ParkesFlyer

Hey Guys, I think the left/right yaw thing is probably more to do with the pusher configuration of the Drifter. I presume that the motor rotates in the same direction as any other Rotax. If this is indeed the case, then rotate the motor 180 degrees through a vertical axis for a pusher installation and as far as the tail fin is concerned, it's rotating in the opposite direction. The effective opposite shaft rotation is countered by fitting a pusher prop but the end result is a prop wash spiral of the opposite "hand", striking the right side of the fin rather than the left. Those of us who are "tractor drivers" (airscrew on the front) are used to the secondary affect of fire-walling the throttle in flight, the nose of the aircraft will move up and to the left. With the Drifter I'd be willing to bet that in the same situation the nose goes up and to the right due to the opposite rotating prop causing an opposite wash, striking the fin on the opposite side (the right). ;) -PF.

Hey Steve, I've been to have a look, the people there were very accommodating, and friendly too. They were just finishing off the prototype 610. Actually I saw it again on the day of its maiden flight as I just happened to fly in that day. But this was the prototype, I'd be interested to see the final production version. I think there is a lot to be said for buying a locally produced aircraft, if only for after sales service! Will you be producing a story with photos for the rest of us when you pick it up? PF.

Oh yes, pictures and story please! You must be very excited! PF.

The bone yard (in Arizona?), yes. In fact I'm pretty sure the RAAF was getting spare parts from there for our fleet from time to time...

Actually, I guess this isn't so different to burying Spitfires after they'd served their purpose after WWII...

Yep, and you never know, maybe in 50 years someone will dig them up and restore them... What, I can dream can't I?

Good luck Jayz, Let us know how you go! PF.

Hey JJ, Thanks for that, I'll keep you in mind if we end up going that way (we've got a few months, so you may have sold it by then!). PF.

Lots of good ideas there, thanks Ozzie, Alan and Bob. Thanks for your help. Looks like whatever I do I should look at the Mobile Aviation Refuellers guide book which could be useful. :) PF.

Hey Everyone, We've got a syndicate here in Parkes awaiting the arrival of a shiny new Flight Design CTMC (more on that when it arrives!) but right now I'm wondering how we might go about fueling it with mogas. Currently we have 100LL stored at the refueling facility at the airport and long-term I'd like to think we could arrange a tank for mogas there as well. Trouble is, what can we do in the interim? What are the legalities regarding fuel storage? I can check with our local council (airport owner) to see what their requirements will be, but what about from an aviation perspective? Is it kosher to buy fuel in 200 litre drums and pump it straight from there? Can it be kept inside the hanger? How about outside? Does this increase the chance of water in the fuel? I'm aware some of us routinely refuel our craft from Jerry cans, but to me that seems pretty impractical (and awkward) . I'd be interested to hear what people think... -PF.

Hey Evan, Thanks for the story, I really enjoyed it! I did this at Easter in Swan Hill, had pretty much the same experience as you, I had a ball! I found that after the FoxBat my landings in the Tecnam seemed really smooth, and assuming I hadn't suddenly become a better pilot, I had to conclude that the suspension was lovely and soft in the heavier aircraft, did you notice this at all? PF.

Hi Jay, As Matt said, they'll want to give you a check flight first, might be easier on you if the hire ship is similar to the one you're used to, that way you can concentrate on the experience of landing on a foreign field, - it's a great feeling! My first fully solo nav was Forbes, West Wyalong (touch 'n' go on their gravel strip), Cowra (stopped and was offered a cuppa by the friendly folks at the Flying club), and back to Forbes, a great way to spend a day! My first flight from someone else's field in an unfamiliar aircraft type was at Swan Hill at Easter time whilst on holidays. The instructor was a real gentleman on the check-flight, and after an hour he let me go on my own. I think I did 2 touch 'n' goes and then came in for a full stop, I was exhausted! I'm used to a Foxbat and the Tecnam P92 had very different flight characteristics, but all-in-all it was an absolute buzz and would recommend it to anyone. Let us know how you go at Margret River! PF

Hey Evan, Thanks for asking the question, I've noticed the same thing! I'd tried a little power in the flare (it works with models!) but haven't mastered it, - will keep practicing! -PF.

Looks like a consensus, either I go to Goulburn, or call ahead and see if I can land at Gundaroo. The latter might be interesting, might make a call and see how I go... Thanks Everyone! PF.

Well the time has come, I have a chance to use my flying certificate for something other than pure pleasure! My son studies at Canberra and he needs to come back to Parkes for a dentist appointment, so I'm thinking, pending weather, I wonder if I could fly into a field somewhere near Canberra and pick him up? Clearly I'll need to stay clear of Canberra's CTA, I could go to Goulburn, but surely there is somewhere closer? Looking in the ERSA and the ERC low I see that there should be something at Yass, but it's not shown on the WAC, and the ERSA says "no AD" which looks to me like this is a nav beacon only. Does this mean the nearest AD to the NW/NE is Goulburn? Does anyone have any advice/ideas? PF.

I grew up on a vineyard, growing and drying fruit. Went to the city for an education and ended up an electronics technician. Worked for a fire alarm company on the drawing board doing layouts, then for an R&D company specialising in micro-controller hardware and firmware design. Had my own business as a sideline for a while and had one patent to my name, but I'm no entrepreneur, - too conservative! I spent seven years working as a technical officer working out of Talbingo with the Snowy Mountains Hydro Authority, and have spent the last sixteen years (has it really been that long?) working for a well known Research Organisation at Parkes. Still a technician, but these days tend to be a bit of a generalist and seem to have become a manager!

Hey Jake, It sounds like hard work! I wonder if there is a greater chance of getting water in your fuel using the jerry can? I'm wondering about condensate while the can is empty... I guess that won't be a problem if you keep the can full all the time? PF

Hey Dexter, If it's not too much trouble I'd really like to see that article, it sounds like its just what we need to look at to weigh up the options...could you email a copy? PF.

Thanks Dexter, We're looking at getting a new aircraft at the Parkes club and are wondering about if it'd be worth trying to arrange a Mogas supply at the AD. Have you been to mant aerodromes that actually have mogas? PF

Hey Jake, No, its a starter motor thing. I am interested though, in the "Avgas vs Mogas in the Rotax" question, what's your experience? Do you ever find Mogas at an AD? PF.

AAAAARRG! The trip is off, the Foxy has engine trouble and is out of service for a week or so...looks like I'm in for a long drive! This trip to Mildura has been my dream since I started flying, so I'll definitely still do it, but not this time. Thanks to everyone for all your great advice! PF.

Hey Heon, Thanks for the info about Skyfuel, I've already filled out my application form! :)

Hey Glen, Might do Wentworth as a day trip, it sounds well worth it. I'll be staying with family on a property a few miles west of the Mildura AP, so from a convenience point of view that's where I'll head, hopefully it'll all be ok! :)

Heh, I can just picture that happening! Noted! :)

Thanks Kaz, good to know! :)