Carl Babst Raven Taildragger - Finally ATF!!!

[JvTonder]

Min dae mnr!

[Induna]

Hi there,

Today has been another productive day. Sorted some small issues, installed all missing locking wires, secure the panel, installed vents, installed fuel valve and piping and closed up cowling.

With the cowl installed, the temperatures are also looking good. I also broke in the new hydraulic brakes and they work really well. The aircraft manages tight turns with it, and this is exactly what this taildragger wants...!!

What is left to do is installing the AOA and pitot tubing and complete upholstery. Leon has been very kind in organising high density foam seats cutout and used his Zodiac's seats as templates. thanks leon!!

J

[Induna]

Another issue is that I am still having a problem with the elevator AP servo that does not respond to the test input given. I have emailed Rainier from MGL and hope to get it sorted...

Anyone maybe had the same issue with these servos who could assist in the mean time?

J

[Induna]

A pic to prove the engine is running...!

[Jean Crous]

Sien jy ...... .....nou hoef jy nie meer brrrrmmm....bbbbrrrrrmmmm te maak nie, hy doen dit nou self
J

[Induna]

Sien jy ...... .....nou hoef jy nie meer brrrrmmm....bbbbrrrrrmmmm te maak nie, hy doen dit nou self
J

Haha!! Met daardie lightspeed headsets moet ek dit doen want ek hoor absoluut niks as ek die goed aanhet nie...!!!

[Induna]

What can I say, i am ecstatic!! The aircraft is ready to fly, just need to wait for the PFA application to be finalised and then we will take it to the air!!

I did some taxi test for the past three days. The rudder is responsive and the Grove main gear feels nicely dampened. Dont feel any of the normal vibration that the ravens with tri gear have on their main wheels while taxiing.

All the temps and pressures are well within specs on the ground. Still have to check propeller pitch to adjust full throttle rpm, but will have to tie down the tail for this tests.

I will post some more pics soon..

J

[Induna]

The tailwheel steering is also very good and assisted with the hydraulic brakes i manage a very tight turning circle.

The tail comes up at around 30-40mph. The rudder becomes very light as soon as the tailwheel clears the tar. Directional control is also good. Seeing that we have a 1200m runway, it is perfect for these taxi tests. Also had a light crosswind at some stage, which also gave the opportunity to test the crosswind capabilities.

Now just the paperwork, then the test pilot can do his thing..!!!

[Goose]

[Keep them level]

Hi Jacques

What can I say except....HEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA! and well done.
Mooi. Flippen Mooi!
Geez and I missed the run up test.
I tried so damb hard during this week to get to the airstrip to witness the big occasion. Alas!

Mooiloop

Dave

[Induna]

Thanks Dave, i guess you will have to wait until I am back then...!

Keep well and keep those Raven hours counting..!

J

[Induna]

Hi,

I got the wonderful news that the paperwork is sorted and that PFA is on its way!! I am stoked and very excited and it will be a great moment when I am back home in July... so watch this space!!!

J

[Goose]

[Induna]

He are some pics.

[Induna]

Another one...