OZJohn

As an active aerial firefighter this is causing considerable concern. Most of you realize the effect of out of balance in either a fixed wing or rotary aircraft. The amateur drone flyer would not give it a thought. The usual response is we fly so low we won't worry you. Many times I have been in a four ton aircraft taken up at 1000 feet per minute over a fire, a drone could finish up anywhere.

Once aircraft are involved in fire fight the area becomes a restricted area with a F-CTAF and no aircraft can enter without authority. Crew safety is paramount. If a drone is in a fire area all aerial fire fighting will stop.

You may have seen the phrase used in USA " If you fly we don't " aimed at drones in fire areas. I am sure most drone operators do not want to cause any harm. I think drones are amazing and would like to play with one. John.

I operate out of Colac - YOLA which is 15 minutes from the coast around Torquay, Lorne and inland access to Port Campbell for those who don't like the Otways - Cape Otway route.

And I know most of the safe landing options in that area. We have avgas and clubhouse facilities and a sealed strip. Maybe able to organize a BBQ if required. PM me for further info.

I recently had a problem getting diesel out of my 1k liter overhead tank. The inline filter looked like it was wrapped in glad wrap.

I had bought 1k liters in January and by June it had waxed up - summer fuel is not for winter. My fuel supplier said he would fix it and turned up with 200 liters of heating oil to add to it.

That worked.

If you check ERSA special procedures SP 1 covers that.

No continuous radar coverage.

It is an electroplating process. Depending on what you want the wear resistance can be anywhere from 4 to 10 times better than cast iron or chrome bores.

John.

I have been using Limbach motors with Nikasil cylinders for over 20 years ( not the same one ) and they do not wear.

And yes the rings have to be special also. An ordinary hone will not touch them.

Now the process is called electrosil and used extensively by motor bike racing folks. A company in Melbourne does them.

Limbach also proved you need two carburetors and very well designed inlet manifolds for flat four engines for aircraft use.

There's no place like cloud-base.

John.

If you Google the Sigtronics site I think you will find a diagram to explain it all.

Is this for just one particular type of iridium plug ?

If so which one ?

I have a Japanese made folding bike in as new condition. It weighs about 12 Kg. No further use. $85.00

John.

I believe we should be promoting this. Note the extended closing Date.

https://www.raa.asn.au/gyfts/

Closing date for GYFTS applications has changed to 28 February 2015

We are now welcoming applications for the 2015 GYFTS Scholarship Programme.

The GYFTS Scholarship Programme is proudly sponsored by Recreational Aviation Australia and Airservices Australia, and is awarded annually to encourage young people to learn to fly.

Application forms can be downloaded here.

If you are interested in applying, please forward your application to:

Recreational Aviation Australia

PO Box 1265, Fyshwick ACT 2609 or [email protected] by close of business on the 28 February 2015.

Limbach have been using nikasil treated cylinders for at least 25 years. A lot of racing motor bikes have them done - electrosil.

John.

There is a direct relation between SG and octane. Fuel mixture also changes as the weight of the fuel changes.

John.

I have been testing the specific gravity of both Avgas and Mogas over the last two months and the deterioration of Mogas over two to three weeks is quite dramatic.

No wonder Jabiru and others are having detonation problems.

Do not store fuel - particularly in plastic jerry cans.

John.

Foka 5 was beautiful to fly - felt like it was part of you. Fun to fly inverted also.

I enjoy being an independent motor glider operator and have flown the Morning Glory several times.

My last wave flight was to 18000 ft and very cold.

All flying is good.

John.

I have spent a fair bit of time fire spotting in a couple of them and they are pretty marginal on a hot day.

Like a lot of light twins 6 POB is a bit squishy. And can't take full fuel.

Thousands of glider pilots have been instructed very well - for free. They only pay aircraft hire in the club scene.

I have seen eagles while flying wave at 18000 feet. Minus 30c - damn cold.

Been in circuit for a while so thought I would drop in and say hello.