Owi

Actually, I've been taught (in GA and RA) that the recovery has to be made before 3000ft AGL. In reading this thread, I've now realised that this is probably because FTFs add on a little more to the CASA specified minimum - just in case a student really stuffs up the recovery and needs that bit more leeway. On my first few attempts at stall recovery, I lost about 200 - 300 ft because there seemed such a lot to focus on and then suddenly - wing drop! - and my instructor had to correct this. Of course, with a little more practice I now understand that it's not such a lot of work anymore and can recover within 50-100 ft. The idea of stall practice is to learn to recognise when a plane is about to stall in flight. It can happen at any stage and speed, not just low & slow and/or in turns. Of course, it also varies with the aircraft. Just my 2c worth.

I hear ya, doc. You didn't mention it's age in years, but there's this consumer law regarding reasonable usage for the price paid (I forget the exact term). It basically protects the consumer from 'standard' warranty lengths, especially in the case of higher-value items. Cars tend to have a 5 year warranty now - instead of the ridiculously short 12 months - this is a more reasonable assurance that all the essential bits will still be working fine until then. A new aircraft of any price should easily fall within that category. Or is there some caveat that I (and other prospective buyers) may be unaware of regarding new aircraft? Cheers,

Gawrsh! That has to be the coolest hobby ever! What dedication to the art! If that's the guys job, then I am in awe!

Most of the first two replies applies to me; and my leatherman is an essential accessory. Hardly a day goes by that I don't use it. I feel naked without it. I carry another one in my flight bag too. I reckon that wetwipes / tissues / toilet paper are also pretty handy to have. As a side question - how much do you reckon the average fully equipped flight bag weighs? Does anybody factor that into their preflight weight/balance calculations? Cheers.

Surely there's a warranty that covers this sort of thing? (I've never owned an aircraft so I don't know about these after-sales matters.)

Yeah, it's a bit flat. Needs a bit of blue to spice it up. Still, I'm not keen on flying with an airline whose name suggests it doesn't go all the way.

Great stuff, Winsor. Congrats.

Goes to prove the old adage - "truth is stranger than fiction". Great read, thanks for sharing.

Niiice, mate. You're so lucky to have such a view nearby. Can't get shots like that at my nearby YSSY. PS: obvious where this is as your sig box gives it away!

After a long lesson with a lot of taxi-ing, getting into my car to go home and finding myself trying to steer with the accelerator and clutch.

Good 'un mate. Clever fella.

Good on ya, Evan. Well done!

Cool video, Slarti. Thanks for sharing it.

Hear, hear. Good on ya, Carol! From my point of view, your involvement in NATFLY is crucial to the success of the event in Temora. I had a great time working with you and, if I didn't already make it clear before, I am putting up my hand to volunteer for next year now. I hope you are able to push on. Regards,

Heh-heh, John. Sorry, I do have little tendency to shoot first and apologize later. Not aimed at you but more a general comment about how user-unfriendly that is. It looks as if it was published without any thought to presentation. I don't know if the site is professionally managed or kept by volunteers but it could be better presented. Cheers.

Jeepers, mate. Although I did download and look through them, the way the links are presented on the website is hardly going to get people curious enough to WANT to look and see. A quick summary to explain what information to expect from the link would've attracted more attention. Also, having to compare CAOs to extract a bit of vague info is not going to make the new rules clear. We're aviators, not lawyers or politicians (most of us, anyway!).

Thanks, Cazza. This was only my second NATFLY, so I stand corrected. It doesn't bother me that it's over Easter, it bothers me that the attendance (by people and vendors) was down and I feel that this was due in large part to the convergence of Easter and ANZAC day on the same weekend. It had to have been a factor. If all they could carry from their shop was a few bottle-openers and some Bolly caps for GYFTS, then I'm shocked that they couldn't find a bigger bag! I think that they could've done a brisk business selling merchandise to people like me who like to see and touch before we buy. Thanks!

Hey Jerra, Since I'm still learning the basics myself, I've not yet actually used my iPad in flight. I feel I need to get comfortable with the "traditional" tools before I start converting to the iPad versions. Even then, I reckon the iPad is more of a backup tool rather than the main means of navigating; although that view could change down the track. Having said that, I do use it on the ground a lot. I've just discovered NAIPS for the iPad and it's great. Can't wait for OzRunways to become fully functional (moving maps) in the next release. No doubt though - it does beat having to carry a few tree loads of books and papers around! Cheers,

Thanks, all. I'll have a look at the differences. Even so, it sounds as if the CR is the preferred choice for most.

Sorry, newbie to NAVs here - what's the difference between this and an E6B? (Which I have). Cheers

Mate, I saw the Cessna guys doing what looked like a runner on Friday morning. Maybe they realised that people were actually going to touch their precious plane! Very poor commitment to potential sales if you ask me. I've scratched the C-162 off my shortlist because of this.

Above comments sound quite valid to me. I also felt that this year the show seemed a bit flat compared to 2010. Some vendors were missing and there wasn't such a buzz as we had last year. I didn't see anybody advertising any TIFs either, which was quite a let-down as I had saved up a stack of cash to spend on a few TIFs. I was thrilled to see the Cessna C-162 Skycatcher at last, but was surprised and let down by the attitude of the AMP rep. "Put all your metal things down over there, I don't want the plane to get scratched." Geez, things must be really tight at Cessna that they can't show off a new plane properly? Why didn't they just put a cordon around it and make it view/touch by invitation only? (Silly idea, I know). While I understand the reason for the timing of this year's event (conflict with Avalon, etc.), I think that putting it over the Easter weekend turned out to be a bad idea - competing with long-standing family traditions and other established events elsewhere meant it was already going to have trouble getting "bums on seats". The time of year is bad - it was way too cold and a bit wet for a comfy camp out and the weather too inclement for reliable flying. There are not enough interested locals to fill the gaps in attendance. I was quite disappointed that RA-Aus didn't bring their goodies shop down this year (I was told the trailer was in Melbourne and couldn't be brought up in time!). I feel that was quite a stuff-up on their part and would've been costly in terms of lost sales and a missed opportunity to add commercial exposure of RA to the public in general. Where were the NATFLY mugs and other souvenirs!? I bought a NATFLY 2010 mug last year and was hoping to continue the collection for each year of my attendance! I enjoyed most of the forums I attended - there was enough for me that I had to toss a coin on a couple of occasions. So, from me, a huge thank you to those numerous people who generously give of their time, knowledge and resources to help us become better aviators. There are criticisms, but I will hold on to them for now, since I realise that most are not used to doing this sort of thing and can get things wrong (I work in a corporate environment where presentations have to be slick, and am used to those standards). I hope to make a separate post about this later. Regardless of the negatives, it was a nice time out from the usual humdrum of city life. I already can't wait for NATFLY 2012!

Many probably think "Flying High" was quite authentic, surely?

One of my favourite pilot hero stories. This bloke is in the same league as Capt. Sully (Hudson landing).

Golly, mate! I wish I were closer to your location. I'd be a regular. Good luck.