Some cheetah training time under the belt - done

[johnsa]

How much is a Cheetah, I don't think they are much cheaper if you buy them ready built?

[Stephan van Tonder]

Yup R410k ready built new. But If I buy a cheetah it will be either new kit or a good 2nd hand. Won't buy a factory new fully built. Kit is currently R148k + VAT - engine is crazy and instruments is around R30k. Rattex 912S new is going to cost you around 200k. Looking at that BMW setup with interest.....

Did another 1.1 this morning. Full consolidation. 5 emergency engine out simualtions. Side slips both left and right. Stalls, incipient recovery, precautionary etc. Got an 84% rating from my current instructor if that was a flight test. Things to work on is cockpit procedures during emergency and decision making. I'm a little slow currently getting all the procedures going once the motor go quiet. Landing spot judgement with engine out was also short once or twice. But getting there and working hard now for the flight test. Things are becoming more comfortable though and there is some calmness entering the cockpit now. Not totally apprehensive about emergency stuff anymore. Flight test she is looming.....43.3 hours total currently.

[johnsa]

Would a HKS Turbo be a good engine for a Cheetah?

[Stephan van Tonder]

I suspect so but the price noises they make sounds pretty much like 912 rotax in which case I'll take the rotax. Problem with the HKS is that it is basically an unknown in SA and where are you going to get spares. At least in that department there are no issues with rotax.

[johnsa]

Jabbi 3300 would make a nice sound and is reliable.....no problem with parts and they have proven them self! 120 bhp on a Cheetah I don't know if it can handle that much power

[Stephan van Tonder]

Yup Jabi 3300 is still a very real possibility. Factory has indicated that they will do the install and certification for free if I bring them one. Only thing there is the 22l/h fuel burn and the fact that it really should run avgas rather than mogas.

[johnsa]

Would it increase the cruising speed?

[Stephan van Tonder]

Yes it will most likely increase the cruise. I don't think that 120 hp in the cheetah will be a problem at all. The factory is very sure there will be no problems with it.

Did another quick 0.7 hours this morning at around 09:30. 32 degrees Celsius outside and the windsock standing straight. Tons of turbulance and bumpy as a roller coaster. BUT it was FUN. I really enjoyed it - felt comfortable and flew it very nicely. Did 5 very nice landings - I was quite impressed with myself. Instructor advised me to book flying test for tuesday. Let's hope I can keep it all together then. At least I can fly a cheetah - it will be a 582 version but at least the controls will be familiar. We'll go do a bundle of circuits there at springs on monday so that I can just get used to the field so at least that won't be strange either. Nervous excitement setting in now.

[johnsa]

Good luck with your test flight. You have done more that your best, keep focussed and realize the dream!!!!

[Stephan van Tonder]

Thanks John - yeah I gave it my best so far but it's nowhere near the end. Going straight into working on instruction after so have to shoot for 200 hours and get that rating. Planning on getting much more involved in the school. We want to offer the RAASA online classes and some decent ground school instruction. It seems something that is sadly lacking in SA. I know training can be tedious at times and scary too but that is the one way of really keeping your hours up and getting very sharp at flying. I hope I'll have the patience Andy has shown me so far. We really need more guys like him that is fantastically dedicated to offer the best practical flying out there. Can you imagine having spent 13000 hours in dual training in microlights

[johnsa]

Can you do also your ppl with him?

[Stephan van Tonder]

Andy used to do PPl but gave it up because it became too much of a hassle and cost. We spoke to another commercial instructor today that has a running school and that is interested to move to petit so that possibility might exist early in the year next year.

[Stephan van Tonder]

OK then. 1.1 this morning - did 3 circuits and bumps at Springs - what a horrible field - no options on engine out - but anyway - I'm already nervous - for no reason really. I know I can fly the thing. So test flight booked for tomorrow morning with Fred at springs at 07:00 - will be in a savannah - hey at least the engine is familiar. Rest is all strange. Different aerie, field, instructor. Guess I will just have to keep calm and do what I have been taught so well.
PLEASE hold thums for me for tomorrow. DON"T want to have a fail on a test.

[Pat Two]

Strongs Stephan!! Give it horns...

Groete,
J

[Wargames]

Good luck for tommorrow. If you can, go and sit in aerie 15 min before your preflight starts, and just familirize yourself. Then you will feel calm and confident.

Go and hit a six.

Regards,