Piet Fil

Good work HeadInTheClouds defending Solomon on the international front, it turned what was potentially a destructive theme into a positive one about ambition and creativity. Very appropriate to cover a fellows back as we get nearer to Anzac Day! Very in spirit. My thanks to you HITC Phil

I'm thinking of flying across from polo flat, will check on the availability of a plane tomorrow Phil

Just trawled the site and its lovely to see the (Pietenpol) Aircamper listed. Its nice to know I am currently building recognised history! ha ha ha Phil

Now I have finished the wing ribs and the empennage of my Pietenpol Air Camper build, I feel justified to change my log-in to Piet Fil! (not to mention the few who mistook me for the Kylie part of Kyliefil ) Nothing else has changed Phil

Peter, how did you accomplish the name change? I'd consider doing the same if I knew how. Phil

Well done, ayavner. It's a feeling that you'll never forget. It only gets better from where you're at. Phil

Flyer me, was that the 'dairy' of jack flyer? Sorry I'm feeling pretty cowed after that cheap pun. I guess I'm not in the moo'd. I'll stop now Phil

I am going to drive up for the day from Canberra on either the Friday or Saturday. Leaving at around 0700 and returning around 1800-1900. I will have spare seat if anyone wants to do a day trip PM me. Phil

Scotty, I was still thinking about what to do next. Steelwork means I have to buy a new TIG machine, that may have to wait till tax time. Fuse takes up a lot of room once built, so may have to wait till the new house late this year/early next year. Wings ... mmmm, big, but can hang off the garage walls or ceiling. Both wings and fuse require the long bench which I don't have room for just yet. Ah decisions decisions. For the landing gear, I am going to use the J-3 style undercarriage with 600 x 6.00 wheels.

Just to keep Scotty on his toes (and the pietenpol building competition alive) Here's a photo of the 98% empennage completion. All the shaping and sanding is done. Just gotta glue some 3/16" spacers on for the tail wire supports.

Pm me and I'll send you photos of two (one left and one right) I was about to list on eBay later this week, if you want. Phil

Good work Eric, it's a good feeling isn't it. I have found that a side benefit of all the flying assessments is that I am now taking any assessment I have to do (just got my medium rigid licence) in a much calmer less stressful mode. I think it's attributable to the flying the plane first to the best of our ability and accepting the outcome of the assessment as a secondary outcome. Anyway enjoy your newly earned freedom. Well done Phil

Enjoy it Tomo (I know you will) I was there Tuesday and Wednesday, just wait for the f-22 raptor flying, my lord that's impressive. The other one I really loved was the decathlon doing the second half of a cuban8 in negative G! Do I mention the young lady in the edge 330 going knife. Edge down the length of the runway at about 2.5 m ..... Awesome couple of days, but I wish I was there for the Friday to see the warbirds and more rec guys turning up. All in all, well worth the trip in my books Phil

Scotty, Looking great, starting to really come together. Loved the photos with the empennage in position makes it look very plane like. Can't wait to be at that stage.

The bits are getting larger. the almost finished Horizontal Stabiliser. (Please ignore the safety thongs in the workshop) Phil

Thanks for posting that, enjoy James may's shows immensely. My daughter watched it with me, so flying bonding time was had. Good stuff Phil

EAAs Sport Aviation is a good read, I find it contains a really good mix of articles. Phil

Some more photos added to the album showing eyebolt hinges, nutplates for hinges and tapered horizontal stab end pieces. Should be guing up the Horizontal Stabiliser this arvo/ tonight

Liked and posted, keep up the great work Phil

Been busy machining the Empennage timber and laminating the main beams, leading edge and trailing edge. Also rebated the main beams to insert some ply reinforcing where the hinge eyebolts are to go through. Next job will be jigging up the Horizontal Stabiliser and fitting all together before gluing up.

Blue dog, I think that's one of the joys of flying for me, the fact that you are continually learning, maintaining and refining your skills at all times. Welcome and fly safe Phil

Maj, She is a 1969, by chasis No's she should have overdrive, which is why the new gearbox sits beside my newly constructed empennage building bench. Time to rip and thickness some spruce :-) Phil

GG, Covered under section 6 of CAO 95.55 if thats what the plane has been built under. Para 6.2 states: 6.2 In spite of sub-subparagraph 6.1 (a) (ii), if a person has wholly built or assembled an aeroplane to which this Order applies, or a group of persons has wholly built or assembled such an aeroplane, then that person, or each of those persons, may use the aeroplane for their personal flying training. If you amatuer build under 95.10 or 95.28 you'ld have to read those in detail to find out whether you can be instructed in the aircraft. As you can guess I am building under 95.55 which will explain my familiarity Phil

Just watched a really interesting story on a couple of female Chief Pilots in outback Oz. It was on Landline (ABC). It was called "Skys the Limit" link is below for watching online: http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2012/s3605419.htm good stories Phil

Ayavner, My wife accepted I was just growing older and not growing up so she bought me the MGB in 2005 .... I love her to death (the wife and the car). Great fun to drive and now the girls fight over whos going in Dad's car! Sorry ... back to topic Phil