Microlight Magic

Thanks guys, all interesting stuff, and clarifying this grey area. Andrew, don't be concerned mate, I have no interest in breaking the law, I am just trying to find out how the whole system works and it does seem that people do advertise scenic flights for a cost. Let me just add here, that I have no professional knowledge of how various operators carry out their business, and if i was to ever do something in the future, i would most certainly want to do it correctly and abide by all rules and regulations. I appreciate your concern though, and for keeping information regarding our great sport on the straight! So lets see if i have this right - basically, for someone to take TIF's you must be affiliated with a FTF and be an instructor (what level?). Alternatively is also possible to take pax on scenic flights and ask them to contribute/share the costs involved for the flight. I'm assuming that the operator can determine this cost? Nev, do you have a link to that previous thread? Thanks

G'day All, I was wondering if i might be able to seek some wisdom from those who are in the know in regard to paying passengers? More precisely, taking passengers on selected 'scenic flight' routes and charging a fee to do so. Now, I'm pretty sure that I am going to get a few comments here along the lines of, "it's not legal for RA aircraft to do so", which I could understand, except...so many seem to be doing it. However, (at the risk of answering my own question), is this just done by a somewhat cheeky means..ie, taking passengers up technically for a TIF, which just so happens to be a chosen 'scenic' route? Both trikes and 3 axis services in this area appear readily available. Does using an LSA aircraft make this an easier prospect? Finally, what pilot qualifications would be needed to take passengers on these 'scenic' trips, and what insurance coverage is required (pax signed disclaimer?)? My appreciation in advance for all comments. Very interested in this area (something i would love to do in the future!)

Hi All, Just wondering if I may get some information please on any airstrips west of Brisbane (West of Pullenvale, Brookfield area). Any and all info greatly appreciated. large strips, tiny strips, generous land-owners paddocks....?? Thanks in advance!

G'day Tomo, Yes thats the sort of area that i was thinking, but I must confess i am totally in the dark with that area in general. Just have a mate in the general area into flying and might have the opportunity to look around. Suggestions for great scenic flying spots? Cheers ian

Thanks Heon, i see what you are saying. I will clarify, inland (west) of brissy out around the hinterland area. Open to suggestion on distance, as i'm unsure of this area.

Hi Folks, Just wondering if anyone can advise on the flying scenery inland (20-40kms) from Brisbane? Also, any problems in this area with air traffic? Thanks

Hi Crezzie - right you are! Thanks for that, i shall have a look through that. Cheers Ian

Hi there to all trike owners, potential trike owners, or in fact anyone who may know something about...trailers! Just wondering if there are some truly well engineered trailers out there for Trikes - be it the one you have, one you have seen or one you intend to build. Even if it is one for sale! Pics would be terrific. This is something i would like to learn about and hopefully it may provide useful to others? I think a decent, functional trailer would be a worthy addition along with trike ownership, particularly for those without the benefit of long term secure hangar space. Thanks in advance.

RKW - thanks for the Foxbat clip. Man, those things are really quite impressive!! Are there many of these around in Oz? Are they becoming more popular?

Thanks guys for all the info. Helps a lot to hear it from people who arent selling things. Cheers

Thanks for all the positive comments guys. Davidh10, cheers for the advice. Yep..sooo addictive! I have been looking at plenty of 2nd hand trikes advertised, and as you say, i will indeed get my instructor to look over any potential purchase. prices seem to vary greatly thats for sure. Would love to go for an xt912 tundra...but unless i can find a great deal, i think it will be an edge 582 (hmm i wonder if tundra wheels can be fitted?). Know of any? (trailers too). Cheers

Excuse my lack of knowledge, but i was wondering if someone may be able to point out the Jabiru model that is best at docile slow flight and short landing/takeoff? Or are there other 3 axis aircraft maore capable in this area (A22, Storch, etc)? There certainly seems to be a lot of Jabiru's around - I guess this means they are doing the job pretty well? Are they a difficult aircraft to fly? Thanks

Thanks Tracktop and Mathew, Learning from Kevin Gilligan flying out from Cooya beach airstrip. Great guy, and brilliant instructor. Hehe the Port Douglas strip (i'm assuming where Skysafari are?) does look quite short! Mathew, did you learn 3-axis after weightshift? Cheers Ian

Thanks Dazza, looking forward to completing my training and advancing as far as possible with pilot qualifications. Will help when i can buy and aircraft...which will come after i find a decent job.... Farri, would love to drop in mate, when i am at a competent stage of flying. Might even like to check out the drifter!

Thanks Ian, Yes, quite a journey! My wife and 20 month old boy + Landcruiser packed to the hilt = good times though! We were fortunate to spend a few months trekking the east coast which made it a lot less taxing. Enjoying Qld very much though. I'm originally a Tassie lad, so much nicer weather up here...though i am a tad sunburnt at present! Cheers

Newbie here, Looking forward to getting to know this site and the people who frequent it a lot more (ie I will do my best to sponge as much information off those who know far more than i do about this wonderful world of aviation!). I have recently moved from Melbourne to Port Douglas in far north Qld and have been introduced to the excitement of open cockpit flight via the microlight trike! A joy flight has turned into flight lessons and I am now looking forward to completing my license. The weather is superb up here for open cockpit flying and the views arent too bad either! I am lucky to have found a brilliant instructor and one whom i have complete faith in. My experience to date is on the Airborne Edge trike with Streak IIB wing. I'm loving this little unit! I dont have my own aircraft, but hope that that may come at some stage in the near future! I look forward to interesting conversations and valued experience from site members! Cheers