The great "Balls to the Wall" Challange, GT450 vs Whirlwind 912s

[Alex]

Hi Guys

This was at the Cullivest last week. At the back is the 582 and in front the 912.

I will put the specs up soon.

[Alex]

The Whirlwind 582

[Cloud Warrior]

Nice looking machines!

[Alex]

Thanks Cloud Warrior.

[BIG-G]

Dear Alex. I really am not sure where you are getting your prices on the QuikR and Quik GT450 from. Not me. The correct prices of the aircraft landed in South Africa ex Vat are as follows. QuikR: R394 000.00 Quik GT450: R363 000.00.

These aircraft all have passed the toughest testing process in the world, BCAR Section S. They come ready to fly, fully equiped with instruments, dual fuel systems, all covers etc. All you add is radio, intercom, GPS and fuel.

The GT has a flying window of 36mph to 95mph and the QuikR 40mph to 106mph. There are now 2 QuikR's in SA and 18 GT's.

Spares are never a problem. Speak to any owner of any Mainair or P&M aircraft. You can still get spares off the shelf for planes made more than 20 years ago. Very few manufactures can boast this. You can even have spares the next day if you really are in a hurry.

Before you go trashing other aircraft. Please get you facts right.

Below is the standard equipment found on a QuikR and GT450:

QuikR strutted, topless wing with electric trim system. Electric starter. Slipper clutch. Engine cover. Twin Exhaust. Flydat, ASI, altimeter, VSI, compass, electronic fuel gauge & battery supply meter. Rigging gas strut (helps lift the wing for you). 65 litre fuel tank.
Portable storage bag clips into space under pilot’s legs.
Trike & propeller covers. Front strut protector. Lynx Antenna & interface power lead.

[Alex]

Dear Big-G

Here we go again! Right I think you are working on less than R 15 to a Pound, so yes the price will differ. But I heard from the guys that is not the real TOTAL price for the aircraft, there is still a lot more to pay for when you get it to fly here! So what is the real price in a customer’s hand?

Right I see you put a lot of stuff on that comes with this new QuikR that’s good man, this trike has all that and more except the bags. So where is the EGT’s, fuel flow meter, air temp, humidity indicator, radio, intercom system, helmets, headsets, bigger tires for bush and sand landings (after all this is South Africa), bigger and wider space for the pilot and co-pilot, Full body kit (fusel lodge “lots of spice to pack stuff in”), higher top speed. We need good local trike’s with world class performance to enjoy flying here in SA and this is it!

This is a SA build trike, that means all spares are available in Rand here and not working on the exchange rates.

It does not matter what you say, this trike is better priced for all it has in, the looks, where it can land and more comfortable to fly in!

I am a big guy so my feet got stuck in the Quik’s nose lots of times, stuck in sand, not with the new trike’s. The seats are 300mm wider than a Quik, the nose is longer and wider for more comfort.

Most of the UK guys are small so it does not bother them but SA guys are mostly tall and big, this trike can handle us!!!

I will never say the Quik’s are bad trikes but the Thunderbolt ST is just better in every way where the Quik’s have there shortcomings!!

[BIG-G]

Ok Alex so put you money where your mouth is.

You obviously have not seen the new cockpit that has more leg room.
Price calculation on prevoius post was at R13.40 to the pound.

Firstly I must state that I support everything you are doing and local is lekker. But I do not support you or anyone who trashes other products. Sell on your good points.

I suggest that to settle this once and for all. I challenge you to a race of at least 20 miles with lots of witnesses. The plane has to be airborne in 150m or less and land in 150m or less. I will bring my QuikR. Name the place and time. Any time of day. Mid day in the bumps even better.

See you.

[coastwise]

Big-G

I agree with you on the point of one manufacturer not trashing anothers product to score points.

It would be good to see the results of a flight or two between the two aircraft, one flight neutral bar and one bar in and balls to the wall.

[Alex]

Dear Big G

I see you did not read the last sentence! I will never trash another product but just stating like you are. Yes and when they are ready we can do it!

[Rudix]

Ok Alex so put you money where your mouth is.

You obviously have not seen the new cockpit that has more leg room.
Price calculation on prevoius post was at R13.40 to the pound.

Firstly I must state that I support everything you are doing and local is lekker. But I do not support you or anyone who trashes other products. Sell on your good points.

I suggest that to settle this once and for all. I challenge you to a race of at least 20 miles with lots of witnesses. The plane has to be airborne in 150m or less and land in 150m or less. I will bring my QuikR. Name the place and time. Any time of day. Mid day in the bumps even better.

See you.

I agree this is the way to settle it once and for all! I would like to take some photos and of the "challenge" including air to air (Then Alex can show me how he is going to fly away from my 3-Axis ), would make for a good story !

So come on guys, set a date !

[Tumbleweed]

This should be interesting.

Alex, I wish you all the best. You talk from the heart and your enthusiasm just comes across a bit skew.

As with anything new, test, trial and error is the evential path to success. You must have spent loads on research and development, I suggest get someone to do your PR. Keep to the product trials and when you're ready, show it off to the masses.

Quoting price. performance and comparisons before you're finished just creates more sceptism. Let the product just prove itself.

Good luck.

[BIG-G]

Leon I could not have said it better.

The best thing to have done would to have been quietly develop the aircaft and suddenly suprise us local okes with this fantastic machine that does everything better.

Ok Alex what date can we set?? There are lots of people wanting this settled finally. Stock standard CAA approved aircraft only.

Mine is ready right now. So we can go this weekend if you like.

Please let me know.

Grant

[kloot piloot]

Gentleman:

Brits is host to many International competitions. We have FAI approved Loggers available.

May I suggest:

A SAPFA logged, and approved race from FABS to FAAP to Rustenburg and back to FABS ?

Our club will host this event.

The floor is open ! PM and I will be at your service to arrange this dual.

We could at the same time combine this with a good bushveld breakfast fly-inn for spectators and fellow pilots.

May we be your host ?? Neutral ground at FABS.

[BIG-G]

Fantastic. Thanks for the offer. I guess all we need now is a date.

Also a good excuse for a breakfast.

Alex the date is in your court so to speak.

Should be fun.

G

[ZS-NEL]

This will make a good story. I will be there.