dreemhi

Guys, when this thread started we threw in more ideas than anybody could handle. Since Natfly I'm convinced I would be happy with any aircraft that was there and if I had a choice I'd probably choose the one Dick Smith arrived in. The sad truth is the cheapest one just went up nearly 2K and out of my immediate reach. I've got ideas but I have to be the first to admit I don't really have a clue how to design an aircraft beyond concept sketches. Maybe there is a case for a designers forum, where those that know can share their expertise. Meanwhile where do I start in turning an idea into a viability? Or where can I buy plans for Richard's or similar design? David:;)3:

High wing, metal frame, 80 hp, its starting to sound like a Superpup/Aeropup, Bushbaby or Skyranger. From what I can see you are looking at about $40-50K for a finished unit(using everything new) for any of these. It would be sensational if we could come up with a design that any average flyer could scratch build for around $20K. Gary morgans Diamond, comes close. Short of going back to Weedhoppers and the like, anybody know of others? David

Yes this is one great subject and like some others I just don't ever remember a time when I didn't want to fly. My Mother is English and my Father was Canadian, the reason they met was that my Father was in the Canadian army, artillery regiment, tranfered to England 1940-41, he was assigned to the anti-aircraft batteries defending Hornchurch aerodrome (of battle of Britain fame). In 1950/1 I have a vague memory of being taken to Hornchurch aerodrome for an RAF open day, was that the seed that began it all? I don't know. It has Taken me many years to achieve what I once thought was a forgone conclusion. I now feel proud and privilaged to be able to do what I always thought was my destiny. Every time I feel the wheels lift from the runway I know I have made the dream come true again, why did I wait so long:crying: David

Ok, I think Deskpilot is probably right, everything needs to be simple, practical and cost effective. Taking it one step at a time, I think it should be a high wing monoplane. My reason, from a non technical perspective, basically everthing then hangs below the wing and contributes to the ability to keep the blue side up. And why bother with two wings when you can lift the entire craft, including pilot, with one. I'm eager to hear the opinions of others:yin_yan: David

For some time I've had the dream of designing something really radical. My idea was basically a canard design but the thinking was to have a large mainplane and a small canard to control pitch, a pusher engine and maybe a variable flap type mainplane trailing edge to give low and high speed performance. I made some rough sketches and even put together a cardboard model of my idea. Can you believe, the damn thing actually flew. I was getting quite impressed with myself and then I discovered a couple of things. I came accross an aircraft on the web, http://www.nurflugel.com/Nurflugel/n_o_d/weird_06.htm#Goeland the "pelican", not a canard but very close to what I had in mind. The other was while thumbing through a 1988 aviation mag in someones waiting room, there low and behold was Burt Rutan's "vari viggen" nearly exactly what I had in mind. I must admit the dream has had some major holes punched in it but I still keep thinking maybe:idea: David

Sorry I had to leave Darren but life was a calling. I've tried to get some airtime twice this week but so far zilch:confused: Next five days are subject to the dreaded call of work so I'll see what happens after that. Meantime back to a name for the Vampire, how about "rotaxula" or even "count(or countess) rotaxula". David

How about leaving the basic colours as they are but adding some imaginative air brush artwork. And please give it a name. David

Hi Michael, This is really the stuff of dreams, dare I say the right stuff! Yet while taking nothing away from the achievement I was immediately reminded of Sir Francis Chichester who well before he got into sailing made a similar crossing East to west from Auckland NZ to Jarvis Bay NSW Aust: in 1931.in a Gypsy Moth, although I think he fitted floats. No GPS, no Navaids. I believe he used a sextant and dead reconning to navigate. I strongly recommend his book "The lonley sea and the Sky" I'm not raining on your parade, you display the the stuff of heros, we shouldall be so valiant. David

Welcome to the sky mate. You've got some frustrations and some elations to look forward to but just take it one step at a time and enjoy every moment. There are some moments of magic ahead for you. David

Hi Sunny, Welcome to the forums. I also fly at The Oaks but normally mid-week. David

Thanks Leigh and James, Sorry not to get straight back to you, been away for a week or so. Leigh, hows the building going, would be great to hear your experience so far. Yes, I see the Super-Pup adds in the mag, the ones I can afford have 503's or smaller and I have a preference for 4 stroke. James, we have communicated, your aircraft would be a dream come true for me but it is beyond my means. If you want to make me and probably a few others very envious please tell us your experience of flying both these aircraft. David

Thanks all. Leigh and Clem, I've got nothing but admiration for anyone who puts the time and effort into building. I'm not sure if I've got what it takes tobuild but it might be the only way to get the aircraft I really want. Mark, I've just completed my tail wheel at The Oaks, in a Lightwing, any idea ifthe Superpup has similar handling? David

Welcome Christine. David

Hi Mike, Welcome to the world of recreational aviation. For me it was almost a 40 year gap from starting to getting serious. It must be some sort of virus but the sky keeps calling. David

Welcome Peter, If flying is for you then this is the place to hear about it and talk about it. It may all look a bit daunting at first but if you break it down in to small steps there are some great experiences ahead, the first time you have control of the aircraft, your first take off, your first good landing, your first solo and so on. These are experiences that are priceless and will live with you for the rest of your life. David

Is anyone building/built or flying either a single seat Superpup or two seat Aeropup? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences on building and flying this A/C. David

Well done Ken! Welcome to the sky. David

I've got to agree with blueline. Forget about the political infighting, RAAus is where the growth is because it's affordable and it's fun. Let's all keep helping to make it the success that it is. Others will either seek to join us or they will wither in our wake. David

With all this experience around I'm starting to feel a little intimidated! but hey, maybe i got a claim to be the worlds slowest learner. First flight, August 1960. Location, RAF Chivenor, Devon, UK. Aircraft DH C1. P I C, some poor fighter pilot on a refresher course conned into giving a bunch of spotty 14 year old cadets their first taste of aviation. I still think this was the most exciting 15 minutes of my life. Big gap to 2000, I'm sure I'm not alone, kids, mortgages, etc., permission granted from the keeper of the coffers and I'm back. I cannot recount all the obsticles that cropped up but it took about three years to get to GFPT and another three to get where I am today. So farI havejust under 100 hours up. The break up is:- GA. About 70. Mainly Piper PA 38 and PA 28 but also Citabria 2 Hrs, Tiger Moth (DH 82A) .5 and my favorite DHC1 (this time sitting in the front seat) 1 Hr. UL. Jabiru 20 hours and my latest achievment Lightwing tailwheel4hrs, solo even! Ok so it took some time but I'm getting there and I love it!!!! David

Thanks for posting that Don, I was holding my breath just reading it. David

Thanks for the input guys. The TWITT site has some interesting ideas. David

Hi All, Anybody got any thoughts on flying wings as ultralights? As far as I can see there have been a few attemps at a viable solution but nothing thats founda life. I think one of the originals was the "sun ray 100" from Sun aerospace in the States. I also found the "Facet Opal" and a French one called "The Pellican" I've been playing with some sketches of a canard flying wing and whilst I'd be the first to admit, I'm no engineer, it sure looks like it should fly. Anybody want to venture beyond the envelope? David

Well done Don! As a newby to the group I am in awe of your achievment. Not only would I love to see pictures but if you have the time I would realy like to read your account of that first flight from taxi out to touch down. David