Eindecker Test Flight

On the 11th of July David Bremner did a flight test on the GSAL Eindecker, you should be able to read it in the September issue of MF magazine.

Steve's aircraft is pretty much the same as our factory aircraft, but has the added benefit of being kept rigged at an airfield with many grass runway options, and with a short weather window this was essential to get the flight test done.  Above is a nice air to air shot of Steve flying his lovely aircraft.

E103 Receives The Hercules Treatment

Hercules has produced a lovely propeller for Eindecker E103 to match its new reduction drive, now four of the five flying Eindeckers are fitted with Hercules Propellers.

Above the new Hercules Propeller fitted to Eindecker E103.

E105 Maiden Flight

Steve Duckworth flew his Eindecker E105 for the first time on Wednesday the 26th of June, he was very pleased with the aircraft performance and everything went as expected, the MZ201 engine started first time and without issues for all flights.

He also made further flights on Saturday the 29th of June and posted images and a movie on his blog:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawk_ace/sets/72157625967127064/page6/

We now have 5 flying Eindeckers.

Popham 2013 Microlight Trade Fair Podcast

Steve Cooke of the BMAA, has produced a podcast from conversations with traders recorded at the show including ourselves, Robin and George are near the beginning, third and fours respectively, it's well worth a listen even if you went to Popham, link is below:

http://www.flyingpodcast.co.uk/exhibitions/episode-64-popham-microlight-trade-fair/

Popham 2013 Update

It had been an eventful Friday driving to Popham, as the van blew the coolant out towing the trailer on the M4, luckily we were less than half a mile from Membury service station.  Turned out the coolant bottle pressure cap valve had broken and the extra load of the trailer had highlighted the problem.  Robin hitched up the trailer and I went on ahead in the van after letting it cool down and topping up the coolant, I got there without loosing anymore fluid so all was fine.

Some aircraft flew in on Friday while we were setting up our pitch and it was lovely and sunny, we were finished by 3:30 pm and sat back to enjoy the rest of the day with a few drinks.

The microlight trade fair was well attended over the bank-holiday weekend,  Saturday started overcast with light rain (well it wouldn't be Popham without some rain would it), the sun came out around 12:30, but this was followed by a brisk wind which just kept getting stronger as the day passed, and our poor marquee was getting a right old battering.

You can see our marquee in the background, this was around 2pm and the wind kept getting stronger.  The wind had stopped many visiting by air and attendance was down for a Saturday usually the busiest day, but many did come by road. 

By 3:30 our marquee was suffering from structural failure and we decided to take it down and throw it in the skip.

Sunday was a much calmer day with good sunny weather, attendance was excellent and many aircraft flew in.  There was plenty of interest in our Eindecker as usual and in the four stroke engines GSAL is developing based on the B&S V-Twin, for future use in SSDR.

One benefit of loosing our marquee was that it took very little time to pack up and leave for home.  Although this was slowed up slightly with Shaun's car battery being flat, it was easy to start with jump leads, and we were off back to Aston Down for a well earned rest on the bank-holiday Monday.

Popham Microlight Trade Show 2013

GSAL will be at Popham Microlight Trade Show from the 4 - 5th of May, come and see our Fokker Eindecker replica.  Whatever the weather it's a great event to see new products in microlight aviation with many traders presenting their wares. 

Select the link below for detail directions of getting to Popham.

Popham Airfield

GSAL Kit 105 Returns to Aston Down

 Mystery truck turns up at Aston Down on Friday the 19th?

The back starts to open up and we are wondering what is inside?

We look in the back of the huge truck and guess what an Eindecker?

Steve Duckworth arrives a few minutes later, mystery solved.  We unload the Eindecker into the hangar.

We rig the aircraft ready for a general inspection and weight / balance calculations.

Steve takes his Fokker Eindecker outside for engine runs.

The cowling is removed so all the engine instillation can be observed during the first engine run, and Steve fills up the tank with fuel.

During the first engine run George monitors the T&P's.

A view of the Eindecker instrument panel.

Steve posing with his Eindecker before his first powered taxiing.

Taxiing around to bed the brakes in, and check all the controls systems.

Steve's very first taxi on grass.

Steve looking for his first kill....!!!!