Hi !
With the 912-S, you'll have a real hot-rod !! The 'ultralight'
Rebels typically weigh just under 600 lb. (596-599), while the standard
Rebel with a 912 would run maybe 60-70 lb more.... Both, that is,
without paint.
<I> would definitely build the 'standard' (amateur-built) Rebel.
The 1450 gross is purely a "suggestion" - this is the SAME Rebel kit
as the O-235 & O-320 specs. If you go with that one, you can always
change your mind later, and go to a larger engine, in 'Experimental'.
There is little difference in performance between the 2 Rebels -
they should be virtually identical at the same gross weight.
The U/L Rebel has many differences that make it much less rugged
- many skins are .016 instead of .020, ALL of the control surfaces are
fabric covered, the wing spars are lighter, and the wing struts are
flattened tubes, rather than the massive custom extrusions ....
This makes for dazzling performance with the 912, but, for the
few extra pounds it would take to go to the amateur-built version,
you get a more versatile airplane. The resale value would be much higher
for the standard Rebel, as well, I would expect.
One consideration in building is the size of the fuel tanks.
For the 912, it is just plain SILLY to build the full 6 rib bays of
tank !! This nominally gives 44 gallons, but in practice it's more
like 49 gallons - enough for 12 HOURS with the 912 !!! Most builders
choose to trim the tank skin down & move the solid bulkheads in -
a good choice would be one bay on the left, and 2 on the right -
giving 21 - 24 gallons. This will save weight, and leave more
room for useful load, while avoiding problems with condensation
from half-full tanks. If you are considering someday going to a
larger engine, then you <could> add one more bay per side.
First-time builders have been averaging about 1200 hours, but
the range is large - from 675 hours to 2000+ hours !! We have two
builders who built their Rebels over ONE winter - delivered in Sept.,
flying in July !! ...... and several who have had their kits for over
5 years, as well. Heck, Rebels #003 & #007 (1991) still aren't finished
- but they're still being worked on ! Serial numbers are now over
700 !! Whichever way you go, the Rebel is one of THE easiest kits
on the market to build !
You will LOVE your 912 powered Rebel !! We've had 10 GREAT
years flying ours, and it REALLY <IS> "CHEAP, FUN FLYING" !!!
......bobp
---------------------------------orig.---------------------------------
RFierb6707@aol.com wrote:
Fri, 9 Feb 2001 08:58:58 EST
I'm thinking of a 912s powered rebel built to meet the proposed US "sport
pilot" classification. What kind of payload can i expect considering the 1232
pound gross weight limit? I want a simple day/ vfr ship. Which model should I
buy? Murphy offers the 1057lb ultralight model which apparently has a
lighter empty weight than the 912 powered 1450 gross weight model. Will the
ultralight model handle 1232 pounds or is the 1450 gross weight model
(operated at 1232lbs) the way to go? Lastly, what is a realistic build time
for a first time builder? Thanks much.
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