sseeker

Hi Ron,

 

Thanks for explaining. I'll download PocketFMS to my PC and see what the maps look like, if they're useful I'll buy the 49EUR subscription.

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew

 

 

I obtained my CTA 'endorsement' for 24-7548 with Cloud Dancer when they opened up. Cloud Dancer gives you the right to fly your Ultralight into Jandakot ONLY without a PPL (a medical is a must though) using their exemption however you must do training with them so they can assure themselves you're competent with the airspace. I'm not sure if they charge for the use of their exemption after the training phase though.

 

-Andrew

 

 

So I've got myself an android tablet (Motorola Xoom 604) and I've cast my eyes on AirspaceAvoid. I downloaded it the other night and paid the $17.99 for it however I was surprised when I opened the application, they wanted 49 Euros for the maps of Australia, so I got a refund. What does the 49 Euros include? Is it a yearly subscription to the maps like OzRunways has? If so then it's a good deal! Very interested to know how the whole subscription thing works.

 

-Andrew

 

 

So, I've got my Pterodactyl. Would love to get started working on it however there's a bit of a problem. I was told by the owner (who now lives in NZ) that the aircraft had full logs left with it at Calingiri. When I picked it up from the person who was storing it, he said that he had no logs or paperwork for it. This leaves me a bit stumped. I have no idea where to start. I was going to inspect and replace most of the aeroplane anyway but because there's no logs and I'm unsure of airframe or engine time. Do I have to strip the aeroplane and rebuild it with entirely new components to reset the hours to zero? Obviously the engine was going to be overhauled anyway but in my new maintenance log it asks for TTIS Engine and TSO Engine... So could I enter it as 0hours TTIS and 0hrs TSO for the engine overhaul?

 

Would I have to buy a new engine?

 

-Andrew

 

 

Yes Andrew... I have a Facebook friend called Mark Zinkel. He acquired a Ptera in about the same condition looks like as yours with a Cyuna. He has been restoring it for the last couple of years... its taking him a while as he is just out of Highschool over there. He actually did his internship at the DFE Factory (they manufacture them) in the states... and did his first solo in a factory machine.http://www.pflying.com/ <==== his blog

http://www.pterodactylhangar.com/

 

mark@pterodactylhang

 

 

 

 

 

 

ar.com

Cheers Winsor, I've added you on facebook.

 

Hi Andrew, as you are probably aware by now, a number of these aircraft have been involved in fatal accidents over the years. I know of one fatality in NZ (in air break up) back in the early nineties. A summary of the report is on this link http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/1992-007/Page/23/Default.aspxAll the very best with getting your aircraft flying again and I look forward to reading your Blog along the way.

Cheers

Yes there were a few, mainly due to incorrect assembly and incorrectly maintaing their aircraft. Many improvements have been made to the aircraft over the years. I've been in touch with DFE Ultralights and they've suggested a few ways I can improve the Pterodactyl. Hoping to do some disassembly either this weekend or the next weekend.

 

-Andrew

 

 

Part 1:

 

 

Story of a Pterodactyl cross-USA flight.

 

-Andrew

 

 

Good stuff Andrew, looks like some fun!What sort of motor has it got in it at the moment? I think Windsor has a mate overseas somewhere that has a flying one of these - Don?

Hi Tomo,

 

It has a Cuyuna 430R, 45HP, 2 stroke with 2:1 belt reduction. There are loads of these flying overseas. You can buy them new as a kit for around $6500USD (engine included).

 

Congratulations Andrew,I'm impressed! It has more rigging, masts and sails than your average clipper ship, and now I understand where the term `control stick' came from.

 

Just make sure you check the seat straps before you take off. Love to see you fly into Jandakot. That would make the controllers sit up and take notice!

 

Cheers

 

rgmwa

Thanks rgm, she looks a bit different. But it's a real rag and tube! Was having a laugh with my brother about flying into Jandakot. Those in the traffic pattern would be pretty upset

 

Geez. There wouldn't want to be too many bindiis in the grass when you're landing... Good on you for having a shot at something a bit different.

Yeah the seat is pretty low. It's going to be replaced with a 'cross country' seat which is basically stronger, more comfortable and has side pockets.

 

Thanks mate

 

That's certainly striking. Do I assume correctly that it is not ground steerable? All wheels look to be fixed?

Yes that's correct, the training manual says you can steer on the ground using the tip rudders although I don't think this is safe. Steering with your feet during takeoff is a no go, taxiing is ok apparently.

 

Thanks,

 

Andrew

 

 

G'Day Everyone,

 

After many months of conversation with a member of Calingiri club I'm now the proud owner of a Pterodactyl Ascender, whose rego will be 10-0111. Richard (who now lives in NZ) used to own the Pterodactyl however he very kindly passed it onto me as it was being stored in WA. I now have the Pterodactyl for restoration. As far as I'm aware it will be the only registered and flying Pterodactyl in Australia??

 

 

"Papillion" Parked in my brothers back yard.

 

 

"Papillion" in flight.

 

I will post regular updates about my progress with her. You can also check out my blog for regular photos and updates (www.andrewbooth.id.au)

 

Thank you to Colin, Richard & Bob (Riley) for there support and assistance in the acquisition of Papillion.

 

-Andrew

 

 

Watch that, just some things to think about.

 

 

-Andrew

 

 

Apparently 90DME is the exclusion zone SLACWA sent out an email saying that the Bindoon strip will be out of service between the 21st and 31st of October.

 

I haven't received anything regarding airspace restrictions from CASA.... (obviously it'd be in the NOTAMs though) You'd think they'd send out an information sheet/brochure.

 

-Andrew

 

 

You were taught to move to the right of the strip to keep the runway in sight ????....Huh..........I like most students was taught to track the center line !..................................................Maj...

It's correct procedure to move to the *dead side* of the strip whilst conducting a go around except at aerodromes that have parallel runways.

 

PPRUNE Link: http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/465127-pilots-little-too-involved-festival.html

 

On another note, people are asking how he didn't see the ferris wheel... He probably did see it, possibly hit the runway and realised it wasn't gonna be a perfect landing and powered on for a go around... Poor judgement and focusing on the go around probably lead to the crash.

 

We probably should wait for his story before jumping to conclusions?

 

-Andrew

 

 

Hi Raindrops,

 

Welcome from a fellow WA aviator Good luck with your PPL & CPL training. I'm also going to start my CPL exams soon. RACWA has some good deals for flying, if you fly during there 'off peak' periods you don't pay landing fees! I have rate sheets for Air Australia if you'd like me to message them to you.

 

-Andrew

 

 

I met up with Howard in wollongong today to pick up Solomans (near) new headset. Was good to meet another forumite, and even though he has my dream job in my dream (GA) aeroplane, he is certainly one of the 'boys'. Thanx heaps for your kind donation to solomans cause.I don't understand why every thread has to end up in political diatribe, its very tiring. But seeing as some of you can't live without it....here goes...

 

We are currently lobbying the state govt for funding to introduce subsidized training into highschools in the area and looking into getting "aviation studies" accredited as an elective. Obviously with a government subsidy and a reduced hourly rate to students involved in the program, it would make it much more affordable.

 

Some time ago i wrote letters to the Airforce and Navy cadets in the area, offering to partner up and offer reduced rate training to cadets, to which i recieved 'zero' response. Not even a thanx but no thanx, from either of them.

 

We had a duty pilot scheme operating at the club, where young guys (and girls) could help with the running of the place, fueling, doing paperwork, pulling out planes etc in exchange for FREE flying. But the old 'hats' didnt like it and got it squashed. They had to pay their way when they learned to fly (back before man landed on the moon for most of them) so be damned if any youngsters going to get a leg up while they are around.

 

This industry, like many others, seems full of many that can talk the talk, but can't walk the walk. At least the response to solomans cause has highlighted the fact that the RAA still has some 'spirit' and im overwhelmed by the responses we have had.

 

I have spoken to Soloman, and we are all set to start his training in the september holidays.

 

Ian has organized the student pilot kit to be sent to his house so he can start studying and get some of the theory under his belt before he arrives.

Aviation studies is a subject in 7 schools in WA. There is very little government funding provided to ALL schools. Kent St receives a fair amount of government funding due to the fact they were the first school in Australia to do aviation as a subject. They own 2 aeroplanes (a C152 and a C172) and they have built a few RVs as projects for Year 12s. They have a group of teachers (also instructors) and a LAME. Our class went from ~25 in year 8 (first year of high school in WA) to just 8 people in Year 11 (my year) it's not an easy course and requires a lot of commitment. Most of the Year 10, 11 and 12 theory is at CPL level and all of the tests include short and long answer segments, not just multiple choice! Makes it a fair amount harder to achieve a high result. There's no reason other states couldn't implement the course into their schools, the syllabus is there for aviation in WA. The real problem is having a teacher that is both an instructor and qualified to teach kids (remember, we learn differently to the way you learn!) which generally means a B. Education. The schools that are achieving top aviation results in the WACE exams are the schools that have the combined teacher/instructors.

 

To Solomon,

 

Mate, you've really got some talent. What you're doing is not only an inspiration to us young blokes but also the older ones. Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Just remember, aviation can be dangerous, make sure you check, double check and triple check your aeroplane. Get the help of other pilots and engineers, we're all here to help! You've got what looks like a really good attitude and that's what's needed in aviation.

 

Remember this saying, "Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terrible unforgiving of any carelessness incapacity or neglect." - Captain A. G Lamplugh

 

Good luck, if you need anything be sure to post.

 

 

Well done! :)

 

-Andrew

 

 

http://www.auf.asn.au/opsmanual/3-07.pdf

 

Everything you need to know is in there, go through each one and make sure you know it!

 

-Andrew

 

 

Hi Tomo,

 

Thanks, iVFR was the one I used before.

 

Regards,

 

Andrew

 

 

There was an online flight planning site (Australian) run a while back that allowed you to input all your waypoints and it completed and drew the nav log for you. Is this still around?

 

Regards,

 

Andrew

 

 

Knowing how a CSU works fully is quite complex, we did this as a unit at school. If you want help, I'm more than happy to Skype with you to explain it. Do get your instructor to attempt to explain it to you and show you cut aways of the actual CSU & prop hub. It really helps.

 

-Andrew

 

 

Thanks everyone.

 

Bit of a mistake on my behalf as to why I was off track. Incorrectly wrote my heading down during flight planning. Instructor checked my plan for wind against heading and that was fine. So when I was leaving Northam, about 5nm out of the airfield I noticed things weren't right. A LOT! More scrub than there was supposed to be. I then looked at my heading again, used some common sense and knew it wasn't correct. Flew back to Northam, drew a line direct back to Bindoon and took a new heading. Lesson learned, and trust me it won't happen again!

 

-Andrew

 

 

AWESOME!

 

Is the perfect description for this mornings NAVEX. I completed my first solo nav after many hours of feeling like I was getting no where and well... I lived to tell the tale, so it went good! The first half of the NAVEX was perfect, weather was calm, fixes were coming like no tomorrow was all going really smooth. I stopped at Wongan Hills for a stretch and toilet break, took some photos and continued onto Northam, overflew Northam and turned onto my new heading, was WAY off track so I corrected but went direct back to Bindoon (diverted) instead of Gingin then Bindoon due to getting close to my SARTIME (flight note) and couldn't text anyone.

 

-Andrew

 

Picture: Parked at YWOH (Wongan Hills)

 

 

 

Congrats Pud! Hope you enjoyed yourself and glad that all the extremely hard work paid off :)

 

-Andrew

 

 

Pud,

 

That's awesome! :big_grin: Glad all is well. I'm doing a nav tomorrow with Northam being one of the stops. Should be in around 2ish so I might see you in the circuit :thumb_up: What's the Thruster's rego?

 

-Andrew

 

 

Damn that sucks pud :( Bet that would've hurt a fair bit.

 

It's all coming together. Don't forget to tell me when you're gonna be flying her! Would love to get some video/pics

 

-Andrew

 

 

Have you enquired at Murrary Field or Serpentine?

 

-Andrew

 

 

Looks good! I can pickup an old iPad WiFi off eBay for a few hundred. That sounds like a go.

 

-Andrew