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General Thorp Questions
1 How long does it take to build a Thorp T-211?
A novice kit-builder can successfully complete the T-211 airframe in 500 - 700 hours. The fully illustrated Assembly Manual has been written to include the slightest detail, even down to how to use the tools. This is not a difficult kit to build, all the parts are pre-formed, pre-drilled and primed. There are no specialist skills or tools required. At the same time, it is not a Meccano set, you may encounter some parts where all the holes do not line up perfectly - but then, that's half the fun! Building your own aircraft will be the most rewarding and motivating project that you will ever embark on. Embrace the challenge!
2 How much does it cost? And how much will it cost to complete?
The complete kit costs £15,000 + VAT. This does not include engine, avionics, upholstery and paint. To help with financing the project, you can buy the kit in subkits, at your own pace. The new cowlings and mounts for the Jabiru 3300 engine will cost an extra £300 - £400.
How much it will cost to complete depends entirely on your choice of engine, avionics, upholstery and paint. You can buy a second hand Continental 0-200 engine for as little as £3000, add a further £2000 for instruments, £500 for paint, £500 for upholstery.......... to get the aircraft to a "comfortable standard", you are probably looking at adding £10,000 to the purchase price. For a top of the range model, you could perhaps add £15,000 - £20,000 to the purchase price.
3 What engine choices are available?
The Thorp T-211 is designed to fly with a Continental, 0-200-A, 100hp @ 2700rpmengine. This is a tried and tested solid reliable engine, it can be bought new at approx. £16,000 (don't quote me!), or second hand.
We are currently modifying the kit to be fitted with the new 6 cylinder Jabiru 3300 120hp @ 3300rpm (107hp @ 2750rpm). This engine is available at approx £8000.
One of our new homebuilders is keen to modify the kit himself with help from Wilksch Airmotive (www.wilksch.com), to fit a diesel engine to the kit. We are keen to see this happen and offer our support. As stated, this is a new kit-builder, so we won't hear anything for a while, when we do, we'll keep you informed via the Thorp web pages.
A single garage is adequate. The length of the aircraft - when complete (towards the end of the build) - is 5.5m. As you can buy the kit in subkits, then there is no need to have any great amount of space available for storage.
5 Can I buy a C of A ready-built Thorp T-211?
Yes ! The production model comes complete with avionics, upholstery and a brand new Continental 0-200 engine. And it does not have to be yellow! The purchase price is £55,000 + VAT. AD can help with financial packages, and can help you to set up a Group Purchase scheme. We are flexible, so contact us with your ideas.
6 Do I need any special skills to build a Thorp T-211?
No! The Assembly Manual has been written with the novice home-builder in mind. You do not have to be an engineer, a seamstress or a pilot! In basic terms, you follow the manual, put the pieces together, use Cleco pins to hold the parts together, clean out the holes (the parts are all pre-drilled and pre-formed) and then rivet the pieces in place.
7 Do I need any special tools?
The majority of tools required will be found in a good basic tool kit, and any "specialist" tools are listed at the beginning of each chapter in the Assembly Manual. ALL the tools needed:
250 Cleco pins - Cleco pliers - MBC
Hand pliers (but a Hydro pneumatic tool will save time and energy!)
Rivnut pliers - Electric Hand drill - Flexible drive shaft for the drill (for access in
tight corners) -Torque wrench
Blind-hole filler - Assorted reamers, screwdrivers and files - 1/8" Taper punch -
Deburing tool - Tape measure
Inspection lamp (torch) - AF spanner set - AF socket set - Saw (for optional manufacture
of wooden wing/fuselage supports) - Bolt-thread cap (supplied by AD) - Rivnut hand tool
(supplied by AD)
AD can supply names addresses of all tool suppliers.
8 What support can I expect off AD?
During your build you will never be more than a phone, fax or email away. We promise that we will get back to you within 3 days if we can not give you an answer straight away. In addition to this, there is the message board - where kthe kit builders can ask each other questions and share their knowledge. And in time, this page will include more technical questions for your reference.
9 How many kits have been sold?
Since the UK launch at the PFA rally, Cranfield 1998, AD Aerospace have sold 7 kits. This figure is likely to grow as awareness of the Thorp T-211 grows, and as more and more people see how easy this kit is to build. At AD we certainly believe that this homebuilder kit is the best on the market, the Assembly Manual is, without doubt, the best.
10 Can I buy a part-built kit?
No. There are no partially completed kits on the market, nor are there likely to be many in the future. The Thorp will grow very quickly before your eyes, and so motivation to continue is kept at high levels. Also, as you do not need any specialist skills, and because there are no complicated instructions to follow, it is unlikely that you would get exasperated or frustrated with the build process, as you might with other home-builder aircraft kits.
No. The Thorp T-211 is a fixed wing aircraft. The wings are attached to the fuselage with large heavy duty bolts, so can be removed (when necessary) when transporting the aircraft by ground transportation.
12 Can I have a demonstration flight?
Yes, of course you can if you are seriously considering buying a Thorp T-211 kit, or are interested in joining the Club thorp scheme. Our current fleet of production aircraft are based in Manchester, Liverpool, White Waltham and Carlisle. To arrange a flight please email me (Vanessa) or call me on 0161 727 6600 or 0700 AVIATION (National rate).
13 Is there anyone I can talk to for more information who is building, or who has built a kit?
Yes. Just contact Vanessa by email (Vanessa) or call me on 0161 727 6600 or 0700 AVIATION (National rate) and I will pass on details of people who are currently building Thorp T-211 kits.
14 How do I get more information from AD?
Just contact Vanessa by email (Vanessa) or call me on 0161 727 6600 or 0700 AVIATION (National rate). Alternatively you can write to us at: AD Aerospace Ltd, 1 Hilton Square, Pendlebury, Swinton, Manchester, M27 4DB. Or fax us on 0161 727 8567.
GENERAL THORP T-211 QUESTIONS
The cruise speed at 75% is 85 - 90 knots. The confusion over this appears as the original documentation from the USA featured incorrect information. We recalculated the figures, and these figures have been confirmed by Thorp flyers throughout the UK.
16 Can I do aerobatics in my Thorp T-211?
No. - It's safest not to!