ZU - FHD Friday - Flyday

[Rave]

Last week I asked Rob Kennedy if I could "fit on" his new Savannah XL as I am planning to build one for myself. Rob did not hesitate, and offered not only a look-see-decide, but also treated me to a whole days flying with him on Friday! With the necessary flight clearance received, the day turned out to be just great for flying. I helped Rob fuel up the Savannah and "Burped the Rotax" while he did the pre-flight inspection.

ZU - FHD 1 Lanseria pre-flight.jpg

ZU - FHD 2 Whata Panel!!!.jpg

At this point I must add that I have no flying experience other than about 16hrs on weight shift back in 2004, so this was going to be huge experience for me! After take-off we routed out over Hartbeespoort Dam,

ZU - FHD 3 Harties Ifafi.jpg

did a touch-and-go at Coves but did not see Mr. Brinks' Meerkat there, and so headed off to Orient at Magaliesburg, where Rob practiced a few short landings. He was not happy with his attempts, but I am impressed with what we achieved with this little airplane! From there we headed for Rustenburg, crossing the Magalies just west (I think) of the concrete tower. Here I just realised why flying have been such an obsession with me for all my years. People who are earthbound just do not see the things you see from above.

ZU - FHD 4 What you do not see being earthbound.jpg

After crossing the mountain, I asked Rob if I can feel what the controls are like, on which he replied, "you have control, fly her from here" Man, we were like a diaper in a tumble dryer from there-on, I could not maintain direction or height not to mention getting rudder co-ordination flying the little black ball like a nickerball rolling around in a bowl!!! However, I managed with his direction and throttle control to fly the Rustenburg circuit, with him doing the landing for a touch and go. Just off the ground I got to understand the effect of torque of a full throttled engine, as I could not track the centre line. Climb out was to the right, routing for Brits to go visit Rainer and Barbara to go have a look at progress on ZU – SEA, some interesting aviation chat and a good cup of coffee.On this leg I at least kept the headding but showed little regard for keeping to a flight level!

ZU - FHD 5 Having Coffee With Reiner and Barbara at Brits.jpg

Rainer also showed us the build progress on the “fixed gear” Flamingo (called something else). This is one smooth looking airplane and I think a good addition to their other reputable brands. Our flight plan called for a 13h00 local time departure from Brits so way too soon we had to be airborne again for our last leg back to Lanseria, but not before fitting in a touch and go at Piet Smit’s strip at Aviators, and being held in an orbit just outside Lanseria controlled airspace. My thanks again goes out to Rob K for tagging me along for an unforgettable Friday – Flyday!
Now let us watch the Game...Hup...Hup

[AndyCAP]

Sounds like you had an awesome day Rave.

May I ask how tall are you and how did you fit in?

I sent Rob a PM also requesting a "test fit" earlier in the week not knowing that you had already made such an arrangement - and feel a bit 'dof' seeing that you pipped me to it . I see he is busy with preparing for the rally worlds so perhaps his time is limited for the forseeable future.

I am 2m tall and "tried on" the standard Savannah but it was way too tight, so I am keen to see if the XL will work.

The 'mission profile' of the Savannah fits with what I'd like to do - just wish they would make it available in a taildragger and I think it offers very good value for money. The other thing that I like about it is that it can be built in under 500 hours. and you end up with an all aluminium plane.

[George]

did a touch-and-go at Coves but did not see Mr. Brinks' Meerkat there,

Was wekking last week, but will be FLYDAYING this afternoon.... Beanie en all.. brrrrr

[Rave]

Howzit AndyCap,

I am 1,86m and 93kg. The fit is shoulder to shoulder, but quite comfortable with more than enough leg room. Rob is also quite a tall and broad shouldered fella, and we were comfortable. Am sure headroom should also be sufficient. Best you prompt ol Rob again and fit yourself Ja, this is perfect for my intended flying too, and very safe. Rob also said that of all the aircraft he flies, he would rather be in the Savannah when the engin goes silent! The nosewheel thing has been discussed so many times, and i think you will land this plane as safely as any taildragger when and where required.

Now if only John Waterson can make me an offer like he did for Rudi's build team on his existing stock, i'll be ordering!

Regards,

Deon.

PS: George, would love to come fit your RV 4 on toooo?

[George]

Anytime. At moment am usually back at the Coves on Flydays around 4.30/5ish. Can then go for a quick burn if you keen. Weekends with kids social prg are usually too full for flying

[Rave]

Much appreciated George! Am also at Harties most weekends and early August will take you up on your offer for a late afternoon Fryday Flyday! Will PM closer to the time?

[Rave]

Sounds like you had an awesome day Rave.

May I ask how tall are you and how did you fit in?

I sent Rob a PM also requesting a "test fit" earlier in the week not knowing that you had already made such an arrangement - and feel a bit 'dof' seeing that you pipped me to it . I see he is busy with preparing for the rally worlds so perhaps his time is limited for the forseeable future.

I am 2m tall and "tried on" the standard Savannah but it was way too tight, so I am keen to see if the XL will work.

The 'mission profile' of the Savannah fits with what I'd like to do - just wish they would make it available in a taildragger and I think it offers very good value for money. The other thing that I like about it is that it can be built in under 500 hours. and you end up with an all aluminium plane.

Does not work for me

Taildrager.jpg

[George]

Works for me....

[Rave]

Ja, mayby you got a point there George! Still very ugly though?

[George]

Yip, but def less so that the Nose dragger

[John Waterson]

First of all, many thanks Rob for your assistance in demoing the Savannah.

On the tail dragger idea. If you guys take a closer look at the design of the cabin area, you will see how the aft gear position, as in the tricycle configuration, is designed to carry the load on landing. Not so the forward position. Also the fuselage aft of the cabin is not capable of bearing the tail wheel load for landing without strengthening. I would not recommend converting to tail-dragger without significant attention being paid to these areas.

For practical purposes the nose wheel of the Savannah is only to stop the prop hitting the ground when the aircraft is standing. If flown properly, the Savannah will get its front wheel off in 10 m and on landing one can easily hold off the front wheel until nearly at a standstill.

I know !! I know !! that still does not make it a tail dragger. Too bad, .........your are just going to have to deal with it.

Regards

John

[John Waterson]

And now the factory version of the taildragger

[Rave]

Sounds like you had an awesome day Rave.

May I ask how tall are you and how did you fit in?

I sent Rob a PM also requesting a "test fit" earlier in the week not knowing that you had already made such an arrangement - and feel a bit 'dof' seeing that you pipped me to it . I see he is busy with preparing for the rally worlds so perhaps his time is limited for the forseeable future.

I am 2m tall and "tried on" the standard Savannah but it was way too tight, so I am keen to see if the XL will work.

The 'mission profile' of the Savannah fits with what I'd like to do - just wish they would make it available in a taildragger and I think it offers very good value for money. The other thing that I like about it is that it can be built in under 500 hours. and you end up with an all aluminium plane.

AndyCAP, also go visit Philip at Bundu, he is assembling the first CH750 Taildragger. Think he will have it on display at Misasa fly inn also.

Whirlwind GA-J2B.jpg

[John Waterson]

Don't think I am going to make it to the show.
Damn!

[Rave]

looks good John!
By the way... that is my CH750 on the left in the picture. Cannot wait!