Jan Kalny (left) and Radek Novak (right) install the Rotax 912 engine onto its new frame. After months of planning and preparation, the Skyleader factory sent Jan Kalny (Design engineer) and Radek Novak (Aircraft Technician) to New Zealand for 10 days to upgrade my GP One to the latest factory specs.
They had some bad weather to cope with in NZ. Firstly, driving south through Dunedin's flood waters to reach Invercargill. Then severe winds meant it wasn't safe to shift the GP One outside for engine testing. Finally, they drove back north through snow and rain to catch their flight home to Prague. Our weather did not deter them a bit - they want to come back again and see more.
We really enjoyed having Jan and Radek stay with us in our home. We treated them to some traditional Kiwi food such as roast lamb and pavlova. We were impressed with how long and hard they worked every day for 10 days.
Their biggest job was to fit a revised exhaust system with a large cylindrical muffler and to re-position the coolant radiator. These changes necessitated a different engine frame and new composite cowlings.
Other changes included reverting to a 'push-pull' throttle control (not enough pilots liked the original 'vernier' throttle), improved door levers and door locking rods, centralising springs on the rudder, metal fuel pipes, larger storage compartment, etc).
It was very reassuring that Skyleader cared enough to do this work for free. Unlike many foreign manufacturers, they have shown their commitment to supporting their dealers and customers on this side of the world.
Well done, Skyleader. Thanks.
They had some bad weather to cope with in NZ. Firstly, driving south through Dunedin's flood waters to reach Invercargill. Then severe winds meant it wasn't safe to shift the GP One outside for engine testing. Finally, they drove back north through snow and rain to catch their flight home to Prague. Our weather did not deter them a bit - they want to come back again and see more.
We really enjoyed having Jan and Radek stay with us in our home. We treated them to some traditional Kiwi food such as roast lamb and pavlova. We were impressed with how long and hard they worked every day for 10 days.
Their biggest job was to fit a revised exhaust system with a large cylindrical muffler and to re-position the coolant radiator. These changes necessitated a different engine frame and new composite cowlings.
Other changes included reverting to a 'push-pull' throttle control (not enough pilots liked the original 'vernier' throttle), improved door levers and door locking rods, centralising springs on the rudder, metal fuel pipes, larger storage compartment, etc).
It was very reassuring that Skyleader cared enough to do this work for free. Unlike many foreign manufacturers, they have shown their commitment to supporting their dealers and customers on this side of the world.
Well done, Skyleader. Thanks.
