nomadpete

Sixty second circuits? Can't call that circuits. He's doing donuts!

Of course Tasmania is warm. Its got central heating from all those fires. We had to burn 150,000 hectares of firewood to get our temps up above 30. We try to do this every summer to keep the mainland tourists warm. It'll all have to end 'cos we are running out of forest.

And what if a 'quiet word' fails to achieve cohesion within the board? Does that mean the chairman has failed and must step down? That would only empower the disruptive individual (if, indeed he/she is disruptive - in their own mind that are not). It can be difficult to bring any bunch of people together with a common goal. Our Board members do not get to choose their fellow board members.

If it's any consolation, It's not just you, Spacey. I can't get my fix either. Don't worry, Ian will fix it in due course.

So true. Isn't that a sad illustration of what is happening to the pursuit of recreational aviating in Australia!

OK We've done this drift to death. We all have horror road stories. We all have strong ideas on how to fix the problem. The answer is......... Human factors training. Advanced defensive driver training. And remove the automatic RIGHT to drive. End of story

I was at Tarong PS when it was being built, and many many times over the years. Initially the electrostatic precipitators were great at removing particulate content from the stacks (it's a 4 in 1 stack - 4 boilers, 4 turbines). Early on there was no sign of smoke. Over the years, the quality of coal got worse, maybe more dirt as you dig deeper? They tried trucking coal from Acland and that burned better but it was hard coal - you should have heard the racket from the ball mills trying to pulverised it! (They burn coal dust in the furnace) So back to using dirtier than usual coal. I was told that those cooling towers use 80 megalitres a day. Not good in a drought. The other stack is the newer Tarong North power station. I don't know why but it doesn't smoke.

Welcome back Bex. Take it easy. Please. Give yourself time before trying to be too active. I know inactivity will drive you nuts (it did me, though nobody can see the difference). But is important to your recovery phase.

Hi Bex. By the time you read this you will be back with us. If I'd seen your post before you went under, I would have been able to offer you some reassurance about your big adventure. Well, that is what I called it when I went through a similar mitral valve repair last year. Its a sobering thought to know that someone will be literally holding your heart in their hand. In my case they stopped my heart for almost 4hrs, as there was a bit of extra work they had to do while they were in there. Or maybe the surgeon just wanted to trade his Bremer in on a new Tesla. They did warn me that when i wake up, to expect to feel like I'd been hit by a bus. Glad they warned me otherwise I'd have been worried about what they fluffed up! Anyhow, it's all worth the journey. Now I've got back the energy I used to have. Enjoy your new lease of life!

Good Onya Jerry. Always a great feeling to come out of those tests with all the boxes ticked!

Good luck Frank. Glad you got there in time to save the drifter! Watch out for crocs wandering around.

I look up every day when they track right over our place. Usually two runs a day. As you said, Marty, there is often a pair travelling within sight of each other (never too close though). I'd judge the cloud base by their height and visualise their view of the tiger country that they were traversing every day. Its rugged country. Although I've never met any of the pilots, it feels like I've lost a friend. Sincerest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

All the best, Bex. Know where you're at. See you soon.

'Tis a worryment

My GA912 is available, if you are still after a Lightwing.

There is a large budgetary differential between Zenair and Lightwing. My only complaint about the Lightwing is that it is a little difficult to get into it. Once inside it is good. When i went looking for an affordable plane I found that my height prevented me from sitting in a Gazelle - my head hit the cross member behind. My Lightwing is capable of ground looping but only if I fall asleep. Fun aero and affordable.

Good to hear. Let him know we are all just a bunch of stirrers and not to take anything we say too seriously.

Also, on the monetary side of things, remember that using "unimproved" ingredients (like grandma used to do) immediately gives a 10% reduction in cost your food bill. At least, I'm pretty sure that raw ingredients don't attract GST. Correct me if I'm wrong. In that case, I'll have to work on my veg garden

I don't believe it. That can't really be your shed. You must have Photoshopped it.

Skip the skip. Unlikely at VHF. Do you have a USB supply for anything in the aircraft? I would suspect that if squelch is opening {without any voice signal) then it is likely to be RF interference.

Don, there is a Taylor sitting in the back of one of our hangars. It has been there for some time. I heard that it got as far as initial taxi trial runs, but had a problem with the undercarriage. Also heard that the U/C was repaired and/or modified as a result of the incident. I haven't met the owner but if you like, I can seek out more information for you. (Peter)

Nice work Marty

Thanks anyway Planey

I think there is a big difference between a rusty stain and a rust pit. Also, as any sailor knows, it is the unseen rust inside the wires that are the stress raisers that result in instant failures. Sailboats have been losing masts to this ever since stainless steel started being used the hold masts up. Aviators should know by now. Well done Frank

They were very lucky, if that brick wall was held together with Australian mortar, they sure would have noticed it!