zodiac3813

For sure, Nev. We have completed our Skyranger Swift build, sent the documentation off on 26/4/13 and didn't even get an acknowlegement that it had been received... we hear and read lots about renewals, but little about new aircraft applications! I just hope they are not getting shoved aside to enable the backlog of renewals to be addressed. That would be quite unfair from my slightly biased perspective!

I note that the new GM has a background as a Museum Director/Manager.... let's hope he doesn't have to re-visit that aspect of his career with RA-Aus!

Hi Fri, it's a wide chord Kool prop, 69" diameter.

Hey everyone, I think, in the heat of the moment, that I may have understated the hours spent on the build... it was probably more like 600-ish hours but hey, it was fun and still completed in less than a year. Thanks again to Owen Badcock, engineer extraordinaire! Cheers, Jim.

Wow, if it wasn't the aircraft or the pilot's fault, who or what's fault wasit? There's not many other options....

Hi Matt, I received the kit at the end of August 2012, and have just finished it, with some help from an engineering friend in the latter stages. It was a relatively simple build: we spent, I guess, around 450 hours on the project (I kept a written and photo log, but didn't tally the hours). The construction methods are very simple yet very strong, and the end result is a robust aircraft that will cruise at (probably) 80-90 knots, with around 400 NM range and good short field performance. Total cost (with a 2nd hand Rotax 912S) around 40K. I would recommend the kit for a first-time builder (I have previously built a Zenair Zodiac from scratch: 3,500 hours!). Cheers, Jim.

Missed this one....

Thanks everyone, here are a couple more photos of the build . Thanks again Greg for all your support! Hope to fly up and visit some day in the not too distant future. For anyone in the market for a quick build, value-for-money, robust kit aircraft: I can recommend the Skyranger... 8 months spare time from arrival to completion! Cheers, Jim.

Hi, does anyone know what happened to the forum topic that dealt with discussion regarding latest developments at RA-Aus HQ? In particular, the progression of aircraft registrations. Cheers, Jim.

The (almost) finished product....

I missed out the ducting photo I think...

Oil cooler and radiator ducting, with special thanks to my clever friend Owen ...

And the panel saga continues...

Cheers Greg, here's a latest pic...

Previous trial fit of the wing frames, flaps and ailerons: now ready for covering.

The latest photo of the Swift's progress... skin on!

Thanks Neil, I finally got it sorted and the engine is fitted (for the 6th time!). Started on the wings and almost ready to cover the fuselage. Cheers, Jim.

Hi everyone, has anyone else had trouble fitting the 912 to the Skyranger? The extension bracket for the ignition modules does not come with the kit, so there is not even a pattern to make one (obviously it is supplied in the UK kit). The short diagonal brace seems to interfere with the ignition pickups and everything else near it (I think it would be far better turned the opposite way to the instructions, but there's NO WAY I'm dismantling that mess of bolts, washers and tension!).... tearing my hair out! Anyone else had the same problems? Any photos of home made brackets? Any ideas??? Cheers, Jim.

My estimate for instruments for my Skyranger Swift project (A "hybrid" panel: some digital, with basic "steam guage" backup)... ASI, ALT, MGL "Extreme" EFIS with AH and compass senders, MGL V10 radio, Airbox Clarity GPS, mode C transponder and all switches, circuit breakers, isolator, etc, is around $9500.00. I already have an electric turn coordinator, so may as well use it (for it's rudder ball if nothing else). That's my tentative plan, I may change some of the components. Cheers, Jim.

Hi Greg, unforunately the WiFi version of the ipad mini doesn't have a GPS: only the cellular version does. Since I don't want another phone plan, it kind of puts it out of contention... pity, because Oz runways is brilliant. Hopefully they'll bring out an android version!

Hi Mark, I live in Launceston, hanger at Mt. Direction.

It actually just balanced that way, at the time... not so now, with all the tail surfaces! It needs the engine...

HaHa thanks Puk, I can foresee much gnashing of teeth (not to mention bleeding fingers) when it comes time to lace.... any tips?