EZ Chronicles by Bill James

Bill James’ EZ Chronicles span five decades in search of flight and understanding, from an apple-crate airplane hung in a south Texas pecan tree, crisscrossing the airways across the country, to Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea; and into the minds of some truly unique, gifted, and interesting people. Early on, Bill was drawn into the internet inner sanctum of comments, notes, emails and opinions about canard airplanes. In addition to comments and articles, and novels in work, forty short stories were written in forty weeks for publication on the canard site ez.org.

Comments include,

Bill James flies a highly refined example of the Burt Rutan-designed VariEze. The airframe was built-to-plans specifications but embodies Bill’s innovations that enhance the efficiency and “operational friendliness” of his high-performance aircraft. – Rick Wolf, Lockheed Martin

“Bill James is a true innovator and obviously not interested in following the crowd. His VariEze N95BJ has some amazing features, most jump out at you and a couple will make your jaw drop. Enjoy the trip as Bill describes N95BJ.” – Editor, ez.org.

Mr. James, I found EZ Chronicles a vivid portrayal of life in the ez world. You succeed in putting the reader in the cockpit with you, as well as in the hanger chipping away at perfecting the missions you have for your plane. I found your Down Draft cooling research and experiments interesting and of great value. The success you had with LOP operations is motivating for those of us who appreciate efficient transportation. I have read through your chronicles a few times now because of my mission to own a Rutan design with optimum efficiency. I love speed as long as it is efficient speed. My Corvette Stingray that has north of 600 hp… and that experience is what I am hoping for with my ez. Or as near to that as possible. Thank you for the great information, my wheels are turning.     – Michael

Dear Bill, I came across your writings while searching for information on cooling pusher engines.  I have an SZD-45 Ogar motorglider with a Revmaster pusher, which has big armpit scoops and still runs too hot.  Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed your stuff, and for much more than the technical detail.  I have always wondered why there is so little good writing about flying – Ernest K Gann and James Salter and that’s all, as far as I can tell.  Anyway, your descriptions of flying the deserts around here (I fly out of Montrose CO) are superb.  I hope you are still flying and having fun. Regards,    Jon T

Dear Mr. James, Over the past couple weeks I have immersed myself in your writings pertaining to your Vari-eze … I am a huge fan of Rutan’s designs and finally have the means and time needed to embark on my own build. – Mike

Bill, that landing … I felt it. – Don

Bill, I am on a layover in Shanghai. I’ve had my dinner and shower, and on the nightstand is a glass of wine and a couple of your most recent stories printed out. – Cheers.

Bill James holds an ATP Airplane and Helicopter pilot rating, Wright Brothers 50 Year Master Pilot Award, SFTE Member (Society of Flight Test Engineers), EAA, AOPA, and COBA (Canard Owners and Builders Association).

EZCHRON.COM

“Even your wife enjoys your stories. She laughs.”  – Jen