stinsonjr

Why the Rotax? I believe the Jabiru puts out more power. Was it a cost issue, or a feeling that Rotax would give better support? I believe Rotax has been around longer, and have heard good things. I would love to see a picture of one with the Rotec radial. Funny thing - the Rotec radial is designated as a "R-2800"...of course, the 2800 refers to displacement in cc's rather than the more famous P&W R-2800 and 2800 CI's. I always wanted a plane powered with a R-2800

In looking at as many websites as I could find, one showed construction pics. I am still wondering how it was to do the interior with the outer fabric on. The construction pics I saw showed the interior going in prior to the fuselage being covered, which I think would be easier.

How long does it take to change into floats? Taildragger to trike takes an hour (who would want to though), but I didn't see anything about putting floats on. Are they straight floats, or amphibious?

Thanks, sorry for all the questions, but this is a neat project you did. Also, add to my list above to be sure to post any pictures with the Rotec radial if you see one.

usmc-sgt

We went with the rotax for the support and the ease of installation. They have been putting the rotax in this plane for a while and they have it done pretty well so we did not want to mess with getting modified engine mounts and a modified cowling. The 912ULS only has 100 HP by my father is a sport pilot who has only flown the J-3 Cub so this thing will feel like he is flying a pilatus porter turbine compared to what he is used to. 1000+FPM compared to 300ish and an increas in cruise by 40 mph....baby steps stinson, baby steps.

as for the floats we are going with the quad amphibious and we expect to probably have a little less than a half day involved in the swap with the right tools. The airplane is already configured for them and we have the compressor installed and all appropriate switches we will just need to drop the gear, bolt on the floats and run the new hydraulic and air lines. Half day to a lazy sunday or so we figure.

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PeterK

Sounds like you and your Dad probably read a lot of manuals while you were doing this...

looks absolutely beautiful. GREAT WORK.

stinsonjr

USMC-SGT - How is the approval process and first flight prep going? We will want a full Pilot Report + pictures as soon as practical. Have fun and be safe!

usmc-sgt

It is going. I submitted the completed paperwork to the FAA and they are saying typically 3-5 days until they give our D.A.R the ok to come out and do the inspection. Once he gets the nod we just set up a time that works for all of us. We did the preliminary taxi test yesterday and will do a little more tomorrow before I have to travel out for the actual job tomorrow. We expect to be in the air in two weeks max.

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stinsonjr

Hey USMC - a psuedo necropost here...

When is the big day?

usmc-sgt

july 1......

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stinsonjr

Wokeup today and after my coffee thought - hey USMC-SGT is flying his new plane today! How did it go? Is it fun being a test pilot, or kind of nerve racking?

usmc-sgt

The inspection did not happen until 1830 local and ended at 2130 local so there will be no flying. Unfortunately I do have to go back to work for a 4 day to fly a plane that will not be nearly as entertaining.

This photo came out horrendous with the hangar lighting and the camera phone but you get the idea. Thats what it is all about, finally getting the FAA's thumbs up. Anyone have a helmet and a spare parachute?

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stinsonjr

Good man - got the paperwork! Be careful being a test-pilot. Looking forward to your report.