Rolf

Hi Marty Have done my flight training in the two Jabs at MKT that have been written off. After 2 engine failures in training was never comfortable again in the JABS finished my training in them but decided that as an unexperienced pilot I rather not rely on my emergency landing skills particularly in our tiger country. When I did my Navex to Yellow waters I made sure the circle was tied and I could come in on short final with the throttle all they way back. And there are plenty off spaces in the NT that are like that. But that decision is for everyone to make themselves. I made up my mind. One thing you should consider is that Avgas is not readily available in most Communities and the chances to get Mogas are generally better. Follow the threats in this forum most people don't recommend Mogas for the JAB engines. On the other side You might get a very good bargain at the moment if You by a JAB plenty for sale.

Even using the saver LiFePO4 batteries You will still be playing with the fire. These batteries have quite a different charging regime compared to Lead Acid batteries and require a balacend charge like the LiPo batteries. Without a balanced charge You will never know if the battery is fully charged and also risk overcharging of individual cells which can result in fire. Another problem of this battery chemistry is that unlike Lead Acid batteries where the voltage can be used as an indicator for the state of charge, LIFEPO batteries maintain their voltage almost constant and then drop dead in a flash possibly at a time when you last need it. If anyone is still tempted at least upgrade your charging circuit by someone who understands batteries, anything else is playing with fire

D'nt know if anyone is still following the threat But just going through all the aqnswers again. The bandwitdh goes from illegal flying to not to worry half of the instruments in an old cessna don't work either. I know it's probably not black and white, but it can't possibly that grey either. Confused:scratching head: Cheers Rolf

Will do my homework now and read the operations manual of the drifter,which I probably should have done before flying it (with my instructoer of course:)). I think the EGT question is exhausetd. Thanks guys for all the good replies and have a nice weekend. Rolf

Head in the cloauds Good guess, that I am located at MKT Anyway I think I have to clearify a couple more things Yes the drifter has been checked by qualified mechanics before it was reregistered by the club. 2nd, the two crashes of the Jabiru's were not aircraft related and both pilot's were on solo. So I am not sure how to conclude who's error it was. For myself even being a newcomer. Flying solo, I am PIC and if I crash without aircraft mailfunction I would know who to blame ! Appart from that thanks for putting things back into perspective. My original question was really more about the importance of the EGT's as I am not farmiliar with the 2 Stroke's yet. Thanks for everyones comments.

Hi facthunter You got me a bit concerned about the legality. Probably to shed some more light on the situation The drifter is owned by our flying club and the club is hiring it to club members at an hourly fee. My instructor is a club member but also operates an independ flying school. And yes it has wing tanks but they are out of service as the plane had been unregisterd for a while and the tanks wing tanks have not been cleaned and checked yet. But with all the feedback so far I might ring the RAAUST OP manager to double check. Thanks guys

Planet 47 No but my instructor is flying with me to get my LP Tailwheel and 2stroke endorsement (Didmy license on Jabiru 230) When it comes to never to fly over tiger country is a hard one up here in the Top End. As soon as you leave the greater Darwin area there is only tiger country and the odd gravel road. Thanks for all the tips from everyone

I am a fairly green pilot without my own wings . I can hire a drifter but am not quite sure if I should trust it. -No Fuel gauge for main tank, -Wing tanks out of service -Exhaust temp gauges not working With the fuel gauge I think it is sort of managable, fill to the bim and be back after one hour. But wwhat if somwething starts leaking anyway. What I am not sure about is how important the exhaust temp gauges are. I believe they are to manage the motor temperature, but not sure. Can some Rotex 2 stroke gurus shed some light for me Thanks very much and despite not being able to contribute much with my limited experience , love the forum . Best information source I found.

Is there an easy way to detect rot without pulling the covering off? Or is it also a matter off age striking all types of frames. I recently read an article about CASA looking into the problem off airframe failures on older GA metal frame aircraft

Planning to buy Wooden Airframe Aircraft Fairly green myself can somebody shed some light if there are known issues with white ants and humidity in tropical conditions (Topend) and NO, I am not expecting crocodile attacs Thx Rolf

Hi Scott Do you know the one for sale on Ebay. It is a yellow air camper Registartion 19-3566 yellow based in Cobalture too. spoke to my instructor. He recons wood is not such a good idea in the tropics because of the white ants ?

Thanks for the link Phil and good luck with your building.

And of course thanks for the warm welcome from everyone

One for sale on Ebay, based in Caboolture QLD with Continental engine looks very clean and reasonably priced

Had simular problems with the JAB 230 I trained on. No problem with instructor (additional weight). Solo the JAB seems to float forever. Had much less trouble landing half flaps

Well I am 55 and got my liscense this year never too late. Got a couple of questions for the experienced pilots please see my threat about myself Thx

Rolf 55Years old married 2 children and OPI too 2 lovely grand children. Darwin NT Started to get into flying with RC planes a couple of years ago to share a hobby with my grandson until my misses decided that \i am too old to fly toys and gave me a voucher for some flying lessons. Here |I am with my Recreational license and 40 hours on a Jabiru. Love golden age planes and am considering buying a Piepenpol Aircamper. I would like some adviseon How well does a wooden plane stand up against the high humidity and temperatures off the Topend. How suitable is that type of plane for a beginner and last not least as we only have a sealed runway at MKT, how suitable is the aircamper for a sealed strip. All comments will be appriciated to help me to make a more considered decision THX