Jehtie

Thanks Riley, I will certainly do that.

Thanks Downunder! Very much appreciated (your P.M. as well) Thanks again.

Thanks Downunder, I'm definitely interested in Trikes. I've done a fair bit of training in G.A. so I would continue with that if I was going to do 3-axis. The allure for me is the cost of running price tag, mobility, fuel and simply having the wind in your face. I've done a rough calculation below on what I anticipate the costs of flying a trike would be. I would love to hear from other members what they think regarding costs... (It's all part of the sell to my wife... I'm sure you understand ) $2340 of fuel (12litres per hour at $1.50 at 5 hours per fortnight) $5000 of maintenance per year ($2,500 if my mate and I go halves) $20,000 for a second hand trike ($10,000 if my mate and I go halves) $500 for membership and landing fees $1600 for hangering or secure storage ($800 if my mate and I go halves) (Subtotal = $29440) VS $250 per hour G.A. aircraft hire (conservative) $40 landing fees (two landings, different airports / aerodromes) (Subtotal= $290 per hour) 29440/290 (TOTAL=101.5 hours) Therefore, flying a trike is cheaper after 40.6 weeks of flying one at 5 hours a fortnight. Another factor is mobility and fuel. I particularly want to get into trikes as I see it as an extension of camping (i.e. taking it on a trailer if required). I was at Uluru and Kings Canyon a couple of years ago thinking how amazing it would be to go for a flight in the morning after breakfast to start the day. Honestly, can you beat stumbling out of tent, having a quick tubs, stoking the fire, eating a bit of burnt toast with a billy boiled coffee? Then fueling up, out of a can(!), gearing up and flying out for the morning sights with the wind and the sun in your face? I guess at the end of the day, we're all after different things, but this is what I envisage is the pinnacle of life until a new challenge comes along. In saying that, I suspect that there is a mastery that can never be achieved in flying a trike and new challenges await anyone willing to fly off in a different direction. (If anyone is keen to embark on a trip flying across the Mongolian Steppes, let me know!... Maybe I'm too engrossed in 'Long Way Round' and 'Long Way Down') Oh... the other big point... I've heard that flying a trike is as close to riding a motorbike than any other form... thoughts anyone? Cheers!

Thanks Poteroo, That is sound advice. Gordon from WGF mentioned that it is not possible to rent out as soloist. There is a thread on this forum that basically puts it down to insurance. However, as you mentioned, I will try my best to try a few different types with someone else to see what is suitable. Do you know what schools have what particular aircraft? Sky Sports are an agent for Airborne, so I would assume they wouldn't have anything else. Obviously, if there are any friendly flyers who want to take up a passenger over here in W.A. then by all means! Cheers

Hi Rick, I've got to justify the spend of a two seater to her somehow :-) And a new swag. I'd probably ask for a new fridge too, but I reckon she would cotton on that. She's quite clever at maths, and the weights just don't add up :-) Cheers.

Hi All, I’m newly obsessed with micro-lights and I’m looking to take the plunge over here in West Oz. I’ve got about 20 hours of G.A. under my belt and am very looking forward to changing to the dark side (or the light side depending on which way you want to look at it). One of my mates and I, who is getting into it as well, have realised after talking with Gordon from Sky Sports that renting a microlight is just not the done thing; so we’re going to take our time with the training before parting ways on a hefty wad of green for a second hand one in about ten months or so. Looking forward to heading cross country and taking up the wife. Definitely keen to have a crack at taking along the swag, parking up and enjoying the outback. Cheers, Jehtie