Garfly

Cross-wind landings are a staple on YouTube (competing with kittens ;-) probably because they look (especially through long lenses, head-on) so anomalous and perilous. (And, I guess, to avgas-heads rather beautiful).

 

Anyway, this airliner compilation is a good one.

 

You can really see that some pilots do and some don't bother with the kicking straight bit. And even when the engines are on the fuselage they don't seem to go in for the wing low method. I'm guessing because of dutchroll's explanation (b). That is, pax would prefer to sense themselves in a crab than a roll just before touchdown.

 

But back to our types, in particular, the Skyranger - as in Scott's original post - there's this interesting post by Paul Dewhurst on BMAA forum:

 

http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=32&m=70043

 

I've posted this link before, here, but it might be worth another read in context.

 

 

Yes, that's right. North America uses the same measure but Australia uses a different one so when facthunter refers to mogas 98 you'd have to make the adjustment.

 

 

The US and Canada use a different measure of Octane rating than most of the rest of the world so those numbers can't be directly compared.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

 

 

MGL have recently released a firmware update for their SP-6 compass module. It works with their various EFIS products.

 

http://www.mglavionics.co.za/SP6.html

 

It features a new auto-calibrate function (achieved by flying a certain pattern) and promises a new level of compass accuracy.

 

It's ironic that the perfect compass finally comes along at this point in history.

 

On the other hand, when EFIS boxes combine accurate gps (GS and track) info with air info and temp. (TAS) with good heading info from a solid state compass they can work out accurate real time winds-aloft. Maybe that'll be its main usefulness.

 

 

If you do go into town there's a good café in the McFeeters Motor Museum - well worth a visit anyway.

 

In any case have a good flight. I look forward to reading about it on your morerightrudder blog

 

 

There is an interesting thread related to this topic on the BMAA Skyranger forum.

 

http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=32&m=70043

 

 

NBN Newcastle is reporting that Belmont airport (Aeropelican), Lake Macquarie, NSW, is in the process of being purchased by a consortium (including Matt Hall) and is expected to re-open as an airport. It's been closed for seven years and had been expected to be redeveloped for other purposes. However, the Lake Macquarie City Council held out for it to be kept as an airport. Seems like good news for flyers in the area.

 

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/10/16/mirvac-finds-buyer-for-belmont-airport/

 

 

There are many apps that give a kind of AH / HUD display that are quite cheap or even free.

 

For example "FlightInstruments" http://www.bbflight.com/home/FlightInstruments

 

This one uses the "solid state gyro sensors" in the later iPhones and iPads etc.

 

to provide attitude information.

 

I'm not sure how it'd work as back up in a real emergency but I suppose

 

this technology is a step up from gps derived attitude information - the alternative short of buying a proper AHRS box with bluetooth connectivity.

 

As well as gps GS and altitude this app also displays your position relative to the nearest airport in plain language

 

such as "6.2 NM NW of YTMU" plus the local comms freq. I imagine that could be quite useful in a panic situation - assuming one got as far as the 'Communicate' phase of proceedings.

 

Even if such apps were workable in that last-ditch back-up role, of course, it be no good if your iPad was stuck on your knee! And in any "just in case" scenario it would be no time to be jumping between nav and horizon apps. You'd want to try to keep aware of where you are as well as which way's up. (Needless to say, I'm not suggesting anyone, untrained, would readily pull it off anyway.)

 

So I suppose that for such apps to be at all feasible - even as a 'last chance' back up - the device would at least have to be pre-mounted on the dash. Maybe one way is to mount an iPhone up front as well as having an iPad (maybe on a knee pad). I think this can be a good arrangement anyway - apart from inadvertent lost horizon situations. Even both running OzRunways, for example, displaying different info. can work well. Plus being a back-up for each other up.

 

Anyway, independently powered 'situational awareness' devices will still work - for a while - if ship's power goes down. I guess most people who fly with an installed gps system would carry a portable of some kind, just in case. And the iPhone can function as stand-by comms. (And, yes, for x-country nav. there is always our primary means of navigation.)

 

I don't really see how fuel flow information might be fed to a simple app. unless someone has come up with a ff-sender that works on bluetooth.

 

all the best,

 

gary.

 

 

Or ... maybe no need to worry? :

 

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/05/26/belmont-airport-up-for-sale/

 

And on a current Lake Macquarie City Council site:

 

Q. Can LMCC re-open an airport (at Pelican or Cooranbong) to provide important services and generate income?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://haveyoursaylakemac.com.au/faq/index/3#35

 

 

I don't know if the name of this magnificent wee bird is settled yet, but if not ...

 

making the Aussie connection I'd be tempted to suggest 'The Girtby C' but that wouldn't fly.

 

So my official suggestion is 'Mudskipper'.

 

I mean no insult, mind, to either plane or beast when I note that there is something of a family resemblance.

 

(Whilst more practical than gorgeous, both are placed high on the cute scale.)

 

And the name would be more apt still when the amphibious version comes along.

 

Plus, you could sort of say that mudskippers have two sets of 'wings' when they 'fly' (and fold 'em when they don't).

 

And they specialise in short hops out of soft fields. They certainly look to be having fun.

 

(Funny enough Maule Aircraft Co. had a naming competition for one of its new models years ago and I actually offered this suggestion to them, then. Never heard back. Go figure!)

 

Anyway, HITC, whatever it's called I wish you well with, what I reckon's a really viable venture.

 

It has what it takes to capture young (as well as older) imaginations and may give sport aviation the kick along it needs.

 

And I'll be angling for a free ride anyway ... a consolation prize!

 

Gary.

 

 

I sent an email in support of the council's original decision

 

(to allow the airfield to continue)

 

to Mayor Joanna Gash and Shoalhaven councillors:

 

[email protected]

 

 

Jetjr, I've seen those stick-on temperature strips you were looking for advertised 'on special offer' on this site (Under "Jabiru Tech"):

 

http://www.xairireland.com/

 

But I suppose they're also available closer to home.