Thruster87

Iraj PM me your email address and I'll send some pics and full info on work done.My Thruster is a TST with a 503 . Cheers T87

The main reason I decided to mention the importance of appropriate material [all the parts] choices was with respect to ENGINE BAY FIRES and how to hopefully buy time.So the next time you have a look, visualize what would happen in case of a fire and how a hot spot could spread or lead to a fire and how to slow ingress into the cockpit area of both HEAT and GASES. Also should have mentioned Aluminum cabin heater boxes as a prime area of concern as these should also be made from s steel as it would be a direct line to the cockpit. Cheers T87

Looking at the pictures posted on these forums it appears many are using inappropriate materials in the engine bay. Plastic ties should not be used but Adel Corrosion Resistant Steel band, Silicone Cushion (400F) clamps, End sealing fire sleeves using RTV 106 type of sealant, Fire wall thru grommets need to be covered with Stainless steel covers and any area that may allow any gases to penetrate into the cockpit sealed, All hose fittings should be steel as aluminum ones will fail very quickly due to high temps. So select carefully the materials you have used, so as to minimize the risks in case of an engine bay fire. Cheers T87

Looks like I have to put my re-built TST on the market as I will not have the time to fly due to a kit arriving and the TLC required on the new /old house. I'll post pics once it is reassembled and a weight/balance done. If you are interested IRAJ send a PM Cheers T87

Well Done but reading your post sounded a bit like a cowboy,[or is it exuberance] so be cautious and enjoy a long lasting experience Cheers T87

Came across this OZ site for tools etc www.idp.net.au They sell 1/8th clecos for $1.00 + gst each and around $11.00 postage to NSW for 100. Cheers T87

Tig is the choice for aircraft welding as it can be controlled to very fine parameters. Factory manufactured aircraft parts can only be welded by a certified aircraft welder.You really need to be sure that any parts that are welded are to a very high standard. Cheer T87

Hi Chris, I bought a gun kit on ebay for around $185.00 landed including 28 snaps and 3 bucking bars. Sioux,APT,Dotco,Jiffy, Ingersoll Rand are the some of brands I'd be looking for in a 2x or 3x size .401 shank fit, for the average kit.Check out the following site in the USA Cheers T87 http://www.cpostores.com/yardstore/browse.cfm/2,402.htm

I'll have to modify my small esky as the idea seems pretty good. Put a thin hollow dish with many small holes on the bottom then ice on top and blow the air thru it and out at the top, nice and cool for $50.00 ? Cheers T87

ABC radio report of aircraft down at Albion Park Airport [heard the sirens but not sure what went down] T87

As an apprentice we used to make the 707 floor panels using honey comb fiber boards with a couple of layers of fiberglass mating using two part epoxy resins so as to keep them light.Stilettos used to puncture holes in them. That was 40yrs ago as I just recall I think I do well maybe. Cheers T87

Hey Flyer40 as I've also had to pay for the inspection/pest/survey reports before I buy a house and that means every house you may consider[in NSW anyhow], which seems a bit unfair.I think the seller should be responsible for these documents. That's my bit for the day.At the moment planning to make the new garage comfortable for the upcoming 601xl project. Cheers T87

Hi Towering Cu, Managed to get a good rate only on the deposit,but hopefully the share market goes up by February. Build time will depend on how well I can manage my time between building A/C and renovations on the NEW OLD house.

Going with the 3300 and have ordered the FWF from the USA. Jaspers is still on hold due to the legal challenge. Have to buy a new house with a bigger garage to fit all the toys in. Cheers T87

Just received the Zenith CD and plans kit, appears very detailed.They have delivered about 39 kits to Australia so far and 3/4 are still under construction. Cheers T87

Hi Tony, I'll have a set ASAP. What purchase/payment method would you prefer. Thanks T85 [Would buying via the forum shop pose problems?]

http://www.sonnyradio.com/airfactory.htm How to hide the Lockheed Factory in Burbank during the War. Cheers T87

Yes we are very fortunate to have these aircraft and still keep them flying.It's all to the volunteers who roll up and the generous donations from the Public and Businesses around the country. Cheers T87 [but I'm still looking forward to getting the 601xl kit]

Hi Matt, Did you cross paths with the HARS Fleet [Connie,Dac,Cat and cessna 310]which flew up the coast. Cheers T87

THE first explosive suppressant foam has been fitted in the fuel tanks of C-130 aircraft to protect both the platform and the people who operate them. The first installation took place at RAAF Base Richmond on December 10 when the foam was fitted to a C-130J. Squadron Leader Cameron Leslie, from Aerospace Development’s Aircraft Survivability Directorate, said the foam acts as a physical barrier in the event of a fuel fire or explosion. “A fuel tank contains a mix of liquid and fuel-laden vapour. As fuel is used, the level of vapour in the tank increases. Possible ignition of the fuel liquid following an incident is not the problem, but the vapour is an explosion risk,†SQNLDR Leslie said. The foam is fitted to fill the entire tank space and contains the liquid fuel and the vapour. In the event of an explosion, the foam helps absorb the explosion and inhibits the spread of fire. “Fitting of the foam to the first aircraft was conducted by a combined team of Australians and overseas personnel from the USAF at Warner-Robins AFB Georgia, and Lockheed Martin from Marietta Georgia. The modification to the first Hercules late last year occurred in a better than expected timeframe and deserves a pat on the back for the people involved,†SQNLDR Leslie said. The flexible foam blocks are manufactured from polyurethane and are similar in appearance to that found in packaging, though coarser and more durable.

Lycoming has issued a mandatory SB 578 on 21 Sep 2007. Lycoming has determined that a quantity of cylinder kits may have been shipped with incorrect cylinder assemblies between June and August 2007.

Tha Jab 3300 is looking better all the time.Think I'll go with it. Cheers T87

Latest Price for The quote below is for a Lycoming Thunderbolt Signature Series O-235-EXP (N2C). The engine is equipped with a certified Precision Airmotive carburetor. The standard ignition system consists of your choice of (1) Slick impulse coupled or retard breaker magneto, (1) Slick standard magneto, sparkplug harness, and sparkplugs. The engine includes oil filter adapter, vacuum pump drive and mechanical tach drive. Engine accessories such as vacuum pump, starter, and alternator are not included. The pistons and connecting rods are match-weighted to within ½ gram. The engine will be comprised of 100% new parts and will be tested in our production test cells to the certified standard. The engine will be accompanied by a comprehensive 2 year/200 hour parts and labor warranty. Other options below. Engine Model O-235-N2C USD $22,250.00 Oil System Full-Flow Oil Filter Adapter No Charge Oil Screen and Housing Assembly No Charge Fuel Injection Systems Airflow Performance Injection System No Charge Precision Silver Hawk Injection System No Charge Add Fuel Injection Remove carb, add fuel injection. 2000.00 Note: There is no charge for choice of fuel injection brands listed; $2K upcharge applies only to carbureted engines modified to fuel injected status. [Ex. "O-320" modified to "IO-320."] Ignition Slick (1 L-Impulse 1 R-STD) No Charge Retard Mag (ea) Substitute for Impulse Mag No Charge 2nd Impulse Mag (ea) Substitute for plain mag 380.00 Slick High Voltage Start Module (use w/Retard mag) 400.00 Delete one side of ignition system** -300.00 Delete entire ignition system** -600.00 Engine Color Thunderbolt Titanium No Charge Gloss Black No Charge Two-tone Titanium/Gloss Black (Customer Favorite!) 200.00 Custom Color (most colors) 200.00 Two-tone custom colors (most colors) 400.00 Chrome (4 cylinder) Rocker Box Covers 325.00 Intake Pipes 255.00 Push Rod Tubes 535.00 "Full Dresser" Chrome Kit (All of the above) 975.00 Build Enhancements Fine-wire Champion Sparkplugs (4 cyl) 300.00 Port and Flow / Vol. Cylinder Matching (4 cyl)*** 600.00 9.7:1 Compression Pistons (125 hp) 250.00 Christen Inverted Oil System (Except Hoses) 1,000.00

My understanding is that Zenith and the Czech Aircraft Works parted company.The Czech version goes for around $92,000.00 factory built. At the end of the day you just have to bite the bullet and get one as new designs are coming out all the time. Cheers T87

[Just as an aside, did you consider Garry Morgan's Sierra 100 when you were looking at kits?] Yes, but its' not a proven design yet, not to say it won't handle the long haul but? I prefer the more traditional build methods and vital safety testing that has been done by Zenith. Cheers T87 [ I asked Liezel if anyone else had bought one near me in case we could save on freight]