N403PB received her airworthiness certificate in April, 2010 after 14 months and 1,500 hours of build time. Powered by the Rotax 912UL engine, this 748 pound aircraft still cruses at 95 mph at 5,000 rpm. At 5,200 rpm, the cruise increases to 102/105 mph with a four (4) gph burn rate. After some minor adjustments to the rigging configuration, she now flies hands-off and is very predictable throughout all flight manuevers.
Instrumentation and special features include a Dynon EFIS, EMS, AP 74 (2-axis auto pilot), traffic watch system, nose-wheel disconnect with shimmy damper, insulated cabin, two heaters, two baggage compartments, dual hydraulic toe brakes, electronic fuel monitoring system, Lowrance GPS, XCOM radio and a Becker transponder. If the glass panels fail, there are regular “steam” gauges that produce air speed, altitude, VSI, slip/skid, wing level to horizon, engine rpm, and engine oil pressure information.
This was a fun project that produced a great flying machine. The added bonus was the Grand Champion Award (Gold Lindy) at Airventure Oshkosh 2010 in the Light Plane category. It just doesn’t get any better!
Location: Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554
e-mail address: pwbolenbaugh@sbcglobal.net
