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Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:51 pm
by KFA
Johan Anderson from Marloth Park asked me to post some pics on his behalf. Johan started building his Explorer in September 2011 in his garage. His wife Madelein was his helper throughout the project. The aircraft is now at the factory for the final touches and his inspections. Johan did a great job. It is fitted with a Jabiru 2200 engine, P Prop(62x32) and MGL Xtreme EFIS and a V6 radio.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:25 pm
by bobthebuilder
Looks really neat.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 12:57 am
by KFA
Ready to fly. Will paint cowlings after some testing

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 6:25 pm
by KFA
Cowls painted, taxi tests done. Now waiting for PFA papers. Hoping to have them tmrw and fly to Barberton on Sat morning

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:30 pm
by KFA
First flights done on Friday, have done 7.9 hours since. No problems. Cooling spot on. Some pics of the finished plane without the striping as well as some pics of the ducting

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:33 pm
by KFA
Some more

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:46 pm
by KFA
20 trouble free hours so far. Johan received his Safari wing kit today and is starting his next project. It would be his fith plane in 20 years. He says the Explorer was the easiest so far. Now I must just get him to post his own pics......I will start a build thread for Johan on the Safari project. So far he is planning on a 912 S.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:53 pm
by KFA

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:39 pm
by KFA
We experimented a bit with props on this one and I think we have the ideal compromise. The owner wanted a little more in the cruise and did not mind a bit longer take off. The original prop was a P-Prop 62 x 32 which is good if you want to cruise at 80-85mph @ 2900 and take off in 100m. We now went for a 62 x 34 and the cruise is 100mph @2900. Top speed is 118mph. She is very lekker cruiser.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:15 am
by KFA
After experimenting with the 62x34 prop I came to the conclusion that the 62 x 32 is still the best option for take off and climb performance. The 62 x 34 struggles at density altitudes of more than 6000 ft at MAUW so my recomendation will still be to use the 62 x 32 on the 85hp Jabi and be content with a 90mph cruise.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 8:48 am
by laeveld Louis
Sad incident for ZU-FTT.... :shock:
Bushbaby Explorer val naby Strijdomblok Die vliegtuig het verlede Woensdag neergestort by Kwa Madwala wildreservaat. Niemand is beseer nie maar die vliegtuig het sy laaste vlug gehad.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 4:08 pm
by KFA
Not so bad. I bought the aircraft and she will be upgraded and flying within the next 6 weeks.

Upgrades will include a new IEFIS Explorer, the new seat for the tall okes, new pedal mounted brakes and I am looking at testing the IVO inflight adjustable on her.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:08 pm
by avgas
wat het fout gegaan?

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:12 pm
by KFA
Dit help as mens op die runway land en nie in die bos nie. Hy het op die unusable gedeelte geland en toe hy dit agterkom het hy 'n go-around probeer en toe in die Olifante se heining op ge-eindig.

Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:09 pm
by KFA
FTT has been re-build and was upgraded to the latest spec. New fuselage, landing gear and a panel upgrade to the iEFIS Explorer. Basically all that is from the old frame is the reg no, the engine and the wheels. The rest is all brand new and looking for a new home. She is for sale or to swop....

See the advert here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24538