Happyflyer

I believe there is a Drifter or Fisher Mk 1 with VH rego. So there does the theory that a GA pilot is incapable of flying a low inertia aircraft without an RAAus certificate. As and earlier poster has said it's just about getting yourself familiar with whatever you are about to fly.

Motza said. Skidding wont cause a stall. The ONLY reason its stalling, is because the stick is TOO FAR BACK.You are beginning to sound like proffessor avius. It is possible to stall a plane without the stick being too far back. I know it is not common, but it has happened.

Always have a long think before you press "post reply" and submit your ignorance to the wolves!

Interesting read but I don't know why he got that much space in RAAus's own magazine as he is saying you can fly an RAAus aircraft on a CASA licence and I presume while not a member of RAAus. While there is comment at the end of the article that CASA and RAAus disagree they do not give any legal opinion or example to shoot him down. Guess it would have to be tested in court. Pretty sure insurance would be an issue too

Looks like you have got the technique down pat. Well done.

Not sure what point you are trying to make Kaz. The ops manager originally said;

"The pilot had been operating just above the 500ft AGL minimum and didn't believe a Low Level endorsement was required (it was)"

She now says "Operations can confirm RA-Aus members can certainly operate to 500 ft AGL without a Low Level endorsement, as long as it's not over a closely settled or built up area"

She was wrong in the first instance when she added the "it was" phrase and that is what created the confusion that started this thread. While she says the original article "appeared to create some confusion" she doesn't say why she caused the confusion in the first place. A simple "I was wrong" or "it was a typo" would be nice.

Thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts motzarmerv. It will add to many peoples' understanding of this often misunderstood subject.

The RAAus Ops Manager has "clarified" her initial statement that started this thread. Check her page in the latest Sport Pilot magazine. You can fly at 500 ft AGL if not over a built up area. Something I think we all knew anyway.

That's a pity. Many junior pilots will read the article. You stated reading the article "left me curled up in the fetal position, rocking back and forth in the corner as I stare off into the middle distance". If it is that bad there must be something very wrong with it? Surely if this is so you are duty bound to point out he errors? It may save a life! You started a thread bagging the article so I think it only fair to the author that you should put out your argument as to why.

Ok, motzartmerv, I'll bite. You've bagged the guy pretty well. For those of us who may not have your experience can you please point out some of errors or anomalies in the article?

I agree with dutchroll. I almost always land on grass, dirt and sand and have found no differences between bushwheels and more conventional tyres in regards to directional stability. I have noticed the bushwheels transmit a lot less shock to the airframe over bumps.

Thanks for the reply slb. Yep Adobe installed and operating fine for other documents. Last updated 27/11/14. I'll do some more checking.

The L1 Study Guide isn't opening properly on my computer. Is it working for anyone else?

RAAus has different rules that RAAus aircraft must follow. I believe that it is only when the new Tech manual comes in that underwing markings will not be required. Size is still mandated by RAAus at 150mm.

The exemption is renewed regularly. Latest expires in 2015 see http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L00098

The RAAus email states that 0.03 percent of 90000 Jabiru movements had "some sort of engine malfunction" in the year to date. If my math is correct that's 27 engine malfunctions of any sort in one year for the whole Jabiru fleet. One would assume this covers things like fuel problems, spark plug problems, improper maintenance issues as well as out and out engine failures caused by through bolts or valves failing and the like.

I would think that sounds like quite a reliable engine. In fact the figures are so good they are hard to believe. So good that Jabiru could probably take CASA to the cleaners for the damage to their reputation.

I wonder what figures CASA have got to justify their action. I find it hard to believe they are using RAAus figures. Lets hope RAAus have done better with their statistics than they did with the registration debacle.

Andy, I got this from a general email that CASA put our along with ADs and SBs. There is further information on their web page. As you said, proposal only. Lee Ungerman at CASA is the person to addresss replies to.

Looks like CASA are proposing drastic measures in relation to the Jabiru engine.

http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/newrules/download/spc-cd1425ss.pdf

I have never know the ignition units to fail. Is he sure they are not working. What are the symptoms?

You will need a GA school to get up to speed and then do a flight review in a GA aircraft before you can use the RPL. Also a GA instructor or ATO is needed to sign the Endorsement form and the English language form.

Part 61 plainly states that the RAAus pilot certificate is enough to get you an RPL. It also says the endorsements carry over. The RAAus cross country endorsement counts as long as you can show at least 5 hours solo nav with one 100 nm flight with two full stop landings as PIC. The radio endorsement should read straight across with some complications due to the English language garbage. NickDunks84 is right, go to a good RAAus/GA school that knows the regs and is not out to rip you off. He has named one school. if anyone out there knows of others let everyone know. Remember your log book is a legal document, fill it our properly and honestly and no one should doubt your nav qualifications. If it looks like a grade four child did it in pencil you may have problems.

In the media now.

http://m.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/sunshine-coast-plane-crash-hoax-sparks-massive-search-20141028-11d9xd.html

I also met Bert on his way around Australia. He was a bit shakey but has been flying most of his life, RAAF and airlines so he really knows his stuff. You can tell when some one is too old. when they lose situational awareness. You know the guy, when he comes in everyone gets out of his way. Please tell me when they do that for me!

Geoff13, I agree with you about the mixed messages. Aviation is all about compromise. Lift and drag, power and weight, fuel capacity, range, speed etc etc etc. Crash worthiness is just another variable to consider. A helmet would probably be a very handy thing in a crash but who wants to wear one of those all of the time? Just remember the majority of accidents are in someway linked to the pilot so if we get that part right we may not need to use the crash worthiness.

Happyflyer

Thanks Kaz. Looks like we might share an interest in tail wheel aircraft. I love flying (and landing and taking off) in anything with a wheel bringing up the rear (and I try hard to keep it there!)

Cheers, Happyflyer