South African Dominator Build

[Nuff_Sed]

Hi All

I thought I'd log the events of my Dominator Single Seat build process here. As I've stated before, there were several reasons that played a role in me deciding to opt for the Dominator. I'll list just a few of them here...

1. Stability without question. The Dominator is right up there when it comes to stability, and this was confirmed by a friend who traveled to Mentone and Oshkosh and had the opportunity to fly in a Dominator Two seater (Thanks to Ron A.). The fact (of stability) was further confirmed in numerous threads right here on this forum.

2. Bang for my Buck (which in my case is a real issue). The current SA Rand vs. US Dollar rate is R 7.33 to $ 1.00 (US). Two weeks ago the rate was R 7. 09, when I ordered the plans and manual. Imagine I ordered a complete $ 35 k kit. BTW I ordered the plans on a Friday and the order was processed on the following Monday. Those two days cost me R 225.70.
I think that point is clear enough. I can therefore plan to absorb the fluctuations in smaller bits when ordering components and assemblies "piecemeal" with far less financial effect than (again) ordering a complete kit.

3.Local components. Many of the components and parts can be sourced locally.

4.While everything takes shape, I can sit in it and make Whhrrrrrrr Whhrrrrr noises.

[dragonflyerthom]

Congrats. I was at Mentone this year. It was great. I hope you enjoy your build as much as I have mine . GyroRon is a good ambassador for the Dominator.

[GyroRon]

Is your friend the South African fellow that was there to fly the UFO? He seemed to enjoy the ride I gave him!

There is one problem with my gyro..... it does not have but 75 horsepower. This is only about 10 horsepower more than alot of single place gyros. It will fly one person great, absolutely blowing the doors off a single place. But flying two people, the performance level drops dramatically. It will fly two people and stability can still be felt and shown, but there is not enough power to go up and do anything radical which the Dominator feels so right when doing these manuvers. So my point is, if he liked the flight in my two place, wait till he flys a single place by hisself... he will like it much much more!

[Nuff_Sed]

Hi Ron. Yes it was the UFO guy - Gary Butlion. He had a blast! Still chatting about it.

He will obviously guide me through the whole build. Fortunately (in a roundabout way) it will be cheaper to import welded assemblies than sourcing the Alu here and then having it professionally welded in SA. I prefer it that way, as I'm sure Ernie and co will ensure great quality, AND it's jig welded.

This is not going to be the quickest build any of you have ever witnessed, but both Gary and I are keen to see this animal fly. He's also building a Sonex at the moment, so I'll have to use the best of my bribery techniques to get him to my place as often as I can....

Truth of the matter is, I'm only extending to the house now to allow extra space for cars, gyro and one or two of my other projects. Hopefully the extensions will be done once I've given the plans and manual a good read.

Cheers

[Nuff_Sed]

I'd better start somewhere with logging the entire process. So here goes..

I ordered the Manual and Plans from Ernie on Friday August 10 with a helluva lot of help from RonE. Thanks Ron!!!

My timing was not the greatest, as Ernie was still busy with Mentone issues AND he was sold out of plans and manuals due to Mentone.

So now we wait until the printers can get the plans/manuals to him, and he will in-turn courier to me.

Cost for plans, manuals and shipping = (US) $ 275.00 (SA Rand = R 2122.00 plus some cents)

Cheers!

[ezeddie]

l

[/B]While everything takes shape, I can sit in it and make Whhrrrrrrr Whhrrrrr noises.

LOVE THOSE Whrrrrrr-ing noises. My favorite thing while visualizeing flight school practice.............

[GyroRon]

Well good luck with your build. I am sure you will like it.

Tell Gary to come on board here on the forum and get involved with our discussions. I liked him alot... he seemed like a great guy. I also liked the way he talked - the english accent!

I am not much of a builder myself... I did buy a flying Sonex though a few years ago. Great little airplane for the money.

[Nuff_Sed]

Hi Ron

Gary's moving at the moment, as soon as he's settled I'll nudge him to join the forum. He does observe from time to time. He says "Hi".

As for my progress....

Got the trenches dug for the garage/workshop....

Even my son, Luke (yes Ron, named after THE LUKE) is keen to get the shop done as quick as possible...

[Heron]

Child Labor! :)
AHH . . . the memories . . . :D
Heron

[Nuff_Sed]

Thought I was going to get away with it..... :whip: Although judging by his enthusiasm he's guilty of Daddy abuse. Won't let me rest a minute...

[Coen]

Dagse
Welcome to forum, it,s good to see other non MAGNI/ELA/MT03 gyro people in S.A better dig fast. Will stay in contact
Cheers Coen.

[Nuff_Sed]

My sentiments...

My pal, Gary, is a converted single seat, open frame enthusiast, having flown mostly enclosed or partially enclosed Magni's, Sycamores, Helithrusters and the like.

He's now going to build a 'BEE clone that he fell in love with at Mentone. Let's stick together in SA and demystify Gyro's, or at least the notion that there are only one or two safe machines available in SA...

Cheers!!

[Nuff_Sed]

:help:

As I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for my plans to arrive :bored: , I thought I'd call on Dom drivers for some assistance.....

I'd like to know from Dominator owners, past and present, what power plants you've used, and then what you liked and disliked about the respective engines.

Again, your participation will be much appreciated...

Cheers

[MikeBoyette]

Rotax,Rotax,Rotax.

[BUD ONEAL]

Subrua,subrua,subrua 100 hp,cheap to buy,cheap to fly and reliable!

[GyroRon]

I will echo Mikes post.... I think it is hard to beat a Rotax. Subaru is cheaper, but not always more reliable, and certainly heavier.

[Nuff_Sed]

Ernie agrees with the Rotax option...

Reason why I asked is that I have a fully prepped EA81 crated in my garage, and was starting to "toy" with the idea of using it for the Gyro. I'll probably stay with my original reason for getting it and that's to build into my mini buggy.....

Rotax is decidedly more expensive, but ease of mind costs a bit.

What about the rotary options from the UK??? Probably not "tested" enough?

Cheers

[MikeBoyette]

Rotax is the way to go no experimentation needed. You bolt it on and go.

[Nuff_Sed]

:D

They're here!!!:D

Plans and book (assembly manual) arrived today 7 September, and was mailed from RFD on Aug 22nd. Not too shabby considering that it was posted snailmail and not via courier....

So now's the time when the wife's going to wonder about what I'm up to, and what her name is..... Ha ha...:D and she'll probably start saying "why don't you like spending time with me anymore?" ANY TIPS?

Anyway - garage workshop is gaining momentum and should be ready by the time that my first components arrive from RFD. This week-end will be spent planning the build.

Going to be a great weekend. Partly so also because South Africa is going to hand-out some whip-a$$ to Samoa in their opener in Rugby world cup 2007.:whip:

Cheers

[dragonflyerthom]

When I started on my build my wife knew exactly where to find me. When she needed something for me to do I would stop and do it for her and the grandkids. As long as I have done this she hasn't had a problem with it. Of course she has said that I was obsessed with that gyro thingy.

Happy building.