest that the Corvair engine was also favoured by builders, and cost even less to build up that the VW.  And I discovered KRNet.org - an extremely active and knowledgeable online builders discussion list.

The KR2-S is an extremely capable machine. It has a Vne of 170+ kts and stalls at about 43kts.  It handles like a little fighter, but can accommodate two adults in cross-country journeys. All on 22 litres per hour.

So here I am - in possession of plans #9792, plus supplemental plans #1184 - and I’m building.

Please feel free to browse this site, and to drop me an email if you wish.

Regards
Duncan of Devonport
Auckland
New Zealand