IanR

Hi Kaz - going well !! Missed you at the Auster Moth Rally - fantastic location for old aircraft at Luskintyre I think a large number of the MK4 and MK5 were delivered in 1944 - I have heard that another one will be coming to Camden - it served in the same squadron as mine !

The rego was originally a pre-war Empire flying boat in the QANTAS fleet. There is a bit of a story but thats why ABA is painted in QANTAS colours ABA was first registered in Australia in 1951

My Auster has its 70th birthday today - it was delivered to a squadron near the Normandy beaches on 17th June 1944. Its pretty special to be able to fly something that has this kind of history ! It still has not clocked over 2000 hours total time.

I think its a Miles Master with a Rolls Royce Kestrel engine - advanced trainer.

Apparently when I was about 2 living in Berkshire I used to watch the bombers taking off from Greenham Common. Earliest clear memory was getting off an aircraft in Adelaide and looking up at the four engines - don't know what it was - early 60s I guess. After that a diet of Biggles books and building airfix kits probably sealed things. When I was in high school our science lab looked out over Rose Bay so more time spent looking at the Flying Boats operating that listening to the lessons !

I had a 39 VH500 with a sidecar - fantastic lightweight outfit. As the others have said it should be out on the road !

I looked at the Pacers when I bought mine. They are pretty basic and should be no worse on maint than other R&T types. There were issues to check re corrosion around the doors particularly. The converted PA22 have to be checked thoroughly as if not done properly are a pig on the ground. Main reason I didn't end up buying one was the lack of headroom as I am quite tall.

Unfortunately it would probably not take off with all the additional weight !! We have four modern 172s in our fleet and they don't carry much compared to the older ones. I wish they still made the taildraggers - I love them.

I just bought a small popup tent for flying camping. It sets up in 10 seconds and lies flat on the floor when not in use. They are about 75cm diameter when put away and only about 3cm thick.

One Auster is probably enough !! Those J5Gs perform very well although parts are harder than for the Gypsy engined ones

I was going to fly in but with 30 knot westerlies and the east west runway closed it may be a challenge !!

Had a look at their website - the Bobber is a really cool looking thing !

Thanks for all the responses - great looking machine

No - its a cub replica of some sort. Seemed to be quite a capable aircraft from what the person said. Would quite comfortable fly out of my back paddock !

Anyone know what make this cub replica is ? I had a good look at it but didn't write anything down.

In fact, looking at my current VNC, it is effective 14 November 2013 expiring 29 May 2014 - so anything older is more than a couple of months out of date

same

You also have to arrive before 10:15 as the airport closes then for the show - the website recommends arrival prior to 09:30.

I think the key is to push yourself in conditions you may be uncomfortable with but ALWAYS be prepared to go round no matter how experienced at TW you are - continuing with a landing where things are going pear shaped is a recipe for disaster.

Have you updated to the latest release ? I think thats a requirement

It's there when I looked. Downloads, Australia, it's under Other

Its actually this Friday - Sunday. Your event seems to have picked up todays date ?

You can get a good one for between $25K and $45K - and the basic ones are actually cheaper to maintain than say a C172. Mine just had its annual and the cost was about50% of what a typical C172 annual would be. They are so basic !

I use Dent Aviation at Camden - they do lots of R&T as well - very good.

Yes we will be in Temora. ABA goes in for its annual on Monday so it will be sure to be ready in time. Plan is to get there Friday. I have not had to source those springs so not sure. Have you tried on the Auster club forum ? Otherwise there is a company in the UK called Auster Spares who may be able to help.