Difference between "older" and "newer" xls cheetah

[JacoS]

Hi

I'm interested in buying a cheetah, but now, you get a few different types. I've been flying weight shift a couple of years, and know nothing of the fixed wings.
Can the cheetah "boffins" help out please ....

[German]

As daar n pyp bokant jou kop is wat jou aanmekaar stamp is dit die ou tipe

[Triker]

Praat met Rainbow (mike), hulle is hulpvaardig met die tipe vrae en sal jou breedvoerig kan verduidelik.
groete

[AWACS]

JacoS,
Old or new - both are good aircraft.
These are some of the mods made onto the newer XlS;
Brake improvement (though it is still a weak point... )
New wing and wing tip design -improved performance,
Improved flap lever (ergonomics)
Throttle lever (improved ergonomics)
Top engine cowling makes provision for improved airflow over the engine
Vertical stabilizer at the back (although it could/have been fitted to older models as well)
Wider cockpit
And and and ....to mention a few

[McCraken]

See my post in Aircraft for sale. I have been very happy flying my Cheetah but have emigrated so won't be flying it much in SA - only reason for selling.

[Byron Lutzke]

The cheetahs are all awesome, the little experience I have with them. So I got my own. what you think?
This is the new BushCat. Only Change the wheel size, Undercarriage and brakes.

[Turbo]

Mike will also tell you about the different wings -- Clark Y and the symetrical etc etc

All work great, and make for an awesome plane -- if you are buying a used unit, REMOVE THE FRONT SPATT AND CHECK THAT CRAPPY NOSE WHEEL FOR CRACKS!

[John Boucher]

I prefer the Clark-Y wing...

I prefer where the older models flaps were positioned...

The crossbar above your head in the older models just means you should wear an Air Magic helmet (especially in turbulent conditions!)

Turbo has a solution for the brakes so that ain't an excuse any longer...

I don't like the T-Bar throttle (maybe because I haven't flown one yet)

The current spats really need a rethink - especially for inspection for the front fork as Turbo has said. It is my opinion that these cracks are induced by oscillations caused by the front spat and inexperienced pilots not holding the front wheel off on take off and landing!

If I have to to own a PPL type aerie now, I'd keep the Cheetah just because it is pure pleasure and has fun factor for those shorter hops...

Cheetahs must be the roomiest and most comfortable aeries to fly

Excellent cross wind characteristics..

Preferably 80-100hp engine on the reef

Excellent value for money

Great support from the factory

I can go on and on and on....

[Turbo]

Couldn't have said it better myself John!

[Blue Max]

inexperienced pilots not holding the front wheel off on take off and landing!

Hi John, plse explain the above. Tx

[John Boucher]

The Cheetah front fork does not enjoy being "run" on or into the ground. Another is when not putting sufficient back pressure on the stick on take off, getting the front wheel off the ground asap and then inadvertently letting it spin with some serious shudders & oscillations through the fork... There have been numerous fork failures... the remedy (besides redesigning the fork)?

Easy - many years ago I had the honour of flying with Vladimir at Kathu on delivering a friend of mine's Cheetah. Start the roll, gentle back pressure on the stick, nose wheel off asap, check, check, check and then let the baby just fly off the ground. No violent spinning front wheel or over load fork. Same goes for the landing...

That make sense BM?

[Blue Max]

Yes thanks, that makes sense.
Hi-jack off.

[John Boucher]

[Turbo]

agree with John 100% - but still doesnt change the fact that the design on a nat hawk is 100 times better than the cheetahs fork.

The fork is so long (leverage to break!) and the material is very thin -- the design of the bend is also not gusetted, which makes a bicycle's fork seem stronger

There is no way to inspect the fork without removing the entire nose wheel --- thats why you will not see my plane with a front spat on - EVER!

[Sideslip]

Sorry to jump into the conversation so late ...

Jaco, please feel free to come visit us at the factory and I will show you all the changes and improvements that have been made over the years. Alternatively, PM me your contact details and I will give you a call.