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Here is a photo of my Skyranger on its way to Stevi, taken by Hank from his 172.
Hank took the first flight on December 10 after Bob Spiker from the FAA gave
the OK. I had help from Clayton Wilhelm who came all the way from Helena to
go over the plane and give me a laundry list of things the FAA would be
looking at. Thanks to him the inspection went smoothly. Also had expert
help from Zane Rebensdorf. Hank Butzel spent a lot of time helping me with
rigging and general scrutiny prior to the first flight. EAA flight advisor
Tom Kuffel assisted Hank and I in planning the initial testing and was very
helpful. After the first flight we had to trim out a slight left roll
tendency common in these kits, and with a small rudder trim tab she flies
hands and mostly feet off. Some vital statistics:
Engine: Rotax 912 UL 80 HP, water cooled heads, 4 cycle, 1300 cc, 128 LBS.
Burns roughly 3 gallons regular unleaded auto gas per hour at 75%.
1500 hour TBO. Prop: Composite Ivo Patriot three blade, 72" diameter ground adjustable.
Construction: Aluminum tube and pre-sewn dacron covering.
Gear: Tricycle
Wingspan: 31 feet
Cord: 4 feet
Length: 18.5 feet
Empty Weight: 607 LBS
Gross Weight: 1200 LBS
Fuel capacity: 20 gal useable
She climbs easily more than 1000 FPM in winter conditions with one person
and full fuel. Cruises nicely at about 90MPH full power, 75 MPH at 75%.
Stall speed is 40 MPH. Stall is gentle and predictable. Powerful rudder
keeps wings level as it mushes!
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