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Steve Carr's 65% scale Fokker DR.I Triplane


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Posted by cymaz on 02/05/2017 17:30:28:
There is a lot that goes into an over 20kg aeroplane....A little homework reading if anyone wants to coollaugh

Good link, but there is not much about ARTFs in there - the only bit I could see is this in the Q&A...

Q What do you do about ARTF models

A Obviously, quite a few of these are composite, and our Inspectors are usually able to look at the build quality. If you have any doubts contact us first.

From what I can understand these Bill Hempel kits are built to order - perhaps they take photos in the factory along the way? Even if they did the provenance of those photos could not easily be proven without specialist forensic computing kit (my day job) which I sincerely doubt the LMA have at their disposal. Maybe they come with some areas of covering not applied so they can be inspected before being assembled?

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Posted by Tom Sharp 2 on 02/05/2017 18:17:45:

Do these weight and inspection rules apply to models being flown on private land away from the public?

I would think they would. I suppose if you know it's over 20kg, any damage to a third party would leave you in a bit of a tight spot. The CAA might take a dim view of this.

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Posted by cymaz on 02/05/2017 18:25:32:
Posted by Tom Sharp 2 on 02/05/2017 18:17:45:

Do these weight and inspection rules apply to models being flown on private land away from the public?

I would think they would. I suppose if you know it's over 20kg, any damage to a third party would leave you in a bit of a tight spot. The CAA might take a dim view of this.

Irrespective of where and when it is flown, any model aircraft weighing more than 20kg must undergo a build inspection and certification process and must undergo a flight testing schedule and anyone wishing to fly the aircraft must be certified on that aircraft and is a named pilot. It is part of the Air Navigation Order and is delegated to the LMA by the CAA.

If a model is crashed and re-built or undergoes any changes such as re-engined, change of radio or UC, etc etc it must be re-inspected and may require another flight test.

If a model is sold, then the new owner/pilot must register the aircraft and it cannot be flown until its signed off.

That said, its not an onerous process. You have to register with the LMA and the chap who administers the scheme, Tony Hooper will allocate an inspector. Then, as various stages of the construction the inspector will sign off the aircraft. 

 

Edited By ChrisB on 02/05/2017 19:42:22

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Posted by ken anderson. on 02/05/2017 14:32:41:

well done tom....I started off with a ME Heron 1cc diesel...then went on to the big stuff... K and B Torpedo/3.5cc no silencer...used to put the fear of god in me....... the massive red glow from the exhaust .... I used to have a Honda moped with a 50cc Engine in it...... smiley

ken Anderson...ne...1..... how I started dept.

I started on a 50cc Honda thirty odd years ago, my current m/bike is 1200cc, that's bigger than some cars wink

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I would say that it will be up to the inspector what needs to be seen. They know what they are looking for. I have a plane that I thought might be near 20 kg. As a member of the LMA I contacted them and a couple of members came down and looked it over. Their time and expertise was free of charge. I was guided by their wisdom and followed all the recommendations. The plane turned out at 18.75 kg.

Always err on the side of safety and caution when they get this heavy and large. They use far more sky than you'll ever realise and need far more room for landing, manoeuvres and take off. The engine power and prop sizes really do need respect.

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Posted by MattyB on 02/05/2017 20:06:00:

How are ARTFs like this inspected Chris?

As mentioned by others, covering/sheeting may have to be removed to see the quality of spar and rib construction as well as other structural areas like the tail/fin mounting etc

CB

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