Looking to join the fold.

[DesH]

Good afternoon all,

I'm on the lookout for a nice Nipper which I'm hoping to base at Dundee if I can find some hangerage, failing that Glenrothes or Perth. (I normally fly out of Aberdeen but as you may be aware GA aint very welcome here anymore!)

I just had a couple of questions however, I'm 6'2" and weigh about 15 stone and was just wondering how tight this will be on MTOW and how much this will reasonably leave for fuel ? Also, will I definately need an aircraft thats had the seat mod done for taller chaps or will I get away with a standard fit ?

I did have a share briefly in the Dundee based Nipper several years ago though never got to fly it as it unfortunately ended in a field only a couple of weeks after. I did sit in it and try it for size etc but I really cant remember how tight it was.

As for the aircraft spec I've pretty much decided I'd like the Jabiru engine with the seat mod for comfort if I can get one suitable. Can anyone however give me a very rought idea of annual running costs ? I'll probably use it about 50hours per year and already have a rough idea of hangerage costs, insurance costs and ball park hourly fuel consumption.

Are there any other words of wisdom anyone can offer to help me find a good aircraft ? I probably wont be making the purchase for about a month as I'm due a knee op shortly and will be out of action for a few weeks after.

Any advise greatly appreciated !

Regards

Des

[Neil Spooner]

Hi Des,
Good luck with your quest! For what its worth I am afraid I don't think the Nipper is the right "mount" for you. I am 6ft, 13stone and find the Weight very tight, particulary for aero's as there are two weight limits, one normal and the other aero'. The quoted minimum fuel on board for aero's is 3 gallons. This is to ensure you don't ingest any air into the fuel system and suffer an engine stoppage. No starter motor fitted to the VW engines so an engine stoppage is not good unless you have an awful lot of height to do an air start.
You will also find the size of the cockpit an issue, although a seat and rudder pedal mod' will get you the "length" you require, the physical width available for you across your shoulders between the top wing skins I find is also an issue. There are some Nippers that have a very wide canopy, mine isn't one of those, but I do find the width very tight.
There is a Nipper for sale on the forum, once that one has gone be sure to look just behind the rocking horse for the next one!
Good luck and all the very best wishes from the Nipper forum.
Neil

[DesH]

Good evening Neil,

Thanks kindly for the honest feedback regarding the weight and size issues. I'm normally actually nearer 14 stone to be honest however I've had a knackered knee for the last 12months (hence the impending op) which has stopped me doing my normal sports and have found myself carrying an extra stone! I'm hoping once the op is out of the way I'll be back into my old ways and shed the extra ballast pretty quickly. I suspect 14 stone may still however be tight, I'll need to do a bit more research on this unless anyone can offer a definitive answer?

With regards to the physical size, I tried out the Nipper at Dundee before joining the group, granted that was several years ago when I was in my mid 20's but I must have fitted back then and I've not changed shape that much over the time (perhaps slightly more wobbly around the middle!). I'll have to do some digging and see if that one had the seat mod also, I believe the new owner is also registered on here.

I've always been a fan of the Nipper and am finally in a position to own one outright however I'll perhaps have to find one reasonably locally to try for size first. If its not to be then I'll have to have to start searching for a comparable inexpensive aerobatic mount for the slightly 'larger framed' gentlemen! I can stretch the budget quite a bit beyond Nipper prices if need be however its the Nipper I've had my heart set on for quite some time.

Thanks for your help!

Regards

Des

[JAB]

Hi Des

I am the owner of XD, the Nipper that was in the Tayside Flying Group.

Give me a call on 01382 543187 if I can help

John

[DesH]

Hi Des

I am the owner of XD, the Nipper that was in the Tayside Flying Group.

Give me a call on 01382 543187 if I can help

John

John,

Thanks kindly for taking the time to chat to me yesterday evening and for all the extremely useful information. Apologies for sounding a little distracted at times, however my 5 month old daughter who is usually an angel decided to scream the house down 30 seconds after starting my conversation with you !!

I have made some enquiries into Edzell after your suggestion and will let you know how I get on, will also be in touch to take you up on your kind offer of a prod around XD, either in combination with collecting the C172 or possibly before if its not too much trouble.

Thanks once again for all the useful advice.

Kind regards

Des

[DesH]

Well thats hangerage sorted at circa £85 per month at Perth including free landing fees, Insurance comes in at £472 with a hull value of £15,000 so all I need to do is find the right aircraft to purchase. Hoping to get the chance to view one during week 12 just before my knee op.

[DesH]

Well I'm pleased to say after a long day traveling last week and a very enjoyable day being shown around the aircraft I have now agreed a price on G-CCFE.

Thanks kindly to George (owner of FE) for spending so much time showing me the aircraft and for buying me lunch!
Another big thanks for John (owner of XD) for being good enough to let me have a prod around his Nipper and taking the time to point out all the things to look for and answering all my questions.

Aiming for collection sometime around mid May once the permit has been renewed and the tip tanks refurbished and re-installed, should also be just about fully fit to fly again after my op yesterday.

Look forward to attending some Nipper fly-in's in the future and meeting some other owners.

Kind Regards

Des

[Neil Spooner]

Hi Des,
Welcome on board!
Hope the recovery of FE and yourself procedes well, and look forward to seeing you at a fly-in soon.
All the very best,
Neil

[JAB]

Hi Des

Thanks for the call and ditty. I am looking fwds to some formation flying with you around the hills. Keep in touch

John

[DesH]

Hi Des

Thanks for the call and ditty. I am looking fwds to some formation flying with you around the hills. Keep in touch

John

Thanks again for all your help John, a nice formation trip across to Oban followed by lunch on me would be a good plan! Have sent you a private message regarding LAA membership as I've misplaced your e-mail address whilst on my travels.

Regards

Des