Tuesday, 12 May 2009

ZK-FRJ "Inexcusable Extravagance"

Following on from an earlier blog on this Aerotek Pitts S-1S ZK-FRJ , c/n 1-0025.
Above pic at West Melton back on 09-12-1988. Note "Inexcusable Extravagance" on the cowling.
It was damaged at Cust in North Canterbury when it drifted into a fence during a cross wind landing on 25-05-2003. Above pic at Rangiora 25-03-04 - note fuselage frame and rudder damage.
Maurice Tull picked up the project officially on 08-01-2004 and sorted out the fuselage wrinkles and repaired the wings. Above pic at Rangiora 08-11-08 well on the way to recovery.
Covering, painting and final assembly is in the capable hands of Paul Woodley. Above pic taken today at Rangiora. Neat paint job !
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1 comment:

  1. Morris Tull4 February 2010 at 05:48

    The real restoration work of ZK-FRJ has been carried out by Morris Tull, a licensed Engineer and Airline pilot based in Dubai as a project to master the remaining engineering experience of wood fabrication, metal tube construction and repair, fabric covering and painting of the newly approved Ranthane over Polyfiber covering.
    Many parts were built in Dubai and transported to Rangiora for assembly by Morris and Rob Ward and his son Michael. Morris and Rob completed the restoration up to a rigged skeleton of fuselage, wings and flight controls and completed most of the covering until Morris ran out of time on that trip and Paul Woodley was bought on board to continue the progress between trips. The aircraft was moved to Paul’s hanger to assist and a painting area was set up. Morris and Paul carried out the painting with Rob assisting with the massive fine line masking until Morris was satisfied he had personally mastered the painting and left Paul to continue with the painting while Morris and Rob carried on with other aspects that Morris was experienced in including new pipes, hoses, electrics, engine overhaul and installation, fibreglass work on the cowl and fairings, aluminium cowling, canopy and instrumentation. Paul and Rob continued to provide much very appreciated assistance to the final assembly details leading up to the final inspections and checks for test flying on January 30, 2010. See later blog entry for more details.
    Morris Tull.

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