Overview

Overview

The following information is taken from the original information sheet provided with the plans. Data is circa 1979 and does not reflect additional cost of construction due to inflation.

At left is Terry Majewski's Boredom Fighter on a low pass over Nebraska.

Overview	The airplane was designed to appeal to those who admire aircraft of the late WWI vintage. As such, it has the appearance of many of them, and no one particular. It is original and modern in aerodynamics. It is lively and responsive but normal in behavior and presents no problem to anyone who could land a Taylorcraft in a light crosswind with no passenger aboard. Although it flies like a fighter in that it will go willingly where you point it, it is stable in all axis and presents a light well proportioned, positive feel in all controls. The differential ailerons permit positive action right into the stall and create no surprises. Stick against the rear stop, a definite buffet is felt where upon the nose drops gently, the wings unstall, and almost immediately, the stall is reentered. This will continue until back pressure is eased off. It is quite easy to land and should be three-pointed. Rollout is steady even with the tail wheel unlocked.
Taxiing	The W-11 is quite firm while taxing in cross winds. 40 mile gusts at 90 degrees present no problems even on asphalt. The stick must be forward when taxing downwind.
Crew Comfort	All this has been accomplished in a rather light but very strong structure with a surprisingly roomy, draft free cockpit. Visibility in all axis is excellent. Pilots up to 6’1" and 200 lbs. Can be accommodated.
Structure	One design requirement in construction was economy in construction and operation. A straight forward wooden construction of de Havilland type provides a strong, resilient and long lasting airplane. Every piece, fitting, bolt and wire have been analyzed for weight and strength. While it could perform well on 50 H.P. the 65 H.P. Continental was chosen for its durability, economy of operation and power at low RPMs. The latter is very important to short field performance. A 90-100 H.P. engine would not improve takeoff because of weight and higher RPM. They would increase top speed a very little, but that is not important to a fun machine. Landing speed would increase and that is undesirable. This machine is designed and stressed for the A-65. No other is recommended.
Flying Characteristics	While the design is strong enough for mild "inside" aerobatics, it is not intended as a trainer or performer for all-out aerobatics. That is a completely different design requirement. If it were stabe enough for IFR flying, it wouldn’t be any fun for just flying enjoyment. The Boredom Fighter is just that, a friendly delight to fly with amazing short field capability.
Basic Building	The fuselage and tail may be built like a model on a 2 x 12 foot table, and the wings may be assembled on two vertical floor to ceiling posts which were the 2 rails for the table.
Required Tools	The only special tools needed are a good table saw with a sharp planner blade, Sabre saw, drill press, variable speed Ľ" hand drill, and a few sharp hand tools. A number of clamps will be needed also. Welding has been kept to a minimum. All welds are easy to make. The sequence is in the plans.
Glue	Exotic glues are not necessary. Weldwood Plastic Resin provides joints stronger than wood. It is low in toxicity and provides a wide tolerance to temperature and pot life. If you promise never to boil the airplane, it will outlast you.
Drawings	Accurate, professional drawings are available. They provide every dimension of every part and assembly. They are drawn in a logical order of procedure with references to each other for clarification where pertinent. Process and procedure information is provided so that a reasonably good mechanic can produce a really professional job. 45 drawings, 11 x 17, are supplied. The prototype received an EAA award for best wooden construction. The drawings depict the prototype exactly.
Wood material	It is recommended that grade A aircraft spruce be used, "select" for spars. Procure it milled two sides in the nominal thickness. One inch is needed for front wing spars, tail spars and firewall frame. All the balance is 7/8 thick. These milled planks usually run 7 to 8 inches wide and are priced as if 6 inched wide (ie. A ten foot plank is considered as five board feet). The overage is used for fairing strips, rib stock and such.
Cost (1979 $$s)	Using raw materials, in 1979, only and new A-N fastenings, the cost of the prototype was $1200 for the entire project, exclusive of engine and propeller. The latter is wood 72" diameter and 43" pitch, a standard item for the Taylorcraft, Funk, Aeronca, and such. The ideal prop would be a 72 x 42… Do not use a metal prop.
Wheels/ Brakes	Used 6 x 6 Taylorcraft wheels and brakes go for about $50 a pair. The mechanical brakes on these Shinn or Firestone wheels are poor on Taylorcrafts, but rigged as shown on the plans, are as powerful as can be used. Light and reliable, they cannot leak "paint remover" into the fuselage.
Construction Time	Construction time varies with the builder. Actual construction time for the prototype was about 1500 hours. The job was not rushed, it was enjoyed! The design employs only material and techniques which will endure and be reliable and light. IT is no more difficult to make than a Pietonpol. Above all, peace of mind in flight is paramount. No revered classic exceeds this airplane in this regard.
Performance Data	The performance data is conservative and verified by stop watch timed-flight averages.
Plans Cost	The plans set sells for $125 in USA Money Order or bank check.
Flutter Testing	P.S. The prototype was flutter tested in 5 mile increments to 146 MPH and found to be flutter free.