First post-COVID update

By Mike Owen

Since the last update, we have had 3 national lockdowns due to COVID-19. However, the team have been pushing on when they can and at the end of December 2020 we had the undercarriage fitted, wings fitted, struts and the engine! The aircraft is now standing on its own undercarriage and really taking shape. We also have our seats covered.

G-ICAN looking like an aircraft

The Rotax 912iS has been taken out of its crate and fitted to the aircraft. Three of the team (Alan, Geoff and Mike) in February 2020 attended an official Rotax 912 and 914 light maintenance course to allow us to better understand the engine and to maintain it.

We have had a couple of visits by our LAA inspector Barry Goldsack to check on our mod for the hand rudder control and a mod on fixing the cabin frame and fuselage attachment points - which have been approved by the LAA. Barry is satisfied with our work and thinks that everything looks good – with a few observations to work on.

John, Stuart and Neil looking pleased after fitting the engine

Next steps are to design the avionics layout, the switches for engine start and control, circuit breakers and the switches for the pilot to control the trim, flaps and the radio (PTT). These tasks are being undertaken remotely and meetings are held virtually.  

Once lockdown 3 is relaxed, the team will be back in the hangar in line with any government guidance. We will continue with the engine installation and the wiring. 

Many thanks to the team of volunteers who are building a dream (BaD), our fundraising team and to our many sponsors who have contributed and supported this great project. Our active BaD team as of January 2021 are: Alan Lovejoy, Brian Jupp, Neil Tucker, John Michie, Ash Ebeid, Stuart Miller and Mike Owen (manager). Many others have helped through last year and we hope to see them involved as and when they can.

Finally, we heard the sad news in early January that Brian Batley-Hammond one of our ex-builders died. Brian’s contribution in woodwork is a lasting legacy for our project. 

If you would like to contribute or further information please get in touch with Aerobility frontdesk@aerobility.com or 03033031230.