pudestcon

I recently had the chance to do a bit of 'stooging' around with Gaygirl at North Gabbin. I thought I would explore the T500 capability of slow flight so climbed to 3000 feet and levelled out. As indicated on the ASI the T500 stalls at 32knots with 4600rpms on the Rotax 582. Buffetting is evident at 33knots, whilst 34 knots has a bit of mushiness. At 35 knots indicated, 4600rpm, straight and level it will maintain altitude all day. I can even do slow balanced turns without losing altitude. This experiment was conducted in very mild conditions, no wind and about 20 degrees. Sky was overcast. Anybody want to contribute their Thruster performance? Pud

You got that scanner working yet Bob? Pud

The dork referred to is Geoffrey Thomas, Aviation Editor for The West Australian newspaper. I have no idea of his credentials, and am not defending him in any way - just clearing up who he is. Here http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/latest/a/22326227/crabbing-yawing-and-the-sideslip/ is an article of his from the West Australian today. Pud

You have a PM reply Riley. I'm not sure what difference Pol's wings are to yours but it would have to be worth a try - At least run a tape measure over both machines to see what the difference is. I'll talk to Pol tomorrow and see what he thinks. Maybe talk to Stuart Maddigan to see how much difference there was. Pud

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/03/09/01/43/oil-slicks-may-be-from-missing-plane

Jeez Riley, I thought you were the only wreck at your place:cheezy grin: Looks like I'm going to have to visit you, and drool over your airframes. The Lightwing sounds attractive, must be the word 'cheap' you so slyly included in the sentence. On the other hand, maybe I'm just dreaming...... I'll give you a call, and swing by soon Riley. Pud

When I had finished the rebuild of my Thruster, I was looking around for another project, and discussed the 'yellow demon' floating in Graeme King's hangar, with Graeme. I didn't take it any further but it would have been a project, that's for sure. I'm still toying with the idea of another restoration project - what wrecks do you know of around the place Riley? Pud

That is great to hear Pete. All the best for a lot of flying coming up. Pud

Yeah it was a great flight Maj. Looks like there might be favourable weather this Saturday as well. Now, just have to convince Gay it is a good idea for me to drive 7 hours for an hour or two in the air...... I've been keeping up with your activities via the forum threads - keep at it Maj:thumb up: Cheers, Pud

Gotta agree with you Mark, except finding a hangar at the right price closer to home is pretty hard. Especially as it costs me nothing at Pol's place.... hope he's not lurking here:smile:

Hehehe. Yeah but that don't involve flying does it? Pud

I went for a fly on Saturday. Nothing exciting about that really, except my last flight was 22nd December 2013 - just under 2 months ago. The weather has been terrible for flying my T500 (Gaygirl); too hot, too windy and generally too humid - thunderstorms. The weather on Saturday was forecast to be very light winds in the morning and temps climbing to 39 degrees in the afternoon. I thought there was a window of opportunity so I bit the bullet and drove 3.5 hours Friday night to get to Wirraway, my mate Pol's place where we have a hangar that is home to my T500 and Pol's Gemini. I was up early, preflighted Gaygirl, and was in the air about 0700 hrs for a few circuits. The air was silky smooth and cool; just right for finding my 'airlegs' again. I decided a local flight to Koorda and back was a good idea so I tracked to the South West and climbed to cruise altitude, trimmed her out and sat back.... So smooth I did not touch the stick or rudder pedals for 15minutes - just a little bit of throttle occasionally was all that was needed. The heading was maintained by shifting my weight in the seat - never done that before! I landed at Koorda for a stretch and comfort break before returning to North Gabbin, with the same conditions, and controlling the aircraft as before. Very unusual conditions in this part of the world. I landed back at Wirraway Airfield, loaded on more fuel both for Gaygirl, and me. About 9.30am I went for another session of circuits but the conditions had changed somewhat and I could see a definite deterioration. I managed a few circuits and called it a day - the window of opportunity had passed. Some might say that the 7 hour round trip was not worth the 1.8 hours of airtime, but for me it was Gold. I'll do it whenever I get the chance. Pud

Thanks for the reply gents. I will be interested to see the details once posted on the TOSG website Bob. Pud

In another thread the question of density altitude and aircraft performance was touched on. This struck a chord with me as last time I flew the Thruster it was quite hot and humid, and the performance was ordinary to say the least, and this on take off and climb out. I was on my own this time, so no where near MTOW, but it felt like I was 2 up at MTOW. Now looking through the POH for my T500 I cannot find any mention of performance and density altitude, and certainly no table of figures to check what performance will be like given a certain set of conditions. So my question... Does anyone have a Thruster POH showing density altitude performance? Because my flying is mainly in the local area and not above 3000', generally, I haven't had to do much calculation with density altitude. The airfield elevation is 1330'. I generally rely on local reading of the weather, and take note of the altimeter subscale reading when I adjust for airfield elevation. This gives me an idea if performance will be better or worse than last time I flew. Not very scientific, but an indication nonetheless. Your thoughts? Pud

Welcome Bob, Good luck with TOSG, I will be a part of it.... Wait a minute, I already am! Pud

Once your smilie is in the post, click and drag it to the position you want it. Pud

FTF - Flight Training Facility SFTF - Satellite Flight Training Facility (I assume) RAA - I hope you know this one! I think there are 2 issues here- 1) Should FTFs be covered under the existing provisions? 2) Why weren't FCFs given notification, in advance, of the changes to be made I reckon Motz is justified in being pissed off at the communication(non)/notification on this issue - I would be absolutely livid. Pud

Bridgetown - nice part of the world and they have a Blues weekend there, coming up soon I think. I live under the circuit at Jandakot Airport - a suburb called Leeming, but I'm a bushie from way back. My Thruster is hangared at a mates farm out in the wheatbelt at North Gabbin, so I drive out there whenever I can, and the weather is conducive to flying. Keep us up to date on how your training goes at Bunbury Aero Club. Cheers, Pud

G'day and welcome Brownshoes. I'm also in WA, where are you/will you be training, and what type of aircraft? Pud

How goes the membership to the revitalised TOSG Paul? Pud

I'm in if you get it up Paul. I have made contact via the web site. Pud

What the hell you up to this time Riley? Hehehe Pud

Or even a SWMS - Safe Work Method Statement. Hang on, we should also have a SSMP (Site Safety Management Plan) at each airfield so everyone can read it and knows the procedure for evacuation, and a whole lot of other very important stuff. Pud

G'day Bryan, and welcome. You have probably been flying over our house in Leeming when you are in the circuit! We are just 5 minutes from Jandakot airport. I'm just a grassroots, rag and tube flyer, with my own T500 Thruster - only problem is it is hangared 3 hours away so I don't get to fly as often as I'd like. I have a contact at the Beverley Gliding Club if you feel the urge to try gliding again - just give me a yell and I'll put you in touch. Anyway, I'm sure you will enjoy yourself here. Pud

Thanks Frank and bluespot, It was late at night when I tried so that might have had something to do with it. Its late again tonight so I'll give it a burl tomorrow, at a reasonable hour - shouldn't get frustrated that way. Pud