You all know what I think of single engine airplanes, and I think I've made myself pretty clear about how I feel about singles. That said, I always wanted to build a homebuilt, and they don't come in pressurized single. I love the Garrett TPE331-10 engine, so I want to use that. I also really want to try some new things like the thermawing anti-ice.

If I build my own from a kit like an Epic, can I put whatever motor and radios I want? Finally, can I stick a chute on the thing? I don't like the idea, but if I can't have a twin, I'd like to have something to bail me out dead stick down to minimums...

If I had the money, I'd have a Lancair Evolution. Amazing airplane!

In an Experimental / Amatuer Built plane, you can use any of the great selection of avionics from the much-less-expensive non-certified market.....Garmin, Dynon, Grand Rapids, Advanced...

I've seen people put many different types of engines into all kinds of E/AB planes, sometimes successfully. Personally, I wouldn't "experiment" with being that kind of test pilot.

Regarding parachutes, companies like BRS have developed chute systems for some types of E/AB planes. For example, there are chute systems for just 2 of the several Vans RV models.

For me, I wouldn't just pick an engine I like, a wing I like, etc., and then just try to manufacture a plane. But, that's just me, a non-aircraft-builder, non-engineer pilot who also has very limited knowledge of engines.

Absent some contractual restriction from the kit seller, yes, you can do basically anything you want in EX-AB. One of the explicit purposes of EX-AB is education, and you're going to get one heck of an education if you're going to trailblaze on engines, props, anti-ice, avionics, etc, all at once.

The sheer number of hours is what puts the kibosh on my dreams to build a homebuilt from scratch, and that's even with mostly confining myself to the center of a well-trodden road, to say nothing of the R&D time needed to go off-road on engines, anti-ice, and other systems.

If you build one, I promise to follow along for sure!

Evo doesn't share any of the 4/4P aerodynamic issues that I seem to recall blocked you from endorsing that?

Flying right now according to Flightaware:

41 Pilatus PC-12
37 Cessna Skyhawk
37 Cirrus SR-22
21 Beechcraft Bonanza (36)
1 Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond

Lol, thanks for the update Crandall. If you send me an address, I'll mail you a quarter. Then, you can call someone who gives a %#$@ what's flying right now. I'm stipulating that for this project a single turbine with a chute. Point and match: Crandall and the single engine crowd. Debate over.

All kidding aside, I'm about as far from being an engineer as one could get, but if there's only going to be one engine, shouldn't it be the best around? In my opinion, that's the TPE-331. The Pratts are fine, I've flown (and owned) a few; I like the Garretts better. Does anybody make a kit that uses a -10?

Jim- what's a 4/4 aerodynamic issue?

Don't start it if you don't like the smack down.

Yeah, I know they're popular, but singles really aren't my cup of tea. That said, I can't play with any of this new tech unless I try a homebuilt, and they really only sell what I want in singles.

A guy named Oscar made a TPE driven single out of an Aerostar. I think he's experimental rather than home built. That bird is pretty cool- why does he have to fly only to air shows and the like instead of just flying without restriction like an RV?

The kestrel is supposed to have a Garret.

The garret engine isn't as easy to install on a single because of exhaust flow, but it can be done. There's a caravan 331 conversion STC. THere's a PA46 running around somewhere with one. You can mount a lawnmower on the top of the tail if you want, on an E-AB.

But if your question is "Can I get a tidy package kit engineered for a 331." I don't think so. I don't think BRS sells any chutes meant for planes that heavy either.

I'm pretty sure you're still looking at spending a couple million $$ for a homebuilt.

Like Arlen said, I wouldn't mess with a kit especially as complex as the Epic. I would call Epic and ask their opinion and will likely tell you pros and cons to your ideas. I would not proceed without their blessing though.

Back to your question, yes you can do whatever you want with an E/AB. The reason the other guy who converted the twin to a turbine single could only fly at shows is that he did not build it himself. It is a factory plane that was converted and those rules are different though I understand they are relaxing those.

The Evolution looks like a really slick unit but you need to expect to be parting with serious AMus before you are done.

Craig,

Check this puppy out, http://www.innovativewings.com/turbine-legend-garrett/

Climb 10,000 fpm and cruise at 350 kts on one -10.

I met the inventor of the BRS parachute in the Bahamas earlier this year. He said he could build a chute for just about any plane out there. Although there are no chutes installed on the class pane you are talking about yet, I bet it can be done.

Blaze that trail for us. It's the spirit of the experimental category. I for one would love to see it.

Evo doesn't share any of the 4/4P aerodynamic issues that I seem to recall blocked you from endorsing that?