Drake Aircraft Adventures

01/16/2026

An essential upgrade for the 916 Safari XL: a corrugated steel shroud around the resonator.

Oil tank and oil temperatures stay cool, hot air is directed out of the cowling, and the heat is kept around the resonator for hotter (and faster) exhaust gasses for a modest performance boost. 🔥🔥

12/02/2025

The Safari XL holds its own even when the frost bites.

Instead of an exhaust shroud for heat, the Safari’s cabin heat comes off the radiator. Not only does this decrease the likelihood of exhaust gas leaks, but the cockpit stays nice and warm through the winter.

07/21/2025

It’s a beautiful morning at , come meet the Safari XL and Explorer at booths 901, 902 and 903.

06/02/2025

05/27/2025

Our WIP Safari XL is coming along…

We’re currently in the process of covering the wings with Poly-Fiber aircraft fabric. This fabric shrinks and tightens with heat, so once it is strongly glued to the ribs, it can be ironed to remove any wrinkles. This sets a foundation for additional coatings that will protect the fabric from degradation over time.

05/21/2025

An exciting day at the office today— unboxing our brand-new state-of-the-art Bambu Labs H2D 3D printer. We’ll be using it to print stick grips, pitot covers, a heater plenum, and a whole lot of other parts for our Safari XL and float kit.