Questions and Answers

 How many BushCaddy kits have been sold to date?
Over 150 kits have now been delivered.  These kits are spread out throughout the world from Alaska to Florida, Australia to France as well as throughout Canada.

 What is the lead time on a complete kit?
Generally the lead time for a kit is 12 to 14 weeks.  This can vary slightly, and the factory will keep you informed of any delays or advances in production.  Despite our best efforts, we are dependant on a number of variables from delivery of  raw materials, cross border delays, and the number of kits on order ahead of yours. We are constantly striving for the fastest turn around time, with as few back orders as possible.

What is the lead time on a fast built kit?
Generally, the lead time for a fast built kit is 6 months, and again, we will inform you of any delays or advances in production rates. 

What do I get with my fast build kit?
 Most of the assembly of the major components is already complete when the kit is delivered: The fuselage to tail section will be completely assembled, and riveted closed so that it can be inspected and photographed from the inside. The Vertical Stabilizer will be assembled and attached to the fuselage with skin pre-punched ready to rivet. The Horizontal Stabilizers will be assembled and ready for attachment to the fuselage, with skins pre-punched, ready to rivet. The Elevators will be assembled, hinges attached, and skins pre-punched ready to rivet. The Rudder will be assembled, hinges attached, and skins pre-punched ready to rivet. The cabin will be fully built, controls (rudder pedals and control stick) assembled. Doors will be built, with windows ready to assemble. The windshield will be pre-fitted and held in place for final assembly.  Seat frames will be built, ready to install. The wings will be fully built, ready to receive the pre-assembled flaps and ailerons . The bottom of the wings will be riveted closed, and the tops pre-punched ready for final riveting.  Fuel tanks will be complete, pre tested and ready to drop into fuel bays in wings.  Ailerons and Flaps will be assembled, with skins pre-punched ready to rivet. The Landing gear will be complete ready to install with wheels and brakes.  Any additional options such as skylights, cargo doors etc will be supplied in kit form or pre-assembled as required.

How many hours are required to complete the BushCaddy kits.
Now that all of the major components  of the BushCaddy are pre-jigged to CNC machined jigs, and all pilot and critical holes are already drilled, the basic kit can be completed in 800 to 1000 hours.  Since 2003, major advances have been made to the basic kits which have become far more builder-friendly than ever.  An example are the fuselage bulkhead frames which now are delivered completely assembled and riveted. bulkhead frames1.jpg (93773 bytes) Pre-punched holes are ready for the insertion of the stringers.  The entire assembly will be ready for riveting in a couple of hours.
The horizontal and vertical stabilizers, elevators and rudders and now pre-jigged and the ribs have been pre cut with pilot holes ready.  All that is required of the builder is to match holes, cleco in place, and rivet.  Each of these components can be completed in less than an hour, with no further cutting or fitting of the parts.jigged rudder.jpg (63405 bytes)

The major components on the fast build kits are already assembled and all skins are pre-drilled and partially riveted in place leaving the builder with approximately 300 hours of  final assembly and riveting to complete the kit.

 What if I want to use an engine that is different from the one you recommend?
  We do not specifically recommend any one type of engine, but rather give you our recommendation for weight, horsepower and performance. You have a wide range of choice, and we will offer you engineering support so that your centre of gravity limits are not exceeded, or that the overall weight of the engine is compatible with the airframe. We can sell you engines from reputable suppliers such as Rotax, Superior, Lycoming or Jabiru to name a few.  We can not supply you with any rebuilt or second hand engines that are not guaranteed by the respective manufacturers.  

I know that I can buy engines from you, what else can you supply?
We can offer you a broad range of options – instruments, propellers, wing tip strobes and landing lights, interior finishes, avionics etc.  We can also supply you with tools and additional hardware.

  Do you offer in house builder assistance?
 
We do have a builder assistance program.  You can visit the shop, spend several days or weeks building your kit under our supervision.  This is an excellent way to learn assembly techniques, and to have your project checked over by trained personnel. There are a number of motels and Bed and Breakfasts close by that offer reasonable accommodation.