Soleair

My first solo was also my first flight. I built a Pterodactyl in my shed and then found a paddock big enough to learn to fly it (there were instructions in the back of the build manual). It was great being young, invincible, confident, and foolish. Fortunately I lived to learn to fly. . . It was a lot of fun, though! Bruce

I'm left handed & much prefer stick between the legs & throttle on the right (i.e. centre in a 2-seater side by side format). Now I'm building my own aircraft I have the luxury of putting controls where I like. So I've put the throttle on the right, with flaps & elevator trim on the left. Sorted! Bruce

Reminds me of my time in a J3 Cub converting to tailwheel. The owner arrived on his motorbike with his little Yorkshire terrier riding on the fuel tank. After the ground briefing, the little dog jumped up into the baggage compartment above & behind the aft ('driver's') seat. I then spent the next hour or so doing circuits & bumps with a hot licky dog tongue in my ear. I quite enjoyed it. And the aeroplane. Bruce

Most interesting HIC. It's a shame it's not so easy to replicate full size. Giveaway was the power/weight ratio - 650g thrust, 520g weight. So prolly more efficient just as a common-or-garden quadcopter - like this: Bruce

Do you have experience with this setup Nev? Bruce

G'day Simon. MiniMax is a great little plane, and as low cost as you can get for a new 'real' aeroplane. If you haven't already found it, here's a link to the excellent Lonesome Buzzards forum. Makes great reading! Bruce

Bet you felt a right tit

Well I'd lie to die at 85. And I know how I want to die: I would like to be shot. In bed by a jealous husband. . . Bruce

http://www.redbullpaperwings.com/Rules.html

Ah well. Thought I'd sussed your handle, but got it wrong. (I usually do - ask my wife!)

Completely off topic, and just for you, Red - you don't by chance ride a VFR do you? Bruce

A word of caution. Are you sure the axle and its supports aren't deliberately designed as a weak point? It is good practice in light aircraft design to protect primary structure (in this case forward fuselage) from damage by providing a frangible element in the system. It may be that the nosewheel axle is designed as a sacrificial assembly on the grounds that it is more inspectable, easier & cheaper to replace than the fuselage structure to which it attaches. You can make the nosewheel unbreakable, but where then will the energy from a very heavy landing be dissipated? Bruce

I emailed Hirth in Germany recently asking for price & delivery details to Australia and did not receive a reply. This is a shame, as I believe they do some good engines. But seems they don't want Australian custom?

Built balsa models from as early as I can remember. Bought a scruffy Rogallo (86 degrees nose angle) in 1974 and learnt to fly it by jumping off Beachy Head on south coast of England. Got into competition hangliding in a shiny new machine. Imported a Pterodactyl microlight from the States in 1979. Built it in my shed, then taught myself to fly it from the manual. No regulations or even many flying schools in those days (oh joy. . .) Did a 210km cross country flight, taking off before first light: watched the sun rise from 3500' over the English Channel. Forever etched in my brain. Ran my own company making 2 seat microlights of my own design (one wire braced, the other strutted). Went bust. Got involved with Richard Noble & our small company ARV Aviation designed & built the ARV Super2. From standing start to first flight in 13 months. Approved by UK CAA for Public Transport & aerial work. Built & sold 33, half to flying schools. I got my PPL and demonstrated, selling 14 aircraft. Went bust after prototype engine problems. (If only the Rotax 80 hp had been around it would have been a different story.) Joined Met Research Flight as Instrument engineer, flew with RAF in various locations around the world in the MRF Hercules, aka 'Snoopy'. Went gliding, reached solo standard. Came back to Oz to retire, presently building a MiniMax 'Eros'. I fly because it's fun!! Bruce

What to do now? 1] Go gliding 2] Build a MiniMax 3] Enjoy! Bruce

Hi BAz I share your pain. This is the thread to which nong refers. As you'll see, confusion reigns supreme. Good luck in your return to the skies. Bruce

All good info - thanks again, Dave. Sounds like you need to do some serious research on aerial combat. Maybe re-read the exploits of Captain Bigglesworth? Happy landings Bruce

That's great, Dave - a very prompt & full reply, for which many thanks. I do like the look of this family of aeroplanes, and will be following your build progress with great interest (as no doubt will many others). Are you registering with RAA or via SAAA? Cheers Bruce

Hi Dave How's your project going? Looking forward to the next installment. Are you keeping (reasonably accurate) records of how long you've spent to get this far? Can you hazard a guesstimate at how long it will take you to complete the entire empennage kit? From this it might then be able to compare with the manufacturer's figures for this tail kit. And from the BS factor thus established, maybe an idea of how long it will really take to build the whole plane. I'd be very interested to hear your opinion on this. Are the plans & build instructions good? And do you get everything in the kit (rivets, etch prime. etc). Look forward to hearing how you're getting on. Bruce

Can't comment on Kwakker V4's. But have a go on a VFR & see what you think then. Bruce

I have ridden over 100,000km on 2 Honda VFR 750's and found them to be excellent, silky smooth and totally reliable engines. Bruce

Wow! You'd certainly have to have complete faith in your wingmen. . . Bruce

you gotta love those bush pilots! Bruce

Yes please.

As I said, confusion and contradiction reign supreme. I still don't know how to approach this, but I strongly maintain that if I am entitled to drive on the highway (and the surgeon told me I was after 2 weeks) then that standard should apply to recreational flying. Far less chance of danger to 3rd parties from flying than on the highway. Bruce