RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

I flew mine today for the first time, I was amazed at how stable it was. The winds were out of the east about 10-15 mph but you wouldn't have known it looking at the plane. The Saito 120 pulled it through the biggest loop I ever saw, what a rush. It only took 2 beeps (computer radio) of right aileron for hands off flight. I don't think I was ever so excited about a maiden flight, probably because I worked hard on "building" this plane. I'm trying to figures out when I can get to the field with it again.

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

That's a great feeling isn't it? Glad to hear that your maiden went so well. It really is such a great flyer and just looks so majestic in the air. I hope to have my rudder fixed up next week. Then I just need to remember to take it easy on the takeoff roll out...:eek:

Thanks MinnFlyer for the encouragement. I've only flown the Skybolt 8 times last season, and since I don't get out to the field much, I don't get a significant amount of time to practice as much as I should. I probably shouldn't have tried to fly it after only the 2nd trip to the field this season. I should have warmed up a bit more with my SIG SE or my new Global Freestyle 40 which I maidened beautifully just the week before.[8D]

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

WYDAH,

The end is in site for the completion of my GP Super Skybolt. I was reviewing the build progress on your site when you were building yours (thank you). I did notice one thing though, You covered your model before attaching the landing gear. The plans would have you install the gear then glue and putty the balsa sheeting plug that was trimmed out back in place, thus being a faily perminant install.

Can you give me some insite on why you chose this direction insead of the suggested method in the plans?
Is it detachable?
How did you attach/install the Balsa sheeting plug?

Brian

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

Hi,

I was not to comfortable with the idea of glueing the landing gear sheeting back in place with no access to the gear mounting screws. So I made the cut piece into a small removable hatch. I used some small 1/8" dowel pieces glued at a slight angle in the front corners which fit into two holes I drilled in the former just in front of the gear block, and a plastic tab piece in the back which is screwed in place to hold the rear. Seems to be holding up ok so far.
Hope this helps. Let us see some pics when you get it finished up.

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

I sure will I only wish I had documented my built like you did. It has gone really well, and fast. I got the kit in December and became so busy I only got as far as the firewall. May 1, I set the goal of beginning the covering by the end of May. I might just make it. I will post pics, weight and specs when all complete. I will also give a maiden flight report.

I will be fitting a smoke system in following the final balance, possibly following the maiden. I have all the pieces to build the windsheild wiper pump smoke system but I'm starting to think space is limited andI may need to investigate another system.

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

I was wondering what kind of hinges are you guys using on your Skybolts?

RE: GP Super Skybolt Completed!
 

I've got the supplied CA hinges on mine... ten years old and still going strong.