Cozy MKIV Overview & FAQ

In this video I talk all about my Cozy MKIV experimental aircraft that I built from plans. I take you along for a ride and answer all the frequently asked questions I get about it.
0:00 Intro
0:21 Overview
0:52 Why does it park on the nose?
1:13 How fast does it fly?
1:53 What is it made out of?
2:26 How far does it fly?
3:00 What avionics did you install?
3:26 What mods did you do?
4:03 Why is it backwards?

[@mikesatchell8317]

Good video Russ. We also park on the nose because if there isn't enough ballast in the nose, it will tip backwards.

[@russroams]

Forgot about this one, thanks Mike 😊

[@evanwalden7699]

Mike, does “We” mean you are also a cozy flyer? Possibly even just a canard flyer? To Russ and Mike: I am currently a low time student pilot preparing for my first FAA check ride in just a few weeks! I am the head a family of 4, and will be celebrating my 27th birthday in just a few short weeks, also. For my birthday this year, I am buying my set of plans for the Cozy MkIV! I would love to get on a contact list and have some friends with experience in the experimental world of aviation. Especially the canard! Russ, I really enjoyed this video and look forward toward more to come!

[@russroams]

@@evanwalden7699 Congrats Evan! We have a great builder community. Look foreword to seeing you get started.

[@mikesatchell8317]

@@evanwalden7699 As of 6/17/22 I am also a Cozy flier. It took almost 8 years to build N724CZ.

[@adrenalinedump9924]

Next time you are in Destin let me know. I'm a Mooney owner and am looking into Cozy's and Velocity's for possible upgrade. I would love to see your plane and would cover gas for a short flight. (I also sent an email) Cheers, Mike

[@U20E27]

Nice job! 1983-85 I built a Veri Eze same way nothing but a set of plans. UPS guy delivering foam, glass cloth and resin would insist on taking a look every visit. Such awesome planes.

[@CompleteWalkaround]

Great video

[@russroams]

Thanks! Love your channel

[@ircouhundred7294]

Hey I love this guy! KZbin worlds colliding!

[@Aviator168]

That side window is an excellent idea.

[@rileyswing9731]

Beautiful build and great video!

[@kieranshanley7365]

Your plan is gorgeous. So impressed that you built it in four years. I want won but I don’t know that I have the patience and dedication you do.

[@russroams]

Thank you for the kind words. If I can build it you can too!

[@asafgreen6730]

Looks amazing ! Safe flying

[@kf0vc]

Great job with the video! It's good to see you exercising the plane.

[@cyanoacry]

Great overview! You've got a great setup, and what a cool thing to do a video explaining the plane from _inside_ the plane... Safe flights, and hope you have a lot of fun with it!

[@GregoryACross]

Excellent! Great video, Russ!

[@dankennerson2080]

I would add, a canard can stall the main wing if you're out of your CG envelope.

[@thomascarey8721]

Russ, this is a great video. Nice job! Oh, the plane is nice, too.

[@princetonsoh6663]

Great video Russ! You have an awesome airplane.

[@stealhty1]

Russ, your intro part makes it looks so easy like if we could built it over the weekend ..thats an awesome machine Captain , congratulation and thx for share

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

Impressive … to say the least! The additional windows and side-sticks … your hands on knowledge … awesome! Had to subscribe!

[@stevepumfrey8060]

Incredible video and workmanship.

[@notpoliticallycorrect]

Great work! Great channel!

[@petesmith9472]

I think that is the best explanation I have heard for the canard

[@grantbartow13]

Great video! Congrats on finishing the plane. Just started looking for one to buy for the family.

[@mikesatchell8317]

I think you told me that another nice characteristic is how well the canard reacts to turbulence versus other aircraft.

[@markspedding9273]

Magnificent exhibition Russ. I treasure the flight I had with you, and I'm building, building!

[@kyledesu]

Great Job Russ

[@bryancotton7279]

Great video! And awesome Oshkosh 2020 shirt. We don't have that particular one but a lot of other 2020 gear.

[@michaelclements4664]

I've always loved these airplanes. @4:03, why is it backwards? Also efficiency. A traditional stabilizer in the rear generates downforce, which the main wing must compensate with more lift. That means more AoA and induced drag. With the stabilizer in the front, both surfaces generate lift and there is no extra downforce that must be compensated.

[@terryfulwider1296]

Beautiful airplane! I'm just outside of Guntersville and putting my shop together to start my Long EZ build.

[@cycletexas9157]

Well done Russ

[@jeffreygoodrich6972]

Excellent Video!

[@sekou777]

Awesome video! And very cool plane

[@cozy4build245]

Good one Rus!

[@nairdacharles9492]

One of the nicest private plane vids I've seen. Thanks.

[@repairsbydad7737]

Congratulations! did my LongEZ transition training in a cozy

[@chandlerfrog09173]

Oh that's cool Russ. I'm by Fort Rucker.

[@omamet]

Thanks Russ,

[@lee4171]

I'm pretty handy with tools and mechanical work. But I don't have those kind of skills, well done.

[@mjhornidge]

Nice!

[@TheRenegadeAV8R]

Great video Russ, you have a beautiful aircraft.

[@russroams]

Thank you!

[@TheRenegadeAV8R]

@@russroams I have a question, can you fly IFR in your Mark IV?

[@russroams]

Yes, I am working on my instrument ticket now, whenever I can fit it in 😊

[@TheRenegadeAV8R]

@@russroams Thank you for the response Russ, it's good to know that the Mark IV can be configured for IFR.

[@Tharkunify]

Very nice plane and build. I just dont have the time or patience to build one. Is there a reputable site for used Cozys or a builder assist program that you know of?

[@majorchungus]

I hope you show up to Oshkosh with this beauty.

[@russroams]

Thats the plan! Look for us in racers parking up front and center

[@majorchungus]

I am here at Oshkosh Row 335 with a long. I will look for you in the racers area.

[@unlisted773]

First, great video and introduction, Russ, and for your beautiful aircraft. Just awesome! Second, I'm a Cherokee driver, with only about 65 hours as PIC since getting my ticket last year. I'm a solid and very cautious pilot. Do you think a Cozy is a suitable upgrade at my experience level? Lastly, I think I've decided it is the perfect aircraft in terms of cost/payload/range/burn/ and speed. There just doesn't seem to be anything affordable in a 4 seat (well, practically only 3, riight?) with that speed and payload. What downsides have you found? Perhaps the experimental insurance rates? Thanks in advance.

[@russroams]

I only had 70hrs total when I started flying mine. Personally I think its much easier to fly than a c172. There are quirks about all aircraft I think

[@watashiandroid8314]

Nice video. There are not many high quality videos showing a fairly plans built Cozy MKIV on KZbin, and then especially few that share the real world numbers. What engine does your plane have, and what is the circuit board looking thing on the back bulkhead? Thanks.

[@russroams]

Io-360, circuit board is probably the engine monitor, also battery and contactors are back there

[@bartofilms]

Looks like a quality build you have there. I think it is a misnomer that the main wing cannot stall. If you loose the engine, you’ll need to land as soon as possible. If you loose too much airspeed, the main will deep stall and it is unrecoverable, unfortunately.

[@russroams]

Thank you! A per-plans canard will always stall before the main wing at any airspeed (as long as the CG is within the envelope) This reduces angle of attack and will never allow the main wing to reach a stall condition. Doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are or if the engine is running or not. It’s a beautiful design that removes one of the biggest dangers in GA

[@baileyroberts2293]

Great video! I'm in the research phase on the MKIV. Two questions - 1 - I'm 6'4 and "leggy" as well. Anything else you'd modify if you were a little bit taller (like moving the pedals a little farther forward)? 2 - Any concerns getting major or prefab components these days? (Landing gear, metal parts, etc)?

[@jeffeverde1]

Did you ever get an answer on fit for a tall pilot? I'm also 6'4", and the it looked like a pretty snug fit when Russ showed his knees under the dash

[@Mikinct]

Great plane What would be a ballpark figure to 1) buy plans 2) buy all materials 3) hire a person to build majority of it? I understand how canard works to prevent a stall. Question, with unique rudders "could one safely get out of a spin" if it ever finds itself in one? Do Rudders work like a typical plane left & right or do rudders work Independantly?

[@russroams]

1) $500 2) $125k 3) unknown 4) You cannot spin a canard aircraft, its a big safety feature 5) yes the rudders are independent

[@scottfranklin3713]

That's great. I live near Huntsville too and I have been thinking about building a Cozy as well. What airport do you fly out of?

[@russroams]

You should! I am based in khsv

[@nikolaborbandi6070]

Really nice job on the aircraft, and quite nice explanations as well. I've been exploring a lot about canards lately, and I think cozy really has it all. The only thing I didn't manage to confirm is can it land on a grass airfield? I know it has really small wheels on MLG, and there's danger of debris falling into the engine from the nose during TO, but is there any real option? Some sort of a customized landing gear, or it really comes down to the pilot and his decision? I'm assuming that surfaces that are a little to rough are not suited for cozy, but where would you draw the line?

[@russroams]

Most folks do not operate canards off grass strips. The nose wheel likes to kick stuff up into the propeller. If it was a very long and meticulously maintained strip, I might try it but otherwise not. Just my opinion

[@electricaviationchannelvid7863]

You will need a nose wheel cover like the MiG-29 has...and maybe a more robust tire size and support? It really depends on the grass strip...if it is like a golf course quality...no issues...

[@williamfletcher243]

Great video Russ. I just purchased plans - C172 owner / pilot approaching 500 total hours mostly in a C172/180 HP STC.I might have some technical and financial questions for you. Would email be a reasonable venue or would you prefer here? Congrats on your build .. looks like a beauty!

[@russroams]

Sure, we have an active facebook and mailing list group with smarter folks than me

Hi Russ, can you please post a video of someone getting into and out of your Cozy? I'd love to see the nose gear going up and down while parked. Do you lower the nose gear after you board?

[@russroams]

Yes I will write that down for a future video, good idea Sean

[@peterharvey7844]

My friend has been building a mark lll for years and is older and will be unable to fly it so the honour goes to me. I’ve flown a Q1 Quickie but never a Cozy or long Ez. Any tips? Hopefully it’ll be ready by this fall😊

[@ryankelley85091]

I fly a Piper Warrior like an old man drives a car. Watch the speed, never below 80kts on turns and keeping the ball in the middle. Always worried about spins, so something that's stall proof and spin proof is very interesting. I wonder if there's data and stats on the safety record of canard designs vs a traditional style airplane. This is a really nice aircraft. I wonder if you can have the rear seating removable? I expect to be solo 50-75% of the time. Two people 25-40%. Three to four people 10-20% of the time. It would be nice to have the flexibility to put the seats in when I have more than two people and take them out when for extra storage and fuel economy.

[@russroams]

Yes I have a removable platform for luggage in the back that could come out for rear passengers.

[@Interesting70]

Curious ? Seats how many ? HOw is noise in cockpit ? Can you put heat in it? Can you put De-icing on it? How much luggage ? General Cost of all material for build ?

[@excellenceinanimation960]

I want one one day! How's takeoff performance?

[@jamesstewart2543]

Does it have tiedown points to secure it outdoors?

[@joecarter1824]

how much do you have in the build? What engine did you use?

[@pavichtv.4942]

How many gallons do the wings carry? Thank you for this video!

[@russroams]

52 gallons total

[@timandnancyspencer9348]

Were can I buy the plans

[@CamrunThomas]

where can i find those plans?

[@3th1xs]

I wonder what a hammerhead stall would be like in this thing.

[@PJHEATERMAN]

I specialize in aircraft cabin heating systems. I'm assuming you're utilizing heat off the muffler ? If so is it effective ?

[@russroams]

Yes its a muff around the exhaust. It works so well I cant leave it on continuously we get too hot. Do you know of any existing boxes that will let me blend hot and cold air together? Instead of just on/off heat

[@PJHEATERMAN]

@@russroams I dont but it sounds easy enough to build. No different than a mixing valve on a turbine powered aircraft only simpler. I specialize in combustion heaters for general aviation twins. I would think a separate fresh air duct should suffice. Just mix the air that way.

[@russroams]

Is janitrol still the standard or some newer tech these days? My father had an older twin commanche with one of those

[@PJHEATERMAN]

@@russroams Janitrol and southwind TSO's have been bought up by Hartzell. They also bought C&D airmotive for their hy bred heater with no AD's. The Janitrol line produces whats called an (I) Series combustion tube (I) EYE for lack of a better description That has no pressure check requirements. It's made out of Inconel for better heat resistance. I build the same inconel tube on PMA. It's a gimmick to sell heaters. They will still fail, it's just the nature of the industry to sell a supposed improved product.

[@sman5877]

About how much does it cost? sir

[@mikeycrabtree123]

I have adored this design since I first learned about it. I really want to build one & I know that I can afford to build it, but what I'm really concerned with is what does it cost to insure, run, and maintain? After all, building it is pointless if one can't insure, fuel, & most importantly maintain it.

[@russroams]

750/yr for liability only, 5-16gph depending on throttle and mix. I flight plan 9gph in cruise, mx costs are minimal so far

[@mikeycrabtree123]

@@russroams thanks for the reply. Could you possibly be a little more specific about maintenance costs? What sort of ballpark is "minimal"? I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by the insurance costs. I somehow expected that to be much more than that.

[@russroams]

@@mikeycrabtree123 The gotcha with insurance is of you want hull coverage. I don’t know how much that costs because nobody would quote me. I was told to reapply after 350tt 100rg

[@russroams]

@@mikeycrabtree123 mx costs are hard to come up with. My airplane is only 1yr old and a lot of issues I’ve dealt with are teething things. My first “annual” cost zero dollars for example

[@mikeycrabtree123]

@@russroams that's a fair statement. Thanks for sharing.

[@terryterry1655]

Heading to oshkosh tis year?

[@russroams]

Thats the plan! Look for us in racers parking up front and center

[@MrPilotStunts]

Looks like Milano from guardians of the galaxy

[@hectorjosegarcia5263]

Lastima que no esté en ESPAÑOL...SALUDOSo

[@davidwebb4904]

Stall resistant

[@MartinSage]

I’m surprised it uses that much fuel. A guy has a regular Long EZ and he claims getting 40mpg at 150mph

[@mikesatchell8317]

That 14 GPH was at best power. At LOP, I think he gets around 8 GPH @ 170 Knots or so.