Microlighters

I never thought this day would come and in fact it was not according to plan but I needed to make a plan quick and this was the only way to do it

I have been looking, for a while now, for a nice side-by-side 4-stroke powered aircraft flying at 90 to 100 mph. Now we all know these cost in the region of R300K. (way out of my range ) Of the contenders there was the Cheetah, Bushbaby Explorer, Skyranger, Rans S/E 6, Kitfox etc.

A few weeks ago I went up with GR8-dad to Louriesfontein to take delivery of his Bushbaby and Boet took me to see a terrible sight. A fairly old (age wise not hours) bushy that had blown off a trailer, completely writing the plane off. She was equipped with a nice little 912 and lots of instruments.

I called Boet today for a chat and asking him if a Jabiru Motor would work in the Bushy (It won't by the way because the prop is too small) and he told me if I was interested the guy would take an offer on the motor. I knew the seller (he sold me AUK 2 years ago) and I knew he wanted to buy AUK back for his own purposes. So I called him up and made him an offer. He said I should make an offer on the motor, I said lets make an offer on AUK and collectively I bought a 124-Hour 912, and he bought a beautiful Challenger Clipped Wing, with a cash settlement to me. Additionally I get to keep all the steam instruments I need.

So in effect I am getting a new Explorer, plus a fully kitted 912 (engine, waterworks, brackets etc) plus a full set of instruments excluding radio and intercom for a miserly R134K. Now all I have to do of course is build the thing and not fly for the next months.

Watch this space.

Congrats Morphman... Pity AUKie has to go before the build is complete... hire it backfrom new owner while you fly...

Sounds like an awesome deal as a new 912 will set you back in region of R125K. (Been looking for one meself to strap to a flying deck chair which currently has a 2 stoker)

AUKie sold

Good luck with the new one

Regards
John ZU-CIB

Sorry to see AUKie go.
Good luck with the new project :D

Morph wrote:Now all I have to do of course is build the thing....and not fly for the next months....

Many......
I see Boetie got another one

Sad to hear the Clipped Wing Flymo is gone!!!

But on the bright side, we can now follow with interest your "building" of your Explorer so keep us posted with photos too.

All the best in your new project.

Hallo M,

Sad 2 C it goes, but I also have fond memories of AUKie.

Hopefully, the new Explorer does not come in a 'Microsoft' box.

Regards,
Fb......

You will have to make a lot of visits to all of us to keep up with the flying

Show us pics of the explorer and good luck

Don't think I have ever seen one, is this one?

Hey Morph

Welcome to the world of BUILDING. It does take time but it is worth everyminute of it.

Will watch this space with alot of interest.

p.s. don't forget the family in the process. !

Thanks guys,

fortunately I will be building it in my garage

So right now it is this

Morphman, sorry to see AUKie go. And congrats on the bargain!! :D

If you need an extra set of hands give us a call. Interested to see what building a plane involves!!

Hi Morph,

Very exciting project indeed! Hope you enjoy the building part at least as much a you love the flying part!

Good luck!

Congrats Morph.

Bit worried about your kit - I counted six wheels if you include the tailwheel. So how are you gonna configure it - tail or sissy wheel?

Was that motor from BIF? The one that flew off the trailer? That Bushy had been really well looked after before the new owner put it on the trailer. Just goes to show - better to fly than drive