Our Tundra is about to begin Flight Testing! 10 years ago I went to the Dream Aircraft factory in eastern Canada to their first Factory Assistance program. I thought I'd be flying within the year. Boy, was I both inexperienced and naive! I will not bore you with 10 years of not getting to the endgame sooner.
What I will focus on is that starting in January, 2015 everything changed! That is when I met Paul Dye (Editor-in-Chief, Kitplane Magazine) and his wife, Louise Hose. We have since become partners in our Tundra Project and we are finishing the detailed paper work and last minute checks before inviting the FAA folks out to inspect the plane.
About the Tundra:
This is a four place, all metal, Bush Plane with a Superior IO-360 engine and Hartzell C/S aluminum prop. We are using Pmags for our Electronic Ignition from Emagair.com and an induction system from airflowperformance.com. There is a full glass panel (3-screens) from Dynonavionics.com.This is the Sky View, touch screen moving map. Including 2 Coms, AP, and GPS.The Audio panel is a PDA-360 from Psengineering.com
For more information on the Tundra & specs go to: dreamaircraft.com
About the Engine:
We are the third owners of the IO-360. The other two never finished their planes. ("Most kit planes are never completed." Paul Dye) So, the engine was "brand new" and 12 years old at the same time! The good news is that once we adjusted the purge valve control cable, it fired right up and ran smooth and strong!
About the Testing:
Paul will be doing the initial 10 hours of Flight Testing before we consider using the FAA "Second Pilot" procedure. I will be managing the Test Flight procedures and data while Louise will be flying the chase plane when needed.
We intend to make regular posts as the testing progresses.
Nevada Jim
Farias Wheel Airport. NV33.com

Glad you're about there. Will like to read your updates. Used to be another Tundra on this sight but Dirtstrip passed away. Wonder what happened to his plane. He had to do some fixing after a landing incident.

There simply aren't enough Tundras out there flying. That's very exciting that you're nearly there! The Tundra was high on my list of kits when I was shopping.

Please contact me by PM if you'd like to do a "featured bush plane" piece.

Yes, "Dirt Strip" (AKA Lynn Sanderson) was a part of this Group. I had hope to fly with him. He died suddenly of a Heart Attack. His plane was damaged due to a very hard landing and his right great going into a hole which put the plane in a drainage ditch. The plane was fully repaired at the factory and Lynn installed extra strengthening measures. The plane finally sold during the depressed market. Someone probably got a very good buy.

Yes, a featured piece would be great as this type is too rare.

nevada wrote:Yes, "Dirt Strip" (AKA Lynn Sanderson) was a part of this Group. I had hope to fly with him. He died suddenly of a Heart Attack. His plane was damaged due to a very hard landing and his right great going into a hole which put the plane in a drainage ditch. The plane was fully repaired at the factory and Lynn installed extra strengthening measures. The plane finally sold during the depressed market. Someone probably got a very good buy.

Yeah Dirtstrip was a great guy, and sorely missed.

Sweet. I've been looking at a Tundra as well. Too bad our mount friend doesn't comment on here anymore. I believe JM has a 210 hp in his.

Test flying your own aircraft, filled with all your labours over years, is a very exciting time.

The Tundra is a very good aircraft, and was our second choice after the Bearhawk. In some ways it's a better plane than the Bearhawk depending on your mission, but as with all things in aviation you have to compromise on one side to improve the other.

I am sure I speak for everyone when I say, we would love to see some photos!

Just posted a few pics of the "Tundra Aircraft".
Yes, JM is a Mounty in BC. Have tried to email but now response.
Nevada Jim

I talk to JM periodically. Not sure why he doesn't post here anymore. Sometimes people just lose interest in the Internet side of things.

Nice work! +1 for need mor pics

I hope you don't mind if share your photos here, I really like the view from your hanger!!!

Pretty much a modern 180, although should be more efficient.

Hoeschen wrote:Pretty much a modern 180, although should be more efficient.

And better, cause it has sticks!

I was fortunate enough to fly J-M's Tundra!
Flew back from Nulato to Anchorage.
I think Slowhawk met us out along the Yukon and he and J-M went for a ride.
Then my deal on a 170 fell apart so was able to fly the Tundra back to Nulato.
Was a joy to fly.
My 1st landing was in the dark from the North at Lake Hood Strip, turned off at the first intersection, More to do with the plane than me for sure!!
Glad to see another in the air!!

Battson,
Thanks for posting the pics in this arena. Once I get more familiar with this site (Z you've done a fabulous job here.) I will post them here.
NV Jim

Sitting here on the other side of the Pinenut Mountains wondering how the flight testing is going? More pics would be great!