Scotty 1

Just like me David, slow and steady but built to do the job. ;):p:cool: Cheers Scotty

Ok time to fit some sides to the main cockpit. The panels are cut oversize to start with. David would know old mate "looking in". One of life's gentlemen. Not a big job? Well you clamp the panel in position then mark around all the frames on the inside, take the panel back off and measure and mark where all the rivet holes go then double check all is OK before you start drilling. The sheet is drilled on the bench. Re-clamp the panel back in place and check it all lines up before you start drilling the frame. Drilling through the panel and locking in place every 4th hole with a cleco you make sure it lays smoothly over the frame as you go. Not too many holes to drill in these skins for the rivets considering the 16 odd thousand rivets in the whole build! Now that is all pegged in place with the clecos and it fits the way it is suppose to you can mark around the panel for the final trim to fit and overlaps etc. Take the panel back to the bench and trim to the finnished size. Now you can start de-burring. Every edge, corner and hole has got to be de-burred on both sides. The frame and the skin. This is important not for looks or so you don't scratch yourself but to the strength of the whole build. You must make sure all components are rivetted or bolted together without being held appart by burrs or swarf. There are some fancy tools for doing this, and in some tight spots too but a cordless drill is your main choice of weapon if you can get to it. When you have that all done it is time to clean the sheet and frame with metho (keeping David Isaac away from the bottle if you want any left) so it can be undercoated. No two pieces go together without being painted. Now you can peg the skin back in place, every 4th hole with a cleco. Thanking your God for air tools you can now start riveting the skin in place. One side done, start all over again on the other side. You must also remember where another skin is to fit under or over the skin you are fitting not to rivet but just leave the clecos holding it till you fit the next skin. That is the process for the whole build. Components on then off maybe more than once, drill, de-burr, paint, refitt and then and only then can you rivet. [ATTACH=full]785[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]786[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]787[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]788[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]789[/ATTACH] More to come but for now. Cheers Scotty

Been busy for a few days but back at this compute thing now so I'll try and catch up. This is an email I received from Ole today. Hi Adrian, Yes for normal altitude and weather / temp operation the 912S does the job Ok at 600 kg Mtow. Any more kgs or high temps. and its labouring hard. Scotties data/ Hornet STOL (yellow) Stall clean 34 ktn Stall flap 30 ktn. Stall comes very announced with smoth buffeting and a slight roll to the right and nose drop. Release stick pressure and it will fly out it self. Approach clean: 50 – 60 ktn as required. Half flap : 45-50ktn. Full flap: 40ktn with short flair window and full stop in 40 m. Take off : nil wind 24 degrees , take off flap, grass, 50-70m max Mtow. Take off clean, same as above , 90m max MTOW. Best climb: at max Mtow 800ft/m @ 55ktn Cruise climb: 500ft/min @ 70ktn. Cruise speed: @ 5400rpm – 85ktn. / 12ktn faster than the slated wing version in same configuration airframe. Cruise @ 4900rpm – 70ktn. Manoeuvring speeds clean: 50- 80ktn in smoth air, rough air manouvering 50-70ktn. Flap extention speeds: 55ktn Max flap speed extended 60 ktn. Very stable and docile .... Cheers Ole Ole, I have been following with interest the final tests on the forum of the aircraft I saw near completion during my recent visit. I knew you were expecting a marked increase in cruise TAS with the changes to the wing and flaps. Do you have any preliminary estimates and also notwithstanding your preference for the 914 engine have you found the 912 satisfactory in this aircraft. Regards Cheers Scotty

Wayne Sounds like a handy course to do even if you don't want to become a L2. There is always something new we can learn. Might need to talk to you about when you will be running these. Cheers Scotty

Note to Ole: We will need to extend the door width on my Hornet as I no longer think my head will fit through the existing opening. Thanks for your kind words folks. Big kiss right back at ya Camp David. lol The fuselage is a semi-monocoque design and attaches to the rear of the main frame via longerons and stringers all locked together with frames and webb braceing. Any one who has built a steel shed will know how the frames will wobble all over the place until you start screwing sheets onto it. If your scared of heights like me, putting the roof sheets on while the whole thing under you wobbles all over the place is quite a job. But I was supprised with how sturdy the fuselage was before the skins went on. Just on the webbs. Another bend in the folder and you make the webb strong in tension and compression. No extra weight but given 4 webbs at one point twice as strong. Another new thing learnt. At the tail there are 2 bulkheads to mount the 2 spars of the vertical stabilizor. The frame is clamped to the bench and checked for square before the side skins are attached. Once their on there is no way this frame is moving. Roll the frame over and the bottom skin is then attached. The two rounded bottom corners are rolled in and attached. The rounded corners of this fuse add that much extra strenght to the whole structure. The tail that holds the vertical and horizontal stabilizor is double skinned with doubler plates on the outside and extra diagonals inside. The mounting points for the tail wheel are chrome molly and bolted to the frame. Inside all painted and then fit the top skin and corners. [ATTACH]773.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]774.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]775.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]776.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]777.vB[/ATTACH] Now that didn't take long:rolleyes: Cheers Scotty

Thats how I see it too Wayne and mine will be tested and certified but it worried me when it was said that the encoder is not tested. Good to get the frequency right but what good is that if you are transmitting the wrong height? I will ask a few questions before I book it in to be tested. Cheers Scotty

That tape makes some funny noises for sure. I must have picked up a stone just at liftoff in the trike once. Didn't take me long to put it back on the ground. Sounded like a bad vibration that you couldn't feel. Took me a while to find a slight rip in the prop tape on one blade. It sounded a lot worse than that. Made the heart tick for a while too. Cheers Scotty

Well if I don't keep waffleing on I won't get an invite to Camp David and I gota find out what those 2 get up to.....and report back:tongue: It all starts with a tig welded chrome molly frame that encases the cockpit. Another safety feature in my books. Stainless steel firewall at the front. The wings are bolted to the chroms molly via the main and trailing spar at the top of the frame and supported via the twin struts at the bottom. The main landing gear is bolted and braced to the bottom of this frame. The engine mount is bolted to the front of the frame via 5 points. The idea is that all the main loads from the wings, landing gear and engine are carried through the chrome molly frame before it gets to any ally. That in my books ad to the strenght and the safety comes from having the frame around the pilot and she who must be obeyed. The frames that go in under the floor of the cockpit to support the seats and under the cargo area carry the controls and when the floors go in all the controls expect the rudder pedals are enclosed with no way of dropping a pen or such and having it lock the controls. Naturally there are inspection covers to get to all the places you need, but that might take some time before things wear out as most pivot points are rose joints and not just bolts. [ATTACH]768.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]769.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]770.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]771.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]772.vB[/ATTACH] Anywho, thats me for tonight and remember blokes my sippin's rum Cheers Scotty

Hi Dex .Mine is the Garmin 327 with a Ameri-King AK 350 encoder. As Michael said it does display the alt in ft, mtrs or FL. Factory setting was FL so I changed it to ft and thats when I noticed the difference. I was setting it up in the hanger so not a real test yet. The encoder is adjustable with the directions in the manual but when I noticed the difference I made a note to have it callibrated but if thay don't do the encoder anymore whats the point. I won't be in CTA Cheers Scotty

How can that be? The encoder gives the height in mode C. Wrong height could lead to all sorts of trouble. Seems dumb to me. I was going to get mine checked in the Hornet but now I don't know if it is worth it. I set the alt to standard atmosphere and the transponder was reading 300ft different. So that is ok? Cheers Scotty

David you know how to put the pressure on a bloke. It started when I wanted an Australian built and designed plane. My theory is based around backup and support. If you need parts or advice it's here and not on the other side of the world. Bonus is Taree is just down the road from me. I consider myself a low hour pilot with a lot to learn and a few mistakes to make so I wanted a plane built strong. I first looked at the Hornets a few years ago and what impressed me was they were built to work and last in the bush and on some of the large stations. All sorts of work and in some pretty harsh environments. They should be able to handle some of my not so perfect landings. When I went back at the end of last year Ole had made some changes not the least the main landing gear. This is now a true suspension with about 9'' of travel and rebound dampering. Not so many bounces now lol. Although it doesn't look it, this suspension being chrome molly is 1kg lighter than the old spring undercarriage. Another big change is the wing. Ole has developed this new wing to get away from the drag of the slatted wing he used to use for the low speed handling. It was trialed on his Bushman and then scaled down to suit the Hornet. So far in the test flying it is proving itself. Ole can get off in about 50mtrs and approach at 45knots and land in about 40mtrs. Can't wait till he trys it with flaps. With 30mm of washout over the length of the wing the stall should just be a mush instead of a snap like the old slatted wing. As I have fitted flaps and ailerons to mine the roll rate won't be as good as flaperons but that suits me and Ole is sure if I do wish to throw it around it will do it. The ailerons arn't small. The cruise speed is going to be down a bit because of the extra drag of the 850x6 tyres I have fitted but we are still looking at 80+ and besides I still like the idea of being able to drop into the neighbours paddock for a cuppa. Mine is Hornet No29 and only the 4th one going into recreational flying, the rest are work planes and I have built it in the factory and seen it grow from a flat sheet of metal to what it is today. [ATTACH]766.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]767.vB[/ATTACH] Anyone that knows me will know that me doing this much on a computer thingoh has given me a brain pain (thanks David) so how about you all ask some questions now.Plenty more pics if thats what you want. Cheers Scotty

I have been supprised by some of the questions asked by people that obviously havn't read the manuals. Or by questions like "where can we get cheap parts" With the trike I found the manuals good and always have done it by the book with genuine parts. I'll admit though, you must have some skill with the spanners Cheers Scotty

[ATTACH]759.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]760.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]761.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]762.vB[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]763.vB[/ATTACH] Try these Cheers Scotty

Just to correct David, who is still learning to count, that would be the 5th and 6th at Gloucester. I will have my new Hornet there and I reckon if we ask Ole nicely he might do a few demo flights. Here is a copy of the invite to Gloucester Be a part of the Gloucester Aero Club Annual Fly-In and Bonfire, 5-6th November Spring is upon us, and so is the Gloucester Aero Club Fly-In. A famous Aussie said once that “life wasn’t meant to be easy”, how right he was. Aviation is in turmoil, fuel prices are up and there’s a GFC Mk whatever this week in the stock market. We can suggest the ideal antidote. Leave the ASIC at home and come on over to our friendly annual Fly-In and bonfire. It’s a relaxed weekend in a lovely part of NSW and a great opportunity to get together with a load of people who share your passion in Aviation, as well as introducing it to a few of the locals. Whether you fly an RAA aircraft, a Helicopter or an A380, you’re welcome. Why not bring a young person who is training or has the beginnings of an interest in Aviation? We’ll have a great mix of aircraft and a visit from Aerobatic champion Paul Bennet with his MaxxG Aerobatics Pitts Special, along with a fabulous model Helicopter display. The plan is for arrivals from 9 am Saturday morning, lunch and dinner will be available on Saturday as well as a breakfast on Sunday morning before you head home. Our clubhouse has showers and toilets so you can camp with us, or there are motels in town if you’d prefer-we’ll have a shuttle bus running to and from Gloucester. There’ll be a nominal charge for landing, camping and meals and a chance to contribute to our chosen charity, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Saturday night we’ll be around the bonfire where the stories get bigger every year. Please RSVP by 26th October if you intend to come so we can get catering sorted. It’s been a wonderful, relaxed event the last 3 years and with your participation it’ll be even better this year. Come and join us!! RSVP 26 October to Bob Francis (02)4988 6082 [email protected] Andy Edwards 0416 240949 [email protected] Find us on Facebook and at www.gloucesteraeroclub.org.au Cheers Scotty

You'll do anything to get a ride won't you? Cheers Scotty

Hi Dex Sounds like you will have to extend that hanger your building now Cheers Scotty

I agree. I have always been handy with a spanner, but aircraft are so much differant. I built the Hornet in the factory with all the help from Ole and Brian, I learnt so much more about the whole build. Because airframes are built light the integretty of all components are so important to the overall strenght and full inspection instead of just a casual walk around is what is needed. When I learnt in the trikes the engine and all it's components were part of the pre-flight checks, yet I have been in 3 axix schools that don't even show you the motor. When I asked why I was told they don't want to scratch the cowling. I didn't stay there. How many will teach how to check the airframe and not just some hinges? There is so much more to maintaining an aircraft than changing the oil and filter. Cheers Scotty

What he said, your cruel Cheers(not)Scotty

Sorry folks but I didn't know it had shut down. I had downloaded it a while back and have been useing it since then. Cheers Scotty

Hi Declan and welcome Don't worry about those other guys, they have no idea. The Mid North Coast of NSW is the place to be. Flying along our beaches whale or dolphin spotting or exploring the valleys to the west are just some of the things Trike flyers can expect here.[ATTACH]754.vB[/ATTACH] Cheers Scotty

Cazza Please.....Please.....Please give my cookies to anyone but him.......just thinking of your figure pettel.....I mean David Cheers Scotty

Todd Welcome and Bribery will get you everywhere, I drink???.......well you know. David He is up here with me so stop trying to take my friends away, get your own:tongue: When Todd was training in the Gyros I went for a fly with his FI. They sure are a fun machine. The one he was in was a MT Sports I think and a vast improvement on the early ones of a few years back. Very maneuverable. Maybe todd will tell us a bit about them. Cheers Scotty

Hi Cazza Can't make it this time but thanks for the invite. Good to see you here. Cheers Scotty

Wayne I recon we gotta have a good chance of gettin in down south if we promise to leave that Dave bloke here. CFI would probley give us a medal to keep him out. Sippin' whiskey......you want to give him more? Have a look at his ugly mush on his profile page..........sippin' whiskey and brylcreem.....and it ain't no little dab will do you. The young fella was out training again this morning and is aiming to be at his peak for Jay Tigre come Gloucster.....tyres all puffed up.....I think he must be smitten and out to impress.....Jay Tigre that is......I showed him a piccy of that Dave bloke and he went into a ground loop. Cheers Scotty

Gday Wayne Bout the same as you, still finding my way around here. How did your mistress go with the clip of the Hornet. I hope you can still make it to Gloucster but I must warn you, I have asked David to be the young fella's bodyguard so who knows where that will lead us Cheers scotty