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mechfx

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Posts posted by mechfx

    Sapphire training underway

    in Other Rec Aircraft

    Posted

    Managed another hour in the Lightwing on the weekend after 3 weeks of dodgy weather, things starting to fall into shape now, sight picture making sense, heel brakes not so weird anymore.

     

    Even managed a controlled downwind taxi and a "greaser" landing , I hope thats a good thing.

     

    Actually enjoyed the challenge and looking forward to the next episode.

     

    Flying is great isn't it ?

     

    Art

     

     

    Members around Broken Hill area

    in AUS/NZ General Discussion

    Posted

    Hi,

     

    looks like I'll be spending a bit of time in Broken hill later this year, just wondering if there are any members in that area with some local knowledge to share ? I should have my Sapphire with me so hoping to spend some time in the air looking around the district.

     

    I've contacted the local aero club already and they seem pretty friendly.

     

    cheers,

     

    Art

     

     

    Sapphire training underway

    in Other Rec Aircraft

    Posted

    thanks everyone thats exactly the sort of info I was hoping for.

     

    My Sapphire is one of the early ones , so no flaps and semi open cockpit. The motor (377) is in the upright position so is inducing a bit of drag. I'm hoping it wont want to float too much.

     

    A lot to learn....

     

    cheers

     

    Art

     

     

    Sapphire training underway

    in Other Rec Aircraft

    Posted

    Hi Art, it sound as though you don't have any tail wheel experience. If so, is it legal to fly your Saphire, even under instruction from the ground? I was under the impression one had to have a tail-wheel endorsement, even to fly a single seat aircraft.

    Thats my understanding too, hence the Lightwing lessons and the "supervised ground runs". I'm definitely not leaving the ground until legal and comfortable with my knowledge level , I hope the forum can be a good source of shared info before I take to the air. Any experience you'd like to pass on ???? Cheers, Art

     

     

    Sapphire training underway

    in Other Rec Aircraft

    Posted

    2 hrs of supervised ground runs today, I'm exhausted.

     

    the first time the tail lifted I thought I was going over ! but got used to it after a while. I've been told it will feel like it flies low in the nose compared to a Jab anyway.

     

    I have booked a lesson in a Lightwing taildragger tomorrow so am looking forward to another adventure.

     

    Anyone have any recommendations when trying a new type for the first time ?

     

    cheers,

     

    Art

     

    CIMG0443.jpg.0675d5f0f90424793f9cceff7b027f10.jpg

     

     

    Trailers for Trikes

    in Trikes and Microlight Aircraft Usergroup

    Posted

    Finally found the pics of my old setup. Was a converted boat trailer, just removed all unneeded bits and had 3 pieces of aluminium checker plate folded into trays and ramps. Was very light and seemed to handle not too badly.

     

    I had a shoulder injury at the time so lifting 50kg around was uncomfortable. You cant tell from the photos but the ladder frame holding the wing was on a pivoting mount from the front nudge bar.

     

    I would unbolt from the back edge, swing the frame (and wing) onto the ground at the rear. (half the load was then still held from the front)

     

    Walk around the front and disconnect the frame from the pivot (half the weight now supported by the ground at the back)

     

    You could then wheel the wing and frame(wheels stay connected to the frame) to the setup area, remove the wing and take the frame back to the car.

     

    sounds a bit complicated but it worked well.

     

    This probably doesn't help at all, sorry.....:)

     

    Art

     

    1582793698_Trike2v3.jpg.a84e6bcd2ab7680c4a0608166afd6308.jpg

     

    1913770184_Trike1v3.jpg.13f173192fdcfdaee0a47dc30ae8bb90.jpg

     

     

    Any Sapphire flyers out there ?

    in Other Rec Aircraft

    Posted

    Thanks for the replies, keep em coming.

     

    This one is an early version with the thicker wing profile (no Flaps, half screen) and running a 377 at the moment.

     

    Tail dragger training hopefully starts next weekend. I'm not the sort of person who rushes into things so I'll be taking my time.

     

    I'm still not sure what comes with the plane so I'm not sure what I'll need to get a hold of. (a copy of a POH would be handy ???)

     

    There is another Sapphire at the Oaks and another I saw at the Wedderburn open day last weekend.

     

    About a year ago I saw one on a trailer at the servo near Marulan and had a chat with the owner who had just bought it and was heading South I think.

     

    And Obviously there is the "Sapphire on a stick " just off the highway at Holbrook.

     

    I've always appreciated the shape and was intending looking for a plane later on, but when the situation presented itself and with Christmas coming up and I've been a very good boy then, well I couldn't let it pass.

     

    The very few regrets I've had in life are related to things I sold which I should have kept or things I didn't buy that I should have taken home.... Wasn't going to let this one go.

     

    Can anyone relate ????

     

    Art

     

     

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