A Toti pilot has built his own aeroplane.
Andre Smit took five years to complete the Vans RB9 from scratch, after importing the kit from America in five boxes.
It took him 54 months and 14,000 rivets to assemble in a Southgate factory, specifically bought for the project.
“All my family is in Johannesburg and I needed transport to go and visit them and my three grandchildren,” said Andre, who has had his pilot’s license for 20 years.
The Vans cost him a total of R800,000 to build, quite a saving from the R1.2-million price tag.
“I worked on it every night from 7pm to 9pm and every weekend. It was worth every effort, but it took a lot of patience from my wife, Colleen. I couldn’t have done it without her support. Thanks to her for all her understanding and the many hours she spent alone, while I was working. Luckily she is a golfer.”
Andre, who moved to Toti in 1980 from Benoni, has already clocked five hours in the cockpit on his way to the required 25, before it can go through an additional test flight and get signed off by a test pilot. “Thanks to Noel Drew who assisted me at the initial test flight at Virginia Airport.”
The Vans cruises at a speed of 300km/h, so it will take Andre a mere one-and-a-half hours to wing his way to Johannesburg.
The 160-horse power Lycombing engine from America consumes 30 litres of fuel per hour, with a 140-litre tank.
The aircraft will be based at Richmond.
Once signed off, Andre and his cousin Paul Smit of Johannesburg plan to circumnavigate Africa in the Vans to enjoy the fruits of his hard labour.
