Aircraft Profile - SpaceWalker VH-YPD
The SpaceWalker is a metal frame and rag covered aircraft. Built at home in the same garage as the Lancair, Fred put a lot of time into relearning to weld and understanding the process for covering an aircraft. Initially built with the 9 cylinder Rotec, it eventually was replaced with a Lycoming IO320. The Rotec had proved difficult to maintain and was under powered for the task. The Lycoming brought with it a need to custom build new cowls and several updates to the systems. It eventually flew and was a nice open cockpit aircraft to fly in. Test pilot Gordon did many hours. As Fred's health declined, he put it up for sale and it relocated to Serpentine near Perth.
📸 Space Walker Mark II Photo Gallery
Click any photo image below to launch the high-resolution pop-up viewer.
Ramp Profile View with Rotec Radial
Engine testing
Preparing for first flight
Preparing for first flight
Looking down at the aircraft
Rear view from above
Wayne, Kit and Fred installing Lycoming IO320
In the hangar
Showing off IO320 and new cowling
First flight day