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When you look around at the general aviation community there is one thing
that seems to be common. The people involved in the sport are getting on
in years, myself included. It is gratify to see that one group, the
people behind GOBOSH aviation are like I was 30 years ago young and full
of promise for the future of aviation. This group of young
entrepreneurs have set a goal for themselves and seem well on the way to
achieving it. There goal is two have a stable of 6 aircraft covering the
wide range of aircraft types available to the lightsport aircraft pilot.
Their first acquisition was the Gobosh 700 a sleek all metal aircraft
featuring side by side seating and powered by the Rotax 912 ULS 100 HP
engine. At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo held in Sebring Florida they
announced the arrival of second in their stable of aircraft the Gobosh
800.
The Gobosh 800 is an all carbon kevlar composite low wing airplane,
which was designed by the same company that has designed most of the
composite aircraft coming out of the Czech Republic.
The original design had retractable gear and a cruise speed of 155
knots when powered by the Rotax 912 S. This meant the plane had to be
completely redesigned to fit into the U.S. lightsport aircraft rules.
The retractable gear was replaced with fixed gear and the wing was
lengthened to slow the plane down.
The plane uses push pull tubes for elevator and aileron controls and
cables for the rudder. It features dual sticks, rudder pedals, and
brakes. The throttle, trim, and flap handle are located in the center
console between the seats. Carb heat, choke and fuel selector are on the
lower center instrument panel.
The Gobosh 800 comes standard with a glass panel system, and a
ballistic parachute system.
Ground steering is via a steerable nosewheel connected directly to
the rudder pedals. Steering can be assisted by use of the toe brakes
which are on both sides of the plane.
Visibility in the Gobosh 800 is excellent because of the position of
the pilots in relation to the wings, and the large bubble canopy.
Ventilation is provide by two sliding widows on each side of the canopy,
which also have smaller air vents located in them. There is also a cold
air vent located up under the dash. Another safety feature that comes
standard is a carbon monoxide detector.
The cabin is 45 inches wide, and has a baggage area behind the seats
that can carry up to 45 lbs. Fuel is store in two 15 gallon wing tanks,
which is good for 760 nautical miles, with reserve.
The engine cooling system is another unique feature of the Gobosh
800, in that it uses a pressure cowl. The cowl also features a small
door which you pop open to check the oil. To check the coolant level
requires the removal of a series of Zeus fasteners, which allows removal
of the upper section of the cowl.
One of the things that Gobosh is in the middle of doing with the 800
is that they are Americanizing the accessories to aid customers in
replacement wear parts such as tires, wheels and brakes.
Because the 800 is all composite and uses glider technology the wings
can be easily removed for storage or transport by three people in about
20 minutes. |
