boleropilot

RIP m8 and blue skies forever I have to say I'm surprised there has not been a single mention of ballistic parachutes (considering the suggestion of an in-flight structural failure) BP

yes that's spot on m8 - # 18 consists of a heap of loose 'sprags' that are held in place by a cage and then the circlip (# 19) holds all the parts loosely inside the housing (# 17) so - starter motor turns gear # 40 which turns gear # 20 but no drive will proceed past the sprag clutch until the revolutions force the sprags to expand outwards, therefore transferring drive to # 17 which then turns shaft/gear # 23 which then drives the larger gear, sending drive to the prop hub...which of course will then turn the crankshaft for starting the motor (gear # 20 rotates on bearing # 21 and must rotate the sprag cage until X revs force the sprags out to engage the sprag clutch housing # 17) obviously I am no engineer ! I think I have worked out how things turn and mesh and go click and stuff but I'm not 100% sure what the damn thing does from my dumbass perspective it just means that drive from the starter motor does not go to the prop hub until X amount of starter motor revs engages the sprag clutch if I am right (who knows) then the benefits (or otherwise) are = you tell me ! btw, one thing I recall from various reading is that sprag clutches don't operate correctly when battery power is low at start-up...that makes perfect sense to me due to a resultant lack of rotating power needed to expand the sprags out enough to ensure contact with the housing # 17 cheers BP

seems there is virtually zero knowledge of E gearboxes and/or sprag clutches? I'm getting to the conclusion it's just a damper kind of thing and not related in any way to the RK400 centrifugal clutch on another note, I will soon be bolting my 'new' 582 back together - apparently the barrel/cylinder head alignment tools cost about $150 for the pair - crikey ! I have been told that if the tools are not available that by bolting up the exhaust manifold nice and tight, the alignment is 'almost spot on' not sure I really like the concept of 'almost spot on' in relation to something that flies (with me in it) the tools in question appear to be quite small plates with lots of holes in them - if anyone can bear to part with theirs for a week or so I'd be only too happy to pay the post both ways plus whatever is regarded as a fair fee BP

more on the RC field (Drifter field ?) at Woolooman - I guess there aren't too many opportunities to fly all weekend at the same field, so I'm going to arrange a full weekend here with onsite camping sometime soon I need to make sure the field is nicely presented with lots of short grass and take care of the tiny little insurance problem, but it should be a good weekend I'll hire a dunny and make sure there's plenty of nice spots for camping (or crashing in vans), with 34 acres and only a few Brahman steers to annoy, the big firepit should run quite late into the evening... any and all RCers welcome, situated about an hours drive from BrisVegas in the Scenic Rim - pub and shops only a short drive away watch this space - maybe about October ? if it all works well I'll do it as an annual event

hey have you seen the pix of the beautiful BIG Caribou Wayne L (this forum) is building? some pix posted here somewhere? it will really be something to see in the air for sure... amazing to think that BN decided the airframe could use another engine, they mounted it at the top of the fin and called it the Trilander - nice aircraft too

g'day guys, being a silly old fart I didn't know this section for RC was here in the forums - G'day! just had a short article published in the latest Sport Pilot magazine, hope ya's like it the 'Drifter' airfield I built at our property may never be used for that purpose, but it certainly is the bees knees for RC still needs a little TLC to get the best of the grass set up nice and low, but it's real nice to walk out the back of the house and see that you can go to Google earth and look at 620 Woolooman Road Woolooman Qld 4310 to see the field via satellite - one minute walk from the mancave housing the aircraft... because I am a slacko I don't have anything airworthy at the moment but I do have 10 very nice models in boxes just waiting for assembly - yeah, I know...... I'll take some pix of models close to getting back to flying - a Drifter included (of course) cheers BP

yeah but if you read all the crap that you're obligated to agree to before they will sell you one, I'd be surprised if anyone bought one - Icons pre-purchase contract is apparently very much OTT sad about the accident though, two less aviators, RIP guys

G'day All, May edition of Sport Pilot magazine has an article by moi re. RC flying. I'd love to hear your comments about the article and RC flying in general - if there are a lot of closet RC flyers out there maybe we could set up a specific category here? cheers BP

just in case someone gets the idea I am handing over the controls of my Drifter to 16 year old girls, let me elaborate: I am always high, hard on the controls, eyes on stalks, all senses maxed out and absolutely ON IT for anything that may create a problem the FIRST thing I always do is to explain how the I HAVE CONTROL / YOU HAVE CONTROL system works, with the participant moving feet and arms QUICKLY away from all controls I make it clear that I may have to do something fast and furious with the aircraft without wasting time on idle chat - we even practice the process on the ground ! I emphasise TINY movements only for control - basically I try to be real smooth with my inputs too (if they're late from the back seat, normal at first), most of the time I'm just a damper on what they're feeling through the 'stick when I get the idea they are reacting correctly to aircraft movements with stick responses I relax a LITTLE so they get more of the flying experience in that they are then actually close to controlling the aircraft naturally we are talking no rudder input and only the gentlest of turns - and I gotta say, of the 3 or 4 passengers who have had a go, two of them were right on the money from the get go (and the best was a 16 year old girl) let's face it, most of us will have asked a passenger if they'd like to have a go sometime....the Drifter tandem cockpit layout just means I have to be more careful BP

ain't it hilarious how SYTs (sweet young things) all love to go for a fly in a Drifter but the big boofy football player types say "no way Jose, you won't get me in that thing"!!!!!!!!!!!!!" hey Frank, have you given her a go at flying yet? I gave a local 16 year old lass a crack at it and she took to it like a duck to water, and on a slightly bumpy day too... BP

G'day All, I want to have a peek at the sprag clutch in an E gearbox that I don't have any history on. To get to the clutch I need a pin, part number 876-640. Apparently the pin comes in the tool kit with every new Rotax motor - it is inserted into the pulse port to prevent crank rotation when removing the small drive gear situated inside one of the shafts. My CPS info (Part#55 - C and E Gearbox Maintenance) tells me that using any other kind of pin can have disastrous results. It's only a $5 buy but I thought if someone has one laying around they could help me out here, otherwise I will order one from young Bert. cheers for now BP

thanks Skippy - I might have to take that message off my bullbar now = HERE SKIP as far as I can determine (not many replies indicates a distinct lack of knowledge here) the motor should start easier because the starter motor only engages the main gears and propellor after X amount of revs are reached - there should also be a smoother idle because of the same process - once X rpm is reached the moving gadgets (I think they're called sprags) expand out via centrifugal force and thereby engage a gear that is on the shaft that connects to the gearbox main gears and propellor. Apparently this is the case with the aftermarket RK400 clutch that fits C gearboxes (it don't fit the E, maybe because the sprag thingy is already there?). I've seen video of a 582 with C box idling and the noise is so different and quiet, also the prop doesn't actually move until revs are increased - apparently this is a big deal for acft on floats for mooring (I get that). Would LOVE to hear from any 582 owners with an E gearbox fitted - or am I the only one??? BP

is it black?

hey I've seen that Drifter somewhere m8 - probably at Boonah?

no m8 I don't - some may, but not moi...and the reason for all the mayhem is because (apparently) "celebrities with pilot's licenses, including Angelina Jolie and John Travolta, also made flying popular", not to mention the "growing number of retired pilots, in their late 50s and 60s have adopted the hobby..." I can just see John Travolta in his Drifter now...not to mention those OLD ex-airline pilots (you know, with thousands of hours under their belt) being helped into their death machines by their sobbing family members, knowing that they may never.....oh God, I've lost it....... sorry BP

apparently Lou is a female and has been discussed in this Forum in the past... sorry Bluey - wotcha mean? BP

worst piece of trash 'journalism' ever is an article by a fool by the name of Lou Robson - Sunday Mail, September 7 2008 - major title Dice with death - minor title - Thrill-seekers die as ultralight trend takes off one of the pictures of aircraft on the page was Yak 52 - um - 'scuse me, Lou? This moron thinks a Yak 52 is an 'ultralight'? some of Robsons attempts at professional journalism in the article: "in a dangerous trend, a growing number of ageing thrill-seekers are taking to Queensland skies in home made and second hand ultralights - one of the most dangerous planes available - as well as powered gliders and light aircraft" and "it's an inexpensive aviation experience for adrenalin junkies" and "lightweight planes bought for a pittance and requiring only the most basic pilots licence to fly" don't know what this idiot is doing for a living these days but I sincerely hope it has nothing to do with aviation. BP

another one of my hobbies is playing with old cars - Renaults, if I can get 'em - I have a 16TS and a 10 the seats in the 10 (50 years young next year - gonna have a party and invite every 10 in Oz) are ripped to bits and re-upholstery quotes have been horrendous - it's the labour that kills it so, just like thee, KV, I asked Mrs Google what could be done - "Search on eBay, and you shall find what ye seek" she said - and she was right ! the number of small hatches of very little vintage (and low km) being wrecked is astounding, and I expect to find a very nice full set of seats for around $200 - some of them have never had a bum in the back natch I will be putting the originals aside in case the next custodian decides to take the car back to original... but hey KV, those Suzuki seats were designed by experts and manufactured to withstand automobile crash situations - and to top it off, they are comfortable and are fantastic value - they look brilliant in the RV! two tone grey with red stitching - brilliant - you'll be grinning from ear to ear on your first flight with those babies bolted in

wow - so they were full of fuel and all of that was expended in the air behind the aircraft, after hitting the power lines and the light pole so by the time the aircraft came to a stop on the ground there was no fire and they just stepped out onto the street... gives new meaning to the term "dump and burn" don't it ? be buying a raffle ticket, I would...

g'day All, just discovered that the C box that has been sitting in a cardboard box (attached to an old 582 - came with the aircraft) is in fact an E from what I can gather they are fairly rare so I am keen to find out as much info as possible before I fit it up to my 582/99 in particular I would like to hear from anyone who has had anything to with the sprag clutch fitted to the E gearbox, especially the pros and cons of this system compared to the RK400 centrifugal clutch that is available as an aftermarket add-on for C gearboxes (doesn't fit E boxes) already it looks like I may have some 'fiddling' to do re. connecting the radiators at the bottom due to the location of the starter motor? all comments appreciated regards BP

well this is going to be a fun changeover - just looking at the way the standard two radiator system has a joining hose that goes from the base of each radiator to each other, that is where the starter motor is situated with the E box - so where does the joiner hose go when using a E box? maybe just a longer hose that is fitted under the motor out of the way? funnily enough, the three radiator system that was fitted to 0455 (look at the setup on the Ant's Aircraft Drifter) and it looks like I will have to stick with the three radiator setup anyway - goes well with the E box come to think of it the original 582 fitted to 0455 did have this E box as original, so maybe that's why they went to the 3 radiator setup in the first place? I'm so confused...as far as the sprag clutch is concerned it seems to be a 'good idea' as long as certain parameters are met, including a big fat healthy battery for all starts to avoid damage to the sprag clutch but wait, there's more - BP

G'day All, Recovery from that little altercation with terra firma a month ago is progressing better than expected, so sale of 0455 is on the back burner for the time being - time will tell...getting the 'new' 582-99 fitted to 0455 is now the priority. Today I discovered that the spare gearbox that came with the aircraft (and has been sitting in a box attached to an out of hours 582-90 that came with the aircraft) is in fact an E type. Just wondering if anyone has any information they would like to share with respect to the Sprag Clutch that is usually fitted to E boxes - I've been doing some serious googleing to find out what I can, tomorrow I will be removing the 'box from the motor and having a peek inside to see if the sprag clutch is fitted, and if so, try to determine the state it is in. Any information most appreciated - I've read a fair bit about how they work and the drama they can cause, but I'd love to hear some comments from those who have had hands on experience with these (especially if fitted to a 'box bolted to a 582 motor). cheers, BP

hey thanks for the kind words guys, not gonna work for this ex aviator, I've slipped my last surly bonds (as PIC anyway) got home from the hospital, settled in, grabbed a nice bottle of red I had saved by using the air extraction method - poured myself a small glass - took one sip, ah hell, it's gone off - didn't pump it properly? poured myself a glass from a new bottle just as my Hunny started crushing some garlic, and I thought my head had been dunked in a bucket of the stuff - incredibly intense smell of garlic in the kitchen... took a nice big sip of the red wine, yuk, tasted almost exactly the same as the other one - I know my reds, and an old cab sav don't taste like a young shiraz - how could they taste the same? - and then the penny dropped... somewhere in my past I have heard of nerve damage causing major malfunctions of the olfactory senses, particularly taste and smell - throw in some double vision and varying degrees of vertigo on an ongoing basis since the accident and you can see quite clearly where I am situated with this little slip off the deck at this point in time... not all that keen on discussing the matter in all that much detail at the moment - things may improve, but if they do it will be a long time coming - at age 66 I can see the writing on the wall here time to spend some serious hours renovating my retirement present, a beautiful little Renault 16TS, and working on my collection of RC aircraft cheers guys, fly safe BP

did a TIF in 1810 at Boonah in 2007, loved it so much I started training for my licence with Trevor Bange (Clifton) - my Pilot Certificate was certified on 12 April 2008 - and believe it or not yesterday I sat down with my wife yesterday and we decided that (a) flying is no longer an option for me, and (b) my Drifter 0455 will be put up for sale asap. I only just looked at the dates as I sat down to say goodbye to old friends (and the occasional enemy)...been a nice 9 years and the reason? pretty basic really - one of the doctors surveying my recently incurred injuries told me that if he didn't know better he would say I'd been hit by a car. twasn't a car, just the new deck I've been building alongside our Old Queenslander... I decided to build 'platform' steps, using 150x50 bearers and spotted gum boards, each panel 1500x700, and standard 170mm step heights - should look great when it's finished. the joists I was working on are about a metre above the ground, and I was about to fit a new unpainted joist, it started to rain lightly, so I grabbed the decking oil and gave it a quick sloppy coat of oil, just managing to get all my tools away before the rain started up properly. it looked really nice tapped into place there...glad I got that coat of oil on before the rain...three days later (well and truly long enough for my old memory) I went back to the job - and as I stepped out onto the joist in question, it slipped perfectly out of it's position. I had nowhere to go but over the side of the deck, doing most of a 180 as I 'descended' - the outside joist running parallel to the deck was well and truly bolted in place, and my back met it with considerable force just as my feet hit the ground. the angle was from high left to centre low, right across the length of the 150x50 beam edge. if I'd twisted a little further to the right and fallen a little slower I would have copped the beam straight across my lower back (and I would not be typing this now) so - the ambulance is on it's way, and I am sitting in my little boxed prison of 150x50 joists, with no way for the ambos to get me out. how many times have you said to your wife "Hunny, just watch this because you might have to help me with something like this one day" - so - the little prison was still in place, but at least my Hunny had managed to find the tools I knew would be needed to unbox me! well folks, from here on, it just gets worse. Sue and I had just got back from surveying our (dirt) road before My Slip - after 200mm of rain in 48 hours, the road was ripped to pieces and was in fact running a bumper along the road in places about 2 feet deep - so a 4WD ambulance was going to be necessary to get me to the bottom of the hill...you know, those 4WD ambos that ride like a TRUCK...thank God the hospital was only 40 minutes away (nah can't go that way, it's flooded too) after lots of x-rays, guesses and little prods to check "if it hurts", the initial score is: 3 broken ribs, 'numerous' cracked ribs, a punctured lung, and broken skin lesions/abrasions that make me look like I just got hit by a train - tiny bit of bruising there too, bro...and after 6 days of trying unsuccessfully to arrange a transfer to a private hospital (for which I have been paying a motza for so I could have my own room) I am finally told I can bugger off home - thank you so much....but wait, there's more... I need a rest from this post, it's starting to depress me, so I'll stop now and finish the sad tale a little later BP

g'day BLA82 - both lights were chosen for minimal power drain, the landing light is LEDs and draws almost nothing - I bought a smaller one for our big zero turn mower (The Boss likes to mow the footpaths) and you can see it in daylight a hell of a long way away - I was silly enough to look in the direction of one mounted to a ute in a workshop and ended up (with eyes closed) seeing six white dots for a long time...the one I'm using for the Drifter is 8 LEDs I will always still approach the circuit with Mk.1 eyeballs on stalks and listening out on the local frequency - my instructor taught me to look long and hard to the right while on base leg for aircraft, particularly those with pilots who think that straight in approaches are OK - I will never do a straight in approach unless it is an emergency - minimum three legs, isn't that the rule? and Yenn, your flight with the GA pilot was not nice - problem is, sometimes you put yourself in harms way without realising you've done it - no doubt you won't be flying with him again... BP