Towering Cu

G'day Steven and lazerin. Yes, very different beasts as you suggest, whilst still fundamentally similar. Flying the -400 is very much more a systems management role, with manual input (flying!!) being fairly much limited to the departure and arrival phase. Sometimes, not even very much of that. For example, departure from London, due to noise abatement and noise monitoring in that location, our company procedure is engage an autopilot at 250' AGL to ensure accurate tracking of the Standard Instrument Departure (and stop us getting noise fines!) After a long sector from London to Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong and being tired with perhaps a bit of weather thrown in to the mix, it is sometimes more appropriate to do an Autoland with no direct control manipulation (other than gear and flaps and quite a bit of talking back and forth). Compare this to the lovely little Sportstar, and I guess any of the other RAAus aircraft that we all have a soft spot for, and I know which one I would rather spend my time in! I have loved doing my conversion and enjoying the freedom of flight once again that only a private/hired aircraft can give. I look forward to spending a bit more time in the Sportstar in future, as well as getting to know the Gazelles down at Caloundra, as well as some larger GA aircraft at Maroochydore. Can't believe I left it so long to enjoy all of this! Safe and enjoyable flying wishes to you all. Mike.

It pays the bills.

Oh, I see I also have to change my avatar now too. Been checked out on the -400 for about 6 months now.

G'day to you both, I have just finished my conversion from GA to RAAus and my aircraft of choice was also the wonderful Sportstar. Great little aeroplane and I think that all who fly them would be very happy. The low ish temperature was also mentioned to me and observed over the next 5 hours. Whether this is a Rotax 912 thing or a Sportstar installation thing, I can't tell you as I haven't flown enough of either to know. Maybe Ian with his previous CTSW's and even the Gazelle with its 80hp Rotax 912 might be able to comment on whether this is just standard for the engine. Regards, Mike

I was out there last week and met John, the owner of the red one who was taking it off its trailer and planning on doing a little bit of flying over the weekend. I think he said his was the last one off the line and now has the grand total of 23 hours! Also the saw the Grandaddy of them all, 0757 with all those hours! Look forward to doing my RAAus conversion there at Skyfox during my holidays in the next week or two..

G'day Fellas, Have been meaning to congratulate you all on the arrival (or for T87, imminent arrival) of your kits! Look forward so much to reading of your build experience. This could be the kit I may one day decide upon after my move up to the Sunshine Coast. (Or if I can sell a kidney I may have to purchase one of Ian's Milleniums). Congrats too on your own subsection. Cheers, Mike..

G'day Case, Congratulations on your decision to purchase the Zodiac. I look forward enormously to following your build progress. Did you go for the Quickbuild kit? I am also trying to talk my wife into the idea of a 601XL too! Gotta move interstate before we go down that road though. All the best, Mike.

Fantastic stuff Joshua. Congratulations on the first flight of "Cowboy Up". It has been a pleasure following your build progress and I now look forward to reading about your many adventures to come. I bet it will be hard to get to sleep tonight! Once again, well done.;) All the best, Mike.

Congratulations Ross! Have enjoyed immensely following your build from start to finish. Good luck with flying the rest of the hours off her and look forward to your trip reports as they come along. Mike.

G'day Ian, You should see how much money I spend a year on insurance for the house, contents, car, Loss of licence etc etc. A small fortune. Fortunately I have never needed to make a claim. One day in the future I may look back on all that money spent and wonder if it was really necessary to have?? For peace of mind, you bet. As I've mentioned, I have yet to get involved actively with Recreational Flying but am looking forward to in the coming months. I even fantasize with the idea of perhaps building something someday. Whilst I have never held any great fears for my own safety in light aircraft (not to say I haven't had some scares!) or those that I have flown and traveled with over the years I was gaining my ATPL, it's a completely different story now that I have children. I can't bear the idea of placing them in harms way. I love the idea of having the safety of the chute. Would probably never need it, but for me at least, more insurance money happily spent. I imagine most people here would say make it an option. I understand this as most Rec flyers are naturally trying to reduce their costs. However, your Millennium project aircraft is being targeted at those that are after a high performance 2 place aircraft in the vicinity of $120k. In my opinion only, go with the chute standard.. Regards and good luck, Mike.

G'day Mike. Sorry, been away for a few days. I've kept out of this debate as like your friend, it has been 12 years since I've flown GA (let alone Rec Flying!!) However, since you ask... Having Instructed many years ago I believe most people can transition from one hand to the other fairly quickly without much difficulty. My flying for the last 12 years has been from the right hand seat (ahhh seniority) and I feel very comfortable flying with my right hand on a control column or control stick, and left hand on throttle. Some hours on a Decathlon many years ago and a couple in a Pitts and this layout again very comfortable for a tandem seat aircraft. I would agree with Matt's opinion above and feel that centre stick and left hand throttle would be my preferred option. Regards, Mike.

Good luck with the build also T87. I look forward immensely to reading about your construction and hope you post plenty of pictures for us on the forum during the project. Also hope you were able to take advantage of the Aussie dollar a couple of weeks ago!! Do you have any sort of timeframe in mind for the build?? Regards, Mike.

G'day Ian, Fantastic looking aeroplane and great performance figures out of 100hp. Have you any idea what sort of speeds may be achievable from a fixed gear version? Regards, Mike.

G'day ianrat and Thruster87. Thanks both for your forthright responses. Again, I look forward to following your progress when your kits arrive. Cheers.

Congratulations Thruster. I have been following this thread with particular interest. I must say this looks like a great little aircraft and I look forward to following yours and others build logs when you take delivery of your kits. Just as an aside, did you consider Garry Morgan's Sierra 100 when you were looking at kits? Regards, Mike.

G'day Mike. Have a look at this site too. http://www.wheelieswithwings.com.au/ I believe it is set up by a very affable retired Captain Dave Clegg. Even if not successful for a scholarship, they should be able to provide some information to you regarding learning to fly with a physical disability. Good luck with your ventures, and welcome to the forums. Mike.

G'day All, Have thoroughly enjoyed reading of all your exploits over the last few months since finding this fantastic site. It is a great credit firstly to Ian for the foresight of creating such a site, and secondly to all the rest of you for participating and making the site what it is, sort of an online aeroclub. My name is Mike and so far I have never experienced the thrill I imagine Recreational flying to be. I have flown for the airline for nearly the past 12 years and sadly, it has also been this long since I've even been GA flying. I must change that soon and hope to make my way out to The Oaks one weekend in the coming months. Look forward to reading all the trip reports and to catch up with the regulars at The Oaks one weekend soon. Cheers, Mike.