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The other link below investigated 3 different accidents one 2005 another 2006 and a similar previous one in 1997 and as Crezzi correctly noted all were attributed to -g forces where the quote "Such loading was likely if the aircraft entered or encountered flight conditions outside of the manufacturer’s specified flight envelope". As it is a Technical Analysis the report did not determined why or how they ended up in that situation in the first place. Spoke to airborne today and while it not my place to comment for them, their response was positive. So for any Airborne owners who are ( rightfully) concerned I would suggest a friendly phone call may be useful.

maybe not hero but definitely a first class act - smart and resourceful. Standard streak ~ 3 wing 9.95m span - photo shot aspect no doubt, maybe I was up (on a) high when I took the photo ---- ( just finished a flight) Ray

He might also use my system but he ain't lettin on. There is 24hrs in a day and then there is the night.

Sounds like self preservation

Airborne Spars Hi Is this what he is referring to ? http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2006/AAIR/pdf/aair200601173_001.pdf Ray

Hi Ian Thanks Forum categories seem fine - all trikes under one is good.:thumb_up: Ray

Hi Yenn and others Thanks for the welcome My ride while having a hang glider type wing is a 2 seater plane powered by a Rotax 80 hp engine, cruises at about 70 knots. It carries 70lt of fuel giving a range of about 700km, MTOW of 450kg, climb rate of 825ft/min From my limited understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) "Trikes" are planes rather than gliders.They are a 2 axis rather than 3 axis configuration ie we have no rudder, they are controlled by shifting weight ( pod, people, engine and fuel) which causes the wing shape and attitude to change thus effecting control over direction. A couple of big differences ( from my novice understanding) between trikes and 3 axis planes is that in a trike power effects climb rate not speed. Basically speed in a trike is controlled by wing shape which can be alterable in flight, and attitude. In a trike when you push the control bar away from you you go UP not DOWN They seem to be refered to as the motorbikes of the sky, probably due to the open cockpit design that is required to use the control bar. My model has a pod that you sit in as well as a high windscreen, comfy seating though rather cosy for the passenger ( pillion style). From a "don't do planes" past, the ride in a trike seems smoother through the bumps than my limited experience in cessna type aircraft. This is probably due to the softer wing flexing more under load. I assume being part hang glider (wing format and control) and part plane they have ended up being controlled by 2 bodies the RAA and the HGFA. That is to say you can elect to register the aircraft and get pilot certification off either body. My understanding is that you can only fly planes registered with the body your license is held with even though both bodies operate under the same rules and seem to have very similar requirements. Hope my novice comments are of interest. Ray

Hi Thanks for the warm welcome and reassurance. I am sure I will enjoy my association and look forward to meeting under ( or beside) a wing one day. My comments were intended to be purely constructive and I guess reflected how I saw a casual (HGFA) net surfer may interpret this site. As with promoting anything - first look is critical, and such a great active site should be promoted. I may in fact have inadvertantly inflamed the problem for non members ( casual surfer) as they cannot see your friendly and encouraging reply's without registering. At present I am still finding my way around so I am not sure the best way to improve the perception. If I work one out I'll let you know. Thanks Ray

Hi all My name is Ray My motto used to be - "don't do buses, don't do trains, don't do planes." That changed not too many years ago to just "don't do buses, don't do trains" And it is now , "don't do buses, don't do trains, don't do dirty nappies." - yep I'm a grandpa. While surfing ( that would the net - not the sea ) mid last year I suggested to my wife that a microlight might be able to land in our paddock, and could be a good new toy to play with - "why look at the pics love, some of them even look like real planes." "Yes dear they look nice, no you can't - so forget it, shhh I'm watching (TV)." Oh well got over it, forgot it and moved on. BUT come Christmas what do I get from the wife - na not a plane - a gift voucher for an introductory flight in a microlight. Had an intro flight in an airborne XT912 taking off and landing from the home paddock. On landing the grin was just sooo big. Started lessons close to home at Maitland NSW very soon after and am now getting close to solo (so my instructor Chris tells me). I am also the proud owner of a shiny new red airborne XT912 tundra :big_grin: Currently investigating hanger designs and prices so one day it can come home to roost. That's a brief intro into of my entry into self flying. Love the site and it is good to see so much activity. Thanks for the opportunity to join. My intro was also to show that I have only had an interest in recreational flying for max 10 months and in reality only 4 months. Before that not even a desire or consideration. More Just Climbing Out than Just Landed - and definitely still bouncy. So my knowledge and experience is very limited so without getting political. I am a bit bewildered as - . While the site seems to be specifically for RAA members but not associated officially with RAA (and for non weight shift I believe that is the only option other than PPL or above) it claims to serve the interests of and accepts all types of recreational flyers. It doesn't seem to recognise HGFA training ( eg your pilot qualification survey ) I am currently training under HGFA with my HGFA registered trike not because of any preference or reason, thats just how things fell into place, and in fact on starting my training I was unaware there were even a choice of licence issuer. It would be a shame if such a great site aimed at all recreational flyers would not capture, fully include and make welcome the complete set - surely we are all here on a site like this for the fun and sport and info exchange - not the politics if that is the cause. Reading through the posts I do detect a number of HGFA pilots posting here. If I have got it wrong I apoligise in advance. May all your flights be smooth, safe and enjoyable. Ray