<VV> CORSA membership Isues

[Dave Thompson]

I spent four years researching to build an airplane. My airframe of choice
happened to be a perfect match for the Corvair engine. While researching the
Corvair engine, I fell in love with the car. Eventually, I realized that
building an airplane was beyond my budget. Looking for a new hobby, I
purchased a 63 Spyder convertible and joined my local chapter and national
CORSA about this time last year. 

 

I wonder if we should try to get the Aircraft guys involved in CORSA. Find
out when and where they are having a fly-in and have the local CORSA chapter
also have a show & shine at the airport. I know of several guys that after
building their Corvair aircraft engine have purchased a Corvair car.  All I
am saying is that the flight guys are an untapped resource for new members.
I haven’t met a homebuilt aircraft builder that doesn’t also appreciate a
vintage car. Perhaps CORSA could print a bumper sticker that says “My other
Corvair has wings”. Award the sticker only to the people that have both.
Make it a status symbol. Maybe someone could write an article for the
Communiqué about a homebuilt aircraft builder who uses a Corvair engine as a
flight power plant.

 

I have heard that many Corvair car guys are angry that the airplane guys are
taking our engines. I live in Southern California. I have been to California
Corvairs, Larry’s Corvair Parts and am currently working at LS Corvair
Parts. I have seen HUNDREDS of 110 engines that are compatible with flight.
I’d bet that many of the other venders that I haven’t been able to visit
have a similar stock.  I don’t see that the flight guys are making an
appreciable dent on our supply.  Besides, most, if not all of them purchase
parts from our venders thus helping them to stay in business. William Wynne
of Flycorvair.com, among other people, has done a great deal of development
on our engine; some of which is translatable to our road cars & trucks.
William has several Corvairs that he drives every day and is a CORSA member
(last I heard).

 

Just thinking out loud, Flame on

 

Dave Thompson

Westminster, CA

Corsa Member

Vintage Corsa Member