Microlighters

Morning all

Just thought I would share my adventure

I bought my beautiful bird last year around end of April.She was on a trailer,under a thick layer of dust, with the wing folded and in its wing bag

I went to view her at Microland, parked in Oom Hans workshop hangar...I knew this was me, she was the one I would fly for the next 1000 hours

I always wanted an Aquilla 582 as I have only had a 503 and was used to the 503, but the 582 just seemed so much more awesome in terms of power to my weight ratio

Once off the trailer, I then realized that WOW, this is going to be an EPIC journey.First thing that had to be done, was give her a trike wash...which Johannes(forgive me if that is not his name, the caretaker at Microland) kindly did.She was then looking beautiful in her yellow dress

We then went through the trike, checking everything as she has been standing for some time.Had to replace some wear and tear parts, but nothing hectic

After a good few Saturdays with Oom Hans and alot of pie and cokes later, she was ATF'd and ready to take to the sky

So there I was, pushing her out...did the longest preflight ever as not only was this a 582 which I am not used to, but also a faster topless Jenya Aerrossa wing which was much faster than what I am used to...to add to that, it is at Microland, an airfield which I am not used to and the wx is k@k because of low mist, so had to wait for Waterkloof to give the go ahead which only happened past 10am

So after a very careful preflight..there I was idling..warming up..praying...hahaha

Oom Hans said I should do some circuits, which I did, which was very interesting as it was awesomely fast and took some getting used to the landings

But after a good coulple, I got the hang of it..enough to land me safely that is

Waterkloof gave the go ahead to Piet from Ingwe who was there with couple other Ingwe boyz, who I was very relieved was there and who I could fly with, at least until Ingwe, where I was then on my own

Was a bit bumpy but nothing I am not used to...was just very interesting flying a new trike, specially the wing as she is way different than my Aquilla 1 wing which I was so used to.

After about an hour, I was at Crosswinds..nice crosswind landing as the wind is predominantly from the North and our runway runs 10/28...so we always have a nice crosswind, thus the airfield name "Crosswinds"

Landing was nice and smooth, very surprised...was really happy with that one as I expected to plant it on landing

But now, after many awesome hours of flying...we are one...HELL YEAH

I would like to thank all involved for making this possible, a real dream come true and a very BIG THANK YOU to Oom Hans for helping me get her back in the sky, you are a legend sir

Here are couple pics of BVV...I have done some changes since I got her which includes adding a pylon fin, respraying the spats,respraying the exhaust and radiator, installing a landing light,fuel pump,EGT guage and now the new pod as well as luggage box to be fitted..very stoked

On my wish list...winglets and new seats and panniers (going to try the dye method first)

Have an awesome one peeps

Safe landings

she is looking sexy, wishing you many safe hours with her!

Wow,nice story

Thanks guys

Nice Lt.Col

Tribal Croc wrote:Nice Lt.Col

Salute

Thanks for sharing Rafiek.....I remember this trike sitting in Hans's hanger getting some much needed TLC by you all...

Giving a dust covered aerie a new lease on life is always rewarding, and this took me back to when we rebuilt our own Aquilla a couple years ago.
When you've put so much energy and effort in, there is no doubt you enjoy your plane more!

Banana pod is by far the best on any Aquilla and I really like your layout and detailing....great work!

Happy flying.... Lt COLon...

Nice one Rafiek! Very inspirational. Great to hear the passion!

Thanks Guys

I must say I am really enjoying my Aquilla, took some getting used to, but she is awesome

Yeah Bundy, I followed your whole story from start to finish, was an EPIC journey

Blue Skies and Safe Landings

Love that extra luggage space underneath the Trike. Would like to do the same to mine (Mainair Blade) but I think I'm to low to the ground.

Awesome job you did with your Aquilla, Rafiek! Who is the supplier of Banana Pods for the Aquilla? I have big plans for Bumble Bee in 2017. Safe flying, enjoy your machine!

where does one acquire such a luggage box? me likes that too much!!!!

Sorry for the late reply peeps

The luggage box was an old not so lekka looking box I bought some time back from Gerrit.Took it to the master of paint work Gerhardt who revived the box

Gerhardt rubberized the bottom of the box which was a very clever idea as you can see the box taking a beating by all the bush whacking

Gerhardt also the awesome dude who resprayed my trike to the fantastic yellow Beast The original yellow was a a little faded

I love the box and the super sized touring panniers Really proved to be awesome when I did Parys with my friend Jacques as pax

Fully loaded with tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, trike cover, tools, clothes, cooldrink, water and some nibbles

We managed to get off the ground with no problem at all

Here are couple pics of The Beast looking like an Aquilla Hilux

looks wicked man!!!
You put me on the box, spoke to solo wings, they sell them, color coded of course, most definitely getting one once i can actually start flying away!

wackomedic911 wrote:looks wicked man!!!
You put me on the box, spoke to solo wings, they sell them, color coded of course, most definitely getting one once i can actually start flying away!

Thank you

Yeah, nothing like some extra packing space on a lekka flyaway

Post some pics of your flying