Explorer ZU-FTT

Aircraft Projects Underway or Completed

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KFA
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Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:51 pm

Johan Anderson from Marloth Park asked me to post some pics on his behalf. Johan started building his Explorer in September 2011 in his garage. His wife Madelein was his helper throughout the project. The aircraft is now at the factory for the final touches and his inspections. Johan did a great job. It is fitted with a Jabiru 2200 engine, P Prop(62x32) and MGL Xtreme EFIS and a V6 radio.
Attachments
FTT Panel.jpg
FTT 1.jpg
Johan completing engine installation.jpg
Last edited by KFA on Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby bobthebuilder » Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:25 pm

Looks really neat.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Sun Sep 02, 2012 12:57 am

Ready to fly. Will paint cowlings after some testing
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FTT ready to fly.jpg
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Thu Sep 06, 2012 6:25 pm

Cowls painted, taxi tests done. Now waiting for PFA papers. Hoping to have them tmrw and fly to Barberton on Sat morning
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:30 pm

First flights done on Friday, have done 7.9 hours since. No problems. Cooling spot on. Some pics of the finished plane without the striping as well as some pics of the ducting
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ZUFTT1.JPG
Ducts1.JPG
Ducts2.JPG
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:33 pm

Some more
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Ducts3.JPG
Coil cooling.JPG
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:46 pm

20 trouble free hours so far. Johan received his Safari wing kit today and is starting his next project. It would be his fith plane in 20 years. He says the Explorer was the easiest so far. Now I must just get him to post his own pics......I will start a build thread for Johan on the Safari project. So far he is planning on a 912 S.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:53 pm

Luck-The moment when preparation meets opportunity.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:39 pm

We experimented a bit with props on this one and I think we have the ideal compromise. The owner wanted a little more in the cruise and did not mind a bit longer take off. The original prop was a P-Prop 62 x 32 which is good if you want to cruise at 80-85mph @ 2900 and take off in 100m. We now went for a 62 x 34 and the cruise is 100mph @2900. Top speed is 118mph. She is very lekker cruiser.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:15 am

After experimenting with the 62x34 prop I came to the conclusion that the 62 x 32 is still the best option for take off and climb performance. The 62 x 34 struggles at density altitudes of more than 6000 ft at MAUW so my recomendation will still be to use the 62 x 32 on the 85hp Jabi and be content with a 90mph cruise.
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"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." -Henry Ford
"Opportunity Is Missed By Most Because It Is Dressed in Overalls and Looks Like Work." - Thomas Alva Edison
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby laeveld Louis » Sat Aug 02, 2014 8:48 am

Sad incident for ZU-FTT.... :shock:
Bushbaby Explorer val naby Strijdomblok Die vliegtuig het verlede Woensdag neergestort by Kwa Madwala wildreservaat. Niemand is beseer nie maar die vliegtuig het sy laaste vlug gehad.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Sat Aug 02, 2014 4:08 pm

Not so bad. I bought the aircraft and she will be upgraded and flying within the next 6 weeks.

Upgrades will include a new IEFIS Explorer, the new seat for the tall okes, new pedal mounted brakes and I am looking at testing the IVO inflight adjustable on her.
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby avgas » Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:08 pm

wat het fout gegaan?
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:12 pm

Dit help as mens op die runway land en nie in die bos nie. Hy het op die unusable gedeelte geland en toe hy dit agterkom het hy 'n go-around probeer en toe in die Olifante se heining op ge-eindig.
Luck-The moment when preparation meets opportunity.
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." -Henry Ford
"Opportunity Is Missed By Most Because It Is Dressed in Overalls and Looks Like Work." - Thomas Alva Edison
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Re: Explorer ZU-FTT

Postby KFA » Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:09 pm

FTT has been re-build and was upgraded to the latest spec. New fuselage, landing gear and a panel upgrade to the iEFIS Explorer. Basically all that is from the old frame is the reg no, the engine and the wheels. The rest is all brand new and looking for a new home. She is for sale or to swop....

See the advert here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24538
Attachments
Panel and interior.jpg
FTT1.jpg
FTT3.jpg
FTT3.jpg (68.62 KiB) Viewed 5357 times
Luck-The moment when preparation meets opportunity.
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." -Henry Ford
"Opportunity Is Missed By Most Because It Is Dressed in Overalls and Looks Like Work." - Thomas Alva Edison
BUSHPILOTS FLY TAILDRAGGERS
Failure is not the opposite of success, it is the stepping stone for success

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