Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 07:49:10 +0200
From: Jannie Versfeld <qmain@intekom.co.za>
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" <marcz@ultranet.com>
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 <mglink@bellsouth.net>
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



