New Member also

[Ross]

Hi all,
My name is Ross from Tasmania.
I am looking forward to flying my Nipper for the first time. I fitted a new Jab 80 hp engine.... then Covid struck. The Nipper is in Sydney Australia and I live in Tasmania Australia, so no travel allowed. I only need to do the weight and balance, then fly. I have seen this little rocket ship fly with a previous 115kg owner and I was amazed. I am a low hour pilot with about 80 hours in Jabirus, Foxbats, Skydarts and am building a scratch built seaplane/amphibian based on an Arion Lightning. I purchased the Nipper to give myself a break from building my other project ha... bit more work than I thought.
Ultimately I want to fly the Nipper from Sydney to Devonport Tasmania over Bass Strait following the islands about 500 NM as the crow flies maybe 600 NM the way I fly ha.
I would be pleased to hear from others for advice on flying this little beastie and any engineering problems I should look out for.
I have posted a couple of pics one with our dog "Biscuit" in the cockpit see Gallery, rego 28-842 Kind regards and I look forward to hearing from you.


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[Neil Spooner]

Hi Ross,
Welcome to the Nipper world, and I hope you are making good progress with your restoration......how is it going?
For that ferry flight you are going to need some serious ferry tanks!
Neil

[Stuart]

Hi all,

I’m Stuart, fly out of North Wales. Currently flying a Sky Arrow (haven’t told the missus this is staying as well), hopefully picking up G-NIPS over the next week or two. Just waiting for weather and COVID lockdown slot. (Aren’t we all waiting for airborne time). Wanted a Nipper for a long time and manage to secure NIPS and absolutely thrilled. No air time in her yet but very excited and looking forward to flying and joining the group.

I have no doubt I will be leaning on you guys as the months tick by. Already thinking about extended tank for range.

Stuart

[Neil Spooner]

Welcome aboard Stuart........I hope the Nipper Grin is soon all over your face!
I have always fancied visiting Wales by air, but you seem to be short on airfields!
I got my NIpper G-ONCS (Then G-AZBA) from a field near Pembrey Ranges.......had to have a "slot" so I didn't get shot down.
You have a number of options for an extra fuel tank. I am currently working on approval for a 15L tank fitted underneath the main tank. They are inter-connected, so unless you have a flop tube there is no fuel switching to do.
Good luck and Happy Nippering.
Neil

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[Stuart]

Thanks Neil,

Have to say we are spoilt in Wales,
Although as you say we are a little limited on airfields, the lack of controlled airspace certainly makes up for it. Free to roam.

The 15 litres under tank would be perfect. Wont be completing anything aerobatic wise so one tank sitting below the original with no selector sounds the simplest approach. I like simple!

Will watch this space with anticipation. And keep you all posted after first flight home.