Cheetah Vs Bushbaby?

[Morph]

It is a difficult choice. My major motivation was the cost of the kit. I did not have the 160K to buy the Cheetah kit although I really wanted one. The time it takes to build is not an issue to me because it I really enjoy the build itself and it's something I have always wanted to do. I'm already thinking about my next project, perhaps an RV

500 hours can be equated to 6 months if you put in 2 to 3 hours every night, plus 5 to 8 hours per day on the weekends. This is a huge commitment and will take time away from the family. If this is not for you, by all means go for the faster 150hour assembly time on the Cheetah.

I understand the Cheetah wings are fully built when you receive them, the Bushbaby wings are 4 wing spars, 26 ribs, glue etc. You have to build it completely yourself. The wings alone will take 200 hours, wheras the cheetah wings require control cables and pulling the covering over.

Quick builds are your Cheetah and Skyranger.

The pros and cons of being able to see into the wings etc are different points of view and are valid. The BB Wing once built is very strong and since there are no bolts anywhere that potentially can come loose does not require internal inspection at preflight.

Yes I suppose the Cheetah can be repaired easier by simply taking the cover off, replacing the bar and putting it back together

As far as performance and looks go I like both, but as mentioned before I am not too crazy about the look of the trylam/dacron type farbic, but that was not the deciding factor.

The most important thing is you have to be committed, have an understanding family and have space at home to build it. I would have been divorced by now if I spent every evening and weekend at the hangar.

When you buy one second hand you have to carefully look the plane over. I personally will not buy it until the owner takes me for flight. If he refuses I won't go. Also it helps if you have someone who has previously built one or Boet or Monty check it over. You can vary quickly see if the guy slacked off or built a good plane.

Both planes have gone through significant changes over the years and Monty at Saplanes or Rainbow aircraft will be able to give you a list of these and what they actually improved.

The BB airframe is mig welded in a jig (no "hoenderkak" welding here). The company is certified on airframe welding and repair so they know what they are doing. The chances of the airframe cracking is quite remote. Nuts and bolts have the tendency to come loose or to wear the holes oval. The BB frame can easily be repaired using a simple welding plant, some mild steel tubes and the obvious know how. I saw BIF after it fell off a trailer while being towed and Boet simply cut out and replaced pipes. She is perfect again.

I would say IMHO the BB frame is significantly stronger than the Cheetah but due to the fact it is mild steel has to be powder coated to prevent rust. I have attached a pic of the powder coated airframe. You can see how perfectly welded it is and how lattice and triangulation is used to add strength. A Cheetah airframe is far simpler and much fewer tubes and angles. You can actually see the fuse moveing in the air if you look back.

[Splitter]

I bought a Cheetah kit end of 2005, the new XLS. It took me 162hrs to complete. It is not really a kit build but more like a mechano set just putting all together and then fly. The whole aircraft was build in my garage at home and then the wings was just attached at the airfield.

I really loved building this project and the flying in it was the best.
I say was because I just sold it and bought something bigger, a Beech Bonansa.

I can really recommend this beautifull aircraft.

If you want more info send me a pm and I can let you have my number so we can talk about it.

No Vladimir whith a recommendation like that I think I deserve a Commission.

[Bennie Vorster]

Nick I'm a bit green still, but this I can tell you. If you are a big size guy pick the Cheta els flying them is pritty mutsh the same to me. The one just looks more like a toy and the other more like a plane. Have fun making your choice. I must say I am also considering to rather build a Zodiac 601 UL or to get hold of a good second hand two seater Jabbie. http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/6-construct.html