Is Bushcat ceasing production.

[Blueadventures]

Watching a Youtube video of a Bushcat practicing for OzStol in Tasmania the pilot mentioned that Bushcat was ceasing production or had ceased production and he was hoping to get his set of wing skin replacements before they close.  Any word about if and when such is happening.  Hopefully parts will be available for owners and someone else continues the model.

[kgwilson]

There is no indication of anything on the Bushcat website or from GAP. They have dealers in 12 countries. GAP Aviation on the Gold Coast is the Australian distributor.

[Thruster88]

There is a post on Facebook confirming the Bushcat production is ending. 

 

 

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[Blueadventures]

1 minute ago, Thruster88 said:

There is a post on Facebook confirming the Bushcat production is ending. 

 

 

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Not good; two days or so ago apparently.

[Thruster88]

Yes sad, they seem like a great aircraft. Friend has one down here. 

[BurnieM]

There was a post from Aero Sport the US Bushcat distributor; apparently they got told on 8 April when they were at Sun N Fun. GAP only got told a short while ago. Nobody seems too impressed.

 

Apparently they also make parts for a variety of aero manufacturers and this part of their business (including Bushcat parts) will continue.

Edited April 13 by BurnieM

[danny_galaga]

On 13/04/2024 at 8:45 PM, BurnieM said:

There was a post from Aero Sport the US Bushcat distributor; apparently they got told on 8 April when they were at Sun N Fun. GAP only got told a short while ago. Nobody seems too impressed.

 

Apparently they also make parts for a variety of aero manufacturers and this part of their business (including Bushcat parts) will continue.

Yes, although I think they actually only make parts for their own aircraft. That's what they say they'll continue to do. I might have to snap up an undercarriage, just in case...

[HeliPilot70]

Announcement from Rainbow SkyReach:

 

The very first “BushCat” branded aircraft manufactured by SkyReach in South Africa was produced in 2014 and sold to a customer at EAA Oshkosh of that year. A further 181 aircraft were manufactured and are either flying or are in some stage of assembly as a kit.

A decade since the birth of the BushCat, we would like to announce that the legacy of the BushCat will continue to live on however it will no longer be produced by SkyReach in South Africa and all rights for the aircraft have been sold to a very capable, enterprising and dynamic team.

 

Under the banner of “Bushcat Aircraft Australia” we wish to introduce the new team:

Errol van Rensburg, who has vast experience in aviation engineering and manufacturing and who will remain as the Australian distributer.

Michael Fletcher, with more than 30 years experience in metal manufacturing, who will oversee the manufacturing in a modern, high-tech facility.

Mariette van Rensburg, with more than 40 years of experience in marketing and sales will lead all international sales, marketing and distribution.

From the SkyReach team, we thank all our clients and supporters over the years. We have met many amazing people and made lifelong friends. It truly has been quite a ride!

We look forward to checking in and hearing about how the product will grow from strength to strength as it enters its next chapter.

Resuming production can not happen at the flick of the switch and there are a great deal of logistical, legal and legislative challenges that need to be dealt with. The Bushcat Australia team has however started tackling these tasks with their great enthusiasm and hopes to have the BushCat back in production in 6 to 8 months from now.

 

Worldwide spares distribution for the BushCat and Cheetah aircraft will be dealt with as soon as possible. For all enquiries, please contact Mariette for the interim on: [email protected].

 

We know the Bushcat Australia team will make a huge success of the their new venture going forward. We also know this is the best possible outcome for the product and BushCat/Cheetah owners worldwide.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17wD2ouftd/

[FlyBoy1960]

Not at Heck Field i hope !

We, the originals, are getting sick of all this rubbish happening!

[HeliPilot70]

There is a high likelihood since all other Global Aviation Products activity seems to be based there.

[facthunter]

Good luck with your Venture. The "scene" needs people like you  Nev

[pmccarthy]

Both Danny G and I looked at the Bushcat at Avalon some years back. I thought it looked good and seriously considered getting one. I have since followed Danny's posts about his build and am glad I didn't try it, but with local manufacture and support I hope they do well.

[danny_galaga]

Errol is a very industrious person, so I think he'll make a good fist of it. From his unique perspective his team can iron out the QA issues of the kit. The plane itself is a good plane. 

Regarding my build, I had a lot of trouble with it, but I'm easily disappointed and offput. If it was a much cheaper project (I've made a couple of arcade machines for instance) that wasn't working out, it probably would have ended out the front for hard rubbish collection. But because it's an expensive undertaking, I had to persist. Every other builder, of this or any other plane has just knuckled down and got on with it. 

Anyway, mine will be inspected next week. Might be one of the last South African versions to be completed.