Bushbaby Explorer # 130

[Dusrt Eagle]

My explorer is making good progress in the capable hands of Peter Magnus who is doing the major part of the construction with me running around doing lesser things.

The fuselage is now covered and I will be collecting it tomorrow to start the painting process.

My biggest contribution has been the design of the instrument panel which I have now painted, pics to follow.

Is there anyone in the JHB [ or nearby, I can fly in ] area who has a 912S explorer and can take me up for a flight? I am really keen to see what my future steed will perform like.

Hi Nico
Pics Added

Tailspin

[Guest]

Looks great , we are busy with a new Safari .Would like to exchange notes .I like your panel a lot .

083-675-3377

[KFA]

I like, good luck. Keep the pic's coming

[Tailspin]

Nico

She is coming along slowly but surely.

Very nice Sir

[boley]

WHAT WAS THE LEAD TIME TO GET YOUR KIT PRESTON1

[KFA]

Currently 3-4 weeks, it used to be 12 weeks or there abouts

[KFA]

I spoke to Nico today and there is just something that I would like to point out to builders. Make sure that you have your seat installed(and upholstery) before starting your panel design. I find that with a thin cushion I can only touch the panel with my finger tips. This will be a probl for a short guy(like me) when your are strapped in with a 4 point harness, especially when you have an instrument that has a button to push that is situated far from the pilot seat. Plan your layout that all instruments that need manual input can be reached from both seats in the strapped in position. Happy building

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I had a problem like that in a BB I ferried a while back. Put large sponge in seat. Makes long distance more comfi as well...

[KFA]

Posting pics on behalve of Nico

[Miskiet]

Is this plane going to be used by the military?

I hadn't realised times were this hard - From Gripens to locally produced BB!!!!

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Miskiet.

No, they have run out of spotter planes.

The fiesler storch is getting a little long in the teeth.

[Tailspin]

Hi Nico

Did you request a number from me ? ?
I got a garbled message but was not sure who it was from as my Phone had taken a swim and my screen is not working.

Regards

Gavin

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Where did you get the panel cut?

[Dusty Eagle]

I had the panel cut at Metal Centres in Booysens.If you need a number, please pm me.

It was their first attempt without a cad drawing being prepared, but with a bit of time and fine tuning, panel # 2 came out exremely well.
The first panel was a little extravagant, in that we made it both too high and too low. The hight interefered with the windscreen and the low came a little close to the knees, workable, but I changed that as not all the space on the bottom lip is needed.

The seat and floor boards & pedals were in before the panel. The seat has 40mm sponge in and even with the new panel angled forward, I comfortably reach the Garmin 296 in its panel doc at the top.
We havent tried with seat belts yet as those supplied do not fit.

[Dusty Eagle]

Hi Tailspin, negative, I did not call.

But, have a happy day.