Thirsty

Yeah I'm not sure if that is correct. I went from "real" flying to RC and picked it up OK but many others where I fly didn't/can't. I reckon the two are totally different really. You may learn what the control surfaces do and that will help in the real aircraft but other than that I don't think there is any real relationship.

Well done mate. Don't worry about the airsickness. I was a bit crook after my first flight but no issues since. I also get seasick.

Hey Ryan, those aircraft are the ones I'm interested in as well. You'll find the Skyranger though is tube and rag while the others are fully built up aluminium. My favourite at present is the Sav but that could change :)

Nice video Andrew. I love seeing in cockpit footage especially of aircraft I haven't flown.

I took my first flight with Michael. A very bumpy day and a memorable flight - for all the wrong reasons! I also like the Foxbat but really for the money I don't think you can beat the Sav. I also hope to get all my training done this month and will likely do the same as you ie fly a bunch of types and see what's what. If you do a nav ex to MB drop in and say hi - I'm doing some mech work at RPA to get my L2's and am there pretty much every Mon, Tues and Wed.

Welcome mate. I too am a newcomer to RAA in SA. I'm flying at Murray Bridge with RPA and find them a very friendly group. I've heard Goolwa is a great place also. I also am thinking of buying sometime in the future and have gone through about 10 different types and still haven't really landed on one though the Savannah comes very close to meeting all my needs and it has the bonus of being very affordable.

You'd think Jabiru would want to get this right?? Being fairly new to RA I'd be very reticent to buy a jab engine. This annecdotal evidence is very bad publicity. I heard an old saying once - "perception is reality". It doesn't matter if user abuse makes these engines fail (though I really doubt that's the case) - the perception seems to be that Jab engines don't last to their TBO (or even a decent percentage of it) so the reality is just that. It may be harsh and maybe if I have a jab engine and look after it by the boo kit'll last to 2000hours. It's a pity 'cause I really like supporting oz companies. I really don't understand why jab dn't just make a thru bolt with a rolled thread and have done with it.

In no way mate! It sounds like you're in a good place now and best of luck for the future :)

Well done Josh. I reckon you've got your head screwed on right mate. Congrats and hopefully you'll be all legal soon.

Thanks for that - makes buying an aircraft easier!

I agree with CFI. I'm fairly new to Raa (came from GA). Why do we (I mean people generally) need to keep "improving" and pushing for more?? I reckon it's pretty good as it is and we should probably leave well alone. Just a newbie's point of view.

Mine came today.

Hi all, as the subject says is it possible to get a permanent approval to fly over built up areas in a kit built aircraft like a Skyranger? Seems to me it would be a fair problem if I couldn't fly over country towns and/or outer suburbs of larger towns in my 19 registered aircraft. According to cao 95.55 RAA or CASA can allow it but it doesn't mention permanent approvals. Thanks

Well I've almost decided to give parking outside a miss. For the sake of an extra $150 per month over parking outside I'll probably just take the hangar option. Thanks all for your advice.

Well actually I can get hangarage at Goolwa (just rang Geoff Eastwood) for around $200 pm (less if I can fold the wings). Tiedown is $50 per month. $200 per month is a lot of extra dosh when we're trying to keep costs down though so maybe the folding wings/trailering idea is the way to go. Don't know, will have to think about it some more.

Thanks Nev. I'll be checking on hangarage at the airports closest to me but from what I'm told there aren't many spots available. I may have no choice in the matter if I want to own my own aircraft. I guess if it comes to that then a trailer is an answer for something like an X-air - I'm guessing I can leave the trailer at the airport for the same monthly fee as leaving the aircraft parked there.

So even with full covers it's a no-go? I think the X-Air wings come off fairly easily so that would be a trailerable proposition. The other option is a Jab LSA55 which should handle the weather aspects better.

Hi Guys, just after some information mostly. It looks like any aircraft I buy will have to live outside or come home with me in a trailer each time I fly. What I'm wondering is will this be OK for lightweight, fabric covered aircraft eg SkyRanger/Thruster etc. I like the X-Air/Thruster types for a first aircraft but I'm not to sure how they'll handle being outside especially in our very hot summer. Any opinions or does anyone do this currently? Thanks

Will do. I'll be up there Monday or Tuesday.

Well that's something to think about. I assumed there (and we all know how that can work out!) that schools would definately insure their aircraft. I'll be checking my schools insurance arrangements before I fly again!

I agree, I would replace pretty much everything but the crankcase. Then again, seeing as how not much money is tied up in this engine you might be better off looking for another. You could probably buy a whole Brumby/Leone, take the engine out and sell off the rest as spares and maybe pay for the engine. As an interesting aside - BMW used to base their 1.5 litre F1 turbo engines on blocks out of BMW 2000 model cars that had done quite high mileage. Apparently the idea was if it hasn't brkoen by now it never will :) If anyone is interested I can dig out the article and scan it.

I doubt it mate. The aircraft is owned and insured by the school. The insurance company would be well aware of the use of the aircraft and the premiums would reflect the use. It's a bit like learning to drive in a driving schools car - you wouldn't expect to pay your own insurance there either.

I'm actually thinking about an LSA55 as a possibility too. Very cheap at present and not much corrosion to worry about. I'll be keeping my plane outside probably (covered) so glass seems like a good idea. Originally I was thinking Thruster (similar to Drifter but side by side seating) but I don't think they would like living outside very much. The other benefit with the Jab is the speed. Quite fast enough to do interstate trips.

And if I break something I'll now have to fix it! Needless to say I'll be very careful :)

Yeah they are surprisingly roomy inside. Everyone who flies them at the school I'm going to loves them as they have a pretty good power to weight ratio and they cruise pretty fast. Plus they're very cheap to buy now.