Bikky

BRS would be essential methinks. The added weight might be a problem. As much as I like the idea, I won't be getting into it!

OK, he told us what happens in the case of one or several motors failing but what would happen in the case of an electrical fault where all motors stopped? Anyone like to guess the glide ratio? Fantastic idea and I hate to rain on anyone's parade but ...

Hmmm... Make me wonder sometimes. We as "oldies" have a tendency to criticise young un's rather unfairly I think. We have the luxury to make comparisons that don't help. For example, "At your age I was out with my mates adventuring and making new discoveries - learning about life the hard way. All you want to do is play video games and slack around!" Most kids these days would like to do the same as we did. Who is stopping them? Errm, us oldies methinks! "No you can't have a skateboard, you'll hurt yourself." "You can't play in the street. Too many loonies out there!" "Put that down! It's too sharp too play with." I think we've all become a little too paranoid and we're denying young people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Guidance is good, but is prohibition really helpful?

Handlebar hooks are essential! They fold forward on impact so they don't present much risk of injury in a crash. Many kite flyers here use abrasive impregnated lines to cut the lines of other kites. Of course, this is very illegal and if caught, they cop a big fine. The battles are great to watch and I'm amazed at the control hey have over the kites with a single line. The power lines in every street are festooned with lines and broken kites. I love this crazy, chaotic country and the friendly people despite the dangers and disorganization. I can't imagine ever returning to Australia!

I should add - Belo Horizonte and surrounding "bairros" has a population of 5.15 million inhabitants. No small town!

Sigh... Aah, the way it was. Wait a moment - for some of us on this planet, it's the way it is! I can go to the corner shop, buy some cold beers, eye off the range of fireworks (read artillery shells) and go sit in the local park and watch the world go by. The kids here rocket downhill on their bikes at what seems to be twice the speed limit WITHOUT helmets. They fly kites and stage epic battles trying to bring each other down. Motorcyclists have what look to be two aerials on the handlebars. Closer inspection reveals the aerials actually have hooks fitted on the top. This is related to the kite flying activities. Designed to stop kite lines from inflicting horrible neck injuries. It's common to see folks with a horse/mule and cart removing rubbish and recyclables from around the neighbourhood. Rubbish skips are plonked unceremoniously in the street presenting a traffic hazard to the unwary. I recently saw a motorised skateboard with oversized wheels dodging through the heavy traffic which consists mostly of buses and motorbikes. Every neighbourhood has an abundance of small butecos (bars) with tables and chairs on the footpath, some of which are actually licensed! The footpaths are an adventure - forget smooth and navigable. The streets are the same. Potholes are accepted as a natural part of life. If you happen to come to grief, well ... you should have been more careful! You have no chance of suing anyone fo your own lack of care. I love it!

Aah! You should try some foreplay Bex. Some romantic talk before spearing the bearded clam helps - "Hey! Are you awake?" If the answer is yes, you can try some more sweet talk along the lines of, "Mmm ... baby. Would you like a hot beef injection?" or, "C'mon. Let's play hide the sausage." Quotes taken directly from The Australian Kama Sutra

Put yourself in the position of the interviewer. What would impress you? Be prepared. Be friendly but don't be a boot-licker. Tell the interviewer what they want to hear. Think before you speak and be economical with words. Be interested, flexible, observant, focused and demonstrate to the best of your ability that you are suitable to fill the position. If the interviewer says, "Any questions?", ask some! It is expected. Good luck!

Kaz, tell me about it. I married a Brazilian! Hot as hell in both good and bad ways.

Oh boy! You guys will miss out for a month if your wives read this. As for me. I am 100% behind the women's movement - I hate it when they just lie there.

Despite all the differing opinions (I won't say bickering), this is the most useful thread on a vitally important topic I have read in a long time. Thanks guys!

If at first you don't succeed, hide all evidence that you ever tried!

GROSS HUMOUR WARNING!!!! An old gentleman was sitting on a park bench feeding the pigeons and a similarly aged lady sat next to him. They started chatting - mainly about the "good old days". It wasn't long before they were holding hands and smiling coyly at each other. The old gent invited his new friend back to his room in the nursing home and she agreed. Several cups of tea later, the old gent suggested a roll in the hay for old time's sakes. The old lady smiled and said, "Good idea. Why not?" Al little later, they were in a particularly intimate position in bed when the old lady stopped and said, "Shame about the Titanic, wasn't it?' The old gent asked in surprise, "What makes you bring that up?" She replied, "Oh, it's not important really. I was just reading the piece of newspaper stuck to your bum." You were warned!

2 interesting and VERY amusing links! I used to participate in scambaiting. The idea is to waste their time. Satisfying and lots of fun but time consuming, hence my retirement. http://www.thescambaiter.com/ http://www.419eater.com/

Hi Old Koreelah, The small plane scene here in Belo Horizonte (translates to "beautiful horizon" - very true!) seems rather limited unfortunately. Plenty of helicopters though. The aviation industry is thriving. Embraer build some nice aircraft. http://www.embraer.com.br/en-US/Pages/Home.aspx Way out of my league! I haven't had much time to loiter around the smaller airports to check out the RA scene because I have been too busy teaching English. Flying conditions here are "interesting", as Belo Horizonte is 1000 metres ASL and hot much of the time. When time allows, I will book a trial flight and report back on the experience. Cheers! BTW - the beer here is GREAT!

Good on you Gary! I know exactly where you are coming from. I had a childhood dream of flying but developed a fear as an adult. I don't know why! I would avoid flying commercially at all costs, choosing to drive long distances which of course, is obviously more risky. Later in life, while working in remote places, I really had no choice but to fly in small aircraft. The first time I saw Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air I was hooked .... forever. In my early 50's I started training at Tooradin in J160s but due to time, money and distance, I had to defer. I'm still passionate about chasing this dream but for the moment, I am concentrating on fulfilling another life-long dream - to live in South America. Brazil, to be specific. I have succeeded! It's almost time for me to consider training again now I have a good grasp on the Portuguese language. Anybody here know of a good (GA) school in Minas Gerais?

You are soooo right! My limited and sadly interrupted training (it's a long way from the East Kimberly and even further from Brazil) was done at Tooradin. A great place to train in my opinion. Loved every second of it. Now to find the time, money and place to train in Minas Gerais Brazil ....... Any suggestions?

Fantastic! Spent ten good years in the Kimberley and I have to say, watching this made me feel homesick for the very first time. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry for the late reply Russ. They've been making me work! GPS coordinates are; 18°42'38.82"S 126°42'37.47"E Cheers, Pim

Hi Tomo. The Kimberley is a wonderful region. I've been up here for 8 years now and I thoroughly love it. If you've never been up here, I urge anyone to check it out. The scenery from the ground is amazing and I won't go into the joys of seeing the countryside from the air. The only problem for a student pilot like myself is a total lack of flying schools. I have had to put my flying on hold for a while because the prospect of a 1300km drive to Darwin (nearest training facility) doesn't appeal very much. I haven't flown for over twelve months now and needless to say, I'm missing it badly. If you feel like dropping in for a coldie, give us a hoy. I live in Yiyili between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing and we have a very serviceable airstrip on Louisa Downs station. Cheers, Pim (the wingless)

Saw this just two days ago and I am still flabbergasted. Took 3 adults with about 50kgs of baggage and a baby to our station strip for a 3 hour flight to our major regional centre. Not the best day for a comfortable flight. 39* in the shade and winds to 15 kts. Instead of the usual twin, there was an OLD Stationair parked ready to go. I know appearances aren't everything but this aircraft was definitley shabby looking. I asked the pilot what it was like up there and he said it was quite bumpy as you would expect. I joked with him that he would need a fair bit of the strip to get airborne at which he laughed and said, "Naah, she'll be right." Everybody onboard and I waited for them to be airborne before I left. Instead of taxi to the end of the strip for a conventional takeoff, the pilot gunned it from the apron and performed a downwind take off. He made it but he used nearly all the strip to get airborne. Is it just me, or is this just plain wrong!? Pax did make it to their destination but not safely in my book.

Student pilot here. After having a fear of flying for most of my life, the need to hop into various aircraft as a passenger got me thinking that this is the way to go! A TIF in a J170 at Tooradin and I was thoroughly convinced. Definitely the best fun you can have with your clothes on! I drive 9000 kms every summer holiday to Victoria and back and needless to say, I'm thoroughly sick of driving. My plan is to finish my training at Tooradin (just started circuits), buy a J230 and fly instead. Faster, safer and a WHOLE lot more fun than driving! We have a 1200 meter airstrip here (Louisa Downs cattle station) and it makes my heart ache every time I see it. It has been 10 months since I was last airborne although looking at conditions here today, I'm pretty happy to be down here. If anyone in the East Kimberley is ever looking for a flight companion, drop me a line please! Cheers to you all, Bikky