hjubm2

Well with only 50 days until the start of the RFDS Outback Air Race 2018 I thought it would be good to start logging the build up and the race. Before I start, if anyone wants to help out our team in raising donations and help support the RFDS out can donate to our cause at www.TeamSkippy.com.au. So a bit about the event. For those that have not heard of it before the Air Race is a GPS-based navigation time trial where each team elects the time it will take them to fly between two visual points. They are then scored for how close they are to the elected time and how close they pass to the two visual points. This year the event is covering approximately 2125nm (3940km) from Archerfield in Qld and finishing 2 weeks later in Broome WA. Currently there is 39 aircraft and 96 participants entered into the race with most from WA. Sadly it's looking like we are going to be the only competitors supporting the RFDS Central Operations (SA & WA). For the event we will be flying my Thorp T18 nicknamed "Skippy" (Hence Team Skippy). Skippy was build in 1977 by Ben Weidemann in Victoria. Even though Skippy is over 40 years old he has only flown just over 1000 hours. He's powered by a Lycoming O-320 with a cruise speed of 140 knots @ 32 L/hr. Sadly that only gives us about a 2.5 hours endurance with reserves so it's going to make for a very slow trip back from Broome via half of WA. Hopefully you will all follow along with us throughout this event and cheer us on. I will update this thread with more information as i get time and as things happen. Again if anyone wants to help us out, you can find more information about us, the event and Skippy plus support us (and the Royal Flying Doctor Service) at www.TeamSkippy.com.au

So how's everyones planning going? Only 6 months until the race!

So who's put there entry in for the OAR2018? Entries have been open for about 2 weeks and are now about to close with over 35 teams already signed up for 30 positions!

Well entries are officially open! Now just need to find someone to enter with and start fundraising. Can't wait!

I'm looking to enter in the Thorp when entries open. Been watching it for the last few events so be great to enter it.

So I tried getting a spinner off Alan. Took a while to get through to him and sent through all the dimensions he wanted but now haven't heard from him in over a week so looking for other options. Is there anyone else in Australia that makes Aluminium Spinners? All my searches are coming up blank. Failing that does anyone know of anywhere that I can get a custom Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber spinner made? Just wanting to try and get it all fixed up without having to pay around $1k to get one from America that I then need to find someone who can drill the required holes and do the cut outs for the prop. I never thought this would be so hard. Thanks all

Cheers for the tip, I'll have a chat with them tomorrow. Cheers

Exactly why I am looking to locate a new spinner etc atm, just not sure where to look atm. Cheers for the tip on the unbalanced prop, it was recently balanced but i'll get it looked at. Cheers

I'm predicting that the spinner will need complete replacement. I'm trying to locate the parts and get it replaced before the 16th when the CAO 100.5 Calibrations are booked in. Guess we'll see how it all goes.

Thanks for the advice. I've looked all over the spinner etc and can't find a single part number which is why it's causing me issues and not knowing where to turn.

Cheers for all the tips everyone, it looks like I've found someone... Now just to find a replacement spinner. Thanks

So it appears that when it rains it pours. Took of the spinner on the Thorp today because of a crack and found out that half the screw holes on the backing plate have cracks through them and one has actually snapped completely off (See Picture). The crack in the spinner will be easily fixed but I think the backing plate is past repair. Does this mean I will need to replace both the spinner and backing plate or is there somewhere that just the backing plate is available? I am unsure of the models etc for the spinner but if it helps the propeller is an Australian Performance Propeller and it's mounted on a Lycoming O-320. I feel like I'm relying on these forums too much atm but since I am new to the whole ownership part it's been a big help. Any advice I greatly appreciate. Thanks all

Cheers for the tip. Tried Horsham Aviation but sadly their not taking on any more aircraft atm so I'll have to keep looking

Hi All, So that time of the year has finally come and the Thorp is due for the first round of maintenance since I've owned it. Since this is the first aircraft I've owned I'm looking for advice from the knowledgeable users on here. Firstly is there any other Thorp T18 owners on here that knows of a decent maintenance organisation that has dealt with a Thorp before? Failing that does anyone have any good recommendations of a decent maintenance organisation within 2 hours flight of Adelaide? (Approx 300NM, so out to Mount Gambier, Echuca, Hay, Broken Hill, Ceduna) I'm looking to fly it back to Qld for the annual inspection but for the more minor or larger problems that do not make this trip worth while or do-able i need somewhere a bit closer that will offer a decent service for a decent price. As with most people the Thorp is my pride and joy so I want to find someone that can give it the care it needs. Hopefully someone can point me in a decent direction over this large area. Cheers

Cheers for the tip, I completely forgot about them even though I fly in there all the time for fuel. Emailed them and they directed me to someone at Waikerie so it's looking positive. Cheers