Mathew Ker

Maybe you could both 'cool it' Motzartmerv, Thank you for your posts and this experience you have shared. I suspect HPD read into your original post something that probably wasn't there. But with sensitive issues like added more regulations and equipment, especially given the recent extensive threads on ADSB and other regulatory measures, it may be forgiven that a quip regarding whether someone is promoting new avionics be flipped out there. Whatever... perhaps we can all be thankful you're okay and have learned from this experience and maybe both you and HPD can ease off the inflamatory comments which seem to be recycling another issue. Cheers, Mathew

I suspect it will generate similar discussion to the ADSB comments regarding cost. While it sounds like a great idea sitting at a desk, inventing new regulations, I can't help but think of the added cost and weight to what remains ultralight recreational aviation. I suspect that if every item of 'must have' safety gear wear on board, we'd never get off the ground and would all be driving 4wd! However, there will be pilots flying hard and fast in touring aircraft like the Millenium Masters where this sort of equipment doesn't add too much cost (in %) and it will aid if there is an accident in a remote area. But for many who are just flying locally in Drifters/Sapphires and so on, it would be a large additional cost (%) and I wonder if it might be the 'straw that breaks the camel's back'? Regards, Mathew

Although I haven't done any cross country flying as yet, in anticipation of where I will be flying around Cape York, I'd like at least 4 hours at 90-100kts. This just gives me a bigger envelope to work with. It's not only the distance to destination but being able to return without refueling en route. I imagine it won't always be easy to refuel in some of the more remote strips on the Cape. Mind you, for a $20,000 price difference, you could make a lot of phone calls organising fuel to be available :big_grin:. I only wish I had anywhere near the money you're asking for. Cheers, Mathew

Ahlocks, Thanks for the photos. My family and I used to live in Wagga Wagga so these bring back good memories. The "Dragon Lady" (M-I-L) still lives there! ;) No, I really do love her (from 3,500kms away ;)). Cheers, Mathew

Congratulations on your retirement Norton. I notice there are a number of members who have joined this forum over the last few months who are based in or around Cairns. It won't be long before we should be organising a bit of a 'meet and greet'. There is a local flying club which based in Atherton although I've not yet made contact with this organisation. The details are in the RAA mag. I'm flying a Jabiru from Innisfail and this is a great airfield with great scenery to keep things interesting. Hope you enjoy this forum and I'm sure your wealth of aviation experience will be appreciated by others. Regards, Mathew

The standard of photos this month is fantastic. Keep them coming. Are there restrictions on members saving these and using them personally, for example as a screen saver or wallpaper? Regards, Mathew

More tyre kicking questions on the Skyranger 1. The photos on the Skyranger website seem to suggest two 60 litre tanks. Are the increments shown for each tank (therefore 120l in total), or do they show total fuel? Greg has said he has 90 litres, is this a third tank, assuming the aboves indicated 2 x 30 litres. 2. Can someone provide an indication of cruise speed with the "Swift" wings, 912 ULS motor, and X-LAM fabric? 3. Is anyone flying/builder a skyranger close to the coast between Cairns and Brisbane. I am travelling in mid January and might be able to convince my family for a short detour for a worthy cause ;). I would appreciate the opportunity to kick some real tyres instead of just with my mouse. Regards, Mathew

Well Mr Instructor (Ian), Great question/scenario. It's been 24hours, there have been 13 suggestions. My question as a student pilot is - What would you do? :) Regards, Mathew (Eagerly waiting for the DS solution!)

Richard, I'm flying a Jabiru UL-D out of Innisfail in FNQ for $160 per hour, so your $165 sounds pretty reasonable to me, given your location, aircraft and probable demand. Many others have commented about the training received being more important than the hourly cost, and at the 11 hour mark of my own training, I would concur. My instructor, Ron Watson, ensures that each flight is: 1) safe, 2) building on skills already gained, 3) enjoyable. What this means in relation to the hourly cost is - I don't care. On my salary, any flying is a luxury, so I would rather be getting good value for money, rather than splitting hairs over $150-175 per hour. If you are enjoying your flying with your current instructor, that's good. If you're a little unsure, consider other schools/instructors. Enjoy the journey - every training moment is an adventure. :big_grin: Regards, Mathew

Mick, Great photos. I especially like the last photo of the Skylark and Sportster together. Two thumbs up ;);)

25p for a pee :;)2:

Fantastic effort Ross, As good as the photos are, I bet they don't do it justice 'in the flesh'. Very envious, but you provide good incentive for others. Happy flying. Mathew

Congratulations on getting back into the air so quickly. Trust all goes well as you continue your recovery to full health. Regards, Mathew

Bigglesworth, sounds like a much better plan. I'm green with envy because as others have pointed out - you have a plane, whereas I'm stuck with a dream. I'm also looking forward to reports as to how 'Cowboy Up' flys, particularly around the Moruya area. A lifetime ago I lived on a small farm on the north bank of the Moruya river. It's where I learnt to drive in the early 70's in a '68 Corona. Many fond memories. Fly safe. Mathew

Bigglesworth, I admire your work and your enthusiasm. The world needs more younger people like you with the tenacity and the ambition to get off their b-hind and try things more exciting and enduring than the next computer game. The last thing I want to do is rain on your parade - BUT, please exercise appropriate caution and commonsense as you take to the air in your aircraft. Surely slowing down a little at this point will ensure many years of great trip reports and maybe new projects attempted. I'd hate to see you damage your excellent machine (or heaven forbid, yourself or someone else) through inexperience and maybe a little foolishness at this early stage. I'm very new to this whole business of flying, but if someone like Garry Morgan, who designed the aircraft, is encouraging you to have someone help you out, maybe he's worth listening to. Yes, your/our actions are in God's hands, but he's given us good minds to use, so let's not be too cavalier. With kind regards and humility, Mathew

Perhaps the best value from the printed article is that people are considering what are the appropriate drills for this particular emergency. Whilst there will be differences depending on what aircraft you are flying, it's a timely reminder to be thinking ahead of the aircraft and not always reacting to what is happening, by then it may be too late or at best, you are limited in what actions you can safely take. Mathew

Congratulations Ross. Your work is an inspiration to the many would-be builders lurking in dark corners and trying to work out how to convince our better half this would be a great investment of time and money. I imagine you'll have a grin you can't shave off every time you fly, especially your first fly-in as you hop out of your new kool kitty. Fly safe and we look forward to many reports. Mathew

Jabiru 120 - value for money I might be missing something here, but how good is the value of $58k for the no frills Jabiru 120 when it seems there are quite a few second hand Jabirus which appear to be well equipped listed for sale between $40 to 60K? Is it that the 120 is factory built and under warranty? Or is it the new plane smell (fibreglass!) that people are chasing? I would buy new if I could, but only if it seems better value. Some of the second hand Jabirus have well under 100hrs, some less than 50hrs. Any thoughts are appreciated. Mathew

Congratulations Bigglesworth. I've been watching your progress with great interest. I admire your work of thinking through problems encountered to come up with a workable solution. I look forward to hearing your flight reports. Remember to fly safe, especially as you venture forth for the first time in an aircraft that is new to you. Regards, Mathew

Ian, My experience is 9 hours (0.4 solo ;) ) in a Jabiru UL-D. I hope to get my licence around March/April 2008. Does this get me in the ballpark? :) Regarding the Millennium Master, congratulations on the work being done. Whilst I fear this snazzy aircraft will always be out of my league, I think it's exciting that we have the opportunity to fly such a wide variety of aircraft. Right now I'm really enjoying the Jabiru and I dream/plan/imagine the day when I'll be able to build/buy and fly my own flying machine. I wanted to say 'good luck' with the remainder of your working visit - but luck doesn't seem to be in order. What seems to be unfolding is the result of careful work and planning. So instead I'll sit back and enjoy the rest of your reports as you bring more information to hand. Regards, Mathew, Cairns

Off topic Nev raises a good point... "As an example, Pilot's eye height at the flare on a Citation is a lot different to that on a B747, or a Drifter and a Storch. You have to remember which one you're in....Nev". I'm just curious what would be the key points that you would look for to tell whether your in a B747 ... or a Drifter !! Mathew

Welcome to the forums Steve. I see you're also flying out of Innisfail, maybe we might catch up some time? I usually fly on a Tuesday morning. I'm curious why you're flying from Innisfail when you live in Collinsville? Maybe I have the wrong Collinsville. You'll find plenty of encouragement and support from the members of this forum. Enjoy your flying. Regards, Mathew, Cairns

727Engineer, (Off topic) I've posted a link to Ron Watson's website which has his contact details and a small amount of information regarding Innisfail. WatsonFly – Innisfail – 3-axis. It's a great place to fly and the value of flying hours is probably two or three fold over Cairns where you spend a lot of time just waiting for other traffic. Send me a PM if you have any other questions. Cheers, Mathew

Chocko, I've just started flying lessons out of Innisfail with Ron Watson who trains with a Jabiru. My limited experience has been very enjoyable and rewarding to date. Carlo Prete also flys from Innisfail with Lightwing or a larger Jabiru. Regarding the differences between earlier designs of ultralights and newer all-metal and composite machines, I'm glad we have the choice. I went for a short flight in an weight shift trike and really enjoyed the visibility and 'fun factor'. I imagine some of the high drag aircraft like the drifter would be very similar. One of my goals is to be able to fly cross country, so learning in a Jabiru was desirable. It would seem we're blessed with choice. Cheers, Mathew

Thanks for the encouragement Guy. Yes my wife is looking forward to flying with me, as are our two sons. Heading towards the door at 1000' with the green light on and a parachute strapped to your back heightens your sense of awareness and of living in the moment - but I'd rather be flying than jumping! Cheers, Mathew