First New Cubby Frame . Now ZU-DRO

[JEAN-PIERRE]

Nice work Jean.
The photos of the new plane look brilliant.

Reminds me of a face-lift to a vehicle.
The original is just that, the original (that works and flys like a dream),

the face-lift gets the cosmetic upgrades and often looks like a different model.

Keep us posted.
Fly safe.

[Jean Crous]

Thanks Jean-Pierre, the upgrades will have an effect on cruise speeds and therefore fuel flow. Being aerodynamically cleaner has proven to make a difference. We have flown DRO with the original CubbyVW engine and found better cruise speeds. I fully expect the Rotax to do better, being lighter and with the 3blade ground adjustable composite prop, one should find a good cruise/climb compromise.
The next two Cubby`s will have a Rotax 582 blue top, and a Revmaster direct drive .Flaps are also soon to follow.
Jean.

[Jean Crous]

I took this one for a circuit today, man , what a difference to the old VW powered Cubby. This aircraft is now 33kg lighter than the old model, and with the Rotax engine it jumps into the air . Stall is around 40mph. With the new tail group rudder is more effecient at low speed, and elevator has more authority, with lighter stick forces.Approach to land was at 57mph.
This aircraft weighs 293.4kg empty, no fuel but all engine fluids present.
Jean.

[Jean Crous]

SRGC-20180302_162649.jpg

SRGC-20180302_162512.jpg

SRGC-20180302_160829.jpg

SRGC-20180302_160740.jpg

This is what she looks like now.

[FLYGUYS]

Very pretty Jean, well done

[Johan Swakopmund]

Ja man - dit is mos hoe n airplane moet lyk - pragtig
Dit gaan net beter lyk hier in die Namib woestyn.
Jean almal wil langs mekaar sit maar as ek en Pieter in die Bushbaby sit is dit n geskouer skuur.
Ek is n voorstander vir die agtermekaar sitplekke - dit voel net reg.
Veels geluk met n fantastiese verbeterde vliegtuig

groete uit die woestyn

Johan

[Pilot Dreamer]

Baie geluk Jean!! Die verbeteringe wat jy aangebring het laat die aerie sommer regtig spoggerig lyk. Ek hou veral van die nuwe cowling. Daardie vorige cowling met die helfte van die enjin wat uitsteek het maar altyd "odd" gelyk. Nou lyk hy reg, knap gedaan.

So as mens 'n bestelling sou plaas, wat is die prys op daai aerie?

[V5 - LEO]

....Jean, knap gedaan lyk mooi afgerond. Hoe het jy gemaak met die cooling wat nou "internal" is van die cowl?

[Jean Crous]

Guys, thanks for the kind words, I am humbled thereby...truly. I am greatful that this project turned out the way we planned and hoped.
Pilot Dreamer, lead time for a factory built will be 4 months, for a kit 2 and half months.Pricing will depend on engine and instruments. With a Rotax 912 80hp and a basic VFR panel , fly away condition will cost R635 K. A kit will cost R200k excluding instruments and excluding engine mounting kit.
Leo, the cooling of a Rotax 912 such as is in this aircraft is not really rocket science it all fits inside a well designed cowl that has sufficient airflow through it.
Jean.

[V5 - LEO]

.....ok txs

[JvTonder]

Jean het jy hom met die 582 of 912 gevlieg? Kruis spoed?

[Jean Crous]

Hi Jv, hy het n 912 in . I did not try for top speed, only flew 1 circuit. It reached 90mph very quickly ,....and I had throttled back At 75mph 1000fpm climb was no problem.
Will fly more when the weather is better.
Jean.

[Pilot Dreamer]

Guys, thanks for the kind words, I am humbled thereby...truly. I am greatful that this project turned out the way we planned and hoped.
Pilot Dreamer, lead time for a factory built will be 4 months, for a kit 2 and half months.Pricing will depend on engine and instruments. With a Rotax 912 80hp and a basic VFR panel , fly away condition will cost R635 K. A kit will cost R200k excluding instruments and excluding engine mounting kit.
Leo, the cooling of a Rotax 912 such as is in this aircraft is not really rocket science it all fits inside a well designed cowl that has sufficient airflow through it.
Jean.

WOW Jean!! That's very reasonable. I think this aerie will do very well.

Just a quick question, one of the goals that you had for this "upgrade" is for the CoG to be moved slightly in order to solo from the front seat. Did you manage to achieve that?

[Jean Crous]

Yes Julian, it flies very well from the front seat. Solo flight is now from the front seat, balance is very good indeed.
Jean.

[Pilot Dreamer]

Yes Julian, it flies very well from the front seat. Solo flight is now from the front seat, balance is very good indeed.
Jean.