Building the new Bushbaby SAFARI

[Oupa-G]

This weekend was busy sofar. I picked up Peter from Natal and we had a bite to eat and then went onto the BMW Eboxi tuning session. I empowered him with knowledge on the engine clutch EboXi's and special points of interest. Early this morning we went to the Bosvark and we plugged in his notebook and with Hyperlink we were connected no problem. Peter the Banana Boy was beaming when he started understanding the ease with which he could tune the system. His engineering background sure helped and by the time we were finished Boet picked him up with the Kalahari "Ferarie"(Venture). They headed for the metropolis of Loeriesfontein, went straight for the airport and flew FHY. My quick rule of thumb calculations were that they must have been close to gross. I believe the Explorer popped into the air and that must have been at a density altitude of 4500ft.Peter was elated. Meanwhile late afternoon yesterday I fitted the last finishing touches to the spats and that is the last small detail that still needed doing. A job is not finished if the paperwork is not done. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but the noises are more encouraging. To pass the time the trikes wings were folded for a trip to Namibia , we are planning a trip to the Kunene river through the Kaokoveld. Enclosed pics of the spats.


Cheers Oupa-G

[John Boucher]

Looking good Oupa G.

I am disappointed I missed you at FAMO. I saw the PC-12 go over but was otherwise engaged for the day!

[Oupa-G]

John that would have been nice. In the next 3 weeks I'm going to be a bit quiet leaving on Friday for Namibia going to fly the trike up to the Kunene river from Walvis. This afternoon I did a quick Nav exercise and flew the PC12 to Luderitz and came straight back with patient. I wetted my appetite again for the desert and the trip. The reception party at Luderitz with coffee and something to eat . The desert people are just different and nice. See the foto. I had some guests here from Lemmer in the Netherlands, they enjoyed South Africa . I decided today I'm going to send them into the desert next time, Geertje is a keen cyclist and my wife plays bridge with her husband. A person that can cycle from Holland to Rome solo deserves a desert trip it will blow her mind. This Southern Tip of Africa has unknown beauty.

Cheers Oupa-G

[John Boucher]

If ever there is a trip I want to do in the Cheetah then it's to Namibia...

I think you have some good advice there for them... and yes, the desert people are so different and untouched by our daily hustle bustle .... hulle is nog mens-mense!

[Oupa-G]

John when the Bosvark has its papers we must talk and we can do a quick jolly in the Namib.

Today the banana Boy departed Loeriesfontein in ZU-FHY and flew all the way to Grahamstown that is close to 750km. Peter tells me the engine purred and the fuel consumption was around 12 liters/ hour once he has added up all the figures at the end of the trip we will have better and more accurate figures. Sofar the speeds are around 90 mph. We are all excited with these results.

The Bosvark should have done these trips but CAA somehow does not think I should fly. I get the feeling that some parts of the CAA fulfil the description as Council Against Aviation. I'm getting to the point of total frustration the paperwork drives me to a total halt. If it was for the benefit of safety I would gladly go along but now it is getting idiotic.

Can you imagine if Wilbur and Orville Wright had these hassles where would aviation have been.

Enclosed a fotie I took of ZU-FHY when I was last in Loeries hope Boet has something to add he after all was the builder of this beautiful machine. I was only involved with the engine.

Cheers Oupa-G

[Boet]

Peter left Loeries at 07.45 this morning, and called to CR from Grahamstown at 15.30. Reports low fuel consumtion, and the aeroplane gave a magic carpet ride. Flight to continiue tomorrow (weather permitting) to Cato Rige. The coastwise route is someting I would like to do one day.

[Air Hog]

Jis Boet
Stunning plane

[zucac]

Well Done Peter and all
what time do u land at Lightflight
see if I can be there

Brett

[Boet]

Round about 15H00

[Oupa-G]

ZU-FHY Banana Boy Peter Left Margate ETA Cato-Ridge 15:30

Cheers Oupa-G

[zucac]

well done Peter for getting back to Cato Ridge Lightflight
may you have many Hr of fun flying with her.
She looks BEAUTFULL

Brett

[Oupa-G]

Spoken to Peter the engine did not miss a beat the temps were all normal and the EGT's within normal limits. We run these temps in cruise slightly on the rich side of peak.

I'm glad the EboXi's functioned as designed. I must say that with all the testing we have done so far and the EboXi has so far been 100% reliable, and having a dual system is really a bonus and safety feature. When you switch across from A to B you cannot hear the difference and the wonderful is that you get a new fuel pump and a new filter, and that is where most of the problems occur.

Peter congratulations on a long cross country planned and flown well.


Cheers Oupa-G

[John Boucher]

Oupa-G... now that sounds like a good idea.

I am sure if we start something like that, we'll have a whole gaggle of aircraft going that way!!!

[Oupa-G]

All is packed and of to Namibie tomorrow

Cheers Oupa-G

[John Boucher]

Oupa-G, story of your adventure if done in your plane please!