Superpup/Aeropup

[Brett]

I haven't done any weight and balance checks at all yet either so guess this could affect the trim too,,, its a heavier motor the aerovee than the jab so not sure how it will balance out

 

 

[Guest Marshy]

Nice looking Aircraft Brett

 

 

[Brett]

G'day everyone,,,, bit of an update I guess as it's been ages really since I have been on the forums as a regular. The plane is flying quite nicely now. A few things I'd like to do though would be to fit the wheel spats and clean up the cowling a bit. I ordered a new prop which hopefully will arrive soon as the rev's aren't quite in the ball park so I'm hoping a finer pitch prop will give me a higher climb rate.

 

I never realised quite how much I liked building now that the plane is virtually finished, so as a bit of a repeat offender, I have bought a quick build Sonex kit due to depart Oshkosh around mid May.

 

I've got some big trips planned this year so am looking forward to seeing how well the pup flies long distances before, I guess, I will have to kiss it goodbye (some day :) ).

 

It would be nice to take it to Natfly as well if I can get the time off work. I will definitely have to make the next Westfly though :)

 

 

 

[Modelmakeroz]

Brett,

 

Do you have any information you could share regarding the Aerovee engine. From the fact you plan to build a Sonex, I expect it must have been at least reasonable.

 

I'm right at the start of my journey, taking lessons and working out what to build or buy. My inspiration came from visiting the Oshkosh Airventure this year. Seeing the 7 day wonder come together and later seeing the Sonex stand including the Aerovee and of course the Subsonex among other sights was quite a revelation. Until Oshkosh and the LSA aircraft exhibited, aviation for me was being carried as freight around the country and visiting avaition museums. Now I suppose the bug has bit.

 

Regards,

 

Mike.

 

 

[Brett]

The Aerovee has been ok in terms of reliability. Once I threw away the Aerocarb and fitted a Rotec throttle body it ran great.

 

For my Aeropup I think the Rotax 912 would have been a better engine choice but the plane flies just fine. It's just the climb rate isn't as good as what the Rotax powered versions are getting with the reduction gearbox and bigger props. In terms of reliability I am impressed enough with them to buy a second unit for the Sonex I'm building. In fact my turbo upgrade kit just arrived in the mail 1 day b4 Christmas. Hopefully I will have the Sonex flying by the end of the Year. I wouldn't rush into making any decisions yet about building or buying or what make or anything. Learn to fly first, fly a few different ones and you will be surprised as to what you may find interests you after you have been flying for a bit. Lots of options out there. Something may just pop up when you least expect it.

 

As for me I just like building. :)

 

good luck ...

 

 

[MarkF50]

Hello all, I just bought an Aeropup - rego is 19-4627.  It was built in 2010 and I purchased off the second owner.  Have been working my way through docs and so-on. One thing I haven't found is any documentation on the propeller.  The prop is a sweetapple 60/38.  I'm looking for any doco I can find to familiarise myself with the prop - service manuals, installation manuals. 

 

Anyone know where I can find these?  Sweetapple has no online presence.

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Freizeitpilot]

A quick look found a post from Riley on this forum back in 2016 - maybe worth a shot if you get no other leads.
 

“You can try Dieter Sedbauer, in Morayfield, Qld. (0414 504 116). He took over the Sweetapple prop facility when Richard finally retired.”

 

 

[MarkF50]

Many thanks. I've just reached out to him and will let you know how I go.

[MarkF50]

I have another question, this time regarding tears in the fabric.

 

Not long after I purchased a fuel drain I noticed a square fuel-drain-screwdriver-sized hole in the fabric on the LH undercarriage.  Also, during my last DI I noticed a couple tears in the fabric on the underside of the LH tailplane.  I take off and land on a gravel strip and I suspect it may be rocks being thrown into the tailplane?

 

My question is how do I repair these?  As a short-term  measure is it OK to patch with Gaffa tape?  I've checked AC 43.13-1B and it talks about fabric patches that can be glued on.  I figure that's the path I should go down for a permanent fix but wanted to ask someone with more than the zero experience I (currently) have.

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Kenlsa]

Check wether you have Randolph, poly fibre, etc. then follow the makers instructions as to the repair method.
I have just about completed a Randolph system and it is very easy. Note— you can not mix systems. It should be in the log book. Or you can look inside the fuse and look at the base colour, it could be green or red, the most common colours. This will point you in the right direction.

Ken

[MarkF50]

Ken,

 

Thanks for that (and I should have thought of that myself!)

 

From the builder's paperwork it appears I have '3 Poly-Fiber Fabric - Light Uncertified'.  Looks like I can get a manual for this too!

 

I know where to go now.  Many thanks.

 

Mark

[Kenlsa]

Where are you based?

 

[MarkF50]

Gawler

[Kenlsa]

Come and see me.

C7

[MarkF50]

Many thanks!  Will do next time I'm at YGAW.  Email me at mark at achelp dot net.

 

Mark