USADrifter

Thanks for posting the close up photo, that is a help!

A few years ago I lost two fuel caps in a row and I still have no idea why. I had one remaining from a stored belly tank which I took to a local machine shop and the owner created an exact copy. This is in Georgia in the US, so I assume you have more economical alternatives locally. And yes, the holes were added for a lanyard ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7A7QsrNb2M

The condition of my tail boom has remained unchanged but I am still interested in gathering the specs regarding this mod. If anyone is in contact with Wayne, I emailed him again today and hope he is able to respond.

Great idea but I don't seem to see a photo here, am I missing something?

Thanks for the lube idea, Frank.

I'm the second owner of this aircraft, but I have the original Austflight SB construction manual. A quick check of the parts diagram calls this an AN4-62A. Seems like it's about 11"/27 cm long!

Time for annual maintenance and inspection. I was looking at the AN4-62 bolt which passes through the tail boom and holds the leading edge of the vertical stab and a set of flying wires on my strut braced Drifter. Seems like a lot of stress and vibration is absorbed by this single bolt. Anyone care to comment on a regular practice of replacing/inspecting this bolt (or not)? Any known failures of this bolt? Also, what lube seems to work best for the elevator push rod pass-throughs along the tail boom? Looking for a compromise of good lube, but not attracting dirt & debris on a grass runway. Thanks, Ken

The new Drifter folks do not answer my emails. Wayne Fisher has also not replied.

No.. I'm the second owner. The kit was imported in 1997 and ass'd in the US. Although I have reviewed all of the Drifter safety bulletins, I don't think the airplane ever received any mods or doublers. Photos would be most welcome. If a measure could be snuck into the shots for scale that would be most appreciated. Thanks for the reply!

I have an Austflight Drifter SB. Can anyone say if the tailwheel leaf spring and assembly have common parts with other models of Drifter? Mine was slightly bent by a previous owner and I thought the only adverse effect was some uneven wear of the tailwheel rubber, but I see it is putting unnecessary stress on the tail and I'd prefer to change it out. So - I'd prefer like parts unless someone can tell me another assembly would be a better fit without major modifications to the airframe. Thanks!

Does anyone else have information, drawings, anything to help explain this modification???

Thanks folks. I am seeing an average of 40-43psi during operations. Before I did much trouble shooting I was curious to see if I was even close to correct (as the max of 76psi is quite a bit higher than 40). Given the above responses I'm probably okay, yet the sender may be causing the flux. One step at a time ....

The 2200 manual says that the oil pressure range is 31-76psi. Will anyone share the pressure they are seeing once warmed up, stable, and cruising? Anyone seeing much flux in the pressure (aside from throttle changes)? Thanks, Ken

Drifters are not common in the US and I have been viewing as many online photos as possible to get ideas on how other Drifters are configured. I have noticed that many have a rounded patch/doubler installed on the underside of the end of the fuselage boom - it appears to strengthen the tailwheel and vertical stab post areas. Can you guys tell me if this was a factory/kit piece or was it the result of a service bulletin? Anyone have experience installing one - any do's or don'ts? My airplane is a '97 Austflight SB kit and does not have the mod. It is developing the beginning of a small crack where the boom wraps and rivets to the vertical tail post so I assume the addition of a doubler is a wise move. Ken

Thank you all for the advice. When we are closer to choosing dates and what-not I will certainly prod you all again! Cheers, Ken

One other related question: Not sure I would go out and fly an aircraft (without a local pilot) but, out of curiousity, what does a pilot with US Commercial ratings need in order to fly a light single Cessna, Drifter, etc (legally) in Australia? Thanks, Ken

OK, I don't mean in the Drifter, of course. My wife and I would love to take a vacation to see both Australia and New Zealand. We're still in the information gathering stage - no dates planned as of yet. Do any of you make enough regular trips back and forth to the USA to give advice or tips on routing, pricing, etc? Of course, any trip would include stops at the Jabiru factory and the new Drifter factory as well. What is the most pleasant month for weather? Again, just trying to gather info and ideas if anyone can share ... Ken

With the 2200, fuel consumption averages 3 US gallons per hour, never more than 4 when horsing around. It uses regular avgas, is air-cooled, and is direct drive. My Drifter weighs roughly 500 pounds empty and grosses at 1000 pounds. I weigh 170 pounds and have taken rear seat passengers as heavy as 250 pounds with no difficulty. Operationally, it starts right up, runs well, and probably puts out more thrust than this airplane needs. Full throttle at level flight would push the airplane past its 85 KIAS Vne. The extra horsepower is also helpful when teaching tailwheel - makes a go-around from a swerve or bounce an instant event. Climb is wonderful. I regularly fly formation with a 1941 65 hp J-3 Piper Cub. Making a 10 second interval takeoff, I out accelerate and out climb him easily. The rejoin overtake and performance makes you feel as if you're flying a jet fighter - reminds me of my student days in the T-38 Talon. The Jab does have specific valve adjustment and head torque tasks periodically. The engine also should not be run hot, however the uncowled Drifter poses no problem for that. The ignition system has no impulse couplings like a Lycoming engine, so a strong battery is a must for start. Granted, we all have our opinions, but for power, climb, acceleration, and overall ease of operation and maintenance, I am very pleased with my Jab and, in fairness, I have very little experience with the 582. Regardless of the engine, the Drifter is my all-time favorite airplane!

I own/operate an Austflight SB Drifter with the Jabiru 2200 and Prince P-tip prop. The airplane is an unbeatable rocket ship. My only other Drifter experience is in an SB equipped with flaps and a 65hp Rotax. No comparison. If your budget allows, the Jabiru makes the Drifter the ultimate magic carpet. Ken