Introducing my baby

[Bigglesworth]

Don't read me wrong when I asked for other pilots to be around. I was specifically asking for mechanically minded people who could give useful information, maybe help rig the plane, and give it a check over to see if I might have missed something crucial.

 

I have so far said no spectators to my Dad, my older sister, and goodness knows how many friends (and not friends).

 

When I mentioned to a friend of mine that I was taking it to Moruya to be able to land straight after lift off, he said that wasn't at all like me, and expected me to take off from the farm strip straight off. But I am behaving myself for once, except in one aspect, sorry brentc, as far as insurance goes, DILLIGAF. (not said personally, just to insurance salesmen).

 

Basically without putting myself too high, I can often do what a lot of people find hard. So, when all sorts of people who don't really know me are telling me I have to get some exact type experience, I really felt like putting a full tank of fuel in, flying from home strip to Taree, and saying here I am, now what.

 

And while this is may cause many to freak out, it is safer than many other things I have done. Theoretically it would work. But as I said; I am behaveing myself for the sake of my plane.

 

So don't be over safetyfied in your comments. I have been catching up on a bit of sleep, and am starting to feel bulletproof again.

 

THAT WAS A JOKE. Stop throwing things at me. I am not the bulletproof idiot type, though I can act it really well.

 

Anyway, it all depends on the weather now, but hopefully I will be getting a couple of flights in before I try mine.

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

Good man ;) Now can we give Slarti back his thread?

 

 

[Flyer]

Don't read me wrong when I asked for other pilots to be around. I was specifically asking for mechanically minded people who could give useful information, maybe help rig the plane, and give it a check over to see if I might have missed something crucial..

Bigglesworth,

 

I understand that some people have RV (Vans kit planes)parties where they invite all and sundry over and everybody gets to check the plane out.

 

You could have a cheetah BBQ and invite all of us over to eat your food, drink your beer and check out your plane...;).

 

No flying of the new plane is allowed.

 

10 or more sets of eyes would soon pick up any irregularities...

 

Just an idea...

 

Sorry Slarti...still hijacking your thread:;)2:

 

Regards

 

Phil

 

 

[wanabigaplane]

Yea, backing on thread

 

Flew Ross to Taree to pick up Cheetah on weekend.

 

Talking to Garry Morgan while fuelling.

 

Look at that art ! (Pylon 500 emporium in background)

 

Arriving in Goulburn.

 

Jack.:yuk::yuk:

 

 

 

 

 

[Bernie]

Well done Ross.

 

Great photos Jack

 

 

[slartibartfast]

Thanks Bernie.

 

I like this one from Jack.

 

[ATTACH]4453.vB[/ATTACH]

 

Here's some others:

 

[ATTACH]4444.vB[/ATTACH] Refuelling Jack's Tornado at Mudgee.

 

[ATTACH]4445.vB[/ATTACH] It's a 1 and a half seater. I was a bit cramped.

 

[ATTACH]4447.vB[/ATTACH] Preparing to leave Taree. Garry wanted to compare the old Cheetah with mine and escort me down the coast a bit.

 

[ATTACH]4446.vB[/ATTACH] Of course Katie insisted on coming too.

 

[ATTACH]4448.vB[/ATTACH] Garry and I took off almost side by side. When I got to 1000, he was behind and well below.

 

[ATTACH]4449.vB[/ATTACH] Cruising down the coast, he was flat out trying to keep up. He couldn't though and went home again. The difference between the performance of the 2 Cheetahs is staggering. We think the wing tips are the major thing, but there's 12kgs less weight (although not here because I had 95 litres on board), cleaner finish and a better prop.

 

[ATTACH]4450.vB[/ATTACH] It's a lovely wing to look along.

 

[ATTACH]4451.vB[/ATTACH] Kool Kitty's new home.

 

[ATTACH]4452.vB[/ATTACH] I got home to find my lovely wife celebrating in her own special way.

 

So there it is. 10 hours flown and it is flying beautifully. Climbs at over 1000fpm, cruises at 110 knots, handles rock solid, doesn't leak, extremely comfortable, tons of headroom (I'm 6'1"), flies straight with feet off, and rocks!

 

There's a few outstanding jobs. Garry is making another prop that he says will give me 115 knots at 2800rpm and still have 1000fpm climb.

 

This is one excellent flying machine. Has to be the best value on the market.

 

Cheers and clear skies,

 

Ross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Admin]

Way to go Ross - well done and hey that is one cool looking wing tip in the 7th picture ;) - and a big thanks to Jack for helping Ross out

 

 

[Mathew Ker]

Fantastic effort Ross, As good as the photos are, I bet they don't do it justice 'in the flesh'. Very envious, but you provide good incentive for others. Happy flying.

 

Mathew

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

Absolutely wonderful stuff Ross! You must be so proud mate. See you tomorrow :)

 

 

[Towering Cu]

Congratulations Ross!

 

Have enjoyed immensely following your build from start to finish. Good luck with flying the rest of the hours off her and look forward to your trip reports as they come along.

 

Mike.