Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 07:49:10 +0200 From: Jannie Versfeld Subject: COZY: Retractable Step Hi All, Can any one please help with info regarding the retractable step. I saw this on a Long Eze that flew in from Holland which was built in the US. This looks like a neat idea. Kind regards, Jannie Versfeld Cozy #673 "Starting to work on the canopy & turtle deck" From: cdenk@ix.netcom.com Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 15:38:50 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Re: COZY: Retractable Step There are several available, depends on which plane and canopy hinge you have. For side hinged Vance Adkinson, for front hinged me. Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 07:22:04 -0400 From: "Marc J. Zeitlin" Subject: COZY: Retractable Step Jannie Versfeld wrote: >Can any one please help with info regarding the retractable step. I saw >this on a Long Eze that flew in from Holland which was built in the US. Along with Carl's suggestions, Jeff Russell (AeroCad) also has plans for a retractable step (which may be similar to the others). I've got a homebrew version of a cable operated retractable step in my plane, and you can read about it in the "retract_step" file in the archives for 1997. I modified it after writing it up (don't remember if the mods ever made the archives) but basically I increased the diameter of the tubing and rod, and then activated it with a push/pull cable mounted on the I.P. rather than with a handle under the seat. It works pretty well, doesn't take up much space, and disappears completely. It is, however, pretty small, and if you've got big feet might be a bit awkward, even with the knurling on the end. I never got around to putting a picture on the web pages, but if someone is interested after reading the description, I think I've got some photos in my album and could scan them in and email them. If there's enough requests, I'll just create a web page for the retractable step and put the pictures and description there. -- Marc J. Zeitlin mailto:marcz@ultranet.com http://www.ultranet.com/~marcz/ Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 09:18:47 -0500 From: Michael Link Subject: Re: COZY: Retractable Step "Marc J. Zeitlin" wrote: > Jannie Versfeld wrote: > > >Can any one please help with info regarding the retractable step. > > Along with Carl's suggestions, Jeff Russell (AeroCad) also has plans for a > retractable step (which may be similar to the others). > > I've got a homebrew version of a cable operated retractable step in my > plane....... Another idea : Consider installing a" Noze Lift " by Steve Wright, or another form of linear actuator that is capable of lifting pilot and passengers from the fully retracted, "grazing" position. This mod. eliminates the need for a step altogether. It also provides other benefits like not having to wreck your back lifting the nose (esp. with full fuel ). It also allows partial retraction ; the plane can be moved on the ground without being concerned about the nose going airborne. Just a few degrees nose down shifts the C.G. foward enough that pushing the plane into the hangar is no problem. I know that cranking the gear up and down by hand in flight is no big deal, but flipping a switch is easier, and it allows one more time for other duties in the critical and busy times of take-off and landing. I believe it also has a more positive effect on passengers than the old hand crank....and don't forget the cool factor. Your plane is nothing if it isn't cool! Seriously though, I really enjoy the Noze Lift....I believe that you will too. Check recent editions of the Cozy Newsletter's supplier list in order to contact Steve Wright. Regards, Michael Link COZY MK-IV N-171-ML