David F

Had a few interesting landings on early XC on hang gliders.Remember one of the Loughborough lads doing a blinder and thinking he will land in the sheep paddock below hang on these sheep are yellow oops it was a Lion park. Quick change of plan cant remember his name sandy Nicholls would know. Dave

I was talking to one of the old missionary pilots from the SDA mob.He said that you had to be carefull otherwise you could end up as a dish called "Long Pig" The further out you went the less fussy the natives were.Hope Tommo posts details of his adventures on his return. Dave

Have done the London Sydney half a dozen times London NZ a couple also London Bombay Europe etc. Best was Air Canada Business class excellent service next BA.Did not rate Singapore airlines too cramped (set up for smaller people) Emirates and Etihad ok but prefer to support the locals we are travelling Virgin Atlantic to UK in June will see how they go.Re Qantas safety record its all spin they did have a write off but chose to effect an uneconomic repair to save face.The rest of the marketing guff is all a bit one eyed.Ultralights had a point when he remarked that they were run by accountants I would like to point out not only accountants but irish accountants at that. Dave

Weather Its rubbish here too. However I am really enjoying the cricket its good to see the Aussies get hammered (for once ) dave

I got a new watch and some socks and jocks.Bought the missis a brand new horsefloat with everything that opens and closes Quality Australian made(no crappy chinese chassis) I think she is chuffed (she never moaned when I bought the airplane so its her turn now) All I want is a day or two of decent weather. Dave

new Treasurer Do we know why we have a new person in this position? Did Mr Caban resign or was he terminated if so for what reason. I /we the membership need to be kept informed of the actions of the executive.I would have expected a statement in the magazine but no just the usual irrelevant semi joking rubbish. I suspect a jobs for the boys culture has infected our organization and as no one is looking they have free rein to dish out pay rises and financial incentives as they see fit. Hopefully my suspicions will be proved incorrect and in the future financial details will be available to the membership. I would also like to see some strategic direction from our CEO and progress or lack of reported in his column. Honestly I could write a third A4 column and say nothing. Dave

Trip Hi Rachel Its a possibility is may the best time? I have always wanted to go there how long do you plan on going for ? Will get the maps out and get back to you. Dave:clap:

I was thinking of planning a flying trip for next winter/spring.Went up north this year but went a bit late and was very lucky not to get caught out in the wet season.Might try west or south next time would be good if a few ac came and similar types makes for a good trip (same fuel burn speed landing characteristics ect ) Comments and input most welcome anyone fancy it. Dave

UK Flying Flying anything in the UK is a different deal to here.For a start the weight limit is 450 kg This explains the abundance of trikes and somewhat limits the potential of three axis aircraft (if you want to fly two up that is) and no doubt there would be some little Hitler in a peaked cap waiting to pounce on anyone who strayed over the limit.Add to that prolonged periods of crap weather airspace everywhere and you realise how well off we are here. Dave

Not a very exiting topic,However I cannot source them locally I bought the last batch from a guy with a nut and bolt stall the last time Natfly was held at Narromine.I have since mislaid his business card does anyone have his contact details? If so please advise. Regards Dave

Just arrived home after my first trip further than Cowra (from Cessnock) Route was as follows Cessnock Narromine (stuck for 4 days howling gale persistant rain) Thanks to Peter and Nita the new caravan park owners for running us into town lending dvds and all the nice stuff that they didnt really have to do.Then the weather improved so it was off to Bourke fuel stop leg stretch then on to Cunnanulla and Charlieville overnight here then Augathella Tambo Blackall stop at Longreach did the stockmans hall of fame and the Qantas museum (sat in the pilots seat of the 747) was surprised to see that the controls were cable driven but it was a 200 model.Then onward Cloncurry Lorraine Gregory Down to Adels Grove and camping dont expect too much sleep here with the barking frog eating owls in fact it seems everything eats the frogs (except us) Next day we hired canoes and went for a paddle down the gorge at Gregorys Down had a swim and saw two freshwater crocodiles on the way back.Then to Mt isa ,Boulia, Bedoura to Birdsville They were having a 30 year anniversary since the pub was rebuilt so we had to join in good food and entertainment curried camel pies mmmm Flew over big red one and two they had been waterski ing here road was closed from Quilpie so not many people here. Then Windora Thyungra Quilpie overnight at the caravan park then to Kilcowra Station landing on the sand runway you stop quick.Down to bourke and back to Commeroo camel station last night then Bourke Nyngan Narromine leg stretch fuel and on to Cessnock. 3097 nautical miles in 39 hours 79 kt average flew on 11 days found the long range tanks invaluable and was able to use then as I was flying on my own but in the company of Jenny and Phil who were flying a Pioneer.The Pioneer is a bit faster but takes less fuel on the Commeroo to Narromine leg they had to land and fuel at Bourke I did not. We landed within five minutes of each other.Not doing much today but might do a few circuits on Sunday then start the 100 hourly. A good trip good company and excellent pre booking rebooking and accomodation by Jenny Dave Narromine Qld The end result

Camping Strips I was impressed with the set up at Commeroo Camel farm we stayed wednesday on the way back from FNQ.You need to book in If you fly over the homestead till they come out and wave they will come and pick you up.You can camp stay in a cabin and they will cater and provide refreshments in the mantrap bar for the all important post flight debrief. Dave

Has anyone seen or had a fly in one of these yet. I would be interested in any comments. Dave

Savannah Havent checked the price lately.I would be cautious of buying "old stock" bought at a higher price (dont think it is applicable with ICP as they turn them over),but I would have a check on the european web sites. Dave

Savannah I think that the colour scheme makes a differance.I would consider an S model if it was the same price as a VG and flew the same.I would also consider a factory built. (dollar is doing well against the euro) People do go on about the looks and the cruising speed but most of these are jab jockeys trying to justify their choice of aircraft. I quiet often taxi past them to go out flying while they are taking their cowls off yet again to have a tinkering session or change an engine. I have had my VG two years now 85 kts and 150 litres of fuel does it for me and yes I would consider in the future same again. Dave

First solo nav Hi Rachel Dont make it too hard (helps get over the thought of bieng solo) be thorough in your planning make it easy on yourself eg extra maps folded to the right page etc.And enjoy it . Dave

Financial reporting Not wishing to wring its neck but a little more transparancy would be appreciated. Dave

Fee Increase Its difficult to judge if the increases are justified or not.I think that all members should recieve an annual statement regarding income and expenditure.Remember its the RAA not the RTA. Dave

Chasing a sleepev storch You dont have to chase too hard my mate has one and we are allways into him re the bug splats on the trailing edge. Dave ps they are a heap of fun

Rotax Powered Jab I hear that there is a J 160 with a Rotax 912 uls at Warnervale its owned by a flying school so I would assume the certification issue has or will be resolved.I recon it would make a fine aircraft.They havenot done this for the fun of it,probably one engine incident too many. Dave

I had a go in one and that was it.Had mine for three years now still happy plus they seem to hold their price well. Dave

I noticed that Ms Gillard promised $10 million towards the Central Coast mariners football field (if she gets re elected) This is in the marginal seat of Dobell the only local airfield Warnervale is under threat. Cooranbong and Aeropelican have both been shut down and are lying unused (waiting for property prices to pick up) Could it be that if they are willing to throw 10 mill at a soccer ground they could do the same for an airfield.Do we need professional lobbyists or just good old folding cash in a brown paper bag? Dave

Just a reminder that Concord was an English/French project Dave

Well done Darky Do you recon your olds will stretch to a plane for Xmas ? Dave

X air costs No Michael I am not joking about the $ 7000 for a new Rotax 582.As for a HKS or jabaroo no thanks I would rather have genital warts.The 912 would be the pick but the payload would be reduced to an unacceptable level also not worth the investment on this type and age of aircraft. Best to sell and buy something else. Cheers Dave