Microlighters

Hi folks,

I am in the early stages of deciding whether or not to buy a kit and do the homebuilt thing.
At the moment, I have more questions than answers, and need lots of guidance.
Never having undertaken a project like this before, and knowing next to nothing about construction techniques, I feel it would be wise to learn a few things before paying over my hard earned cash to a foreign supplier, and finding out that the CAA will not let me continue. I need the assistance of people who have been through the process before and who could advise me where to start.

I know that my first step would be to join the EAA. Has anyone had any experience with this organisation? What are they about?
With regards to the CAA, is there any reason why they would not issue a build number? Are there any kits that are on a "Black List"?

Any clues?

First off. Budget and mission. That will then guide you to where you can (budget) and want (mission) to fly.

EAA is great, but greatly depends on where you are based. Some are very active others not at all.

IMHO build something that is well established (or has support) - Bushbaby, Zodiac, RV, Savannah, New Sling etc. Check Rudi Greyling's build of an RV7 (Completed) and an RV12 (In progress) on Avcom. His workmanship is amazing and it gives you an idea of what is required. If I wasn't too lazy I'd start on my Teenie Two......
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 50#p449066

If you build something exotic you will be left carrying the torch to get approval from CAA. I also know if you build in wood you might need to do proving load tests (not insurmountable but it might be a headache)

Yup my thoughts would be - build something in metal and that is flying in SA already. Those guys have already done the hard work at CAA so you won't have major hassles and metal is generally easier and better in life span in the long run. For me wood and composites have too many variables in the home build context.
Maybe start with something simple - like a cheeath - bolt together like a meccano set and pull the covers on - no doping and very little painting required Then you have something to fly and you can tackle something more challenging if you enjoyed the building. Not everybody does.

I agree

I would guess that 90% of all scratchbuild planes never get out of the garage. Expect to take years of building. I built a Bush Baby from kit and I really pushed it. it took 600 hours and 8 months, working up to 8 hours a day on weekends and everynight 2 to 3 hours. It's a big commitment. The fuselage was completely assembled, just needed controls, covering, painting engine etc. The wings were 4 spars, lots of loose ribs and needed building from almost scratch (I didn't need to cut the ribs out, which is what a scratch builder would have to do)

If you want to get in the air quick, buy second hand or build a fast build kit like the Cheetah. (still going to take you 300 hours)

Otherwise next step would be Bushbaby, Savannah etc, then RV.

Then once flying if you still have the bug, take your time and build a scratch build. At least now you will have the experience of what to look for, what is safe etc.

Try one of these. If you "wing" it then go bigger

Hi bobthebuilder

I recommend the Kit. With Scratch building U must search for every thing u need. With a Kit every thing is there for u to build the aircraft. I am buzze with my second Kit and im loving it

Goose

Hi andyG,

Will a 914 fit into that tiny cowl?

To all involved, thanks for the advice.

Is a midget mustang a little too ambitious for a first build?
Single seat, low wing (tapered), all aluminium construction. Comes in kit form, with fast build options. Requires a PPL. (Clean stall speed)
Does anyone know of any flying in South Africa?

Take a look at: http://www.mustangaero.com/

Yes / No / Maybe?

What have you built Goose?
If you are'nt too far away, can I take a look?

There are none on the aircraft register that I can find. Very cute little aerie. See it comes with some pretty completed kits if you want to at actually some rather attractive prices. Single seat though. Did you see that semi complete FW190 scaled down copy for sale on avcom?.

As far as I know the Midget is built with solid rivets (requires bucking bar and a bit of skill) - Difficult and noisy.........It means that building it will take 1500hrs +
And as I said CAA might ask you to do the structural load tests if factory can't supply info.

Think there was 1, but it was involved in prnag at Orient I think. Have a look at the Thorpe. If you looking that way (ali & rivits) then i would suggest RV's. 12 for LSA or 7 for speed & Fun. No problem with first build. plenty resources locally and on net. QB's available but they are expensive mainly due to R:$.

Hi Stephan,

I took a look at the FW on Avcom. It looks great, and at an attractive price. BUT ... all of the work is done already.
I also had a look at the W.A.R. Site. It looks like they only sell the plans. I didn't see any kits.

Hi Miskiet,

The 1500 hours + build time doesn't concern me. The load testing does! I have sent an email to the factory to see what information they can provide. Lets see what comes back.