Skyranger Swift progress...

Jim, I'm impressed with your work and the plane is looking smart. How many hours have you spent to date on the construction (approximate), or when did you commence construction?

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.

Jim: now the REAL fun begins. Happy flying...

Jim an exceptional job. Building a second plane is still only a distant dream for me. But still I can't wait to do things again with a bit of experience under the belt. I built mine in about 228 hrs but must say by the pics yours looks a bit more polished than my bird!

Heath

Forgot to ask. What kind of prop are you spinning?

Jim you are rightly pleased and proud of your new Skyranger. You have done a great job and it shows. Now the real fun starts, you are about to discover just why the Skyranger and Nynja are among the most popular aircraft in their class. It's time to fall in love all over again. Come up and see us, you and Ang are very welcome any time.

Greg.

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.

Forgot to ask. What kind of prop are you spinning?

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

Jim: I know you've built another plane and already know this, but now the real fun starts.

I would recommend the kit for a first-time builder (I have previously built a Zenair Zodiac from scratch: 3,500 hours!).

.

Congrats on completing your Swift!

Thanks Eighty, here are some photos of the (almost) completed project... still have to fit the centre console, connect the AH and compass senders for the MGL EFIS, as well as sort out some minor bugs...

What a great thread and a great result!

Thanks Eighty, here are some photos of the (almost) completed project... still have to fit the centre console, connect the AH and compass senders for the MGL EFIS, as well as sort out some minor bugs...[ATTACH]22789[/ATTACH][ATTACH]22790[/ATTACH][ATTACH]22791[/ATTACH][ATTACH]22792[/ATTACH]

(you'll soon have to ask Ian to rename you Swift3813)

(you'll soon have to ask Ian to rename you Swift3813)

Hi Everyone,

I've just updated our flying and sailing website, with lots of Skyranger construction photos, flying videos etc, as well as history of our other interests/exploits. Please feel free to give feedback, or to request further details.

http://www.flysaillivelife.com/index.html

Cheers, Jim.

Great looking website Jim. Great looking plane too!!!

Forgot to ask. What kind of prop are you spinning?

It's a Kool prop... similar to a Kiev, but this one has wide chord blades. Couldn't tell you what pitch, but we get about 4850 rpm full power climbing. Cruising at around 70kts at 4500rpm, 80kts at 4900, 90 at 5200.

Cheers, Jim.

Hi Heath,It's a Kool prop... similar to a Kiev, but this one has wide chord blades. Couldn't tell you what pitch, but we get about 4850 rpm full power climbing. Cruising at around 70kts at 4500rpm, 80kts at 4900, 90 at 5200.

 

Cheers, Jim.

To get 90 knots you are wasting fuel because it's not THAT streamlined. They are strong, simple design and easy to build and fly and plenty of room for the occupants. Nev