Litespeed

I know we have no power but sometimes we still need to stand up and try to protect our fellow flyers from them selves. It also means they might pick up our our failures and save us from stupidity/poor decision making. Casa has no bearing on it, it's advice, the pilot is in command. We can moan and bitch about regs etc and training but we all should be looking out to help fellow pilots. Yes, his judgement might have been poor but a word from experienced pilots can make a big difference esp when low on hours. I'd rather get roasted by him than watch a guy fly off into the danger zone unknowingly.

As an aside on personal responsibility and training issues.. Why didn't the pilots on ground at the airport radio him and say the conditions where dangerous and return to field immediately? Sure they have no legal need to, but common sense looking after a fellow pilot seems important. We all need to be confident calling out our fellow flyers when their judgement is suspect.

So as I expected the buggers can't be trusted. The so called experts they had, have disregarded all current knowledge in safety to justify their complete lack of quality and safety in manufacturing. Prior to this any cracks were a no no. Now it's no problem, physics didn't change but Vans wants us to accept their bullshit. I would never fly or buy one that been made in the last few years and definitely not a new one. What's next? Leave out every second rivet to save money? Vans have now become the Boeing of light aircraft.

I would not worry too much, if you want one get it. Simononi are not just a two stroke maker but manufacturers of parts for Formula one and have a good reputation .

I guess the weight is the issue. I agree the v twin would be much nicer for nvh.

Wow, Never before have I seen a helicopter packing cones.

I think cw is right. Everyday I watch birds here at Port Stephens soaring at low levels and it's almost always cw from ground level to at least 500feet. Masses of sea birds esp Sea Eagles and pelicans to watch. Plus plenty of others that will soar if any currents are around.

I agree, more likely a airframe issue or possibly a engine or prop failure. Looking at the crash site, he came in fast and fairly steep. The tracks on the ground are short for a simple engine out, but it's still in a straight line. It doesn't appear a turn stall or a power off stall. I could be wrong, either way truly tragic for all. I give the young bloke the benefit of doubt and hope they find the actual cause. At least it's GA so the ATSB will have to investigate. Bloody awful, RIP

I will give it some 🤔

Good onya Ian. Progress is always a good thing as I am sure you won't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Don't worry about the Luddites. Is it possible to have a longer list of reaction emojis? Sometimes we need a more emotive reaction than provided. Cheers Phil

I think it's a given that we won't be using this design as a float plane. A IFA prop with the Jabiru sounds a great solution, all the speed you should want and the climb/acceleration you need to get out of sticky situations in lessor machines. I think I would much prefer this over a Rotax and all its extra bits and costs. The extra speed naturally is appreciated as well. I always lusted after the Arnold AR5 but wanted a four stroke or a 110hp Simononi Italian motor rather than the 65hp of the original. Naturally that meant a new design etc ..., But this is a lovely solution esp if it could meet RAA regs. I will just need a suitable donor of kidneys to sell on the black market...

Bob, Great comments borne from experience and the fundamentals of aircraft design. That Falco just is sexy, a timeless beauty. If it looks right, it flys right. Yes, today a better aircraft might be designed but damn it's hard to beat an Italian master. No CAD, no CATIA or fluid dynamics programs just pure design. This provides an Italian lesson "form follows function, but beautiful form gives beautiful function". Not only does this provide a wonderful flying machine but makes the pilot and bystander want it. It's an emotional thing when you purchase or lust after a personal aircraft. Same goes for cars and bikes for fun, you don't pay top dollar for the fugly one that lumps along. No we want a machine that attracts the eye, commands the heart and satisfaction in high engineering. If you can make a baby Falco as good as the original or better, you have a winner.

Hi Dennis Lovely fisher you have, looks beautiful. A few members have built and flown the Corby, wonderful little sportster for the sky. I am sure they will reply and help you find what you need. Give it a few days and if you have no help, post again or pm me and I will help find them for you. What engine are you considering?

I expect it's in Boeing's best interest to ensure the recorder deletes after two hours. Help cover shit up.

The sheer size of defence contracts means they will be supported no matter what happens. And that is the essence of the problem, no problem is too big to coverup or allow to happen. They lost the huge air tanker contract for all the correct reasons, then got Congress to reverse the decision. Boeing's airtanker is massive dud and actually still unsafe for use. Meanwhile the Airbus version is great 👍, in use and only suffers from USA based issues. I see a theme here.