Moneybox

I watched the guys drag this 1943 Wirraway out of the hanger this morning. He spent quite a bit of time preparing it fly but the big radial engine fired up instantly.

I've just gone through the process of preparing for registration of a 24-**** unregistered aircraft. RAAus have very comprehensive history on the plane even though it's been sitting in a shed/hanger for 12 years. They were very approachable from day-1 which was well before I made the decision to travel from WA to QLD to check it out. I've had nothing but friendly support from them up to this point nearly 12 months on. I have a lifetime of experience in maintenance and manufacture of mechanical things, mostly automotive and qualifications to go along with it but without an L1 I'm not allowed to work on the plane. I have been told unofficially that until registered I can do the work although I'm not sure on that. I can't get an L1 until I have a pilot's license even though I have qualifications in mechanical engineering, auto electrical, transmissions, diesels, air conditioning and more. Anyway to cut a long story short I did all the required upgrades to bring the plane up to scratch but I couldn't sign anything off. I had to tow it to an aero workshop so that they could paw over it for hours confirming that the work was carried out to the required level. My LAME flew for nearly three hours and spent a day and a half. We fitted the wings, tested the instruments with calibrated equipment, performed the engine leak-down test again, ran it up and down the taxiway to check maximum engine revs at various propeller pitch settings, tested the brakes and park brake and more. We removed panels all over the place looking for control connections, corrosion or anything else. He went through the inflight adjustable propeller manual checking for service life etc. He updated the logbook and maintenance manual with all work carried out and replacement parts fitted. Now it's ready to fly but it's chained to the ground waiting for the red tape to be cut..... I'm patiently waiting.... are we there yet?

I'm surprised there are so few serious accidents around airports. There's just too much traffic and even very experienced people make mistakes from time to time. I was leaving Chicago about 25 years ago when the airport closed due to a snow storm. If I remember rightly there were 1000 flights cancelled that day at the Chicago airport. Chicago's airport comprises up to 2,500 takeoffs and landings per day How can they safely separate that many aircraft with consistent results?

Thank you. I've just been back to the plane to cover the pitot. I forgot about it. I just got the ASI put back in before daylight faded. When connected to the calibrated test rig had a consistent difference of about 8 kt between 30 and 145 kts. It was a very simple fix by rotating the needle on its spindle. Now it's within one to two kts so I'm much happier with that. I did the carburettor balance with the mercury filled slack tube manometer. Peter (my LAME) brought his prop balancer and electronic carburettor balancer but didn't touch either. He said there was no way he was going to improve the way it was performing. I've been flicking through Burnie's document and as far as I can tell it's correct. I think the figures are all identical to my new book but it's a shortened version with the title Sportstar instead of Eurostar. Peter verified the weights, measures and performance figures so I'm happy to stick with the ($160 to print) book I have. I'll be sure to make corrections if any errors are found.

I'm just feeling my way here. The guys over the last couple of days couldn't have been more helpful. The plane got a thorough going through and any flaws or discrepancies were delt with swiftly. It cost me a bit in pub meals and cartons of illicit substances but it was well worthwhile. I had no idea how much a carton of booze cost 🤣

That looks good Burnie but my book has been accepted because the data matches the plane so I'm happy enough with that for now. All approved by the workshop and LAME and submitted. RAAus said to expect a favourable response before the end of next week.

You'd think so Burnie but look at the dates. The 97 must have another meaning because the Sportstar was not produced at that time. Mine serial number/date is 2004 0305

I've seen people with a tick like than, a neck brace might help 🤪

I picked up my books from the post this morning. Evektor Book.mp4 They print A4 paper so an extra book only costs a few dollars extra.

Yes that's true. My guy didn't need the wings fitted but because I've arranged to finish my flying lessons from Northam we'll put the plane together here tomorrow morning. As long as it's all signed off Nicola from RAAus said she'll put it through right away then Friday we'll test fly. At least that's the plan...

Has to be before 2006 and not US/Imperial measurements. Mine is 2004 with a single 65L tank and 550 mtow. I tried but failed to get it from Evektor or online. I made up a few sheets of A5 printed both sides and laminated.

Yeah great suggestions guys, just a bit late. I'm camped at the airport. Yes the cover moved a lot, I had it glad wrapped on the trip from Queensland and it was much better.

I had strict instructions from our RAAus to not fly it before registration. If you have the Plane assembled, it’s best to have the engineer come to you.

I think I've put enough together to get by. I'm heading south tomorrow morning with the Sportstar on the trailer. Inspection is set for Thursday 🫰

Some automotive windscreen wiper inserts have a small SS strip inserted into either side of the rubber. It's a very thin rigid metal strip about 3x1mm I think without going out and looking for one. Very handy for this sort of job.

✋ I'll happily be the guinea pig.

Thanks Nev, next time my wife is asleep I'll ask you to edit 😉

I have this 144 page document. but throughout it refers to the Pilots Operating Handbook that must be carried onboard. I already had one of these printed and bound but it was for the US model so imperial measurements and dual tanks. I have this one being printed now because the data is correct however it's not the POH.

Hi guys, I'm looking for a pilots operating handbook for a 2004 Evektor Sportstar, preferably in metric. I've asked Evektor but they send me the book for 2006 which is duel tank and US spec. Phil

That 4k would buy me some decent accessories. Mine is set for inspection on Thursday and if all goes well there are a few things I'd like autopilot and ADSB amongst other things.

Perhaps when you get your radio endorsement on your pilot license you'll have it covered?

You can't possibly know it all until you've absorbed a fair bit of advice from YouTube 😅

How many hours are there meant to be in a Kitfox build?

If you love your bird paint your car first 🙃 You don't have a paint booth so pick your time to paint carefully. You need good light but artificial lights create great reflection to attract the bugs. A good sized moth leaves great track marks before becoming bogged down where he flaps till he stops. It doesn't look good. Nobody can paint successfully without a decent amount of practise. There are a few tricks that you learn along the way like spraying the little edges and awkward spots first. These are the areas where you are likely too apply too much paint while trying to get into the corners so knock them off first so the finish strokes are smooth and even. Most of us fall into the trap of trying to get coverage on the first coat. Some paints are quite transparent until they dry. You need an even light wet coat and then walk away until it tacks off before applying a second coat where you'd expect coverage. I'm not a painter but I've done a lot of painting. Most body shops seem to use gravity feed guns, I've always preferred a pressure pot where your paint is delivered down a tube so it doesn't matter what angle you have the spray gun paint delivery is exactly the same. There's plenty of cheap paint out there so spend a lot of time and effort practicing on old vehicle doors or bonnets or something similar to your plane. If you're aiming at multiple colours and designs consider vinyl film. Good luck, it's very satisfying to paint your own. One more thing. You never paint with the gun stationary, press the trigger while starting your sweep and let off before you stop to return 😉