SD-1 Builders
UK Builders
As of March 2011, no-one has started a build in the UK as the design has not yet been cleared by the LAA. However, there has been a great deal of interest in the design, hence the existence of this web site. Prospective builders will be able to track the progress of the approval process via this site, or may contact us for the latest information. Obviously we are keen to talk to builders who are interested in building UK prototypes as soon as that seems appropriate.
In the UK, amateur construction of light aircraft is regulated by the LAA (www.laa.uk.com) and prospective builders are advised to contact the LAA's Engineering Team for advice about the approval, construction and operation of this category of aircraft at the earliest possible stage. Membership of the LAA is mandatory for those wishing to register their project in the UK, but opens up a network of enthusiasts and inspectors who will provide support, advice and technical assistance. Finding a local LAA Inspector is probably the most important step a prospective builder can make as he will guide them though all of the stages necessary to turn a dream into a reality.
The SD-1 Builders in Europe
Juraj Tinka of Pribor, (Czech Republic) finished his aircraft from the QB kit in a very short time. That is not surprising because he is an experienced modeller. He came up with the idea of installing an Briggs & Stratton industrial engine (22 HP) engine but it took some time to develop the special engine mount. For this reason he operated the first approx. 30 hrs with the proven Hirth F-33 AS (28HP) engine installed. As can be seen from the attached picture, he placed the GRS 4/225 rescue system directly onto the firewall in a stainless steel case to compensate for the lighter engine. The empty weight of the aircraft with this engine was 111 kg (246 lbs).
As of March 2011, no-one has started a build in the UK as the design has not yet been cleared by the LAA. However, there has been a great deal of interest in the design, hence the existence of this web site. Prospective builders will be able to track the progress of the approval process via this site, or may contact us for the latest information. Obviously we are keen to talk to builders who are interested in building UK prototypes as soon as that seems appropriate.
In the UK, amateur construction of light aircraft is regulated by the LAA (www.laa.uk.com) and prospective builders are advised to contact the LAA's Engineering Team for advice about the approval, construction and operation of this category of aircraft at the earliest possible stage. Membership of the LAA is mandatory for those wishing to register their project in the UK, but opens up a network of enthusiasts and inspectors who will provide support, advice and technical assistance. Finding a local LAA Inspector is probably the most important step a prospective builder can make as he will guide them though all of the stages necessary to turn a dream into a reality.
The SD-1 Builders in Europe
Juraj Tinka of Pribor, (Czech Republic) finished his aircraft from the QB kit in a very short time. That is not surprising because he is an experienced modeller. He came up with the idea of installing an Briggs & Stratton industrial engine (22 HP) engine but it took some time to develop the special engine mount. For this reason he operated the first approx. 30 hrs with the proven Hirth F-33 AS (28HP) engine installed. As can be seen from the attached picture, he placed the GRS 4/225 rescue system directly onto the firewall in a stainless steel case to compensate for the lighter engine. The empty weight of the aircraft with this engine was 111 kg (246 lbs).
The 2009 season started with the B&S Vanguard (22 HP) engine installed and by the end of May it had flown nearly 40 hours with
this engine. The engine conversion is very simple using all original engine parts with only a propeller extension installed. Even the
flywheel is original, but its weight was reduced using only a lathe. The carburettor was re-located behind engine. The airplane
cruises at 135 km/h (85 mph) on 2700 rpm consuming 4 l/h (0.9 gallons per hour). Top speed is 185 km/h (115 mph) on 3700
rpm. The weight of plane with this engine installed is 118 kg (262lbs).
In Mr Tinka´s words "Anyone who once flies with a 4-stroke engine will not want to return to 2-stroke".
You can contact him on juraj.tinka@seznam.cz
In Mr Tinka´s words "Anyone who once flies with a 4-stroke engine will not want to return to 2-stroke".
You can contact him on juraj.tinka@seznam.cz
Mr. Tinka installed aluminium auxiliary tanks of 17,5 l overall capacity for the season 2010. He uses an electric Pierburg pump
driven by a Li-Ion battery. The weight of whole solution is 2200 g and it could be installed in 10 min. Theoretical range should be
around 1400 km.
Kestas Jurkenas of Lithuania, finished his aircraft from the QB kit in spring 2009. His airplane is powered by a Hirth F-23 AS
(50HP) engine. Kestas is director of ATC Kaunas and president of Lithuanian Ultralight Association and is therefore very busy, but
we hope that he will soon send us more information and some pictures of his plane.
WEB SITES OF BUILDERS
Carsten Pohl from Germany builds the TD version from the 51% kit
Claudio Giovanazzi from Italy builds TD version from the material kit
Richard Tatu from France builds TD version from Quick-Build kit
Daniel Clenet from France builds a modified TG version from the basic kit
WEB SITES OF BUILDERS
Carsten Pohl from Germany builds the TD version from the 51% kit
Claudio Giovanazzi from Italy builds TD version from the material kit
Richard Tatu from France builds TD version from Quick-Build kit
Daniel Clenet from France builds a modified TG version from the basic kit
Copyright Spacek s.r.o. 2011