Considering a homebuilt project.

[Goose]

Hi bobthebuilder

Im building my second Kitfox and u can come and have a look at my home north of Pretoria. The Midget Mustang is a racer to start with. I have a set of plans for the Midget mustang and it is a lot of work. I started scratch building a hummelbird , attached is a photo of a flying one.

Goose
0824921299

[swiftprop]

Hi Bobthebuilder (or nearly!)
If you go to Budd Davidson's site www.airbum.com you will find an eleven part article on homebuilding that I find to be very thorough re the DECISION to do or not to do it. Also if you are thinking about a kit look at the topic of Carl Babst on free plans for the Raven as he also supplies kits for an excellent low wing plane similar to the Zenair Zodiac 601 HD, but I think an improved version as Carl has a lot of experience on these planes and has re designed some details. The bush baby and some others are also excellent and freely available in this country.
Hapy searching
Andre

[bobthebuilder]

Hi RV4ker,

I like the idea of a single seat sport aircraft with some aerobatic capabilities. An Extra 300 would be my first choice but that is out of my price range.
I’m not interested in competing in competition aerobatic events.

The RV-3 would be a reasonable comparator to the Midget, and does have some advantages. It has a more stable straight wing (Advantage?), slower stall, faster cruise and a higher climb rate than the Midget. The midget has a higher roll rate. (300deg / sec)
The RV-3 isn't available with QB options - Not an issue.
This aircraft wasn't on your list of recommendations. Any reason why?

The Midget IMHO, may be of more historic value.

[bobthebuilder]

Hi swiftprop,

I found the eleven part article, and will read it tomorrow when i'm more awake.
This should answer LOTS of questions.

Thanks.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Single seater are difficult to resell and the cost of a completed RV3 will not be far off that of a similar RV4. The "nice" -3's are clocking in at $40K and that what you could build a -4 for...

I like the look of the hummelbird, but have never seen 1 first hand..

Depends what you wanna do with it and how much cash/time etc you have...

Me I fly distance, so speed is everything. It effectively a company car and thus a business decision (resale is key) BUT I land on grass and ground strips (RG is not ideal) and fly at night so I needed something that would stall slowly so that if I have to go in I may have a chance (Slow much into ground rather than high speed "prang". My choice (compromise) was RV4 but Compare that to the Lancair IVP which was my first choise or the Glassair III which I had option on... both faster than the RV, but not keen on dirt strips and bottom end is around 80kts if you lucky....

What about the Cusset's, Pitts S1S etc...

[swiftprop]

Hi Bobthebuilder
I did not reccomend other aircraft because I do not know much about them. My interest is low and slow. Therefore id I were to buy a certified aircraft I would look at an Aviat husky or a Super Cub but if going for a cheapie a Raven will do with a VW Great Plains engine then when finances improve one can chuck out the engine and stick a Rotax 912s in it which in turn when finances improve again can be used in a RV12. As a nice long term project I would like to build a Legal Eagle but not as the primary fly aircraft. This would be just for fun as a mainly building activity. Now now don't laugh at the photo!
best wishes
Andre

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Sky Bike also looks interesting in that category.

[priester]

For a first time build nothing can touch the Savannah. The kit is complete, all parts are pre-formed, holes are pre-punched and includes everything except the radio and paint. The after sales service and build support is great, the engine price cannot be beaten, the stol performance cannot be beaten.
Talk to John Waterson. (www.savannahac.co.za). It is an easy and safe aircraft to fly and the new bigger cocpit model is now available.

[Old, Fat and Hairy]

Give the Sonex a go. Easy to build, well made laser cut kit. Aircraft is semi aerobatic and stressed to +4.4g for utility and +6g for aeros. Two seat side by side but if you build with a centre stick you can fly solo from centre and side stick with a passenger. Lots of elbow room as a single seater...

Aerovee engine cheap enough at USD6.5k and gives you 150mph burning 14litres/hr. Can also be fitted with Jab 2200 and 3300 but why pay close to certified prices for an engine you can't work on yourself and is still an uncertified engine?

Waiex a little more pricey and mandatory with dual controls so I'd suggest the Sonex.

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/aircraft/sonex.html

[Boet]

Mmmm, and please do not pass us by. Kitplanes for Africa`s Explorer...... Local product with good back up, and a delightfull aerie.

[priester]

Moffie arreplane gn wonder mense will die ding nie vlieg nie

[Grumpy]

Moffie arreplane gn wonder mense will die ding nie vlieg nie

Dis mos nou net k@k soek, Hmmm. En ek glo jy gaan dit kry !!

[Tailspin]

Moffie arreplane gn wonder mense will die ding nie vlieg nie

Priester

That cracking sound is the Thin ice you are playing on

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Moffie arreplane gn wonder mense will die ding nie vlieg nie

MOFFIES UNITE

[Boet]

PRIESTER.....................











Liewe Vader, help my net dat ek asseblief die oubaas se ouderdom in ag neem!