biggles

Nev , Jabiru recommend climbing out at 80 knots with the 4 cyl engine to improve cooling , however many pilot/owners still appear to disregard this . I often wonder about hire aircraft and student pilots , do they really care ? Bob

Bill I have never needed an external GPS with my 3G IPad running OzRunways , and I fly in some pretty remote parts of the country . Bob

A Lightwing GR912 according to the R AAus register . Bob

Is he related to Won Hung Low by any chance Alan ? Bob

Mark, Just a quickie to wish you all the best for tomorrow and a speedy recovery . Bob

Does'nt matter much Andy , the end results are the same . Bob

G'Day GB and welcome to the site . What part of Western Qld are you from , and happy birthday for the other day ! Bob

Yeah , but at 70kg have you got the " ticker " ?? Bob

Well done S A Jabflyer . Bob

It appears that you are not set up to receive a P M . But then again it could be me Bob

Nice presentation FP . What type of video gear did you use ? Bob

Compulsion , Like many pilots who fly with their spouses I know where you're coming from . My wife and I cover a fair bit of ground during the year, and I also considered her having some lessons , "just in case " , but she indicated that she was happy just to be a passenger. I later thought , even if she did learn the "basics" , would she be able to recall those basics , especially with me slumped over the controls , even if she had had a lesson the day before . As we all know ,its very different learning with an instructor guiding you through the process , compared to being alone in the stressful situation described . Long ago I decided that the best strategy for me was to ensure my fitness to fly (IMSAFE) , minimising the likelihood of that situation arising . We all know that the only requirement for a Pilot Certificate is the ability to drive a motor vehicle , however this doesn't prevent people with many other risk factors from flying . As pilots we have a duty of care to our passenger ,whoever that might be ,and the best insurance against that situation arising is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, control our weight within the recommended range , a good diet and moderate alcohol consumption when flying .It is also wise to have regular tests including blood analysis , particularly as we get older . Many of us take passengers on "joy flights" , do we ever consider that they should be able to land in an emergency ? Of course not. If you happen to feel unwell during the flight the best strategy is to get down as soon as possible ,don't ignore the warning signs and press on ,even if that strip below you is in the middle of nowhere . I also consider it important for your spouse to be able to use the radio in an emergency . Bob

Yep, off to Brisbane to see what eldest son has signed himself up for this time (house) . Bairnsdale is nice this time of the year , time you two got into that 125 knot machine and spent the night with us !. Bob

OK fellas , take the gloves off and retreat to your respective corners . We all share a common interest in aviation and that is what bonds us . These forums provide access to many talented individuals ,who contribute their time and knowledge for the benefit of others , whether that be in pilot training , airspace regs or just general guidence about all things related to aviation ,but as individuals we often have differing opinions about what's right and wrong . I'm sure most of us have experienced that frustration , when others may have an opinion different to you , which you 'know' to be the 'correct'.one . As I indicated in post #75 it is time to let due process take it's course , and get back to things that we due better. Bob

Yes active Monday to Friday around 9-4 . Check notams or call Melb.centre . Getting around the airspace is no problem and I regularly track around the Northern boundary . Puts an extra 6 minutes on the journey but you are always within gliding distance of flat country . Bob

Gnome I would agree with Alf's suggested track rather than the coastal route . Another route which many take is is via Melbourne , if you want to avoid all tiger country . Of course it will take an hour or so longer but depends on your "comfort level". Often conditions South of the Dividing range are vastly different to the flat country North . Bairnsdale AWIS and other sources will be of some assistance in determining conditions , or alternatively call me on 0437178223 . Bob ( will be interstate next weekend )

There is an active investigation by the ATSB into a Beechcraft B200 en route Bundaberg to Brisbane on 5/11/2012 that "descended below its assigned altitude and also failed to communicate with ATC " . Maybe we should all refrain from further comment until at least the prelim/final report is published . I have to say though Oracle1, " I will also be happy to take that village green walk with you , although it may not be a pretty sight " Bob

Good stuff AM397 . Things were getting a bit messy . Bob

All we have to go on is the press report , however I would like to believe that the pilot was afforded a presumption of innocence while the authorities investigated the matter. The fact that the pilot was sacked some two weeks after the incident , would indicate that sufficient time was given to consider all aspects of the event including rosters , health issues , duty cycles and whatever else may be considered relevant. IF the press report is correct it would appear that the RFDS has acted in the best interests of all concerned . Bob

You're a legend Linda ! Bob

He has probably done immeasurable damage to the confidence of the flying public and particularly to the other RFDS pilots , who are generally held in high regard by the Australian people . An act of gross stupidity , not to mention the end of a sought after flying career. Bob

Regarding wheel alignment ,I used a few long pieces of wood and ,with the aircraft empty , set the toe-in at 20 mm (each wheel) , level with the nose wheel by shaping the wedge to align both camber and toe-in . I changed the tyres and tubes at 200 hours even though they still had plenty of tread left . I have not heard about that violent shudder you describe , but would be advising anybody with those symptoms , to have a real good look a the undercarriage also , before next flight . Jabiru also recommend to lift the a/c at the strut which makes good sense , would hate to doing it with near full tanks . Bob

As another grandparent , it must have been a terrible thing for you to experience . I'm sure all forum users join me in sending our deepest sympathies to you and your family . Bob