Bushbaby Explorer 153

[KFA]

Hi Leon, It's quite simple. The plane is approved by CAA so if you stick to the buildstandard (manual) then the process is quite simple and you will not need any wing testing done. You buy a kit and start building. If you do a scratch build then it's another story. Through the build process you will need an AP (approved person or me at the factory) check your build progress and sign it off in the logbook. You will also apply for a build no from CAA somewhere in the beginning of your project. (info is on our website and is a simple process, costs nothing www.saplanes.co.za)

You will probably need about 3 inspections by the AP. 1 before you cover the wings, 2 for the control installation, 3 before the first flight another AP will have to sign off a duplicate inspection on the controls. This sound like a lot but it's nothing really, most guys have the AP come more often to give advise and have a beer. If you need more info feel free to give me a call 082 six zero 1 8970.
Stefan

[KFA]

Juan,
look at installing some alli plates where your heels will press down on. It will keep the carpet cleaner also.

[JuanMarais]

Finished with one wing today. Stefan, please change your manual to that you install the front internal support rounds before installing the TANK!!!!
Well, next wing will be lot faster I hope.

[JuanMarais]

Will steel your Idea of the plate under your heals, will look great with the dark carpet.

[KFA]

front internal support rounds before installing the TANK!!!!

Don't see why it's a problem, the tank is not supposed to be in the way of the insert. We do it on all the builds. The insert and the I- beam is the last to go in but I will have a close look in the morning to see if there are pitfalls.

On another note, we use a plastic floor carpet which is easy to keep clean. The carpet tends to hold grass and sand but looks nice.

[KFA]

Ek het gekyk na jou probleem, jy hoef nie van die binne kant af te rivet soos die foto wat jy gestuur het nie. Jy kan die voorste een van voor af rivet en die agterste een van agter af. Dit maak geen verskil of die rivet aan die tank kant is of aan die leading edge kant nie.

[ZS1TT]

Hi Juan,

Looking forward on some more updates from your side – This time with less beverages - LOL

She is going to be a beauty!

Keep up the good work.

Rhynhardt

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Juan.

Looking good, but much work ahead.

Dont know what you intend to do with your instrument panel, but I have a blank panel laser cut and unbent, the same as mine in the pic.

If you can use it, please give me a shout.

[JuanMarais]

Thanks for the panel offer, but I already got all the instruments I need and little diff than yours.

[JuanMarais]

The progress on the wings

[JuanMarais]

Second wing

[JuanMarais]

This is what I plan to do with the panel. Got almost everything, only short the GPS. Going with Airbox 7" foresight

[Jean Crous]

JuanMarais, i like your rate of progress May your build inspire more people to follow suit
Regards
Jean.

[JuanMarais]

Thanks Jean, but not many people working offshore and got 6 month a year holiday. LOL. Well cant wait to get back home to finish the wings and rig up the plane. Got the motor from Kitplanes, so now even more eager to progress.

[JuanMarais]

Rigged up the plane this weekend. Will complete the wings ASAP and start with roof and doors then. Wil post a few pics later