matt walsh

morning all, Nev, I agree that the rotary seal is probably the culprit here. Unfortunately its a costly item to replace because of need to remove engine fom plane then the altenator stuff to access the water pump, as I understand the water pump (and hence seal) can't be removed whilst engine is in place. So significant labour costs involved and estimates in the $2-3,000 range. At this stage we will continue to monitor rate of coolant loss but expect this work will need to be done in near future. I would be interested to hear from others who have replaced the seal or water pump in their Rotax. Thanks all Matt Walsh

Thanks all above replies. We did another run up and noted some small coolant on underside of water pump. Spoke with Gary Flood who also suggested the rotary seal on the water pump shaft maybe allowing coolant to escape past and leak out via a small inpection/venting hole in the engine casing about 20mm forward of the waterpump houseing/main engine casing. Suggestion on pressure testing is sound and we are arranging this. This may identify any coolant escaping past the seal. Will check the exhaust pipe colour also although havent noticed any change aas I always rub the inside of the pipe to see that sh'e burning clean/brown.

Hi all, Gladys, our Skyfox Gazelle, is experiencing a loss of coolant but with no obvius signs of a leak. She will empty the overflow bottle after a 2 hr flight in current coolish temps. We have poored over the engine whilst running it but nothing obvious. we've replaced the expansion tank cap and tightened all clamps but stil nothin. The Rotax 85hp has done 2100 hrs and no loss has been observed dueing last 250 /3 years operation. Your collective wisdoms on possible causes etc will be greatly appreciated. I have discussed with gary Flood who could only suggest possible leak from exhaust ports if the exhaust pipe were loose and has "worn" a hole in the head through to the coolant passages( seems a most unlikely event). Cheers Matt Walsh and Neil Sidwell, Gazelle 3478, Penfield Aerodrome, Sunbury Victoria.

On the subject of flying after last light, CASA and RAA will contact you and request explanation as to reasons why you undertooksuch flight. I have just submitted a response and am aware that another Pilot at Ballarat was also requested to do. I am awaiting advice of any disciplinary measures etc. The duration of flight after LL in my case was under 30 mins but my collegue was pinged for a very small time pass LL.

Jim, I'm impressed with your work and the plane is looking smart. How many hours have you spent to date on the construction (approximate), or when did you commence construction?

Hi Phil, I am interested in your proposed route as a Melb- Perth trip is on my to- do list. Isn't Uluru abit out of the way??? ie a fair way north of Loxton, regards Matt Walsh (Gazelle 3478, Penfield Victoria)

Hi Andy, I co own Gazelle 3478 with pilot Neil Ssdwell who is a forum member also. We haven't ventured north of Temora (attended Natfly'12). This aircraft was formerly owned by Rod Birrell's (RAA board member for Victoria) Airsports Flying School at Penfield, Victoria.

Hi all, Firstly, I really enjoy the technical comments and knowledge that you all freely share on the various forums and I respect those who offer critical well thought out argument and analysis. I've only been closely with flying and maintaining aircfrat for a few years although have a long history with motorcycles etc. I co own a Gazelle flying out of Penfield Victoria and adore our "Gladys", she's a most suitable machine for where I am in my flying/family/financial life point. My principle iritation is her limited fuel capacity (about 50l max incl reserve). I carry 2x 40 l plastic fuel jerrys on pax seat on country trips and whilst passable is not ideal. I've seen additional 25l tanks in the wings installed when reskinning or rebuilding but would be job to cut open the wing, install and rebaric and do the connections (or would it really??). I seek your thoughts on fabricating and installing a 40+ l alum tank, similiar to that which Thomo has shown us, rear of the seat. The battery and fuel collector canister would need relocation otherwise there should be room. Thanks Matt Walsh

Hi MM, I fly a Gazelle out of Penfield near Sunbury and in June last year, 3 othe pilots and myself flew to William Creek and lake Eyre via Swan Hill, Port August(O/N) then to Maree and WC(O/N). Did some low flights over the Lake and east to Arkaroola (O/N) then home over Lake Frome via Broken Hill, Swan Hill and to Penfield. The country north of PT Agusta is brilliant as is the Flinders Ranges and highly recommended. AvGas at Agusta via BP Swipe card. At Marree a local chap comes out and serves up Avgas from a stationary tanker. At WC Avgas available at strip and cash/card from Wight AirServices. At Arkaroola Mogas available from Arkaroola station. I maybe interested in you mid year trip also. My Penfield buddies are considering anothe trip up to Birdsville way and back but would like to include yours too on this years plans so keep me in your planning loop. My email is [email protected]

Thx to TP and Kaz for their advice and TP's suggested trip itinery sounds great. I found the wwww.ourairports website useful in checking TP's route. I could also add in a leg around the Bight to see tsome of that huge expanse of coastal terrain also. So the basic route of this trip agives plenty of scope for sidetrips/deviations. Any other suggestions/fav places then keeep them coming. Also if anyone is up for a jount then happy to have company in the sky. Probably leave 28/29 Dec for7-10 days air touring.

Thx , good advice, another thought is across to Perth via the coast line ioe Melb, Mildura/Pt augusta/Nulabor roadhouse/Caiguna/Esperence/Albany/Bunbury.. There are addtional roadhose stops and less likely to be in middle of nowhere., perhaps cooler too.

Hi all, I have leave this January and family has gone away so am seeking ideas for an extended trip in my Gazelle. A central Aus destination interests me, ie Alice Springs and around West MacDonald Ranges, if flying at this time is feasible ie given higher daily temps. Thought that daybreak departures for 4-5 hrs might be practical. I fly a Gazelle out of Sunbury Victoria and refuel every 2.5-3hrs. Also journey around Tasmainia could be spectacular (and cooler!!). I will appreciate any ideas and advice on flying at this time of year. Thanks Matt Walsh

Hi Rod, I'm the co-owne,r with Neil Sidwell, of a blue Gazelle 3478 which is hangared at Penfield. Do you use a local LAME for your 100hy/anual inspection and regular maintenence/repairs and if so would apprreciate details. Cheers Matt Walsh

hey Rachel, any update on outback trip? you can email me on [email protected] also. cheers Matt

Hi Rachel, I maybe interested to join your party in May 2011, liely to be a shorter time ie accompany you up then leave early as 4 weeks absence from work is most unlikely. I fly a Gazelle, regards Matt Walsh.

Hi all, Ned to repace the encoder unit annd am considering the Mircoair EC2002 or Sandia SAE5-35 units. The plane has a near new Garmin transponder fitted. I woudl appreciate any comments/advise as to these units.

HiKeanlim, I note in the "Simliar threads" section at bottom, an entry from a new member from Jakarta Indonesia(I've pasted in this thread below). Seems like this chap could respond to many of your queries about an Aus/indonesia trip. Might be worth contacting him, Cheers Matt Walsh, New Member from Jakarta Indonesia Hi All, My name is Philip Soelistio. I fly Jabiru J-Ul, J430, Searey and Lancair 235 from Pondok Cabe Airfield, Tanggerang, Indonesia. I am a member of FASI (Federation of Aero Sport Indonesia) and vice chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Division. I believe we have to learn a lot from RAA especially in terms of rules and regulations for sport aircrafts because the existing regs apply for commercial flight operations and have limited knwledge regarding sport aviation. So I welcome any comments or advise on how we can develop our own organisation such as RAA in Indonesia. I would like also welcome any Aussie RAA members to visit our airfield whenever they happen to be in Jakarta.

Hi all, recently experienced a throttle cable failure at altitude and sloped in under power then mags off and flared for a smooth landing. A little unsettling but worthwhile experience. Any one had similiar experinec and can advise of a supplier of a replacement cable in Melbourne, Victoria. ??

Hi I completed my RAA pilot licence and recent XC endorsement with AeroSport Flyign School which operates at Penfield Airfield, Settlement Rd Sunbury. I was taught by instructor Captain(Former) terry Otway and recommend him extemely highly. If I was in a jumbo going then I'd want Terry at the stick. The field is excellent and the schoolperates two Texan Topclass planes. Iliked thye place so much that I bought the school owners' (Rod Birrell) Gazelle and my flying partner and co oowner(who is also a Terry Otway trained RAA pilot) house our plane at penfield. I'm happy to discuss further so call me on 0417 345 161