Neil Denmark Posted August 27, 2023 Posted August 27, 2023 Hi All, I am new to member of this site, looking to purchase a Skyfox Gazelle. As part of my research I have found there are quite a few CASA AD's and Skyfox Aviation Service Bulletins for this model. Does anyone know where I can get copies of all the SB's? I understand the company went bust in 1999 so who is supporting this model today? Thanks for your help and I look forward to making contact with other Gazelle owners! Cheers Neil
Neil Denmark Posted August 27, 2023 Author Posted August 27, 2023 I found a few references to AD's on RAAUS but no actual documents. I'll try giving the RAAUS office a call on Monday.
facthunter Posted August 27, 2023 Posted August 27, 2023 Some were VH registered. You might have more luck there. Nev
Harv Posted August 27, 2023 Posted August 27, 2023 CASA website still has the official ADs. RA-Aus will have the post VH rego stuff. I think Coastal Aviation still have a STC for making bits for them including a new bungee style gear. There is limited life wing spars (4000 hours) and some other things which I can’t remember right now but are covered in the maintenance manual. Wing spar being the main one. I have heard of one gazelle that has done well over this but the wings were opened right up, inspected, and recovered. I’m not 100 percent certain how Raaus feel about this these days. The tech manager at the time was OK with it. The main AD to check is the strut carry through. If there is a tube bolted to the underside of the fuselage between the two strut mounts it’s been done. there is lots of discussion on this site about gazelles. But the key things to look at are the ailerons and aileron hangers and the older landing gear which use vulcanised rubber blocks rather than bungees. if you get stuck PM me and I can hunt around for the ads for you. With the exception of the limited life wing spar I can’t think of anything negative to say about the Gazelle. They are a brilliant aeroplane.
facthunter Posted August 27, 2023 Posted August 27, 2023 (edited) I always checked the bell crank on the elevator before flight. There is no redundancy. Don't pull much "G" at abv 85 Knots. Easy and forgiving to fly. Won't go very high on a hot day if loaded. fully. Keep an eye on where the flap actuation comes out through the sides of the fuselage. Nev Edited August 27, 2023 by facthunter more content.
coljones Posted December 8, 2023 Posted December 8, 2023 You could contact Fraser Anning Skyfox Aviation PO Box910 Caloundra QLD 4551 Ph: (074) 91 5355 Fax: (074) 91 8237 But you might have trouble finding him "Australian Electoral Commission drops case against missing former far-right senator Fraser Anning AEC discontinued case after ‘comprehensive search to locate’ former One Nation senator failed" 1 2
Gussguss Posted February 15 Posted February 15 On 27/8/2023 at 5:10 PM, Neil Denmark said: Hi All, I am new to member of this site, looking to purchase a Skyfox Gazelle. As part of my research I have found there are quite a few CASA AD's and Skyfox Aviation Service Bulletins for this model. Does anyone know where I can get copies of all the SB's? I understand the company went bust in 1999 so who is supporting this model today? Thanks for your help and I look forward to making contact with other Gazelle owners! Cheers Neil Neil, I am in the same situation, I read a lot of material, know of the problem but can’t seem to find answers, such as a drawing or instructions on the aileron hangar repairs its a bit dawning trying to find this stuff , I now own one but am concerned did you find what you were looking for ?
Blueadventures Posted February 15 Posted February 15 19 minutes ago, Gussguss said: Neil, I am in the same situation, I read a lot of material, know of the problem but can’t seem to find answers, such as a drawing or instructions on the aileron hangar repairs its a bit dawning trying to find this stuff , I now own one but am concerned did you find what you were looking for ? Rob at Coastal Aviation on Sunshine Coast is worth a call he has many parts available and can make. 1
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 i am selling one for a friend and that has some ads signed off in the logbook. there is one for a crossmember ,i think it is where the uc mounts. there is another for aileron hangers which is an inspection. pretty sure if they are good you don't have to replace them.
facthunter Posted February 16 Posted February 16 Ther's some plastic bits where the aileron actuators come out of each side and the elevator bell crank is a Must work item. Nev 1
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 i love the how the ailerons turn vertical as you fold the wings . very well thought out. 1
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 4 hours ago, facthunter said: Better left in place. Nev you would knock the wings off if you trailer it with that idea 😁 1
Blueadventures Posted February 16 Posted February 16 34 minutes ago, facthunter said: Fly it. Don't trailer it.. Nev Trailering should be kept to a minimum and when folded better to have additional supports attached to the leading edge wing tube to the fuse near the main leg attachment. I had such a set for mine. Keeps the wing more rigid. 1
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 We actually folded the wings to make room in the hangar. That's all. If I had one I would make up a trolley with castors to march the tail height with the nose wheel on the ground . It gets heavy when you swing a wing back and the tail drops. It's on light aircraft sales if anyone is looking for an immaculate gazelle. It was trailered home but had all the supports required and was fine.
Blueadventures Posted February 16 Posted February 16 2 minutes ago, BrendAn said: We actually folded the wings to make room in the hangar. That's all. If I had one I would make up a trolley with castors to march the tail height with the nose wheel on the ground . It gets heavy when you swing a wing back and the tail drops. It's on light aircraft sales if anyone is looking for an immaculate gazelle. It was trailered home but had all the supports required and was fine. The white rod gives great support to the wing to relieve stress on the rear tube pivot bolt and framing. Worth making and other forum member got my support set. 1
onetrack Posted February 16 Posted February 16 (edited) Brendan, I see you trailered it with the fully approved tail wheel support, supplied by the Aviation Dairy Supply Company. Edited February 16 by onetrack
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 6 minutes ago, onetrack said: Brendan, I see you trailered it with the fully approved tail wheel support, supplied by the Aviation Dairy Supply Company. I didn't trailer it. And that is not how it was trailered there. 1
BrendAn Posted February 16 Posted February 16 That's the only photo I had on my phone I think that's when he moved it from his house to his hangar. Only a couple of km. Not saying milk crates are bad though.😁 1
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now