Build Updates

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SAAA CHAPTERS 22 & 24                            

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BUILD UPDATE 

Update 30th November 2023

Maiden Flight of Miss Tori         

On Wednesday 29th November, I attended Jandakot airport to witness what so many of you whom have built an aeroplane have done in the past and will do in the future, watch the maiden flight of our SAAA Youth Build & Fly program aircraft – Miss Tori VH-PYF.

It was raining first thing, and I did worry that it may not happen. All our test pilots were there, having a de-brief of the operation of the aircraft from SAAA Member John Browne. John, a LAME, along with Bill Keehner made sure that the aircraft was fit to fly.

     

Once the briefing had occurred, Flight Instructor and test pilot John Barker carried out some taxi runs. So far so good. John then indicated he was going to carry out some high-speed taxi runs on the runway. Excitedly, we jumped into the cars and drove to the spectator area to watch on. First high-speed taxi run was a success and John decided to go again and then park the aircraft for a review.

   
Preparing for taxi run                                High speed taxi run

John, jumped out of the aircraft and said that everything was in good working order, and he had no issues. “Let’s take her for her first flight” he declared.


Final Checks ready for first flight

With anticipation we all waited whilst he taxied to the runway, cameras at the ready. Then it happened, Miss Tori took off into the air and just like that, she was flying! It was a phenomenal sight, you could not miss the QBE logo on the tail!. John, Bill and I could not but help to have a hug and a high five. The students, mentors and team had done it!

   

 


One happy team! Left to right John Browne, Lainey Bradley, Bill Keehner

Back at the hangar, we were all elated.  Now onto the rest of the test flying. Over the coming weeks, test pilots, Russell Buchannan, Andrew Wade and Chris McGough will be taking Miss Tori into the air.

   

You can view the videos on our YouTube channel here.

Of course, we could not do this without the continued support of our sponsors. Thank you to: QBE, AvPlan EFB, C&H Freight, Corbett Painting Services, Garmin, iOR Aviation, Lock Chocks, MLB Paints, SAAA Chapter’s 22 and 24, Swish Projects, Temora Aviation Museum, Temora Shire Council and Universal Coatings

Congratulations to each and every student, mentor and team member involved in this amazing program.

Below is an update as of 22 June 2023

Our RV12- Miss Tori is on the move again! She has now left VIC and has arrived back to WA for the next exciting step in her journey.

Before leaving a team comprising of SAAA Members Ray Taylor, Brian Ham, Peter Clifford and Simon Carkeete helped package her up ready for the trip west.  We give our heartfelt thanks to the team.

Packaged and ready to go west

Arrival at Jandakot -WA

She will now be painted before her readiness for CoA Phase 1. Thanks to Perron Integrated Logistics for transporting her safely across the country. Stay tuned for further updates!

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NEW SOUTH WALES

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