Flooi's Explorer - ZU-FTD

[KFA]

Hennie decided to take the plunge and bought himself an Explorer. The frame is build but we are installing a brand new 912ULS with auto pilot and Vg's. I took a pic this morning but we build the exhaust and completed the radiator plumbing as well. I hope to complete the wiring by tomorrow. This baby should take to the air by next week sometime.

[KFA]

Wiring done. Should start her up tomorrow. Did not get pics today but she is looking good. We are planning to take to the skies next week.

[avgas]

Brits???

[KFA]

Will be raining this weekend. If the weather is Ok I will be there on Saterday.

Some pics of the wiring and engine.

[German]

No return on the fuel line?

[KFA]

I was waiting for someone to comment on that. No, we have never installed a return in the fuel line. We have a gravity fed system that delivers 10liter per hour more than the required min delivery and the have never had vapour lock issues. The installation manual states that vapour lock is most likely to happen on the suction side of the fuel pump and with temperatures in excess of 36 degr C. So if you have a aircraft with the tank behind the seat or any other place that requires the fuel to be sucked in order to supply then it is mandatory to install the return line AND heatsleave or cool the fuel lines on the way to the engine. You will also note that we heat sleave ALL the fuel lines, before and after the pumps. This insures that the fuel temps remain low.

[German]

I got exactly the same on my Tecnam. I do experience some vapour lock in summer after landing and wanting to start after about 20 minutes, but not serious.

[KFA]

Tekkies made and in the paintshop for prep. Tomorrow we will try and do the striping but eish, very difficult to paint in this cold place.

[Flooi]

Looks goooood!

[KFA]

Doors are back on. New glass all round. All controls linked up. Auto pilot installed, have to connect the last wires in the morning. VG's also to go on tomorrow. Cowl took a while to perfect so will only paint white tomorrow and striping will be done on Thursday. Seat cushions still at upholsterer but should be done by thursday as well. All papers have been handed in at CAA today, I hope to have the PFA by thusrday or friday. She will fly before the weekend. All ground runs have been completed.

[KFA]

Good news is that the owneship transfer and the PFA is done and in hand but we had to redo the cowl paint. Will repaint the cowl tomorrow again. The cold weather is not conducive to a nice paint job. Flying will probably only start on Saturday......

[KFA]

Striping will be done tomorrow together with the spats. Was hoping to finish today but just too much work. Auto pilot working as it should. Upholstery done. Will fly her on Sunday when the paint has dried.

[KFA]

All things being equal, tomorrow is the day........

[KFA]

Tekkies geverf. As ek tyd kry begin ek more te vlieg.... Baie mooi uitgekom

[KFA]

Maiden flight done this afternoon. Took both doors of this afternoon to fix some flaws that bothered me. Will fly with the doors off for the next couple of days.