TurboJetta83

Some great classics there! For me, it would have to be 'The Theme From One Six Right' by Nathan Wang, from the documentary film 'One Six Right'. Fittingly, it was written for just such a purpose - and written perfectly I believe. It's a great film to see too, if you haven't already.

Dave, what a fantastic looking aircraft! What an unbelievably exciting and proud moment it must have been for you, the moment it left terra firma! Did you document the building process? It would be excellent to see the build stage by stage. This is my next goal/dream... to build my own aircraft! My first was to learn to fly (currently underway) by my 3oth birthday. I'm thinking that this next one may be before my 50th! Happy flying. :)

Hey Pookemon, I had a look at your build log site... What a fantastic setup you have there - and it looks like the Karatoo is coming along nicely. Is that a 4 1/2" reflector telescope I can see in the back of your workshop? I hope the build progresses positively. --- And hi Frank and Kaz, Frank, I've got plenty of time to eventually try my hand at the drifter. It looks like a very visceral way to fly. :D Just need some good weather so I can actually continue my training! ;)

Agreed, very poor weather! I didn't know about Raglan Airport - good one to remember! :) Is that a Karatoo under construction in your display pic?

Hey Pookemon, and thanks for the warm welcome. I know Ballarat Aerodrome - visited it (by car) several times. I've got some family who live nearby in Beaufort. I'm looking forward to visiting them down the track, flying into YBLT. Should shave off a couple of hours travel time when the day comes. Tooradin's surrounds certainly are very picturesque - a good thing I'm only 20 minutes drive from the airfield too. :) I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into some good cross-wind ops... However, the weather this weekend doesn't look favourable for flying at all... Might have to wait another week... Damn!

Hi Tomo and MrH, Thanks for the enouragment and advice.

David, Wayne, Neil and djpacro - thanks for the warm welcome and encouragment. My desire is to be the safest pilot I can be - so I'll happily embrace the early challanges of cross-wind ops. Cheers, Jack

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I'm getting the feeling that I'll be contending with cross-wind landings rather frequently. Oh well, the more experience the better. Gareth, you're a little bit ahead of me - glad you're loving it, I'm certain that I will be too. I already am! Ron, my first lesson was in the J170. I'm not sure if all my training will remain on the J170, or whether I'll have some lessons in the J160 also. Cheers, Jack

Hello Everyone, I've just started flying training with Aus Air Services (Tooradin Flying School) at Tooradin Airfield (YTDN). Finally undertaking my boyhood dream of becoming a pilot. Just want to express that this is a fantastic site and place rich with valuable information. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from all the experienced (and similarly new) pilots within this community. Happy Flying, Jack