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jb92563
Unregistered
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 Posted Monday, January 19, 2009 @ 07:55 PM
I'm not entirely clear if the RF4D was factory built or a Kit or scratch built from Plans?
I would be interested in building a Fournier from Plans or kit if anyone has them, and may be looking for one (built or to be rebuilt/repaired) later
in order to persue sport aerobatics.
If I have to build from scratch then I'll be considering a composite construction "replica" of an RF4D.
A "carbon copy" so to speak ;-)
Ray
[Edit by jb92563 on Monday, January 19, 2009 @ 08:00 PM]
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Jorgen
Unregistered
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Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 06:07 PM
Hi Ray,
Fourniers are factory built and I guess it would be quite a challenge to build one yourself. I once toyed with the idea of building an extra wing for my RF 4 with a longer span, like the SFS-31 Milan. I was "cured" (at least for the time beeing) after a mailexchange with Patrick Faucheron of Club Fournier International Germany who provided some insight into his restauration, or rebuild of his RF 5 D-KOPF.
I don´t want to discourage you though, if you have the time and money why not?
Take 5(b) just 4 fun/ Jörgen
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jb92563
Unregistered
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Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 08:31 PM
I would much rather buy/retore an RF4D but they seem rather scarce.
If I undertake a "replica" it would be a new design pretty much and likely take a very long time, but
I would do some parts with composites and make molds so multiple copies can be made.
I have not given it a great deal of thought but I figure there might be opportunities using modern materials
to lighten and strengthen the design making it even better.
I will be looking in earnest for a RF4D later in the year and am keeping my eyes open in the mean time.
I wonder if that one from south africa ever got sold?
I emailed and have not heard back.
Ray
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Bob Grimstead
Unregistered
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Posted Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 01:23 AM
Hi Ray,
The South African one may be sold during this week, but may not.
Presumably you want it in the USA? in which case it might be a candidate.
Getting it into Europe would be a huge undertaking.
Some guys on the West Coast with Russian contacts have already strated design and production of a part-composite modern version (the Super Four).
Contact Eugene Zakharenkov adventureairways@yahoo.com
Yours, Bob
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SteveBeaver
Unregistered
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Posted Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 10:35 AM
Not quite a Fournier, but the Whisper was designed by a former Fournier owner I believe:
www.whisperaircraft.com
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jb92563
Unregistered
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Posted Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 11:59 AM
Thanks for the info folks. I'll email Eugene and see what he is doing. West Coast USA?
The whisper is nice but I already own a Grob 109 so, I really want the RF4D for its aerobatic qualities as
I just plain enjoy the gracefull figures you do with it, vs an all out aerobatic plane.
It is also nice to be able to fly aero on a Glider ticket.
Bob, I bought the "Better Aerobatics" book you recommended and find it enjoyable reading.
I like the writers approach and no nonsense writing style.
After I have absorbed all that and taken some aerobatic training I'm going to be needing an RF4D
so let me know if you hear anything more on the African one that is/was for sale.
There is an RF4D for sale in my vicinity but at $50K USD its a lot more than I was expecting pricewise since they have been going for under $30K just a few years ago.
I wonder what the African is selling for?
Ray
[Edit by jb92563 on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 11:59 AM]
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Bob Grimstead
Unregistered
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Posted Thursday, January 22, 2009 @ 02:35 AM
Hi Ray,
I am glad you like Alan Cassidy's book, Better Aerobatics.
In my opinion it is by far the best aerobatics book available in the English language anywhere in the world.
I only wish he'd included an index.
Mine's getting very dog-eared now, and festooned with tiny Post-its, so I can find things.
As to buying an RF4...
A British owner currently wants 'offers over £20,000' which is a joke, and so is that American price you quote.
Likewise the South African one's asking price was 165,000 Rand.
And then you have to pack it, export it, certify it, top-overhaul the engine and make some mods to make it safe.
Last year we bought one for £15,000-odd, and the year before one went for £13,000-odd.
You will eventually find one at a sensible price, but you'll have to be patient.
Yours, Bob
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jb92563
Unregistered
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Posted Thursday, January 22, 2009 @ 05:01 PM
I will be patient and wait but if the South African one is still for sale that would be my best bet, since for the price I can personally go down
and pack and prep it for shipping if necessary and still be way ahead cost wise.
The import, C of A and restoration/repairs should not be too big of a hassle but do take time to get through the beauracratic processes.
It is just critical that the existing foriegn registration be canceled and documented before proceeding to ship so that I can register as Experimental-Exhibition when it arrives.
In the mean time I have lots of work to do to get some aerobatic training, so the waiting will be fun as well ;-)
Ray
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Sam M.
Unregistered
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Posted Friday, January 23, 2009 @ 02:15 AM
Hello Ray,
Have we met at Santa Paula a few weeks ago?
Good luck with your Rf
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Collin
Unregistered
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Posted Friday, January 23, 2009 @ 08:59 PM
Ray,
Do you keep your Grob 109 at Skylark or French Valley?
Collin
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jb92563
Unregistered
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Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 05:45 PM
Sam,
No, we have not met, but I have been following your emails as a relatively new RF4D flyer with interest since I expect to be a newby
as well in the not too distant future and enjoy your questions and reports.
Also, since we are somewhat close we might run into each other one of these days (Pardon the Pun)
I should be getting around with my Grob 109 in the next couple months as it is getting a good going over and Annual, since Im a new owner of it.
Colin,
Yes I'm at Skylark where your dad had a lot of fun in the early days, but I never met him as I only arrived at Elsinore about 4 years ago.
Member of the Soaring club, (www.soarelsinore.org) with my Grob 109 and a Schreder HP-11.
I was helping an Ogar pilot get instruction to earn his self launch endorsement.
Still 1 last Ogar here at the field.
Ray
[Edit by jb92563 on Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 05:47 PM]
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Collin
Unregistered
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Posted Monday, February 2, 2009 @ 04:30 PM
Hi Ray,
I did my first glider solo at Skylark. The first motorglider I flew in was a RF5B, but my first motorglider solo was in the Ogar from Flabob. I would like to plan a trip with the RF4 Southern California this summer I will let you know. I also want to stop be Santa Paula and visit Sam.
Fly safe
Collin
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jb92563
Unregistered
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Posted Monday, February 2, 2009 @ 05:19 PM
Hey Colin,
You are certainly welcome to come fly in to Skylark.
I will definately want to snap some pics of RF4 as I have not even seen one up close yet.
Perhaps I can sit in it and check it out for fit?
It is a dirt runway still but should not present any problems as the grass on the sides is kept low for the gliders as well.
An alternate would be French Valley as they are about 6 miles away, paved and have fuel available.
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