JDevoy

The continuing saga. 
just over a month ago 5 of the U.K. owners including myself made a trip to the factory to meet the CEO and Sales Director.  We basically wanted to look them in the 'white of their eyes'

We came away with mixed feelings. The factory had 4 aircraft in production. They told us they make and sell between 3-5 a month and all go to flying schools. They haven't as old one to a private owner in memory.  Over half of sales are in USA. They only make a certified version now. 

The factory had no new aircraft ready for dispatch, with a ghostly empty delivery bay except for a prototype high wing and a prototype aerobatic version. The fact they are investing in these gave some hope for the future plans and longevity of the brand. 

We were given a full tour snd the most obvious thing missing was a spares department of any sort. 

We were informed everything is outsourced except aluminium panels. They showed us the CNC machines that produce skins etc.  Nothing is bought for stock and they do monthly JIT for their current production requirements. 
 

For the U.K. market they blamed lack of a dealer for the parts problems as it's the dealer who carry's spares inventory. They said US never had issues apart from the period when there was no dealer.

There were many 'flaws' in their presentation that as a businessman myself concerned me. The business case just doesn't add up  I think they have enough of a base and an amazing aircraft that will keep them alive but without serious investment they won't regain their place in the top 2 or 3  

in my opinion there is only two reasons why they can't deliver parts  it can only be cash flow or incompetence.

For example one of our group ordered main gear legs over 10 months ago. One 6 months ago and two  (Inc myself) 3 months ago. We all had to pay up front. They have had our money for those respective lengths of time.  In the meantime they have ordered monthly build parts requirements, including legs for their 3-5 aircraft per month stated production runs. So why have they not added an extra set or 2 onto each months orders going back 10 months?  Makes no sense unless they've used our money for general expenses and overheads. 
 

Second example.  I need wing skins. These are made in their own factory. In the 3 months I have been waiting they have, according to their comments, made around 9-15 aircraft. Which means they must have set up the CNC machines and made wing skins. Why didn't they add mine into any of those  production runs? 
 

They are talking to me about a U.K. and Ireland dealership. I am interested but the devil as always is in the detail. Let's see what happens. Certainly won't be agreeing anything until OY is flying again. 
 

On 4/21/2022 at 4:30 AM, Velocity26 said:

Based on the POH I have, these are the limitations:

Max. permitted head wind velocity for take-off and landing ...............................................23kts
Max. permitted cross wind velocity for take-off and landing ...............................................10kts

I know that I have exceeded these on occasions, but the POH is written by Attorneys to protect the company.  

The Bristell POH states: Maximum demonstrated crosswind speed: 9kts for landing and take off. 

Again, these are conservative figures, but exceeding them puts the responsibility on you.  

Forget take-off and landing, I have been at cruise in deteriorating weather conditions and had a wind turbulence slam my head against the side of the canopy hard.  I can see how someone could lose consciousness from a similar event.  

I do not consider these to be "All Weather" airplanes, believe that are best used in fair weather. 

 

Would never be able to fly in a Scotland if I needed to wait for that xwind limit!

Thanks admins for the work you guys do. 

On 9/4/2018 at 4:05 PM, ShawnM said:

Hi Wayne, what battery is in it now? Is it a FG FORTE or something else?

First, legally you need a LOA to change to a different battery. Will you ever get one? No, but at least you are informed of the legal aspect of changing the battery.

My next step would be to call Cruiser Aircraft and ask them what to do. Can they provide you the exact battery the factory uses? If not ask them if the new battery they'll sell you comes with an aircraft specific LOA. This will prove for an interesting conversation for sure. 

The last importer in Texas, US Sport Aircraft, was even selling customers a different battery than the european FG FORTE and of course no LOA was provided.

The latest IPC lists the part number for a battery as 3800D078 but the "description" only reads BATTERY 12V, 20Ah. I'm not a betting man but I'm willing to wager that the factory battery does not have this part number on it.

This is just my opinion but many have just replaced their battery with one of the same specs, 12v, 20Ah. They are available everywhere at your local battery stores and online. Many will also not tell you this but since a battery is considered a "consumable" they just change it with one of the same specs. 

I'm E-LSA so my last battery change was to a Odyssey PC680 and it was the best decision ever. Was it 2 times the cost of a normal AGM battery? Yes, but well worth it.

Here's a link to the same topic and question i started over 3 years ago. It's the same question you asked and you can read those responses also and make an informed decision for yourself.

Hope you found some of this helpful.  

Totally agree on the PC680. One of the best investments I have made. 

On 1/6/2019 at 8:06 PM, ShawnM said:

Welcome James and I "fourth" all that, beautiful plane and thanks for sharing. I'm in Clearwater Florida so "somewhat" close. I've been up to Douglas Georgia for lunch but that's not even close to where you are up in the north end of Georgia.

The Carling switches (or similar) you have are very nice and can be custom etched for anything but they do take up a lot of real estate.The mounting panels they offer also make for a clean install. I considered them for a while but decided to stick with switch/breakers for some added safety without the need for even more circuit breakers.

I like the carbon fiber look of the panel as well and also thought about doing this but with a gray color to match the interior a little more and make the instrument pop a little. Beautiful plan and great work.

Are you happy with the Jabiru engine? Any issues? 

Sorry shawn for taking so long to respond. I didnt realise I had responses!

Yeah I am going to redo the console over the next winter break. In retrospect as you said the switches take up way to much space.  Going to remove the iPad holder, impossible to see the screen in the sun. Planning on another HDX there, with a G5 in the centre console section. 

The 'carbon fibre' is 3M stick on. It looks good but am also going to change it as well, maybe do grey as you said.  Ideally I would like to get an actua carbon fibre custom panel with teh copilot side slightly angled towards pilot side. Only problem is Im not capable of doing that myself so have to find someone and just dont' know where to start.

Teh Jabiru runs well. There is lots of talk about them overheating but TBH mine is fine. I was thinking of doing the watercooled option but I have no real need. CHTs get a bit high on No 3 cylinder on climb out put go back down as soon as you take some power off.

On 1/6/2019 at 2:50 PM, DavePilot said:

James

THANK YOU for “Introducing” yourself on the SCFLIER SportCruiser Forum.  Welcome !

very interested in the kit built, Jabiru powered SportCruiser, your new instrument panel,  and also the UK Light Aircraft rules.

the pictures look great !  Awesome airplane.

looks like you have the Dynon Angle of Attack probe under the left wing ?  How is your static port done ?

I wonder if your engine cowlings would fit a USA Experimental E-LSA SportCruiser/PiperSport ?  The large round cooling air holes on front look to be just the thing to cool down a Rotax 912 engine !  Do you know where the original kit builder bought these engine cowlings ?  They look very useful  !

looking forward to hearing more about your SportCruiser panel Upgrades and incorporation of the GARMIN G5.

Dave

Thanks Dave, Sorry so long in responding. For some reason couldn't get back into the site.  Im a reasonably new private pilot and loved the look of the CRUZ.  In the UK there are around 20 Jabiru 3300 powered versions. There is a lot of talk about them overheating easily but not sure if that's not just scaremongering.  On climb out I will get a CHT Overheat warning but a stepped climb will negate that. Yes Dynon AOA, Static port again is the  Dynon Kit. Simple to fit, basically a couple holes drilled near to the hair intake scoops. 

No idea about the cowlings, getting any documents on the Jabiru version build has been pretty difficult.  

Will be changing the panel again in the 2019/20 winter break. The iPad is pretty useless, just cant see the screen in any decent sunshine. Also teh switches take up way to much space. GOing back to the originals.  Putting another 10@ HDX is where the iPad is and the G5 will replace the MGL but in the centre console (as will be room without the big switches)

Hi I’m a UK (West of Scotland) PPL. 57 years old and achieved dream of my PPL 2 years ago. I bought a Jabiru 3300 engined 2012 home built SC just over a year ago. Recently updraded the steam gauges and Dynon  D100/120 to the Skyview HDX, with integrated Transponder, radio, AP and intercom. Also a Guardian Avionics iPad mini powered mount. Reasonably pleased with result but going to rebuild panel again later this year. Don’t like the layout and the big switches I fitted.

Planning on a second HDX, putting standard toggle switches and CB’s. Freeing up some space then in centre console as under UK LAA (similar to USA EAA) I must have backup primary instruments from alternative power/manufacturer.  So a Garmin G5 is my thinking. 

Also looking to fit the Rotec water cooled heads https://www.rotecaerosport.com/lch to alleviate the overheating potential of the Jab. 

Im currently resident in Atlanta GA on a 3 yr business visa. So would love to meet SC owners in Georgia or surrounding states. 

Some pictures attached

James