IanR

My schedule worked well this week - STD (Sunbeam/Talbot/Daraq) register rally Tuesday to Thursday - then AAAA Friday to Sunday ! Are you doing Parkes in September ?

Weather looks fantastic everywhere - as Kaz says no airshow this time just lots of nice aircraft (and people).

Anyone else going to the Antique Aeroplane assoc annual flyin at Echuca this weekend ?

Nev, yes it does have flaps - 28 knot stall speed on full - not that much higher without. Apparently they were a bit hard to start - originally had Bendix magnetos without impulse - but did have a vibrator coil (not sure exactly how they work). Mine has had a mod done to enable use of Slick impulse magnetos which make it really easy - although its very easy to flood if hot.

No petrol fumes in mine - however you do get a slight engine smell during takeoff - but you can fly with the windows open so no dramas !! In cruise no fumes.

Thanks for the feedback. Do you just need one link unit for two headsets ?

At least you can fly them with the windows open

I am looking at buying a new headset - anyone tried these wireless ones ? In theory they look great. They can come with a Link unit that plugs into existing GA sockets.

I have seen Kaz's aircraft - its very nice. Just had a look at its history - didn't realise it was originally a MK V !! Its been changed a lot (by Auster) since then. Maybe we should start an Auster history post

Correct. It also has the RAF blind flying panel which works quite well.

Yeah sure !! Its such a fast aircraft - maybe I could do a formation with an F18 I actually wish it was in its WW2 military colours - it has quite a history - participated in the invasion of Europe.

The engine is the WW2 military Lycoming O-290-3 - in fact the one in it is I believe its original engine - had another one for a while and when it was restored they reco the original and put it in. We must get the two together - where is yours based ? I will be going to the AAAA annual rally in Echuca and the Auster Rally in Leeton.

I may have thought a few weeks - its taken almost 6 months - but the new family member arrived at its new home in Camden on Friday after flying down from Redcliffe - it was worth the wait.

Just might

I rather like the definition of HP - never thought I would be able to call my Auster a high performance aircraft.

We have quite a few young people learning where I fly - including my daughter (17) and son (16).

Yeah it was when I learnt - I guess they have changed some things to match international standards - not all is bad !

Yes Without delving too much into it the wording from CASA is : Before you can fly solo, you will need to pass the required medical checks, pass an examination in Air Law and be issued with a Student Pilot Licence (STUDENT). To be issued the SPL, you must be at least 16 years of age and be capable of reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language. You will also need to obtain an ARN (Aviation Reference Number) from CASA, supply photographs and identification documentation, and complete a security check.

No - there is no limit now as far as I am aware - school quite happy training - just you can't go solo till you have medical, SPL, ARN, ASIC or AVID. Unfortunately as mentioned they will not accept the application forms for SPL/ASIC till 3 weeks prior to birthday. John has now started on his post-solo lessons awaiting arrival of the piece of paper. Of course he would never have touched the controls of an aircraft before he started officially learning The one thing CASA is VERY efficient at is receipt of money - my card was debited the day they got the application !! Although, to be fair, I finally got my new aircraft sorted out and emailed the transfer documents - got the new rego certificate within a week.

Its actually only the SPL application itself You can't do till three weeks before. You can fly as young as you like - My son has been for a few months and has been ready to solo.

My son has been learning to fly - was desperate to do his first solo on his 16th birthday. You can't apply for a student pilot licence until three weeks before which we did. Rang CASA today to ask why it hadn't turned up (they billed my card a couple of weeks ago) and was told it takes 4-6 weeks to issue !! I guess that means no GA pilots in future will be able to say they soloed on their 16th

I have been thinking about this one re cutting mags, etc. To be honest if I was in the same situation I would land with the engine still running - gives you the extra options for keeping wheel off as long as possible. Once down then off and out !!

Thanks - will try them

This may seem like a silly question after 30 years of flying - but I always have problems finding pens that will write effectively on the GA style maintenance releases - any ideas ?

The light aircraft lane is a pretty straight forward route - well documented on the VTC