Friday, September 19, 2008

Pterodactyl Update

I wanted to inform you with a quick update of the status of my Pterodactyl Fledge.

The two fuel tanks attached to my aircraft were split down the sides so they had to go. I've decided that the landing gear wires, wheels, sling/seat, and a lot of rusty hardware needs to be replaced as well. I could probably get away with keeping the old tires, but I would like my aircraft to look sharp and crisp. At the moment, the tires are faded and ugly.

I've decided to get steerable nosegear which will make taxing much easier. I understand the risk that it holds, but I'm willing to take reasonable actions to manage that particular risk. I've thought about creating a mechanism which locks the nosewheel for takeoff and landing, but am not really sure about how that would work.

Despite the temptation to keep one of the two engines that came with my place, I will soon put them up for sale. That's as soon as I figure out how to remove the massive bolts (suggestions appreciated) which cling on to the engine mount. I will be replacing those Cayuna engines with a Rotax 277.

I've built, covered, and painted the canard. One of my friends asked me if he could touch it because the paint still looked wet. I took that as a compliment as that's exactly what I wanted it to look like. After painting I had difficulty finding the control post hole, but thanks to the Pterodactyl
Yahoo group, I was able to locate it. At this moment, the canard is one-hundred percent complete.

Currently, I've been working on adding the noseboom, changing the control stick and attaching the canard to the airframe. Much more news to come. Perhaps even a video. At the moment, my Pterodactyl is still a Fledge, but soon it will be transformed into an Ascender!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

You could remove the massive bolt with possibly a wrench?

Unknown said...

I've tried removing the bolt with a wrench but unfortunately that didn't work as well as I wanted to. The wrench couldn't handle the bolt and it would bend outwards as I turned it.

Luckily, three of my neighbors came by and used their magic to remove the bolts. Now the engine mount is free of the engine and I can get a Rotax 277.

Thanks (I'm assuming you're Jack),
Mark Z.

Anonymous said...

Well done mark!
Look forward to seeing the finished product on this wonderful blog of yours!
Any updates??
Cheers
Ross

Anonymous said...

What's Happening i'm new to this. I came accross this site I find It truly helpful & its helped me out so much. I should be able to contribute & aid other users like it has helped me.

Cheers all, See You Later.

Anonymous said...

What's Happening i am new on here, I came accross this site I find It vastly accommodating & it's helped me out alot. I hope to give something back & guide others like its helped me.

Thanks, See Ya About.