info on Beaver model 650 wanted

[turbot]

I would like to chat with anyone that has first hand experience with a Spectrum Beaver 650 . Info on this model is difficult to find,

Please respond here .

Thanks

Arron

[turbot]

I looked up this model on the TC registration site, there are quite a few around.
No one on this board has one ? or been flying in one ?

[Speedbirddog]

It is quite a popular model. I own her big brother the Chinook. Google Aircraft Sales and Parts in Vernon, they are the manufacturer (www.ultralight.ca) and they should be able to help you out.

[Eastcoast Beaver]

Actually I think he is asking about the Beaver 650 which isn't being produced or supported by anyone at the moment. It had folding wings and a few other goodies but wasn't as structually sound as the 550. Not saying it's a poor aircraft just saying it was no 550

[turbot]

Eastcoast Beaver, you know anything about the " structural" issues ?

I dont beleive ASAP ever worked with the 650 model.

[Eastcoast Beaver]

HI,

No I don't know the spacifics only what I've read on the internet this is from wikipedia
"Spectrum introduced the Beaver RX 650 in 1991, intending to place it in the Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane category (AULA) in Canada. The RX 650 has doors that fold upwards, making it ideal for use on floats. The ****pit cage was changed to welded steel tube, from the previously-used aluminum and a sprung tail wheel was added. In service the 650 quickly proved to have structural issues and its acceptance in the AULA category was rescinded by Transport Canada until the issues could be rectified. Most customer 650s were kept flying by operating them in the Basic Ultralight Aeroplane category. Spectrum Aircraft went out of business in 1992, prior to rectifying the issues with the 650."

[turbot]

Thanks Eastcoast beaver.
That wiki info is all I have ever found also.

Am hoping an owner that knows the history of this model will add more.

[Dyceman]

In 1996 a company called “Freedom Lite” purchased the rights and reintroduced the RX 650 at Sun ‘n Fun that same year.

The improved RX 650 incorporated 186 changes over the previous RX 650 design and the company renamed it the SS-11 Skywatch.

Apparently all these design changes were sufficient to satisfy Transport, and the “Skywatch” was placed on the official AULA register.

However, Freedom Lite soon went out of business. The design was acquired by another company called “Legend Lite" out of New Hamburg, Ontario. Unfortunately, this company also went out of business soon thereafter.

This is a sad and all too common story in this industry.

I’ve actually heard (or read, don’t remember) some pilots say the Skywatch was an awesome aircraft; and had one of the best wing-fold mechanisms going.

Regardless, it’s gone, so unless you are interested in picking up one of the rare used ones, you have limited prospects.

On TC’s database register, there are 6 “Skywatch” aircraft on file. You could contact some of these owners to learn more. Maybe one of them is interested in selling. Sounds like the Skywatch version is/was better than the original 650; something to think about if considering a used model.

Here is the link to the database:
http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp

Here are some other links with info about the “Skywatch” – and some video:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectrum_Beaver
http://www.lightsportaircraftpilot.com/skywatch_SSII_legendlite/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL1KlhnZcFI