David F

Early models are limited to 450 (the european limit) There is one at Scone but I think that may be a 450.The later model is the way to go. Dave

Hi Ben Sounds like your mind is made up but I would advise you to take a look at all the options.Ie Foxbat Flysynthesis Storch (the clipped wing version with the 100 hp Rotax is the go ) When I was decieding what to buy I did not want a Jab but I had a fly in one anyway.I wanted an aircraft that I could operate out of small strips with a geared prop and good fuel capacity I went for a Savannah and have been very happy with it mine is a kit built but you can get them factory made now.As well as buying the aircraft look at the resale values and how many are for sale you want to protect your investment. Good Luck Dave

GPS Workshop Hi Carol I would be keen to attend a Garmin GPS lecture. David F

Muffler Would have to be welded up by a CASA approved welder so should cost a bit .If welding allowed by mere mortal would cost less.Probably costs the guys heaps to get approval from CASA so you cant blame them for getting a return. Dave

Hi Qwerty Hand is nearly better.The savannah is an appealing machine you would need an extra long hand grip to accommodate the six fingers. Dave

Sar I call it like I see it qwerty Writing as a VFR recreational pilot like I said if someone is on station they can render assistance.Any aircraft is better than no aircraft and the guys that have been in the RAAF SES etc will have a much better idea than most. I must admit that the self appointed aerial hero line was prompted by the display I witnessed at Narromine this year in the approaching cloud front.No worries guys just healthy debate by the way qwert I am a self empolyed welder (been off for 6 weeks with a hand injury so have spent a bit of time on here) hope to get 4178 out on sunday and if Human factors allow aviate Dave

Sar Maybe OK for a bit of shark spotting or ops in VFR over safe country (no tiger territory) SAR missions occour because some one has got lost the weather has turned bad,ran out of daylight or are injured (these are looked after by rescue choppers and we dont need to get in the way) There may be the odd occasion where if someone is on station they could lend a hand. The last thing we need a bunch of self appointed part time aerial heroes being tempted to operate outside of their comfort zone and capability and bringing our sport into disrepute. Dave

Hi kmorhan There are a few Savannahs over here there is a group on the forum dedicated to this type.I have a vg and am really enjoying it. Dave

They have a Lightning and a Vulcan plus a few others in a paddock next to East Midlands airport near Castle Donnington. Dave

Cowra trip Im in weather depending cant fit any camping gear in with me + mate and 100 lt fuel can any one reccomend reasonablr motel within walking distance. Dave

Hi Savannah Flyers Am planning on going weather permitting are many others going? Dave

Gooday Pitfield I considered a 701 but the one on offer had a saburu motor fitted.I ended up buying (ready made ) a VG with 100 hp Rotax benefits were better payload long range tanks Rotax motor and I believe a better resale value. Dave

it would appear that Kevin Rudd is playing Santa and dishing out the dollars on projects that will support the construction industry.I noticed that a new building is going up on the eastern side of Cessnock airfield. The plaque on the front of it states that it is bieng paid for by this scheme. How can we tap into this ? We could do with a few airfields hangers amenity blocks etc if we dont ask we wont get Who do we ask ? maybe the RAA board should be looking into this ? Dave

Hi Dan This is exactly what we need to do as I stated previously a lot of people contributing a small amount ,Then leveraging off of the existing to duplicate facalaties. Dave

Exhaust Hi McGuiver Was interested to see that you thought that stainless steel was the wrong way to go on your trike.When I got my Savannah the previous owner told me that he had just spent $1200 on the exhaust getting it repaired after it fell apart. I flew it back and after 10 hours it had failed again.Not only had one of the pipes broken off but an internal baffle had come adrift .Not a problem as I run a welding business however I did notice that originally it had been mig welded probably with a small single phase machine and set to run rather cold,lack of fusion and penetration resulted in an early failure.I took it apart and re welded it tig using a 316 filler with pure argon .I have since done 110 hours and have not had any further cracking. I have noticed on some tig welded ss systems that the throat thickness of the weld is insufficient which results in cracking.This is caused by either not using or using too little filler wire. I would have thought that a treated steel system would have been more malleable and less prone to cracking although it would be more prone to corrosion. What did you end up using ? Dave

I still keep coming back to the idea that somewhere in the 768.2 million hectares that make up Australia. There are a few within a reasonable drive of the main population centre that could be set aside for the development and continuation of light aviation. Also in order to protect the tenure of this land it should be owned by as many people as possable some sort of cooperative (or some title that prevents subdivision or redevelopment) For myself I am well set up would like to buy a paddock up the valley some day but would support such a venture. Dave

Ian had a really well built one for sale may be sold but worth giving him a ring.When I was looking around I checked with the Kit sellers and they could tell me a brief history and spec of each plane on the market give Cam aring (0755291027) He is really helpfull. The long range tanks are a must have option. Cheers Dave

Got It sorted premium is 3% hull value then extra for liability and passenger + stamp duty and GST decieded to keep the extra cover for passenger as RAA is only up to 250 k.Will review the situation next year.Thanks for your input. Dave

Engine Hi Blackhawk Good on you for having a go.Seriously though if you build an engine that is superior in power to weight output,operating cost ,extended TBO and above all keeps running and ONLY stops when it it switched off if you put it in an aircraft and display the above benefits you will sell a truckload and then some. Dave

Sydney Airfield What about Badgerys Creek? We could all club together and buy a block of dirt set it up and then be secure as we own IT (Ilive near Newcastle ) but if it was $100 a share I would be in)My local airfield Cooranbong was shut down three years ago not been developed yet but standing idle being wasted (i think all property developers should be gassed at birth) Food for thought as we all seem to be able to buy,maintain and operate aircraft.It makes sence to also own the airfield. Dave Anybody interested within 50 k radius of Morissett

Hi Galpin Comes in at $2400 for flight taxi and ground cover worth $60000 I only asked as I have heard that the RAA were organising a blanket policy which should be cheaper.I am with a large company who have a good reputation when it comes to claims.I have not had a claim and it is the third year of bieng insured. Dave

My renewal has just been delivered and it is a bit steep.Does anyone know of developments with RAA regarding insurance?Any reccomendations? Dave

Aircraft Costs Hi Guys I have a share in an aircraft which i bought when i first got my certificate and later on I bought my own aircraft. The share (1/6 in a 582 xair ) is for sale at $4500 its a cheap way in by the way we have never had any issues regarding availability servicing or any thing.In fact as a low hours pilot it was very helpfull to have an experienced mate to pal up with.Spent many happy hours buzzing around the lake with captain Bob. When I bought my own aircraft I went for a Savannah VG It suits me I did not want a Jab.I have been very happy with my choice it is insured and hangered and wants for nothing.Its like this I have allways wanted to fly and am doing so my wife has horses (the kids have left home) I dont dig into the horse costs My dear and very understanding wife does not dig into the aifcraft costs. Works for us life is not a rehersal Dont try to rationalise it cos you cant just do it (stuff the accountants) Dave

Hi Skybum They probably thought that we were admiring their acts of bravado as the persons concerned give the impression that they are Gods gift to the human race. I dont know what if any action has been taken but would have expected a please explain from the ops manager and if found guilty of reckless flying the suspension of flying privileges including instructional ratings for a period of time. Dave

I was checking my tie downs as a storm front was rapidly approaching. The wind was gusting all over the place along with rain squalls. There were several aircraft flying at the time a Jab ,Savannah and a couple of gyros I noticed the enclosed gyro flying in and out of the cloud on the front .This was not a case of someone arriving in unforseen bad weather they were doing TIFs and several takeoffs and landings were completed.Was the pilot a CFI ? I am not sure but whoever it was he should have known better. The display was reckless,illegal and stupid I was relieved that we did not end the day pulling bodies out of wrecked AC. David