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| S-19 Progress Report - 07/17/08 | |||
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NOSE WHEEL FORK PASSES TESTING |
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| The fork and new pylon mount recently passed some very rigorous static load testing, proving the pylon and fork have plenty of margin. The new fork has also raised the pivot point up 1.5” over the previous fork. Some have expressed concerns about our nose gear and fork arrangement since it was from that other very popular kit maker. It seems a few of these planes have had flip over accidents where the fork has dug into the runway and ends up flipping the plane over backwards. We feel confident the S-19 as per current design will not exhibit such manners. This is due to several significant design factors. 1. Main gear are close to CG 2. Nose wheel is larger in diameter 3. Nose wheel fork has great clearance off the pavement by 1.5” 4. The aircraft is several pounds lighter NEW INTERIOR We have re-designed the interior into a more flowing luxury look, without any additional weight. This will be what is fitted into the SLSA program and available as an option for the kit builders. We will release photos of the new interior in an upcoming progress report featuring the #2 S-19LS. PRODUCUTION PROCEDING The major improvements we have implemented are starting to really pay off. Production times are falling, quality is increasing, and the packing department and assembly hall are filling with parts and assemble components. We are steaming earnestly toward a goal of having the kits in full ship cycle by late September, and the second plane flying in that same time frame. You should start seeing posts of fuselages being assembled by the various customers who now have them in hand and are starting assembly. 51% RULING REVISED The FAA has released the new revised 51% ruling and there will be no problem obtaining experimental amateur built certification for the kit built S-19. All along the intent of experimental aircraft was to allow the enterprising craftsman a path to building and flying their own plane. It was never intended to circumnavigate the certification process, and in my opinion has always been one of the greatest privileges granted by our all wise and fair government. I am on the side of the fence that cries foul if individuals set up builder assist centers that do not comply with 51%. We spent a lot of time and effort obtaining both Type certificates, and SLSA approvals, and shops that do fabrication beyond the intent of the rule are competing against certified builders without that added cost of certification. Now the burden of proof that you actually built your plane lies on your shoulders, which if you actually build your plane should not even be a point of concern. You only have to keep a builders log that will sufficiently support your involvement in the process. You still can hire professional help to do interiors, paint, and create ready to install engine or avionics packages. It is a good ruling, let’s do our best to preserve the intent and keep it out of the news! PRODUCTION COWLING MOLDS COMPLETED That good looking cowling has now been turned over to production with great results, and parts will soon be in stock and shipping with the first firewall forward kits. The cowling is produced by our very quality conscious supplier Hammerhead Composites. They will also be involved in the wheel pant project which is moving along at a pleasing rate. ALUMINUM SEAT FRAMES PASS FLIGHT TESTING Among the many parts that have undergone weight reduction, the seat has netted 1.6 pounds (.8) per side. The seat now features a 7005 welded aluminum alloy bottom frame. Flight testing has shown the seat to perform the same as the heavier steel version. All kits will ship with the lighter seats. |
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