The StolFox passes 100 flight hours in this episode. I give some thoughts on the Yamaha APEX engine performance. The flight takes me to Red Bluff to assist in a Beringer wheels and brakes install on a Savannah Airplane.
I think you addressed the Trent Palmer comments about using experimental engines very well. Yamaha makes some of the best engines in the world as does Honda. The Yamaha Apex with Teals Skytrax gearbox is a very solid package and if installed and maintained properly (no different than any other engine) I’m certain it will last for a very long time and have very low operating and maintenance costs. For me I would not have been able to build my own plane if I had to use a Rotax especially the 915 as it’s price is just too crazy expensive. I just could not afford one to buy or maintain as Rotax parts are also expensive. I’m going on floats so I needed the lighter weight and higher HP of the Yamaha without the huge expense. This is experimental aviation as you noted and using a modern design and proven in race bikes and sled engine from Yamaha made a lot of sense to me and made building and flying my own plane possible. Bryan you are a great ambassador for experimental aircraft and safe flying overall so appreciate your honesty and all you do to promote experimental aircraft and engines. Cheers. Jim
Another great well thought out video. Congratulations on breaking the century mark. I also recently took my SkyTrax/Apex/Highlander over 100 hours and like you, it’s running like a Swiss watch. Excited to push on and find out what their lifecycle is going to be. These poor man turbine’s are sure a blast!
The hard part with understanding the lifecycle of the Apex is that most of the installs on experimental planes currently flying, are engines have previously lived in a sled, all have been run and maintained differently, from how hard they were run, to oil changes, how long that sat Summer/Winter without running etc. prior to being installed in a plane Most of the builders who have installed like you, didn't do much above a good solid inspection. It will be hard to get a consistent baseline, however like you said, it looks like those that are flying are doing great, and thats what we all hope happens! Edge Performance has done significant testing in a facility setup for that type of testing, not to mention the amount to work done to the engine, inspection, tear down and rebuild with high performance mil spec parts, their build is precision form the ground up. Yes they can and do tune that engine to 300+ HP, however many who have purchased from Edge, are not tuning to the full 300HP. Steve H has put the EpeX threw intense punishment without a hiccup. I agree with you 1000%, new low time pilots should listen to you and Trent, and your council not to jump into the deep end of the pool. Start slow, build your time and experience! Love you what you are doing.
I’m new to aviation and never understood why aircraft motors cost so much. I get they are not massed produced but the price is insane and the maintenance is crazy. I couldn’t imagine doing a engine rebuild in a car after 500 hrs. But that’s why I love experimental, gives freedom to the owner of the craft to find better and cheaper solutions. Great stuff!
I've been watching your build videos for the past two weeks and I'm enjoying them very much. Frankly, I don't understand why you don't have more subscribers. It's one of the better build vids on RU-vid. I hope you continue to put up technical content when you can.
glad you have the yamaha - i want to use one also when I buy a used plane but I want mine on amphib floats and I like that you can get allot more out of the yamaha for taking off of smaller lakes/puddles. I live in BC so a ton of puddle jumping to do here. Yamaha has awesome motors - so they should work fine for aviation as long as we don't push them too much and yes do your checks every 25-50 hrs for the 1st 200 perhaps. Happy for you. Steve who sells highlanders in Utah I believe has 300hp for his STOL plane used for mostly competitions. He loves the Yamaha's.
You are a helicopter pilot…no danger there…lol. Experimental aircraft to me is being able to build at budget pace and maintain the aircraft on a budget under a different set of regulations unlike a certified aircraft. Just my opinion. Love your vids and your methodical patience towards aviation. Cheers!
I feel like several of Trent's last few videos were scripted by, or to, suck up to the FAA so they leave him alone. They probably want his next video to talk everyone out of flying experimental aircraft. You have an amazing airplane.
Well, really nice definition meaning of EXPERIMENTAL. Thank you, it is necessary to bring back to memory this point. Btw. you are using nice helmet, it looks very handy even for pilot with glasses ... what brand it is? If you don't mind, write the details. I am looking for light helmet with sun shield...
@@BowenAero Thank you very much for really quick answer. Sorry for late reaction, I am busy with flying (fortunately :) ) recently with SHARK aircraft - completely different sort than Fox family, but very interesting as well.
I have the top cowling off all the time, it takes about 2 minutes to remove. In the 130 hours now on it, I have never used any oil at all. The plan was to put a door in, but I don't have the need for it at this time.
I sub to Trent Palmer's channel and have not seen any video where he speaks of the pros and cons of engine types... Another informative video by you, though!
@@BowenAero I would take what Trent said with a grain of salt. He started out by saying that his insurance company has pulled him up and said that if you race that thing, we aint covering you and I suspect that since he is competitive by nature, that has somewhat pissed him off. So he can't go and play in the STOL drags anymore. He is into high performance stuff anyway and the engine in his kite is just that, high performance. If it wasn't for the insurance issue ,and the issue with the FAA and his license, I'm sure he would be singing a different tune.
