pudestcon

On further digging through the documentation I have, I have found in the Tony Hayes (may he RIP) publication "Thruster Two Seater Identification Guide For Owners and Inspectors Second Edition 2003", some information on washout. I offer this as information only as it does not specifically relate to single seat Thrusters, such as the T85SG that the OP here, Tony, is rebuilding. On page 42 under the section GEMINI SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION, Pitch Instability Contributing Factors, 5. Changed Wing Wash-out. I quote "The Thruster wing has neutral wash-out when static(i.e. the under surface of the wing root and wing tip should be at the same angle). However wash-out is built into the wing support design and is adopted when under flight loads." end of quote. The section goes on to explain that changing the lengths of rear lift struts, and incorrectly tensioned flying and brace wires can deform the wing from prime design under flight loads. No mention is made about degrees of wash-out or other specific measurements. This information doesn't bring Tony any closer to the answer he seeks, but is extra information on washout design on the Thrusters. Perhaps contacting Kay Hayes, Tony's wife, may uncover some specific documentation on this. Pud

Hang on guys, we are talking about Thrusters here. Low performance grass roots flyers, not high end. The OP wants some answers on washout on his Thruster - can we help him? Pud

I'm far from being any sort of a person whose opinion you should value, but to my knowledge there is no washout on Thruster wings. Certainly, my T500(yes I know its not a 85SG) does not have washout. Pud.

I've seen him drive it a few times. plus he has another strip alongside the house, and I've seen him fly the drifter from the far strip to the house strip to pick something up!!! Farri lives in his own world, and a great world it is too Pud

I've thought along those lines for a while now Exadios - about young people that is. Young people have many other things that generate there interest and adventurous spirit - even if it is in the virtual world. Team that with the cost of aviation and you can see why its a big turn off. I believe GA(recreational) and RAA is dying, if you talk about raw numbers of new pilots to the sector - no facts, just a gut feel. Don't see that in the future there will be the need for too much in recreational aviation, and not much incentive for the young to make a career of being a pilot, given the move towards pilotless aircraft. So it is an old persons pastime, and does require a fair amount of cash. What will be left when us old fogies die off? Nearly empty skies and the few old(young now like Hongie) pilots left to dream about the good ol'days back in 2013. Pud

Thanks Lior. I fly a Thruster so was interested in your version of "the Thrusters long lost beautiful sister". It doesn't have a tail wheel so you've lost me. An interesting aircraft all the same. Pud

Photo? Pud

Hmmm, could be wrong but I seem to recall discussion on this about the time the newsletter of the time became a magazine available to the public at the local newsagency - didn't want to turn people away from taking up our sport. Pud

Oooorrrr shit!!!

Great photos Ian, thank you. Legends? Not just Drifter legends I would think, but I take your point. Good to see Frank hasn't changed - still getting around in bare feet Pud

If I'd stayed another day or 2 I would have been dead for sure, but not from the croc. From you guys and your antics - I'd have been worn out!!! Pud

Well for mine..... Easiest would be the Gazelle - did my navs in a Gazelle, which was pretty easy given you didn't have to fly the thing whilst sorting where you were going. Next would be the Drifter, in which I did my ab initio training - a great aircraft that I will always have a soft spot for. Then the Lightwing - never did master the Lightwing because I couldn't land the buggar, so transferred to the Gazelle. Hardest by far would be T500 Thruster which is my current aircraft. It took a long time for the Thruster(and Steve Vette) to whip me into shape, and I now consider myself reasonably proficent in the Thruster - but beware familiarity!!!! I would really like to get back into the Lightwing now, and finish what I started all those years ago. I reckon I could do it now with a little bit of instruction. Pud

I know exactly what you can see from a Drifter Frank; still have very fond memories of taking in the sights from your Drifter, and that includes the back of your head!!! Pud

That's funny, neither have I. I wonder how many people don't bother with the Flight Safety mag anymore. Sport Pilot doesn't seem to hold my interest anymore either. But my interests, being at the rag and tube spectrum of our sport, doesn't get much exposure these days - probably too many ol' fogies like me who won't get off their arses and contribute. So these days the pile of unread Sport Pilot magazines is getting higher and higher. Could be a saving here if it went electronic....... Pud

Hehehe, as long as Riley is commenting, it's a compliment. I'm more than happy to be described in the way you have explained eightyknots - always very happy when I'm in takeoff mode:plane: Pud

G'day Frank, Yep I'm still here and chipping away, although had a health scare recently - I'll PM you. The Thruster is performing faultlessly on the 582 blue head, although I don't get to fly it as often as you get to go flying. Make sure you have no parts left over after putting that 503 back together eh? Pud

G'day Biggles, Never thought about the font angle - I take it all back Maj, and keep posting from on high

Good to see you are still as feisty as ever Farri:wave: Maj has a habit of making me jealous, every time he relates a flying exploit. Pud

I figured he needs some exposure to criticism Riley; for when he becomes a "Board/Director/Committee member" - or whatever the position is known as these days:wink: You've cut me deeply using that descriptive term "Upstart" Pud

And you are doing very well Maj, only one spelling mistake I can see..... I trust everything was well with our good friend Farri. Pud

Fan-bloody-tastic!!! Pud

Give us the 16 questions he couldn't answer. Pud

I know Stuart and have had a few conversations with him - he had a stand at Westfly last year. I have never used his material so can't comment. Pud

Hmmm, I thought so.... Gonna have to move a family camping weekend so I can go. I've set myself to fly the trusty Thruster to the flyin this year, assuming it is at Whitegum again, and not the Porongorups or somewhere just as farflung!!! Pud

Orr, come on mate!! You will be experienced in crossing this wonderful country in your Skyranger. How about doing it the other way now? Still, I'm sure we'll have a great time Puk. All the best and good luck with the flight to Kingaroy - what an adventure. Pud