Bushbaby Explorer # 130

[Dusty Eagle]

ZU-LLV had her maiden flight today late afternoon.

Mike Cathro was stuck in traffic for hours and could only take off at 05:37.

She flew just as well as any other Bushbaby, but has a small list of snags to rectify.

Radio became very noisy during the flight.
Needs right rudder imput all the time.
Angle of horisontal stabaliser to be reduced, could not get her to stall.
Flap handle returns to zero, needs to be tightened [ again ]
and some other small items.

Get them sorted this weekend and will fly again for further tests next week.

Werner took a vidio and I a few still shots, should be posted tonight.

[KFA]

Some pics

[KFA]

more

[ZAZU]

Dusty Eagle!!!!!

BEEEAAAUUUUTIFUL!!!

Congratulations on the maiden flight! I would love to have a good look over this beauty. We must get together to have a glass of the finest. And, perhaps we can plan our trip to Komati to coincide.

[Boet]

Congratulations. You can be proud. May you have many years of safe enjoyment!!

[Dusty Eagle]

Hey AndyCap.

Many thanks for some great ideas.

The yellow paint stripe on the wheel would have paid dividends now as the tail wheel has twice rotated on the hub and punctured, this in spite of being glued and pumper hard.

We have also toyed with the other " plackards" and having them cut in either red or yellow vinly [ as the 130 ] works very well, yellow standing out better than the red.

Perhaps you should come over for a cup of something soon and lets look at your SAAF books.
I have been so busy finishing a 6Bar+ house that I have not been able to give important things [ toys ]the time I should.

130 is grounded until we get the radio problem sorted. Halfway into the first flight is started making a huge disturbance which changed according to the revs.

Mogas, Boet, KFA and others, thanks for your comments, keep you all posted.

It is quite demoralising putting so much time in and the fun stays out of reach.

Regards.

[KFA]

Any further development????

[Dusty Eagle]

# 130 had another 20 min test flight by Muke Cathro and then he collected me and I flew 25 min and did some turns and touch and goes.

What a delightfull plane, so sensitive on the controls and very responsive.
Couple of problems, prop / engine vibrating very badly, so foo woith the prop and will try something else to establish cause.
The ASI seemed to over read by 20 Mph but took to Dart who tested it and showed 2 knots more at 60 Mph.

We had no idea actually at its touch down speed and cruise was 90 MPH with an over read?? will need some testing.
Busy with the undercarraige legs as they are flexing and need beefing up.

The attched pics show the new venturi I made and all temps suddenly now just where thay should be, or cooler, but it was not a hot summers day.

Now that holidays are here, I will be finishing my conversion and then need to fly out the hours.

Cheeres for now.

[Boet]

Nico, have Peter de Necker make you a 72X52 propeller for your engine. 100mph + garuanteed!!

[Oupa-G]

Nico good luck with test flying.

These BushBaby's are real nice aeries. With your dipstick inspiration I now have an Ash wood dipstick kitchen kettle steamed and bent and calibrated and work very well. Thanks for the cross pollination the fotie's are on the Bosvark's site. The BosVark now has 7 hrs to go to the final 40hrs and has been an absolute joy to fly. She is a get in push button and fly plane , I'm sure yours will be the same as long as the engine runs cool, the pilot is cool.


Cheers Oupa-G

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Boet.

I may take you up on your offer, but I want to finish the test flying with the Powerfin 3 blade prop.
I get exactly the same as the prop I borrowed from PietProp which is an 80Mph cruise at 5200rpm, but with a max of 5000rpm static on the ground.
Would the 48 X 52 not be too sluggish up here at altitude?

Hi Oupag.

Yes, the cross pollination works great.
I saw your posting on your dip stick and I think your choice of timber is better than the spruce I used. It is subject to capillary attraction and I have to do a very quick dip or the fuel level creaps up the stick and gives me a false reading.
I have a piece of Beach which I will try.

Further, I had problems with both the Maule and Bushbaby leaking [ sucked out by low pressure ]fuel out of the caps while flying. I solver the Maules by using rubberised cork sheeting from which I cut gaskets. These have remained fine with the Avgas, but on the Bushbaby, the pic shows that the Mogas attacks the compound and distorts it. I have now changed to leather like you did
and it's perfect, no leaks at all.

I now have 10.5 hours. The next 15 should go quite quickly as there is little more to do on her. There are hardly any snags left, only little asthetic improvements.

Cheers.

[Boet]

Now where did one learn about that nifty looking venturi underneath the cowling?? The flap handle tends to loosen up and creep after a while, so I have done away with the 6mm bolt as it does not do a good job, and replaced with an 8mm bolt. No more problemo. You are mighty quiet, done a lot of flying lately?

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Boet.

Wow, havent been to this site in many months.

Yes,I wonder, just who gave me he venturi idea.
Thanks, it works 100%, never had the engine get close to hot, not even on the max all up clinb test in 27 dg. temps.

I submitted my PoH yesterday, lets hope they accept it without too many queries or changes.

I flew her a lot this last weekend but hadnt for 3months. Adjusted the prop pitch courser but only get about 98 mph true air speed at 6000ft at 5000rpm.
I forgot aboutthose things for you, lets re-co-ordinate.

Chat soon

[Boet]

Hi Nico, missed out on the magazine article on you plane. We do not get the mag here in the bundu. Congrats for making the news anyway. Hope this year wil treat us kinder.

[Dusty Eagle]

I received my POH back from the CAA on May, submitted the ATF application only to be told its older than 14 days since inspection so had to have a new one done, duly had done and resubmitted and I received my ATF on Tuesday last week.
One egt sensor not working and Comet say their stock comes this week. As soon as its fitted, we will take to the sky's again.