Tipsy Nipper

Hi Guys,


After some years of storage at the end of last year the restoration of my Nipper started.

I'm taking things slow mainly because of funding reasons (last year student ), but that gives me time to try and make some changes.

I first started working on the elevator, it was stripped and cleaned and then I glued little pieces of wood over the ribs to make the surface smoother after covering. Raymond gave me this idea, but I really like the result.

Next thing will be the rudder, this I will modify with a small piece of wood on top to make a rounder top.

Off course I'll also need the seat mod, this will be carried out in a couple of weeks. I'm also checking with belgian authorities whether I can fit extra fueltanks in the wing (like G-TIPS, next to the fuselage).

And then probably the biggest change is the engine, this will probably be the Belgian UL Power as I'm not really a fan of the Jabiru engines. The engine mount is mainly the same as a Jabiru, only problem is CofG and new cowlings. I still have to talk to some people who could help me with that.

I'll keep you guys posted on the changes and welcome any ideas or help


Willem

Hi Willem,

Thanks for the info', great to see another Nipper taking shape.

If you are going to do anything with the rudder I personally would only recomend the "fin/rudder" mod', that is splitting the rudder, fixing a fin (the front section of the rudder) to a stern post and making the rudder a conventional one. I have flown both versions, the the fin/rudder is much better. It has better longitudinal stability, and very good aerobatic strength.

The wing tank mod' is very intrusive. The LAA have said they would not support this mod' in the Uk now. I have a 3gallon tank under the main which gives me an extra hour in the air, which is more than enough in a Nipper!

If you need documentation to support the above mod's let me know.

Neil

Thanks for the ideas Neil,


I still have to talk to the belgian CAA about the possibilities with the Nipper. I planned talking about the wingtanks, so I can also ask for the fixed fin mod.


Meanwhile, the elevator is finished and both ailerons are also covered.



Willem

Hi Neil,

Could you please send me the details of the fin modification?

My email is willemronge@scarlet.be

many thanks


Willem