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Soleair

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Everything posted by Soleair

  1. Soleair
    Yes, there's always a new engine coming, that's going to be the answer to everybody's prayers: cheaper, lighter, better in every way. Sadly the ratio of engines 'coming' to engines 'arrived' is very low. Words are free, and marketing hype is cheap. And even when a new engine is actually on the market, available for purchase now, with demonstrated testing & some limited field time, it still takes many years before the market will fully accept it in preference to those it knows & trusts, even if the new engine has better performance, lower weight & price, etc. This is particularly so if it embodies novel technology. Aviators as a breed are a conservative crew. So even if/when a new engine actually appears, it will take a long time to become financially viable for the manufacturer. This is the pity of Camit going under: they had already climbed a fair way up the greasy pole of customer commitment, and were steadily building a loyal market base, and becoming sufficiently established for new buyers to trust. Depending on the financial position of the late great Camit, it would seem a good opportunity for some (semi-altruistic?) engineering company to acquire.
  2. Soleair
    Thanks all. One less thing to worry about! (in light of another 'grammar police' thread going on elsewhere, I suppose that should read 'one thing fewer. . .'). Cheers Bruce
  3. Soleair
    Thanks Robbo - good to know. Yes, probably propaganda put out by unscrupulous battery eliminator manufacturers. Bloody internet. . .
  4. Soleair
    I currently use an Icom A22 as my only radio, without a battery pack, powered via the 12v socket in the side plugged into the aircraft 12v power bus. It seems to work fine. But I have recently read that this is not a good idea, & that a 'battery eliminator' should be used. This is a black box full of electronic trickery, roughly the same size as a battery. The reason I don't have a battery fitted is to save the space it occupies in my very cosy cockpit/panel. So the battery eliminator would negate this. Does anyone else just power their Icom direct from the power bus, without a battery fitted? Any (long term) problems? TIA Bruce
  5. Soleair
    Good idea, apm. With that number of aircraft, of differing speeds & pilot proficiency, a dedicated frequency would be a great safety aid.
  6. Soleair
    or perhaps: "Let's go f*ck, Grandma".
  7. Soleair
    I didn't see that option. do you have a phone number for where I can book? Cheers Bruce
  8. Soleair
    I had planned to fly into Narromine & camp under my wing. Now I'm not able to fly in, I still want to camp - but not at $300 for a night!! Is there any kind soul who is flying in under whose wing I could camp for the night? More than willing to pay the $10! Plus a beer, of course. If so I would be most grateful if you'd message me - thanks muchly. Bruce
  9. Soleair
    A couple of these?
  10. Soleair
    So how about we specify a meet there? What about anyone interested turning up on the grassy knoll at, say, 12:00 Saturday? I might even get around to making up a 'Soleair' sticker to display about my person. . . Sorry you can't make it Ian. Was going to buy you a beer as appreciation for running this site. Maybe next year. Bruce
  11. Soleair
    Thankyou!
  12. Soleair
    The link I got from the latest RAA email missive takes me to all the Sport Pilot mags EXCEPT October. Or have I misunderestimated something?
  13. Soleair
    So with the Event rapidly approaching, do we yet have a meeting place/time organised for RF forumites? My plan A was to fly in with my Max. This isn't going to happen because I have still to do my first flight in it. Plan B was to fly in with a Jabiru. This isn't going to happen because the guy who owns the plane doesn't want to mix it with lots of peoples in the short entry time slot. This is crazy planning - please, next year, make the airshow on Sunday so (low hour) pilots have Saturday to fly in, & Sunday morning to fly out. Departing in a limited time slot is not as challenging as arriving - divergence as opposed to convergence is less likely to lead to tears. Anyway, meeting place anyone? And visible i.d.? Bruce
  14. Soleair
    Thanks techie. Very useful info.
  15. Soleair
    Thanks jetr, that's very useful. But can you tell me the diameter of the ally plate? I can't find it on the attachment. Cheers Bruce
  16. Soleair
    I am, but I'm only 2nd class. Story of my life :(
  17. Soleair
    I am getting a Rami AV22 transponder antenna fitted to the underside of a Jabiru. The fitting instructions make no mention of a ground plane. It is/was my understanding that a ground plane is required for this, of at least 1/4 wavelength dimension. But there seem to be differing views on the size & shape of the optimum groundplane. I have found those who suggest round is not ideal; round 305mm dia; square of side 120mm; copper tape in + format 68.8mm leg, fit inside fuse; fit outside fuse, etc. Does anyone have this aerial fitted, with a groundplane, who'd care to comment? Thanks. Bruce
  18. Soleair
    Ejector seat maker is to be prosecuted over death of Red Arrows pilot
  19. Soleair
    I had an old car with a choke knob that wouldn't stay out. I used a clothes peg clipped over the shaft which held it fine. I'm not familiar with your enricher arrangement but something simple like this may work. Love your airstrip - that will keep your skills current! Bruce
  20. Soleair
    It sounds very useful stuff. I would very much appreciate a copy. Thanks! Bruce
  21. Soleair
    I understand that this 'rule' is no longer taught in schools (at least in UK) since there are more exceptions than cases which conform.
  22. Soleair
    I made the prop for my MiniMax. It is 65" x 42" pitch, from Tassy Oak & Queensland maple laminates. Took a week to make & cost less than $100. I think for my next prop I'll just use the maple: it's very easy to work, and lighter. Link to my post on the Max forum with photos here
  23. Soleair
    What a cunning stunt!
  24. Soleair
    Aye, them were t'days. . . How do you get a pound sign on your keyboard? (with apologies to Phil for the thread drift)
  25. Soleair
    You was robbed! My first hang glider was a Wasp 229B3, and it cost me 120 quid. Though admittedly, that was 40 years ago. . . gulp . . . http://www.shgc.org.uk/modules/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=928&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=059b2fc7805a4fb835d35e8191355ebf Looking at this pic (not me, but same glider) you may say that's all it was worth!!
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