Carl Babst Raven Taildragger - Finally ATF!!!

[Induna]

Jacques ek moet sê dit is waaragtig waar die mooiste Raven wat ek nog ooit gesien het!

Ag baie dankie!! Ek waardeer die kompliment...

So, what is left to do is:

1. Panel cutout and fitting of instruments
2. Wiring from panel to the equipment (engine wiring already completed)
3. Fitting seats and interior
4. Amend tailwheel connection to rudder cables
5. A thorough inspection from A-Z
6. Paperwork...!!!

Jacques

[Induna]

I am back...

Things done the past few days:

1. Fuel tank completed and fitted
2. Floorboard stiffening installed
3. Busy with panel

The pic below is the panel in the making. I will make it a glass panel with some backup steam gauges. Also fitting a transponder and some vents...

[Goose]

Mooi man een van die dae vlieg hy

[Induna]

Mooi man een van die dae vlieg hy

Tomorrow i will be completing the brakes, the final exterior touches and send the panel for powder coating.

I will also continue with the interior upholstery.

Tomorrow I will send some pics of the finer details ie engine installation, pedals, etc etc..



Jacques

[Induna]

Here are some progress pics...

[Induna]

Rudder pedals and toe brakes...

[Induna]

The brakes are completed and it is working very good! The panel has also gone to the powder coaters, so should have tomorrow or Monday.

Some parts from Aircraft Spruce has also arrived, so I can now finish up the engine and install exhaust tape, fuel lines, etc.

J

[JvTonder]

Baie netjies mnr!

[Keep them level]

A sight to behold!

I am a member and an owner of a Raven FBL which is hangared at the same airstrip where Jacque is building his TD beauty, today I had the pleasure of seeing his new AC.

All I can say, excellent work so far Jacque, INJ looks amazing.

There is one thing I about this TD.
It looks much larger in size as a TD than a Raven with the Tricycle undercarriage although it has the same Fuzz and wings.

Can't wait to see it in the sky.

[Induna]

Thanks Dave for the kind words. I am trying my best to make it look good as well as making sure that everything is done correctly.

It just frustrates me when the shops does not keep their deadlines, so I am waiting for a couple of stuff..

Today I installed the strobes, installed the exhaust tape (its looking real nice) and finish all the wiring in the engine compartment. Now I just need the panel back from the powder coaters and then i can complete the wiring.

I would really like to start her late next week, but will see if all turns out in favour...

Jacques

[Induna]

Hi,

The panel has been installed and 90% of the wiring completed. If all goes well I might get the chance to start the engine for the first time late tomorrow afternoon...! I am super excited!!

Below is a pic of the panel last night after pre-wiring and testing...


Jacques

[Goose]

Daai eerste vlug kom nader

[Induna]

Daai eerste vlug kom nader

Net so!! Nadat ons gestart het kan al die inspeksies afgehandel word en dan die PFA aangevra word. Die eerste vlug sal eers in Julie wees wanneer ek weer tuis is, maar intussen sal ons als toets en weer toets en seker maak als is reg...

[Induna]

Another interesting thing is the brakes. Traditionally the Ravens have drum brakes, which just sucks...!!!

With the hydraulic brakes that I installed, it is very powerful and much needed in a taildragger! I used to own a Koala that initially had drum brakes, but a taildragger does not turn easily with those... Lol!!

I also installed nice big pedals that feel very comfortable and very different from the "normal" pedals installed in Ravens.

J

[Induna]

Today was a major milestone... I got to start the engine for the first time and all I can say is WOW!!! The engine is super smooth and temps and pressures are all looking very good...!

All the wiring is done. I just have an issue with the elevator AP servo that will only operate in one direction, although the setup is done correctly. The aileron servo is working flawlessly. I have mailed Rainier from MGL to ask advise.

Next up is closing the cowling, as everything around the engine is completed. Also, fit the eyeball vents, pitot and AOA tubing and then the upholstery.

J