Fuji Aircraft
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Fuji Aircraft
Fuji Aircraft.
So what is the news on these? They seem very inexpensive for a four seater.
What are the problems, pitfalls and general gossip on these machines.
FD
So what is the news on these? They seem very inexpensive for a four seater.
What are the problems, pitfalls and general gossip on these machines.
FD
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A very similar question was asked on the Flyer forum. Head over there and do a search. The responses were very positive.
As I understand it parts can be a problem, but there are many parts reused from the Beech Sundowner. The FA200 is unusual in having a constant speed prop and fixed undercarriage. They are aerobatic, but draggy. The 180hp version with the wobbly prop is not as quick as a Warrior 161. Good STOL performance, good looks, and a neat canopy that maybe fully open in flight.
The owners luv 'em.
As I understand it parts can be a problem, but there are many parts reused from the Beech Sundowner. The FA200 is unusual in having a constant speed prop and fixed undercarriage. They are aerobatic, but draggy. The 180hp version with the wobbly prop is not as quick as a Warrior 161. Good STOL performance, good looks, and a neat canopy that maybe fully open in flight.
The owners luv 'em.
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I fly a group-owned Fuji FA200-160 out of Perth - they are a nice well-built aircraft that has the structural strength for aeros - our group don't aerobat ours, so I don't know the list of what it can / can't do. The 160 is a tad underpowered and struggles a bit to get off when fully loaded. Ours has a fixed prop.
Given the structural strength, it is very heavy and glides like a brick. A PFL is more or less point the nose at the deck to keep up flying speed and remember to flare
Good points are - nice comfy cabin, good visibility (other than below!), stable in the cruise, excellent roll / yaw response.
Poor points are - little prop-to-ground clearance, heavy (will not take 4 adults + full fuel), poor brakes. On the brakes, it has very small pads / discs and in our group a set of pads have been known to wear out in 50 hrs. Pads are specific to the Fuji and cost around £400 a set. There is an approved mod to fit C150 brakes (costs £1200-£1500 to implement) and a set of pads are then around £40 (ISTR).
Overall, if someone wanted a Fuji as an interesting plane that they could sling around the sky and get pleasure from flying, I'd recommend it. As a group / club aircraft, I think it would finish up being too expensive to operate. Whichever way, I'd recommend the brakes mod (we are just waiting the mod kit for ours!).
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Given the structural strength, it is very heavy and glides like a brick. A PFL is more or less point the nose at the deck to keep up flying speed and remember to flare
Good points are - nice comfy cabin, good visibility (other than below!), stable in the cruise, excellent roll / yaw response.
Poor points are - little prop-to-ground clearance, heavy (will not take 4 adults + full fuel), poor brakes. On the brakes, it has very small pads / discs and in our group a set of pads have been known to wear out in 50 hrs. Pads are specific to the Fuji and cost around £400 a set. There is an approved mod to fit C150 brakes (costs £1200-£1500 to implement) and a set of pads are then around £40 (ISTR).
Overall, if someone wanted a Fuji as an interesting plane that they could sling around the sky and get pleasure from flying, I'd recommend it. As a group / club aircraft, I think it would finish up being too expensive to operate. Whichever way, I'd recommend the brakes mod (we are just waiting the mod kit for ours!).
Picture of KARI
PM (tell me you've sent it as I don't check PMs very often) / email me if you want any more info.
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Take a look at www.epcn.co.uk for the official fuji web site - its the owners and operators group. If you have got any other questions send an email.
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Just wondered if anybody had anything to add to this thread or a pointer to the Flyer Forum thread High Wing Drifetr mentioned which I couldn't find. Possibly interested in a Fuji so looking for info.
Thanks
g45
Thanks
g45
