ZULU1

ICA 5 Volume Yes we have seen it before, the audio level on the A5/23 series is relatively low in any event. The last unit I fixed was actually the speaker that had popped as it was full of sand, but others have been brought in (T8s) with similar faults. I think we changed the amp board last time. As long as it works with headsets and you dont need the speaker carry on using it. Otherwise I am sure Icom Australia can fix it reasonably cheaply for you. Our chaps take about an hour.. The radio has quite a high output at 1,5 watts, just remember when using headsets and with a intercom the ST (side tone) must be set correctly to eliminate any audio feedback to the network. To check this press and hold the PTT and turn the knob or use the scroll keys (whichever pad is set) to about 0 or 1 states ST 0 on screen. This is the same adjustment as the ICA6/24 series. Vertex have similar. Good Luck Paul

503 motors I have seen those units do a 1,000hrs with mineral oil and still tough. I know that Ratex advise otherwise but those cranks are real good. I wouldnt touch it until 500-600hrs (except decoke). The 503 is derived from the snowmobile design. BUT its still a two stroke. My last 582 blew at 190hrs and again at 370 hrs, hence the last two stroke I will own !! Just steer away from synthetics as I have seen a few pop using those oils and keep to unleaded as much as possible. I have even seen water absorbed as premix over night with synthetics as we drained water from the fuel next morning. I quite like the 503 though.. Cheers Paul

HKS 700 E Good Day Chaps I think that i can speak with good authority on the motor, I have flown mine for two years now, 260hrs and no problems whatsoever. HKS originally had serious challenges as based in Japan have insufficient air test facilities. The original motors had serious oil leaks and power problems as well as overheating. They had two upgrades and after engine number 600 came right (mine is 605). They replaced all motors in the field at no charge. Some apparently were still OK. The motor has excellent torque and will swing a much larger prop than a 582. Unfortunately I cannot do this as clearance limitations and so on. If propped correctly it will give similar performance to a 582. Mine is on a trike and is more than a 503 and less than 582. Installed weight is 3 kgs more than a 582 BUT fuel burn is solo 6 litres an hour dual 9 litres so this makes up for the weight. It idles really rough and is sweet at 4-5,000rpm, starts first time and on the KZN coast which is really humid is prone to carb icing. I installed my unit with the 3 d modelling package in Solid Works attained the optimum mounting CofG position, oil tank location and oil coolers and so on. We laser cut all the toys and the unit just fell together. The oil tank location is critical, all details and motor drawings are available in drg./dxf. files which aids the assembly somewhat. I use Shell Ultra synthetic, oil filter is same as Rotax 912 (Honda part) and plugs are NGK motor cycle. Carbs are same as 912 but the mountings I believe are much better as a result the rubbers look to last longer. The mags and ignition is HKS. All in all sounds good as I made my own exhaust, in the air it is less obtrusive than a two stroke. Main thing for me is its half the price of a 912, very reliable, starts first time BUT it took nearly 50 hrs to run in, before that it was a dog!! I emailed HKS; advised same and they have heard that before !! All in all very happy and nice to watch those gauges "temperature and pressure in the green" over the Ocean. It likes to run hot at about 100 degrees plus. The Americans love them and have good back up..so go for it, buy one. I am sure that someone in Australasia has the agency, I know of a unit in NZ who has emailed me. But the best bit..long trips without extra fuel..My aerie ZU-LUI is on the HKS web site to view my installation. http://www.hks-power.co.jp/hks_aviation/english.htm Cheers Paul

Certified Radios In South Africa (NTCA aircraft registered as the previous LS1 "ZU") the policy is not about which radio but about how the radio and equipment is used. We sometimes do things right here !! This allows the aircraft owner to choose his own kit, if installed incorrectly with a danger factor this is subject to a mod approval scenario, brackets are supplied with the aircraft and approved at source. A annual inspection will find otherwise. I see at present the UK has a similar scenario where the ICOM ICA2/20/3/22/4 series are approved. All these radios (except ICA4) are discontinued. The ICA6/24 series and Vertex Standard are freely available but NOT type approved. They also have no way of at this stage of fast tracking approval..So most of the pilots old toys are broken and left with no option to buy the ICA6/24 series. What next ?? The question I ask is: How do you determine; to what guidelines are required to approve a radio for use in Australia, and does each individual radio require a sticker of approval ? The same should technically apply to other non standard "approved" devices, instruments, GPS and so on if this rule applies. With regards to the Vertex standard VXA 220 its a really good radio and also waterproof, similar performance to the VXA300 and the 710. It has a 4 wire connection and a ST adjustment as well which is desirable when hooking up to the common brand intercomms out there. Most older units do not have internal circuitry to limit the ST when the PTT is pressed. This can make you deaf quickly ! Maybe Australia has a similar scenario to the UK which really is a problem for the Microlight community ? This; as in the UK will leave a loophole to use whatever radio is currently available ? Paul

Fuel Lines and filters Here in SA we have many threads regarding engine fuel lines and respective materials. Its almost an annual "mandatory" to change lines and fuel filters irrespective of hours. The Goodyear US spec line is good kit and the Mercedes Benz diesel fuel filter seems to be the standard here. Also 52 hrs on that motor is not good either as insuffuicient hours can really do no good to a two stroke..no oil in it. We have had Rattexes here with a low 60hrs and three years old --- they normally trash the cranks due to corrosion and replace as a matter of course. Whilst at it look at gear oils and couplings, they can be hydroscopic (oil). Safe Flying Paul

Type numbers Thanks but they have been removed..!! Thanks Paul

Rf Ingress We work with all brands of kit, the Garmin panel mount receives rf ingress when mixed with its own brand GPS296 !! This we picked up on a JK05 (Sabre) The ICA 200 is large, heavy and bullet proof. No interference problems and just works...I have no experience with Xcom. I have a blown Microair on my bench that needs output transistors..any clues out there ?? Thanks Paul

Dead Reckoning Ben, useful post, Very Interesting reading, what is most obvious here in SA, although pilots are obviously taught and practice real navigation at student level. After a year with a licence, how many can still remember dead reckoning, triangle of velocities and IFR (i follow roads). What is scary is the fact that some buy two GPS devices as 1 may pack up !! If the network fails then what ?? A few years back i flew through the Kalahari with no navaids at all other than two GPS devices, and a secondary back up using the sun..miles of nothing... My honest belief is that principle navs should be part of a annual flight test. Its too easy to follow the arrow..like business stops when internet stops, GSM networks crash and so on. Is Australia the same ?? Cheers Paul

Pictures for perusal Now you have some interesting topics to think about...anyway your web site is awesome. I enjoy photography but mainly aerial shots..I have a good mate that has posted a lot of my pics on the web. he hijacked a bunch of my dvd archives and spent weeks loading them!! Take a look, unfortunately my Mozambiquan shots were on film and not scanned. http://community.webshots.com/user/alanmack777 I still use fujichrome but have pretty much settled on the Fuji S9500 as it is light, AA batteries and takes two cards with 9 megapixels. Buti am open to suggestions on other kit ?? Planning on a wild coast trip solo in the next two months to the sardine run a phenomena that is unique at that time of the year. Oh and I use Apple for storage etc. as iphoto is brilliant. Cheers Paul

Nice shots chaps I like Bens pics of the P51, very good shots indeed. must have been a real good show. What camera and lens ?? Cheers Paul

Two strokes Hiya again, I have flown through the Kalahari, Augrabies National Park as well as the Wild Coast and the East Coast of KZN, Swaziland and Mozambique. My justification for a two stroke are centred around reliability. If you have an engine out in Mozambique and land on the beach you have land mines to contend with (although now its better!!) and in the Kalahari you will most probably get eaten.. My first 582 crank went at 190hrs and the second at 380 hrs. Enough was enough but in all fairness the motor was subjected to harsh treatment, poor fuels, high temperatiures and humidity but good oil. I have really hammered the HKS and at 250 hrs not a blip..nothing at all. I may add in my experience that the 503 is really very reliable, you have to be careful descending too fast in cold air (much the same as a turbo charged tin aerie, without level off descents) as it can cause shock cooling of the front cylinder. I have heard of this causing damage. The origins from a snowmobile make it double rugged and I enjoy flying them as they are very light. Hope this helps and see what we get wandering in the traffic.. Cheers Paul

Advice on aeries Hiya, I have been doing a very similar project that you wish to embark on here in SA. Biggest problem is the time...but i am about a 1/3rd of the way !!. You will have to also chose a decent camera, I abandoned a SLR for weight reasons, after an hour in a trike it gets painful. I use a "pseudo" SLR the Fuji 9500 and 9 megapixels is good. I have flown many 503s and they are good motors..but still two strokes..I use a HKS as its light for beach landings and so on, solo its a good performer and better than the 503 but not a 912. A four strroke has oil in it, so that factor to me over water is sufficient. 912s are really tough...my humble opinion, stick with a aged 4 stroke and you can at least focus on the job in hand and not the nearest runway. Cheers Paul... and I envy you..

Wiring radio to air craft supply Hiya If you are only doing short flights and using a hand held radio, then dont bother with power from the plane. If under two hours I just use the battery. If longer, cross countries and so on then you will need external power. Depending on your radio you will take a 13,8 volts and the surges from starter motor back emf etc. then it is advisable to control this as well as the electrical storm the motor alternator gives out. This can be a disaster, for example a ICA6/24 series takes 11 volts and the ICA 5/23 series will pop if over 14 volts and some change. The Vertex will take 15 volts and is pretty tough. I would suggest that you read the radios book, review how much you fly and if possible stay away from external power as the transmission is much cleaner. Cheers Paul

Garmin 296 Garmin 296 installation. Sir I have spent many hours with this product, on certain frequencies they emmit a rf "interference" 124,8 mhz / 129,00mhz and others. This will guarantee to upset your radio if its an Icom hand held; namely ICA4 and ICA 6 /24 series. ICA 200 is fine. Please take my advice and place the unit you intend to purchase switched on and in a cockpit that you will use it in, with the radio you intend to use, then check the frequencies you use most..it will most definitely give interference and as yet not found a fix to our rig. Other products I have no experience with. It even interferes with Garmins own radio products as I witnessed in a JK 05 a few weeks back. We believe it is the base frequency spectrum of the radio and will require a software change but i will advise the forum when I have found it out and what to program...The agents here said "they had heard something !!" Otherwise its a good piece of kit..nice map features for road. Cheers Paul

Sorry about that.. I certainly didnt mean to offend, but you are correct...I have only done the Natal "bit" and realised about Breaker Morant, wife got the book. This was the rest of the country. I realised that a few Canadians and Americans were also involved. The Irish fought on the side of the Boers as did the French, Italians, Swedes, Germans and other mercenaries. My wife is a descendant of the Irish bit...(nee Mc Elhone) So if all are happy I will start a few pics (with no prizes intended but for the forums benefit). Dont know where to place them can someone advise ? Cheers Paul

Many Thanks for the prize !! Hello all Glad they were enjoyed; I enjoyed submitting those pics, especially the Balloon shot over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. That was 100 years of flight and I had to do something. Even if it was ballooning. I have almost completed a photo journal of the major Boer war battle sites. Maybe you would be interested if i posted some pics or sent you for your magazine ?? My address is : Paul Lintott PO Box 681 Ballito, KZN 4420 South Africa And for info my trike is registered ZU-LU I Many Thanks Paul

South African prices We thought we were being robbed here: (went up on the 7th March 23 Sa cents) Coastal Unleaded 95 octane about $1,10 c Diesel (cleaner) about $1,07 cents obviously its exchange rate related, Petrol price is Government controlled but Diesel is not and can be drastically discounted depending where you buy. A two tier system is in place as we have Gauteng (Jhb) which is more expensive and 93 octane as at 5,000ft it doesnt need the higher levels as on the coast. Ciao Paul

Topless Wings Azhar, these wings are designed for people with little hangar space, the plane i flew had a Aeros wing from the Ukraine, it was very substantial and really heavy.. They remove the king post as this effectively only holds the wing whilst on the ground, luff lines are gone and totally flat on the upper surface. There are a few others around the Globe making them. I was not impressed as to me a trike should be nice and light in the pitch and roll. I will try to find a picture and post it for info. Ciao Paul

Replacement wings Over here in South Africa, I have seen many wings swopped around with really no hassles, the latest trends seem to be the topless wings as they stash away easier. But they seem to put anything on whatever ! Its the wing thats actually registered and not the cart. Just the hang brackets that change to suit the individual assembly. I am unsure of the RAA rules but here it seems to be fairly slack and have heard of no problems. A new type just has to fly the 40 hrs in the patch before approval (except approval in a European/Australian/New Zealnad/US/Canada type territory) and not some low budget African state !! So the answer is they seem to work, as long as the prop clears the wing when its fully tilted back and at extremities of bank. I believe the regallo design is extremely forgiving in its application. I have flown a topless wing on a Raptor and considered it to be the closest thing to flying a Fork lift truck possible, not actually what trike flying is really about. Ciao Paul

SA National Champs 2005 The final flypast of the winners of the SA National Championships 2005 with Johannesburg in the background, my colleague is a dual citizen SA mother Australian Father now from Cairns 3rd in row. Last post for February, next month: Boer war battlefields. Cheers Paul

HKS carb icing Hi All on the KZN north coast, sub tropical very high humidity and typical Feb weather, every flight I guarantee the HKS will try to ice up..they have a very neat cartridge electric heaters which fits in the throttle body. Same carbs as 912. The inlet manifolds actually get frost on them after landing. The elements came with the motor. The 912 they have little oil heater rings around them and I think not as effective as what came with the HKS. I had two engine "not outs" but serious misfires with my old 582 "they that now said I had too weak a mixture" as i flew it in higher altitudes and didnt re jet. Paul

Ironbridge Gorge This pic is for DavidC taken over the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire. David will know all of this but this area depicts the home of the Industrial revolution. The bridge was constructed entirely of cast steel and assembled by wooden wedges. The original foundries are still in the area and a original village is still working. David, I landed at the Microlight strip at Shifnal behind RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton. I also flew a CT2k whilst there. If visiting the UK the area is worth a visit as RAF Cosford; the museum is awesome. Pic quality not that good sorry.. Paul

Vertex Standard VXA710 Whilst on the subject of radios, I have been supplying the paraglider community with the above as it can receive on standard FM frequencies (local radio stations) the Business radio frequencies (Security and such like) and can transmit on the Aviation band. In short an awesome serious piece of kit, is waterproof, dust proof and so on. The down side is it has a SMA connector, and as the mic is waterproof it has quite poor hand held capabilities, the radio connector plug comes from an old James Bond movie and we have tried to copy it and failed. BUT it is the worlds most advanced Aviation small radio.. A lower budget version is the Pilot 3 VXA 300, well worth a look before you buy and alternatives to the Icom hand helds which are also really good. I use the ICA 4 as its just plain and simple..done hundreds of hours with them. Cheers Paul

Rather low flying Taken at Virginia, Durban, KZN South Africa.

This is the saddest pic I have taken This was my best mates Zlin Savage from the Czech Republic, it had completed 15hrs and we had just completed his avionics. In the background is the remnants of the hangar. Very sad for all at Cato Ridge. This plane was insured, I have posted this to show what can happen. Not a pleasant posting but just take car in all aspects of aviation. It doesnt stop when you land.