gregrobertson

Hi Leigh. Thanks for the info. We were going into Mildura but it appears it would make more sense to fly into Wentworth. Hadn't planned to land at Woomera but it is a handy waypoint. Nice to have there in an emergency. I had not considered going home that way but just may change the plan as my mate comes from the Parks area and I'm sure he would love to see it from the air. Just writing this the thought occured to me that we realy are fortunate to be able to just change the plan to suit ourselves. What freedom flying brings. Regards Greg

Hi Dave. Might catch up with you up at Birdsville, what will you be flying? If you go into White Cliffs just watch the strip, I came very close to mincing three large kangaroos in a 182 up there a few years ago. They decided to cross the strip just after I had touched down ,the last one had a very close shave with the prop. Not good for the heart.

I am planning a trip from Latrobe Valley to Birdsville for the races in September, in my Skyranger and would appreciate any comments or feedback as to the best route. The proposed route is Latrobe Valley- Bendigo (fuel)- Mildura (Fuel)- Renmark- Port Augusta (fuel)- Woomera-William Creek (fuel) -Birdsville (fuel). Returning Birdsville- Moomba- Tibboburra (fuel)-Broken Hill- Mildura(fuel)- Bendigo (fuel)- Latrobe Valley. Any other suggestions ? I will need to spend some time on the phone to make sure fuel is available at William Creek and Tiboburra. Any information or feedback would be appreciated. By the way is anyone else going up this year. I have been before and it is a great trip. Greg

Try Tyab, they have both GA and RAA aircraft and it's close to home.

Hi Damien. I don't want to confuse you but the zodiac 601 XL seem much better value for money to me, very similar performance, proven design, removable wings (not as quick as the Vans) , and a lot cheaper. I don't have one (unfortunately) but there are others on this forum who do and would be far more qualified than I to give advice on them.

The 912 ULS is fitted with with a slipper clutch as standard equipment. It is a preloaded multi plate arrangement similar to thoes fitted to motor cycles. It is designed to slip in the event of a prop strike to protect the engine. Rotax recomend, as you say that in the event of a prop strike the gear box should be examined. It would have been nice if they had found a reason for the failure. Just makes you a little more cautious. Regards Greg

X-Lam is a trilaminate material. It has a middle layer of dacron scrim sandwiched between a plastic type material, very strong and is quoted as being much more UV durable. It is non-porous so just a wipe over and it's clean. It adds a few kilos to the weight of the aircraft and is a little more expensive but worth every cent. Rgeards Greg.

Hi Mathew. David's information is correct. However I have fitted another aux fuel tank between the standard tanks. This gives me a total of 90 litres, about 88 usable. At 17 l/hour this gives me 4.5 hours with reserve. I have X-lam covering and 912 ULS engine, one up I cruise at 92 knots, at MTOW a bit slower. Last year my son and I flew up to Birdsville return and averaged 85 kts. I don't know who is building where at present but if you contact Tony Holtham (Australian Agent) he would be able to tell you. Regards Greg

There will be a service to celebrate the life of Don Ewart at the Gulwarra Heights Reception centre 370 Burke St. in Warragul next Monday (10th) at 11 am. Don died tragicly last Saturday when his Avid and a Cessna 172 colided on final at Latrobe Valley airfield. Don was a good friend and will be greatly missed by many. Greg.

Hi Jason. I doubt there is much difference between short and long wing in landing and take off performance. There is only about 1-2 knots difference in stall speed, but the long wing has quicker roll response. Take off is brisk, most of the short wing aircraft have 912 ULS engines (100 HP) and that more than compensates for the slight difference in lift. Climb out is 1200 fpm easy. The short wing (swift) is the way to go. We are only a small family here in Australia and don't quite get the support they get in the UK, but we are all available to help out if you need it, only a phone call away.

Hi Mathew, Jason and Gavin. I would have to agree with David on the flying qualities of the Skyranger. I bought mine two years ago, the kit was delivered at the end of Jan 06 and the aircraft flew for the first time on May 16th 06. Tolal assembly time was about 350 hours. I was a first time builder and loved the build process. My skyranger is the short wing variety (swift) it is a little faster than the long wing version and handles turbulence better. Lightly loaded I cruise at 92 kts at 5000rpm and burn 17 litres/hr. At mtow I flight plan for 85 kts and almost always exceed it. It is a great cross country tourer with 270 kg useful load. Pilot, passenger a bit of baggage and 90 litres of fuel. My son and I flew from Latrobe valley to Birdsville return last September for the races and averaged 87 kts. Any aircraft is a compromise, but the Skyranger does it better than most and has to be the best value for money around. Am I happy with my choice? You Bet! Greg.

Thankfully I have never had to use the 121.5 ELT I have now and would never fly without it, but will be upgrading to a new unit next year with GPS. Greg

Hi Azhar. The Shyranger is really a brilliant aircraft. I built mine last year in about 3 months, the kit is first class and goes together very easily. Most of the work is of course in fitting the engine and instruments etc. Mine is X-lam covered with a Rotax 912 ULS and is the short wing version (highly recomended). It will cruise at 92 Kts and climb out at 1200 fpm, ground roll is about 50 m. I have had no experience with the wing fold option, although I am told it works quite well. Regards Greg

CHT of 112-118 deg C is not a problem for a 912 running on Evans NPG coolant. with a 1.2 atmos cap. They run a little warmer on NPG than on the old 50/50 coolant. Check with Bert Flood but I think you will find that Max CHT is 130 deg C. Ideal oil temp should be 100 so that any moisture in the oil boils off. My 912ULS runs at up to 125deg C CHT no problems. Regards Greg

John Washbrook at Freebird aviation Australaisa imports a great little hydraulic disc brake kit (Black Max BX 1000) He had a stand at Narromine. They are designed as replacement brakes for machines such as the thruster. [email protected] Regards Greg

Hi Doug. Don't worry I have fitted a throtle lock to my Skyranger. It is quite simple I'll send you some pics and you can fit it during the build. Greg

Hi Guys. I built a Skyranger last year. My first ever build, it took me 350 hours to complete. The kit and instruction manual are first class. The finished product is great to fly. I have done 120 hours in the first year including a trip to the Birdsville races and Narromine at Easter. Greg

Great story Doug. How many plastic bags do I need for a Jabbie? You are going to love the Skyranger!!!!!!!!!!! Greg

Skyranger

I joined up a few days ago but have not had time to introduce myself. I have a PPL and flew cessnas and pipers for many years until the budget ran out and I took a break for a few years. As many of you will know when it's in the blood it is hard to get rid of the bug, and I flew trikes for a few years as it was fairly cheap. Last year I built a Skyranger Swift (short wing) and have now done just on 100 hours in it, including a trip to Birdsville races last year. I hope to be at Narromine at Easter, lets hope for fair weather. Cheers for now. Greg Robertson;)