seb7701

Haven't quite mfigured that far ahead. Just weighing up pros and cons. What is the likely size needed?

Yeah, bugger for that 50kg. It was an early model a/c like and old cessna or something, at least ditching a few of the ancient instruments for newer ones for help, but not to the tune of 50kg. Not sure what else could be shaved off. Same price as many Jabs but without a Jab engine.

That's what I wanted to hear - someone who knows of someone!

Yep - not sure where you would lose that sort of kg. Shame - looks like a goer!

Exactly why I ask - they sound like a good bit of kit. I have looked over an S14 quite closely and like what I see, just prefer the two seats. Only issue is the flight test report I have in Kitplanes mag a few years back was an S12 with a Rotax 912, not the 582 I would be more likely to afford.

I think you should have a few decent choices in your own backyard!

Just saw what could well be a decent performing aeroplane for the money on ebay. Eagle X-TS for $35,000. Ad http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Eagle-X-TS-2-Seat-Airplane-Sell-or-Swap-for-boat-car-caravan-WHY-/251163282997?pt=AU_Aircraft&hash=item3a7a7f8e35 refers. Specs seem to indicate 650kg MTOW. Would this be a candidate for RAA then?

All sounds fair. The aircraft types shoud be O.K., as I've been eyeing off some RANS and Bantams in NZ for some time now and want to land it in Brisbane. I guess if I could get someone to load carefully into a container, the rest is finding a decent shipper and then dealing with the customs/DOTARS aspects in Brisbane. Shame the Oz authorities have a habit of making everything harder than it needs to be...

As per the initial post, does anyone have have any experience re NZ to Oz imports? I know the U.S. to Oz query is well asked, but surely this must be a cheaper proposition? There are some great bargains to be had in NZ, particularly with that exchange rate!

Has anyone out there had a lap in a RANS S12 Airaile? Just curious, as they are a good looking rig with drifter like ruggedness, they have the bonus of an enclosure. All thoughts welcome!

I might be a little simple, but why would one persist with the flight when experiencing such poor climb/performance???

Glad someone else asked that question - sounds reasonable!

I'd be interested to hear about the GT500's especially. Anyone?

Well, progress sux in that case. I guess I will just have to look at stuff like that and remember that some lucky souls got a hell of a show!

Stumbled across this on Youtube tonight. The dude who posted the vid has a point - you won't see shows like this anymore, let alone in the confines of an arena. It's no surprise that it's an army chopper and the pilot was Maj Steve Graham. Shame the army wouldn't get away with a display like that now. Some great flying I would have said! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ4e0BdUy_Q

If we are talking that far west, then Nardoo Station at Cunamulla. It was sold a while back but I think still operates what was a great farm stay. They have a strip which used to service the C182 on the place, but not sure if it is maintained. Good spot though.

How about Cherrabah near Warwick? Not quite sure about the flying time, but here's the site and I know they have a maintained strip. http://www.cherrabah.com.au/

That should eliminate anyone concerned about wooden aeroplanes. I especially like the four bolts holding each engine!

Always good to see someone put things right. I will say that the HB's are ripper looking little A/C!!

Just had this shown to me. Great vid and quite amazing single engine performance for a twin I would assume. (Don't know much about twins...) Enjoy!

Hang in there Ben. There will be other designs, just keep eyes peeled. I would think that a Super Diamond might even still be worth looking at and some savings might have to be had with a second hand engine etc?

Good show, but IMO Flying wild Alaska is 100 times better show. I guess they just got the right family to put on the telly, but it's still just a ripper!

Sure is. The last episode i saw, he dropped his 180 off for the new donk and borrowed another 180 on skis to do some snow stuff. Would love to konw what he knows about things. Compared to some of the 'Alaska Winge Men' pilots who do exactly the same things, Jim does seem to have a good common sense approach without getting to wound up about things. It does make you want to do a course over there though doesn't it? Alaska float and ski does what seems to be well priced courses, but realistically, I would go back over to U-FLy Wanaka (NZ) and do a mountain flying course in a their Tecnams. They are still the best flight I have EVER had!!!

Love it, and love that the boss's favourite bush plane is his C180, especially considering he already has a Super Cub! The cross winds these guys have been shown in make everything I have ever seen look like a picnic!

Damn Maj - I was afraid it would be a toss up between the two! I would prefer a drifter but have two little people that would like to sit next to Dad when they're flying. Interesting - I got the impression that the Bantam was the slightly more sophisticated craft, given the customers around the globe! Shame the X-Air looks a bit more flash.