allowera

In the bush it's often said: "oh, Haytch an' what?"

Whenever my kids point out that I'm losing hair I deny it. I claim that I am not losing anything - it is merely subjected to gravity. Therefore my hair will slowly side down and appear naturally out my ears, nose e.t.c. until ( if I live long enough ) I will look like a Draught Horse.

It has been discovered that if you lose hair from the back of your head, you are sexy. Alternately if you lose hair from the front of your head, you are a thinker. However if you lose hair from both the front and back you only think you are sexy.

It is sad to see us living in times where small country shows are at risk of being shut down by high insurance costs. ( A bit like seeing small airstrips go the way of the dinosaur because of 'objections'). I wonder if there is a way of finding a positive outcome for all concerned?

Perhaps an approach similar to the NSW Rural Fire Service's use of trail bikes could be used? There are minimum requirements such as :- Registered vehicles only; Operating in pairs; Wearing appropriate PPE; Carriage of fireground radio; Carriage of maps, water, first aid; Ability to be self sufficient; And (my favourite) a means of lighting fire.

I think most of us have thought about assisting in a search. I have read in ERSA how you can set your radio just off-channel (121.4 0r 121.3) then fly a pattern to follow signal strength. I also carry a UHF radio for air to ground coms. However, I have noticed that whenever a search gets called around here it's either too late in the evening, or the weather is unsuitable, or the terrain is mountainous with no outlanding options at all. So if a search is called in favourable conditions I certainly would help, as I am sure we all would.

How old is your wing? I am assuming that you haven't noticed anything different during rigging, battens feel 'right' on insertion, tension feels even, symetry looks even and in line with the thrust line and the problem has appeared gradually. I have heard of older fabric becoming more 'compliant' and developing bias. Perhaps checking batten profiles might help diagnose this.(Don't assume just because the batten doesn't fit the profile it's wrong; it may have been adjusted that way). I hope that someone with more experience will add to this. Happy days, Paul.

A couple of years ago I was overtaken by a flock of Spinetail Swifts. Cruising along at about 40 knots they milled quite close, probably within 10 feet, but it did not take long before they left me behind. For the couple of minutes they were around the Trike I guess it was like being a skin-diver amongst a school of fish; except it was at 2000 ft.I took it as an omen and immediately returned to my field and landed. I had the wing just about packed up when an unexpected front passed through. The old farmers around here called them 'storm birds'. I guess they were right. Happy flights. Paul.

UV protectant Dear Tassytriker, Please be aware that while some protectants do actually work, once applied to your wing you may not be able to repair it using self adhesive patches. My advice would be to contact Airborne and ask. The wing designers are aware of the UV problem and are looking at remedies as you will find that they are pilots as well. Safe flying, Paul.

Is anyone able to attend the HGFA annual general this Saturday (24-10-09)? I am anable to attend the meeting but would like to gather the 'feel' if the subject of Trikes comes up. Often the minutes of a meeting give an incorrect understanding of the attitudes of those taking part and could be very easily taken the wrong way. My personal view is that I am proud to be a member of an organisation that has been patroned by the likes of Bill Moyes and pays homage to the Australians (John Dickenson e.t.c.) who developed the wings which we fly under. However, when reading the HGFA Forums where some claim that the management has been "bending over backwards" to support those WM members, it is easy to think that there is great resentment from the non-powered fliers who I actually admire. I don't wish to be tolerated or favoured, just share the air within my own physical and time restraints. * Australian HG - PG - WM Forum * • View topic - What has the BOARD done for Hanggliding and Paragliding ?? Incidentally I was 1 of the 42 who attended the maintenance course, and I had to pay for my seat. Yours Allowera

On the subject of fuel additives- Ethanol. Are we all aware that BP Regular Unleaded contains Ethanol? [unbranded]. I recently contacted BP, Mobil, Caltex and Shell explaining that I flew Microlight Aircraft [they all took fright at first] and needed the truth on ethanol percentages. The problem it seems is that the Government has mandated the use of 10% ethanol in Petrol, but the document is badly worded so that it doesn't explain whether this percentage applies to all Petrol sold or Petrol sold at individual Service Stations or literally Regular Unleaded only. BP Australia have taken the last interperetation assuring me that their 95 and 98 octane fuel is ethanol free. Mobil, Caltex and Shell have similarily declared that if their fuel contains ethanol it will be branded as E10. Some hinted that, perhaps to be sure, I should buy Premium. Another concerning factor is that taxpayers subsidise ethanol at a rate of 5cents a litre. An indipendant automotive organisation has tested and found ethanol concentrations as high as 18%. The advice from that is to view most discount fuel as containing a 'shandy'. Safe flying etc.

I don't know about a keel, but there is a Quantum Wing advertised in 'Soaring'. 300 hrs Ph. 02 42943256. ( I haven't seen it but it would be in good knick. )

I have contacted the NGK help-line and enquired about plugs for my Trike. The response was that NGK DO NOT recommend the use of their Spark Plugs for light aircraft and that is why the warnings are on the box. I then explained that the importer supplies NGK for these Engines. After taking my number they returned my call in about ten minutes with the response.- The specific order number is BR8ES-SP . They have plentiful stocks in Melbourne and are readily available for dispatch to Repco, Autopro and other NGK stockists. Cheers, Paul.

Dear newairly, Thanks for the tip. I have been paying a 100% mark-up to somebody. I suppose specifying a certain item on safety grounds can leave yourself open to profiteering when you live far away from a major centre.[ I had to wait a week and a half for them as well.] Thanks again, Paul.

Dear newairly It seems that all NGK spark plugs are boxed with the same warnings. The most important thing is that the terminal [on the porcelain end] is 'solid'. Easily obtained BR8ES plugs often have threaded terminal caps that can corrode or fall off. $3.30 for each plug sounds 'cheap', although you may have a bargain. Safe flying, Paul.

Dear Ross, If you like Bikes, you are going to LOVE Trikes! Lean into the turns with a pillion passenger and high power to weight! All the best, Paul.

I don't suppose you happened to see what the EGT [if fitted] was reading? If it rose noticeably I would be looking carefully for other signs. Spark Plug electrode colour/condition may give a clue or perhaps reasurance if the Engine shut down rapidly. Cheers Paul.

Anyone tried Wurth CU800? I know it's good stuff on the spring loaded exhaust ball joints. It is a copper paste in an aerosol with a good capillary and adhesion medium, originally formulated for Disc Brake Pad backing plates. Using a fine 'straw' applicator I have had great results in automotive applications wherever extreme heat or pressure is encounted. Any thoughts?

When I do something wrong, my wife never lets me hear the end of it. If I do something REALLY wrong, she gives me the silent treatment. Sometimes it's worth the exta effort. :)

Happy New Year Bobby! All the best with happy landings. Allowera.

Soaring Australia, July 2007, "The Great Two-stroke Oil round-Up". Obvously written by a very learned gentleman.

After reading "Subaru Engines" I feel the need to defend the EA81. Firstly; I am sure that whilst he was employed at the dealership, micgrace would certainly have performed the mandatory 1500Km Cylinder Head re-tension, just as he would have adjusted valve clearances every 25000Km and changed coolant every 2 years. However, sometimes it didn't happen..... Secondly; after the advent of Unleaded Fuel, it was almost impossible to convince Brumby owners to use Premium or Octane boosters. This resulted in Subaru supplying heavier Distributor Advance springs, cooler heat range Spark Plugs and cooler Thermostats. Even then some owners were able to enduce detonation. Finally; overheating an all alloy Boxer Engine is avoidable and can be terminal. Crankcase distortion and Main Bearing Tunnel ovality must be considered before any Cylinder Head work is carried out. Dual Spark Plug Heads were being manufactured in New Zealand; knowing true Engine history is vital before fitment. In my experience over an extended period in automotive applications, if it is maintained correctly and used wisely, the EA81 gives years/decades of reliable service and will often outlast it's EA82 successor. Safe flying, Paul.

Dear OT, My Edge is still pretty much standard, Grey top 582, no front suspension and 'Fred Flintstone' Brakes. I was saddened to find out recently that a Cruze wing will not fit our Bases. I know [as you do] the advantages of a good intermediate wing. Knowing that my Edge wing probably won't pass Bettsometer next time, I am left with the old question " 2b or not 2b". Operating out of a home paddock with only local work I am leaning toward a Wizard. No flying lately due to winds and work commitments, but this weekend looks promising. Dear HPD, I hope the fireworks occur above 5000ft. Being in a tiny open cocpit at 6600ft with scattered cloud below between 2-3000ft is a cherished experience not to be given up lightly. Dear All, Hatches, Latches, Socks and Clocks! All the best, Allowera.

Thanks Guy , Tanja is located far south coastal NSW approx 16 Nm north of YMER. An MP3, there's a thought. I could broadcast that out through the UHF as well. Hmmmm. I wonder how the local cocky's would react to heavy metal??? On second thoughts, perhaps not. Happy landings, Paul.

How many times have we heard this one? Living in a small country community and flying a Trike -quite a lot!! .Plus "peanut under a razorblade", "Sky-lifter" or the more suspicious "what are you doing up there?". Suggestion:- Fit a UHF Radio in addition to your VHF and set it to Channel 20. Make sure it is set to a maximum of threequarter volume of VHF[to be given priority at all times] and be aware that this channel is often used for Rural Fire Service [N.S.W.] and see how many locals respond. I have found that this interaction between myself and people on the ground has added a big [and positive] interest in recreational aviation in my locality. Small [1 watt or less] UHF Radios with VOX capability can be easily spliced [by your friendly local electronics wiz] to a standard Microlight Comms. System. During flight I have spoken to persons aged from 12 to 70+ and have been told of many others listening-in . One man even commented that "you should be able to charge for that - it's special" [Vicarious flight at it's best?] I suppose that this contravenes some flight rule, so could someone please advise me as to whether I should stop or not ? Thanks. Man's oldest dream is flight, His oldest fascination is fire, oldest fear is becoming food. [Watch your EGT on climbout or it may bite you]