glongrid

See classifieds for the sale of Savannah XL VG kit minus engine.

Well everyone, the aircraft in question is now mine!!!!

About to re-aquaint myself with my partially completed XL after about 6 mnths layoff. I am now fully retired & hope to get stuck in. As for the seats, I have them unpacked so what should I look for to ascertain the answer to your question? I can send pic. if that helps!

Hi 80kts,

Fellow Savvy builder.

Hi Mark,

very interested in your build so far, some great pictures. I started my XL back in December 2009 & was going along nicely when my youngest, a daughter decided to move back home about 3 months ago. This literally decimated any build area in the garage I had slowly aquired to the extent I have not done a thing since.

I have completed both the fin & rudder & top skinned the left wing, I think. Will have to reaquaint myself with progress in the near future. Am planning to erect a couple of garden sheds down the back to transfer her belongings into soon. I have many pictures like you but won't post as they will only confuse your thread, unless I can help someone or I need advice on a specific issue.

Anyhow, keep up the good work & I will continue to monitor site to follow your build with interest.

PS. The biggest issue I have is that building the savvy in Melbourne seems to make me very unique. No others near by to have site visits with.

Hi, guys.

I'm a bit confused as to what I will be registering my Savannah XL under when it is completed.

My understanding is that it will be LSA Category under CAO 95.32 as it has a MTOW & Vso not exceeding 600kg & 45kts respectively but greater than 450kg.

Additionally, regular & formal build inspections by SAAA personnel seem like a good idea, especially if I ever have to part with it.

What are your thoughts?

Gordon

Bayswater, VIC.

Hi all,The Weight and Balance went according to the book last Monday and Thursday's pre-flight inspection went well. Now it's just a wait for the paperwork to cycle through RAAus and the provisional rego to return; then we are airborne.

A few things that came out of the inspection:-

 

The flaperon control rods need to be tightly fitted but need to pivot through their range of movement. This is achieved by padding them out with AN5 washers (not in the kit). Washers must be AN as non-spec ones tend to be too big and can jam or stiffen the mechanism.

 

Don't put too much grease on lubricated joints.

 

There needs to be a stainless steel plate with the AC rego number stamped or engraved on it affixed somewhere on the airframe. It doesn't have to be visible. The idea is that it will survive a catastrophic fire should the AC crash and burn and will assist the investigators identify the AC. This is additional to the one supplied in the kit, which must also be fitted.

 

There needs to be placarding on the instrument panel to indicate which way switches are 'on' and 'off'.

 

I have fitted long-range fuel tanks so have 4 fuel taps, one from each tank. Each needs to be identified with a placard as well as an 'on/off' indicator (tap in line is not sufficient).

 

The inspection process was more of a learning experience than a 'test'. The inspector was extremely knowledgeable and most helpful with suggestions and not at all threatening.

 

Hoping this is of value to others.

 

Blue skies,

 

Ron.

Anyhow, re regular inspections of your build. How did you organise it, what was involved & were you happy overall?

Forgive me if you have already talked about this in previous logs & am happy to troll through if needed.

Regards,

Gordon.

I have just started assembling XL & my initial experience with ICP supplied primer is, to put it simply, not good. As per the instructions, I am only priming metal to metal surfaces with a paint brush. The result is streaky & in some cases lumpy adhesion. Also the lower edges of components are collecting excess primer which I feel I should remove mechanically along with clearing all holes of primer. Cleco's may eventually jam if dried primer is lodged in them over time.

Can anyone tell me if I am being over critical or do I have genuine reason for concern.

Gordon.

PS. I have posted this request elsewhere but feel it may be missed due to age of original thread. I hope the dual postings do not run contrary to forum protocol.

Hi guys, just noticed this thread. I have just started assembling XL & my initial experience with ICP supplied primer is, to put it simply, not good. As per the instructions, I am only priming metal to metal surfaces with a paint brush. The result is streaky & in some cases lumpy adhesion. Also the lower edges of components are collecting excess primer which I feel I should remove mechanically along with clearing all holes of primer. Cleco's may eventually jam if dried primer is lodged in them over time.

Can anyone tell me if I am being over critical or do I have genuine reason for concern.

Gordon.

T87, thanks, I think I will do as the documentation says & coat all metal to metal surfaces prior to fixing together.

Gordo.

Ron, thanks for the advice. I need to keep asking as I have a tendency to try too long to self fix. However, your philosophy seems very sound.

Gordo.

Hi Ron. Very interested in your progress. I have just landed a VG XL in kit form & am in the process of collating all the bits. Nearly gave up until I read your thread. Will perservere now.

Just "clecoed" the fin & immediatley struck trouble with alignment of holes. Anyway will look at closer & see if I'm being over critical tomorrow.

Excuse my ignorance but why is it suggested all metal to metal contact be via supplied primer? Is it only dissimilar metals or ALL metal contact? And does this not mean that the electrical conductivity between "bits" will be compromised?

Surely it is of paramount importance to have an all metal plane electrically conductive throughout, if for no other reason than to inhibit static build up?

Cheers,

Gordon.

Nice report, Maj. Sure makes me feel better as I am about to take delivery of a VG XL next week in kit form. Will show your assessment to the "minister of finance". Your credentials as a "wing commander" may hold some sway.

Regards,

Gordo.

Thanks for that Brett & Captain. Sometimes it's hard to see the forrest for the trees.

Cheers,

Gordon.

:hittinghead: Fellow enthusiasts, I enquired of my home insurance company ( which bank? ) as to whether or not my kit would be covered at home during the build phase. I received an emphatic NO. It appears that once the word aviation is mentioned these companies see a chance to wring their collective hands of any responsibility.

My question is, has anyone considered this area & if so what has transpired?

Gordo.

"Savvy XL VG" Kit Builder waiting in the wings.

:hittinghead: Fellow enthusiasts, I enquired of my home insurance company ( which bank? ) as to whether or not my kit would be covered at home during the build phase. I received an emphatic NO. It appears that once the word aviation is mentioned these companies see a chance to wring their collective hands of any responsibility.

My question is, has anyone considered this area & if so what has transpired?

Gordo.

"Savvy XL VG" Kit Builder waiting in the wings.

Great work Neil. Sure makes sense, an 80 Hp. Hope not to have to make decision for a couple of months as finances have taken a hit. Will seek your advice during build if that is ok.

Gordo.

Sure Jeffry, however my intention is to keep forum informed via this format so everybody can have a gig & provide any feedback.

Gordo.

Just a quick update. Have ordered savvy XL VG. Should arrive early to mid Oct. Hope to keep you all updated on build progress. If I seem to be slack in this regard your prompting will not offend me.

Regards,

Gordo.

Hi Walter, just ordered XL VG thru' Aerokits yesterday. Advised it may arrive within 3 weeks on mainland. Should see it in Melb about early October. Don't think I'm getting all the extras you have listed however the upgraded axle & extra rivets are confirmed. Once I unpack & rationalise parts I will have a better idea. Thanks for the little tips. I'm sure they will assist enormously. Will keep in touch as I progress.

Remember, the safer you do things the higher level of luck you are afforded.

Gordo.

Walter, I beleive the VGW is a wide body version of the VG. It may also be designated as XL. But not so sure here.

I am interested in whom you sourced your kit through & in particular any additional costs over & above the kit cost.

You can contact me on [email protected] if you feel that some information may be too private for this forum. I hope I haven't broken any forum rules with this suggestion. Please forgive me if I have & ignore the request.

Gordo.

Can any of you savvy owners help me decide between a VG or a VGW. The price difference seems insignificant & a quick look at performance & specs. appear inconclusive.

IPS. I intend to build basic kit whilst I decide between 80 & 100 hp Rotax.

Gordo.

JG3, thanks for the insights. You have convinced me that the savvy is my best option as a 1st time builder. I hope to order a VG in the next few days.

I may seek your advice on some of the issues you raised if & when I start the build. I suspect that delivery may be some months away at the earliest.

Gordo.

Hi fellow enthusiasts. This is my first post & hopefully not my last. I am seeking advice as to which ultralight kit to purchase as I have a recently erupted desire to build & fly. I have only ever flown warriors & tomahawks. Never an ultralight.

Some considerations I have in mind are:

2 seater

Tricycle undercarraige

Easy build

Good after sales service

STOL

Minimal hidden costs

Examples of craft for perusal

No sheetmetal forming requirements

Metal frame & skin

RA-Aus / CASA certified

Double garage available for assembly.

Can anyone give me a heads up on some appropriate makes & models to investigate?

Regards,

Gordo.