Bruce McLeod Whisper nosewheel glider

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

In January 2009 I bought the kit that Dene advertised on the whisper site. I believe it is Number 39.
The factory will build the wings and the carry tough spar. Dene will complete the fast build kit and then he will do all the fiberglass build and finishing work and I will complete all the mechanical stuff, engine, instruments, controls, cabin finishing.
Dene has started and put the fuselage together only to discover that this kit was made with the nose wheel option. Although it can be changed easily, after much discussion and advice (due to my past power flying experience) I have decided to keep the nose wheel option for safety reasons. I have two daughter who are learning to glide, although it an old fart like me and not them they are worried about.

I have not decided on the power plant yet, and advice would be appreciated. Due to my size and where (Howick & Drakensburg), how I want to fly (glide) am leaning towards a 100hp with feather able prop. As I am spending a lot having the bulk of the craft built, money and overcapitalization is a criteria.

My first photo from Dene is the joining or the fuselage. He tells me has now installed the firewall.

Bruce McLeod

My first photo from Dene, joining the fuselage

Whisper001.jpg (22.7 KiB) Viewed 10589 times

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

I found my power plant. Is a Revmaster 2.1l modified with fuel injection and a turbo with intercooler, producing 102hp at 3400rpm. It came complete as per photos. Dene kindly fetched it for me from Grahamstown. Now we just have to squeeze it into the cowling.

[pdarne]

Hi Bruce, saw your plane today and your wings at Paradise on wednesday, things need to start moving for you. Cheers
Philip

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

The factory finished my wings and carry through spar. Stuart fetched them and is already installing the spar. Time to get moving is right. No more excuses!! I need to start flying.

[pdarne]

Hi Bruce, as lady luck would have it, I've just now come from Dene's place your plane is covered and receiving a little heat to help cure the spar, there is action. Cheers Philip, by the way our WHISPER IS REALLY TAKING SHAPE NOW!!! waiting for EFIS and prop.will start registration process soon.

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

Deane is moving along, he has finished the wheel struts attachment and now the rudder as shown. Keep up the good work Dean & Co.

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

The wings have been fitted. If you look carefully you can see strings running all over the place for alignment. I also notice that the rudder is in place. All the hardware has arrived from the USA, I just need to get it to Deane.
Some interesting additional parts were purchased. Red and green LED wing lights and a white LED Beacon for the tail. I also purchased a parking break valve.

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

Parking Break valve from Matcho USA

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

Dene is moving along nicely. Here are the photos he sent me of the wing flarings now complete on the under and top sides.

[bruce@unipro.co.za]

Mici & I went down to visit Dene to deliver all the imported parts last week and to see the progress of the plane. Most of the sanding is finished, the wing tips are done so the wings are now complete. Modifications to the seat pan were made at my request, they are deeper and more upright. The front of the seat pan has also been modified by cutting off the curved front portion in front of the wing spar, to give my feet more room to move about and help with me getting in and out.