Methusala

Some bus drivers have to do it repeatedly (in heavy cattle trucks) for wages.

I think that there are 1m. ways that an aeroplane can kill you. Not all have been found yet.

Found this little drama on Youtube courtesy of "Homebuilt Aircraft" forum.

Some amphibians have retracts and are registered with RAAus.

Try this!!!

Has anyone had experience with oil leaking from thew Prop shaft seal in a Rotax C-Type gearbox? Mine has suddenly started to shed a little gear oil. Any experience or tips welcome. Don

Nowhere near that much damage OME...ha ha ha ha!

We have a Tee hanger designed for Rans S-10 Sacota surplus. Some damage from tree impact. PM me if interested, Don,

HARS is a fabulous museum. The Southern Cross replica must be all but completed by now. The place is staffed mainly by enthusiastic volunteers who, going by my experience, are as generous with time and knowledge as you'd like. Having such a comprehensive collection within reach of most on the Eastern seaboard is a winner.

I think that the siting of the original Southern Cross in a somewhat distant and uninspiring building kilometers from either the domestic and international terminals is disgraceful and I started a thread on the topic here some years ago. Lindberg acknowledged that the trans-Pacific crossing by Kingsford-Smith et al was a greater feat than his Atlantic crossing. The Spirit holds pride of place in the Smithsonian in Washington whilst the old bus is existing, Cinderella like, in a shabby warehouse. Shame!

The 1990's coincided with Daimler-Benz being in bed with Chrysler, a US corporation, No? Anybody see the pattern? Don

Could be an unintended consequence of Morrison's trade war.

Certainly, crankshaft overhaul is a particularly specialised and skillful task. Checking it for wear within tolerance not quite so complex. I bought a new crankshaft when considering replacement due to failure. Even so, replacement of old with new part is not a watchmakers skill. We are still debating private operations vs for hire/reward. I think there is a world of difference. Who really wants to be an instructor with so many students trying to kill you?

Ps: Not many LSA's with R-582's to my knowledge, I could be wrong!

Thread drift has taken this far away from its origins. Recreational flying was intended to allow operators to assess their risk and act accordingly. My posts have attempted to argue that your decisions are dependent on the operational circumstances. Eg. Nev argues that taking off with high obstructions in your flightpath mandate a more conservative rule than the alternative. Are you going to risk tiger country? Is your aircraft likely to survive outlanding in a paddock? We are all involved in a pastime that contains some element of risk. It's up to you as pic to make a decision. Don't think that the govt is acting with your best interests in mind. Overhaul costs will vary according to what you wish to replace and your assessment of engineering probability. Do you want to do the work yourself - I know that it can be done successfully with care and underpinning skills..

This AD also mandates the overhaul periods for engines engaged in charter operations reflecting CASA policy related to the aircraft engaged in fare-paying passenger operations.

ie. No mention of manufacturer's TTIS  for aircraft engaged in private ops. that I can make out.

Requirements for operating piston engines in aircraft engaged in private operations are detailed in - AD/ENG/4 Amdt 11 - Piston Engine Continuing Airworthiness Requirements.

There is no mention of requirement to observe manufacturer's time expiry limits.

Our Drifter has a hatch on the forward top surface of the pod. This is held in place with a pair of black plastic Dzus-type fasteners. One went AWOL in rough conditions the other day. Any ideas where a replacement can be obtained? Don

The Sapphire that I saw was powered by a 2 cylinder Continental . It came from a generator set that were once as common as... in Vietnam. This one was found on a tip , I think around Bendigo many years back. It only produced about 30hp and was noisy as the exhaust directed onto the prop. Magneto ignition and 2 spark setup.The old bloke owner was very proud of it and had flown to Natfly , Narromine from central Vic. Gob knows where it be now!

Please show evidence that R 582's are injuring the public or causing a high rate of property compensation claims.

Yanks will sell these off so cheaply that discount airlines find them irresistible. We travelers (as always) will be grist to the mill. And so it goes!

A large diameter pipe cutter could work as well. I just thought that anyone considering using a hacksaw would be a little friendly with the bunnies!

49 minutes ago, Yenn said:

The caged little end bearing had given way, although we could not hear it.

Caged bearings are a big no-no! As someone said, "Cageless means more bearing material and no plastic." Splitting the case is not a big deal but requires special tools to service the x-shaft. Can't inspect the main bearings or the big ends without splitting the case. With the new seals in the bluehead coolant leaks from the seals are rare. I used the exhaust manifold to align the 2 barrels. So far, no exhaust leaks unlike before re-build.

Like the photo too, just think the season is far too corrupted and bleh! Bah, humbug.

3 hours ago, facthunter said:

Speed was everything for me in the early days.

Hey Nev, don't get me wrong! I had the opportunity to do a days "driver education" courtesy of Lake Constanz Porsche Club and my brother's 944S at Hochenheim ring in 1991. Won in my class and had a blast. Speed in automobiles is addictive. In aircraft it is beyond my thin wallet.

35 minutes ago, Yenn said:

Methusela have you ever done an engine overhaul on a Rotax.

G'day Yenn. Answer, yes. I bought a blue head and was told the big end was shot on one cylinder. Imported a new #99 crank from CPS THEN split the case. Found that the crank was in great shape but the needle rollers had deteriorated in one piston. Got new piston, pin and bearings from Floods and re-assembled it. That was 3 years and 120hrs ago. I fly in the Lake George area and never trust my engine over unlandeable country. The process to reassemble the engine was relatively easy. The previous grey-head had done over 750 hrs and was still pulling 6,300 with a Brolga 3-blade at 16deg pitch. To each his own in this form of aviation. I didn't touch the x-shaft/ water, rotary valve. Mix my own fuel/oil.

There are many descriptions either in written form or video showing dissassembly, inspection and reassembly of 582's. If taken carefully it is not beyond the ability of the average bloke to manage. Engines are not required to comply with manufacturer's (often self-seeking)  guidelines. Being conservative doesn't mandate extremes of caution. WE manage our approach to risk.