Everyone knows that the Homebuilt
Industry is growing by leaps and bounds. As
an alternative to the aging fleet of certified aircraft and their restrictions
on maintenance and spare parts, the amateur built category has become a very
attractive proposition for most pilots. Not only does the builder have the
satisfaction of working on his own project and ultimately flying it, he can use
his aircraft for training as well. The average recreational private pilot permit
costs $3,500.00 to $4,000.00 of which, approximately 30 hours will be spent on
aircraft rental. A Cessna 150 could
cost as much as $72.00 an hour, totalling over $2000.00 in aircraft rental
charges.
Michel Monette decided to invest this
savings in his own aircraft. Michel
lives and works on the Ottawa River, and was drawn into flying by his buddies,
one of whom had purchased a BushCaddy the season before.
After a demo ride in CLASS’s factory demonstrator, Michel was sold, and
ordered his kit. Finding the time to work on his project after his full day
was difficult, and he was anxious to start his pilot training.
Michel decided to take a short-cut. The factory demo that was showcased
at the Toronto Aviation and Aircraft Show was also registered as a
“homebuilt”and was for sale. Michel found a buyer for his partially completed kit, and
purchased the factory demo C-GEOI.
CLASS affiliate Avitas Flight Training
at the St-Lazare airport was his choice for training. Most flying schools will
train students on their own aircraft, but the student can also hire a free-lance
instructor and train outside of a Flight Training Unit.
Having Transport Canada conduct Michel’s Flight Test was a welcome
opportunity to have the BushCaddy flown
by an examiner. I have overheard on
many occasions TC’s negative comments on homebuilts and ultralights, and
looked forward to proving their concerns unfounded.
As with all homebuilts, the aircraft had been stringently inspected during its building phases, and was delivered with its operating manual, and weight and balance data. This model BushCaddy is an R120, with flaps, powered by the new Rotax 912S. After the mandatory paperwork was completed and flight preparations tested, Michel and Transport Canada Flight Test Examiner Simon Pinsonneault, took off on runway 20 for the flight test. An hour and a half later the green and gold BushCaddy re-appeared in the circuit at St-Lazare, landed and taxied back to the tie down ramp. Michel was beaming from ear to ear, and, a rare sight - so was the Transport Canada inspector!
“That was fun!” Simon exclaimed. “You know, I think that this is the way of the future!”
“Right on” Transport Canada. And by the way, Michel passed his test with “flying” colors. He can now join his buddies on their weekend sorties to hunting and fishing camps in Northern Quebec. C-GEOI is on floats in the summer, and will be on skis this winter.