Soko Kraguj first flight

Kraguj Permit

Kraguj G-BSXD is on a PFA permit.
What you first have to consider is that the Kraguj is a long way outside the limits of the PFA and not the normal type on the PFA register. Francis Donaldson had to first approach the CAA for approval for the transfer and was always positive about the transfer and told me quite quickly that this was acceptable.
Having to raise a new Airworthiness approval note for the Kraguj to be put on a PFA permit took a while, however this period was used for restoration.

The requirements of the restoration and the standards of restoration were clearly set out in a lenthy and consise letter from the PFA.
The PFA at the moment seem to be getting quite a lot of bad press over the hold ups in engineering ,in particular the chief engineer.
I take in to account the problems and challenges that I had to be over come on one project, the PFA are overseeing a large number of projects with numerous problems, of couse everyone thinks that there project is the most important and should have immediate attention (I have done it myself).
On top of this is permit renewal,development work and new aircraft acceptance it all takes valuble engineering time.

The PFA has help me to put an aircraft back into the air that otherwise would have eventually been scrapped.
Currently the CAA are becoming increasing flexable on the restoration and return to flight of many interesting aircraft that in the past may have been refused which is great news.

Having had the backing and help of the PFA on the Soko Kraguj project has enabled me to restore and return it flight and have not had to spend a fortune doing so for which I am very thankfull.

I think that in general there are a lot of critics of PFA engineering operations, what you have to ask yourself is without the PFA were would homebuild and aircraft restoration be today, I’d like to be positive and give them a pat on the back .
yes it is not perfect but nothing is!:D

CAA or PFA Permit, Nick? If the latter, how forthcoming and efficient were PFA Engineering?

Good work! Pint-sized-fighter-owning-fella!

😀

TT

Not heard from you in a while Dave – hope alls well?

With a certain ex-eBay Gnat ‘pit in me shed, all is very well indeed !! :diablo:

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Is this Mr Tuttle’s new toy?:D

I guess so. I’m sure TT will have something interesting to say about someone who bought a Pushpak and a Soko in successive weeks! :diablo:

Cheers Dave – when i saw it a few years back it looked in a v poor state so doubted it was under airworthy rebuild…but never say never.

Not heard from you in a while Dave – hope alls well?

Best

TT

Does anyone know what happened to the static example which used to be at the D-Day Museum in Shoreham? I’m sure it was sold at auction following the Museum’s closure but where did it end up?

TT

Ben,

Current edition of ‘Wrecks & Relics’ puts it in storage at Sopley Camp which is near Hurn.

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Texantomcat
The aircraft that was at Shoreham I believe was G-SOKO that is now in Lincolnshire being worked on back to airworthiness
The other possibility is 30151 that was un register in the UK and has disapeared?

I do not mean to be rude but have you flown the Kraguj ?
The comment of it flyng like a bungalow was printed in Aeroplane I believe in a profile of a display pilot.

The Soko Kraguj is a delightful aircraft to fly, and has a great STOL and rough field performance yes its no “Spitfire” but it is great fun.

G-BSXD is now on a PFA permit after a long road with advice great help and assistance from the PFA which enables the Kraguj to be kept airworthy within an acceptable budget.:)

Thanks for the gen on the D-Day example – and no, I’ve not flown one – hence the use of the phrase ‘… I heard’!

TT

Is this Mr Tuttle’s new toy?:D

Kraguj at Shoreham

Texantomcat
The aircraft that was at Shoreham I believe was G-SOKO that is now in Lincolnshire being worked on back to airworthiness
The other possibility is 30151 that was un register in the UK and has disapeared?

I do not mean to be rude but have you flown the Kraguj ?
The comment of it flyng like a bungalow was printed in Aeroplane I believe in a profile of a display pilot.

The Soko Kraguj is a delightful aircraft to fly, and has a great STOL and rough field performance yes its no “Spitfire” but it is great fun.

G-BSXD is now on a PFA permit after a long road with advice great help and assistance from the PFA which enables the Kraguj to be kept airworthy within an acceptable budget.:)

Not seen a Kraguj fly since the mid-90s when G-SOKO did the rounds at a number of shows.

A very interesting aeroplane, and it’s good news to see one back in the skies.

….The aircraft has had very little exposure outside the former Yugoslavia,the aircraft its self has a standard eastern block build, however it has many american parts including the supercharged engine built by Lycoming.

Nick,

PM sent. Please check your message’s box.

😉

Actually I heard they flew like a bungalow…! 🙂

Does anyone know what happened to the static example which used to be at the D-Day Museum in Shoreham? I’m sure it was sold at auction following the Museum’s closure but where did it end up?

TT

Soko Kraguj

The aircraft in question is G-BSXD, G-SOKO has long left York its permit expied in 2006 and is currently been worked on to restore its permit.
In the world currently there are two Kragujs flying G-BSXD and an example in France.
The aircraft has had very little exposure outside the former Yugoslavia,the aircraft its self has a standard eastern block build, however it has many american parts including the supercharged engine built by Lycoming.
As a former military aircraft they are extremly good value, this includes operating costs.

Addt. info.

Is that G-SOKO then ?Lovely. Great to see it in fine fettle again.Sincerely yours…. a Kraguj fan 😀

G-BRXK became G-SOKO and belongs in the York area with of a C of A expiry in 2008?:confused:

Edit. Other options would be G-BSXD or G-RADA.

Piston engine fighter? Interesting aircraft, and good to see one airborne again. How many are there in airworthy trim worlwide at the moment?

Is that G-SOKO then ?

Lovely. Great to see it in fine fettle again.

Sincerely yours…. a Kraguj fan 😀

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