rgmwa

A checklist would be a lot cheaper.

Vans started off with the RV-3 (single) and RV-4 (tandem) and later the RV-8 (tandem) but couldn't ignore the overwhelming demand for a side by side version, hence the very successful RV-6 and other models. It comes down to personal preference. I like the roominess of side by side seating even when flying solo.

And then there is the cost of maintaining an old Cessna 180. I'd rather spend more and have a new aircraft that I could both have fun building and then be able to maintain for relatively little cost. Not that that's going to happen, mind you. I think you be looking at $350-$400k AUD to build one at the current exchange rate, and that's before Trump's 50% tariffs on aluminium get passed on to the customer.

It will be interesting to see how well the RV-15 sells. It should do well, but either way it's a good indication that Vans are recovering from their Covid era problems and looking to the future. They make good aircraft and have a solid reputation, and it would be a sad day if they folded.

High praise indeed, Nev. Looks like its just passed its most challenging flight acceptance test! I'd have one too but doubt that I could afford it.

Too expensive.

Is OZMCA correct? Could just be me but it seems to be in Qld close to the gulf according to Qzrunways.

You can (or perhaps could?) get them as a kit although it's mainly assembling big pieces compared to traditional kits. I know someone who built one with retractable gear and variable pitch prop a few years ago.

Serpentine has avgas and mogas bowsers on the field.

Caiguna and Nullarbor Roadhouse have Mogas.

Another useful little tip. If you land at some remote place in the outback that has a caravan park or a motel and give them a call they will often send somebody out to pick you up.

I landed at Coober Pedy on a trip up north to Katherine. The airfield was deserted so I Googled what I assumed was the local taxi service and arranged to be picked up at the airport. After almost an hour with no sign of any activity, I rang again and got through to the driver. He said he was at the airport but he couldn't see me. There was certainly nobody where I was, so I said; "Which airport are you at?" He said; "Ceduna". It seems there are no taxis in Coober Pedy.

I was on my way back to Perth from Victoria once and landed at Esperance in the late afternoon. It was pretty stormy weather. Got a ride into town with some locals (RPT had just landed so the airport was open). Unfortunately I hadn't realised it was the Easter weekend and there was absolutely no accommodation in town anywhere. Eventually I took a taxi (expensive) back to the airport thinking I might be able to get through to Ravensthorpe before dark but an incoming storm put an end to that plan. The airport was closed and deserted and I was almost resigned to spending a very uncomfortable and wet night in the plane when it occurred to me that the transportable toilets next the the terminal were probably open. I got the seat cushions out of the plane and spent a reasonably comfortable night sleeping on the floor of the disabled toilet. It was clean, had hot water, power to recharge the phone and iPad, warm and dry through a miserably wet night and a toilet. What more could you wish for?

Give Esperance airport a miss and land at Myrup. Friendly locals will probably give you a ride into town and the caravan park cabin rates are quite reasonable. 95/98 ULP at the servos in town so take your fuel bladders with you.

Serpentine information and contacts here: Home WWW.SABC.ORG.AU Sport Aircraft Builders Club (SABC) based at Serpentine Airfield, Western Australia There are some dongas on site for visitors and aircraft can tie down near the clubhouse.