Microlighters

Ok, so here is the deal, I am dead keen to build an Affordaplane that I can do some puddle jumping in and generaly join the "lap and draad" brigade for some real flying on the weekends, and any other time I can get into the air.



Plans have been acquired, studied, and studied again, garage is being suitably modifed to accomodate the build.

Now the questions, if I may, to all the "uber" builders out there, and those who know more about these things than I do, generaly speaking.....everyone.

From a legislative point of veiw, to keep things legal, what is the process to be followed?
Do I need to apply to the CAA for a build number before I even start to swing spanners and what else do I have to give them "the required fee" for at the start of the project?
I take it I must find an AP in my area who is approved on the construction method (in this case, blik) to take a peek inside the bits and pieces and give them the nod, before they get closed up as the build progresses.
Then I would imagine the list of collected signatures and a truck full of paperwork gets given into the CAA with yet another "required fee" to get the whole thing rubber stamped so that one can start turning avgas/mogas into fun.
I have read a lot about this Part 24, how does this affect the build, do i need it in hard copy to study and understand before I spend nights in the garage?
Now, if there are no Affordaplanes in the country, and this is the first flying example, would I have to do build 2 wings and other bits and pieces, an offer them up for destructive testing to satisfy the CAA that the contraption can indeed carry my fat a#s?
Anybody know of any others that are being built here in SA or if there is a flying example yet?

Well thats about it for now, will pick the brains of those in the know as the build progresses.

Biggles, I cant answer your question but I can tell you this. It will be the most amazing ride off your life
The plane you intend building looks like a great deal of fun. To start off with I would try to find builders in my area and youll also have to join the Aeroclub and EAA. There is much more knollageable guys in here that have done this. They will answer soon

In the mean time have fun
San

San
Fun is what it's all about, back to some real grass roots flying is the idea, don't get me wrong, I love the flying I am doing now, but it is always for someone else I want to fly for ME as well when I can.

Hi,

Welcome to the world of builders, hope you enjoy en persevere.

SACAA says before you start or import a homebuilt plane that is intended to be put onto the SACAA register you need a builders number.

There is NO fee for builders number.

SACAA want a file of engineering docs on all airplanes that is intented to build an put on register.

If it is first of type in SA you are going to need to supply lots of engineering docs to SACAA. What exactly that entails is the big ? nowadays, everything is in a state of flux.

I hope you are not the first and the people before you did THIS work, otherwise it is up to you to do...

To safe you lots and lots of frustration check with CAA first if your planned plane is accepted already, before commiting any additional money on this type. If not then get the enginering docs required AND approved and accepted by CAA before you commit more money.

Bottom line get builders number first! Times have changed...

Regards
Rudi

Hi Rudi
Thanks, wise words indeed, I do not think that there is one in the country that is flying, as I have seen no mention of the type on these forums, although there may be one or two in various stages of construction, in wich case there may just be doc's for this at CAA, I may be wrong, but will check out with the CAA, what hoops they want me to jump through before I start spending the grocery money.
If it is going to be too much of an immposible mission, I may just change heading slightly and build something else, like an airbike or VP II, as I know that there have been a couple VP's built and flown in this country, and I think there might have been, or is an Airbike around.
Although this would be a very last resort, as I would really like to build this aerie.
You are right and a true diplomat, things at CAA are indeed in a "State of flux" at the moment, but hopefully sanity will prevail, we live in hope.

I would also join your local chapter of EAA. This is their thing and they really enjoy and have lots of experience in the legal matters

Tailspin, an administrator on this forum is heavily active in EAA and he can definately give you pointers.

Look him up in the memberslist and bang a pm or email to him.

I built my own Bush Baby but fortunately it is proudly South African, a complete kit and all the hard legalities were resolved long ago.

Have fun

Hi Newbie
Check the Affordaplane topic under Technical of a few months ago and check this topic: viewtopic.php?t=5411
Best wishes
Andre

Biggles of Africa wrote:Hi Rudi
<SNIP>I do not think that there is one in the country that is flying, as I have seen no mention of the type on these forums, although there may be one or two in various stages of construction, in wich case there may just be doc's for this at CAA, I may be wrong, but will check out with the CAA, what hoops they want me to jump through before I start spending the grocery money.<SNIP>

Good check with CAA first, Vans Aircraft RV, my kit, is arguable the most successful kit worldwide, with more than 60 registered and flying in SA, 5500 worldwide, and then things changed at CAA and no new kits could get builders numbers at CAA cuase there was no enginering docs at CAA. Took considerable time, effort and money to get these docs approved by CAA, now the RV's are OK again in SA.

So bottom line don't assume if there are flying planes in SA that CAA will approve it, that was history, now is now....

So check with CAA first, before spending Moola!

Rudi

Hi Biggles of Africa

The CAA seem to have woken up and there are things happening now. What exactly is happening i am not sure but there is something going on.

Give me a call o&2&9&2I45

Now that is an aerie i could fly and have fun in and...win all the spot landing comps in...

Hi Biggles
What's the progress with your reasearch into a project?
Andre