The SZD-9 Bocian is a Polish two-seat glider, known for its versatility in training, record flights, and aerobatics. Developed by SZD (Glider Experimental Works) in 1952, it was designed to replace older trainers and quickly gained popularity for its performance and robustness. Over 600 were built, with exports to 27 countries.

Our Bocian VH-KYU was imported to Australia by the Geelong Gliding Club at Bacchus March and first registered in Sept.1977, the last year of production of this type.

In Dec. 1980 it was blown over in a storm and suffered major damage, after 1560 hours and 4362 landings. Mike Burns started structural repairs at Tocumwal in 1993, which were completed in March 2006.

According to Mike Burn’s log book entry It was repaired using Epiglass epoxy glue for major and Bote Coat for minor repairs. The paint system comprised Everdure epoxy wood sealer followed by an automotive paint grey undercoat and Polyfiber Polytone Daytone White finish coat.

In Dec. 2013 the fuselage was repainted with Hichem enamel. While no actual paint specification is logged, a quick test showed that this paint is readily dissolved with acetone. This test was done after discussions with Peter Rundle during the 3 Nutters Road Trips to establish whether the coating will be amenable to removal by acetone. At that time KYU had Weight & Balance done by Len Diekman, with following results (all in kg):

Empty 345, Right Wing 86.3, Left Wing 87.0, Fuselage & Tail 171.7.

The weight history of KYU: 2006 – 328 kg (after major repair), 2013 – 345 kg (after repainting), 2017 kg – 354 kg (after wings recovering)

In Aug 2015 the port wing top fabric covering was replaced due to it cracking along the spar.

The 40 year Survey was signed off in Dec. 2016. At that time the wings were recovered using the Polyfiber system. A new front panel was installed and wiring and plumbing were replaced.

The Form 2 inspection on 1.Sep.2018 mentioned that the nose release is not a Tost unit but one from SZD. However, it appears that a Tost spring (per E88) is a suitable replacement. We need to check that this is an approved substitute before the next mandated spring replacement.

At that time the tailplane fabric paint was stripped and refurbished using the Polyfiber system.

I have checked the flying hours and number of launches of KYU’s history as recorded in the annual Maintenance Releases. From new in 1977 to 1980, the time of the major damage due to storm, KYU flew 1560 hours and 4362 launches. Following repairs, KYU recommenced flying in 2006 and was taken out of service in March 2024. During this period it accumulated only a further 658 hours and 1987 launches, for a total of 2218 hours and 6344 launches. The aircraft is life-extended to 4000 hours, which gives ample opportunity for many years of flying fun.

Our next goal is to refurbish the fuselage paint system and make minor repairs at my shed , followed by re-rigging the glider at CCSC and carrying out a Form 2 inspection.

This will be followed by a 10 year Survey which is due in Dec 2026.