New light sport aircraft - Brumby

[Guest Glenn]

Some information about the new sport aircraft called a Brumby that is being built here at Cowra.

 

Information and photos at http://www.pgaviation.com.au/Brumby%20kit/Brumby%20Kits.htm

 

This is the latest photo of the Brumby

 

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Apparently it has a good roll rate so they are considering it.

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Had another flight on Sunday in the Brumby. I'm hooked 8)

 

 

[Guest colt_pa22]

I like the look of it Glenn. You must of had a good view from up there, very nice neat panel.

 

115 kt cruise on a Jabiru 3300 engine, they have the right idea and are with the times, unlike the 0-235 Lycoming powered Whitney Boomerang, a copy of an old design.

 

colt

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Much better than a Jabiru. But I'd go in anything that can fly. :)

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Just trying to get the word out about it. 8)

 

 

[Guest bigmerino]

NATFLY 06

 

I went to NATFLY and was very impressed with the brumby. When you look at the price of the plastic fantastic and the likes of the Tecnam's etc, the Brumby represents extremely good value for money. For me it was the pick of the bunch at NATFLY.

 

I saw it take off on the Sunday and it seemed to performed very well. Does anyone know what it's useful weight is? Does it really do 115kts? Do they have any sales?

 

They have listed some photos of NATFLY on their website:

 

http://www.pgaviation.com.au/Brumby%20k ... Photos.htm

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Hi bigmerino, welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy your time here. Where are you from?

 

Yes the Brumby is certainly a little beauty. It attracted quite a lot of attention and excellent comments.

 

All up weight 544kg RAA or 600kg LSA. Apparently yes it does 115. I have been in it twice so far but only over the town. Two have been sold as far as I know, but I'll have to find out more.

 

 

[Guest bigmerino]

Hi Glenn I,

 

thanks for the welcome. I am from Southern Sydney and have enjoyed the site so far.

 

Cheers Bigmerino

 

 

[Guest The Hammer]

Unusual to see a wooden prop on newly produced aircraft - do you know why that is, Glenn I ? Weight perhaps??

 

Betcha she's hot on a sunny day, with all that perspex!

 

What sort of $ tag are they selling for?

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Yes it can get a bit hot but that's why they have been using those sunshades to reduce the amount of sunlight.

 

Not sure why the wooden prop or the exact cost but I can find out for you. According to their web site - "Pricing - initial kits $43,500 + GST excluding engine - paint - upholstery"

 

So the complete kit should be available for under $100k. I'll find out the exact cost though.

 

I'm going out of town today so can't get over there today. Wednesday would be the earliest so if anyone wants to know anything else just ask and I shall endeavour to find out.

 

Also hoping to get some photos of the prototype being built so I can post them here.

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

A bit of an update on the Brumby. Currently moving the engine 8 inches forward on the prototype to allow better "centre" it so it's not so tail heavy.

 

PG Aviation are now holding deposits for 8 Brumby's. A computerised cutting machine has been specially made and construction will begin in around 3 weeks.

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Article from Today's Cowra Guardian

 

Flying high

 

Cowra business PG Aviation is set to take off thanks to a boom in the aviation industry.

 

Based at the Cowra airport, the company is riding high on the demand for Light Sport Aircraft, a new category created by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for small, simple to operate aircraft popular with flying schools and hire businesses.

 

Called the Brumby, PG Aviation has only had the Light Sport Aircraft model for three months now yet already orders for the product are in excess of one million dollars.

 

"It's all happened fairly quickly, to sell eight, probably 10 aircraft in that short a time frame is amazing," PG Aviation owner Phil Goard said.

 

"This category and the resulting products is a new development in the industry, based on an American example.

 

"Other existing similar category aircraft are now older planes, Cessnas and Pipers, who stopped manufacturing in 1997. Because they are old, the cost of maintaining them is extremely high, as are fuel costs, whereas the Light Sport category planes are much more efficient.

 

"The bottom line is that flying schools need to keep their costs as low as possible to make a return on their investment. If they have to pass on costs to customers, it makes them less attractive and competitive."

 

The rapid response has also been because of the initial asking price for the Brumby - under $100,000 compared to its nearest competitors at $140,000.

 

Being produced in Australia is also a strong selling point, as the machine stays here to be repaired or source parts, rather than the high cost of sending imports back overseas.

 

Its full metal status means the plane does not have to be hangered - which can be another costs for schools.

 

The response has been so strong the factory is already at capacity and is looking to rapidly expand just to cope with orders.

 

"We've actually started to push out of the space now. But in six months time, we have to have half a dozen of these planes ready. We will most likely have to double our space," Mr Goard said.

 

The company employs five people now, but with the rapid expansion, could be grow to 15 employees.

 

Due to the relatively simple manufacturing process involved and the short time frame, they are looking at sourcing labour locally.

 

"Its quite a simple airplane, you don't need to have a degree, you could train anyone to build it."

 

The Cowra Business Action Group is supporting the company in examining the options available to its expansion hopes.

 

"This is a great opportunity for a local business," Cowra BAG spokesperson Ray Croker said.

 

"At this stage, we are helping them with any kind of support or networking we can offer."

 

 

TAKING OFF: PG Aviation owners Phil Goard and son Paul, with their light Sport Aircraft, the Brumby. Demand for the plane has set the business for rapid expansion.

 

 

[Guest colt_pa22]

Fantastic news and great for the town of Cowra, I hope PG aviation really takes off, pardon the pun.

 

These types of aircraft are the future of aviation in this country.

 

colt