PaulN

;);)

Huh?? Your zips not coming apart is it Geoff?

OK, try this one.

Too easy Phil ;). Gone are the days you could just land, tie down your plane and walk off the field. At Launy the security vehicle rocked up pretty much as soon as we switched off with offers to help us out. He headed away while we refuelled, unpacked and tied down not to be seen again. So we had to walk all the way to the pax terminal and slip in though the RPT entrance ... good thing the ASIC was hanging prominently. Then to get back to the plane we had to find the security guy again to gain access to the field, but not until we left him with our name and address for billing . At least the CT was safe from terrorists . Paul

Here's another, shouldn't be too hard. A nice strip to touch down on ... with a dip in the middle, "greasing it" is real easy. Paul

Thanks for the rapid response guys, keep the ideas flowing please ;). Can't tell if the pitot tube has been bumped while on the ground at Launy. It's unlikely, but not impossible, as we were parked across the apron from the deserted aeroclub building on the grass with tie downs. How could a light bump of this tube cause a mis-read? The CT has no external static vent. The instruments rely on static pressure inside the a/c. Yes, did try opening a window vent but no difference. The altimeter and VSI are working just fine. I cross-checked these against the alt readout on the transponder. We tried a blow back through the pitot line (on the ground ) which revealed apparently good airflow. I don't know how water could have invaded the line as the weather while on the ground at Launy was dry. How would you suggest I make sure it's not moisture in there causing the issue? Is it safe to disconnect the pitot line from the AI and blow back with high pressure air (compressor) to make sure it's clear of moisture and gunk? I am thinking that there may be a leak in the line too. Any suggestions how this may be tested ... block one end, apply air pressure, but how would I know if it's losing pressure? I guess if I could get a hold of someones working AI and swap it for mine this would soon narrow the search to either the instrument or line. I'll start asking around for volunteers. If this did show the instrument to be faulty what would be the likely cause of working fine one day and failed the next? Thanks again, Paul

The ASI in my CT has decided to read low without any apparent cause. One flight all is OK. Tucked away for the night with cover on pitot tube then next flight it's reading about 35 to 40 kt low at cruise speed, less difference at lower speeds but still misreading. We've blown back through the pitot line and found it to be clear. Can anyone offer thoughts on what I should look for to find the cause? Thanks, Paul

Christmas Day dawned and along with it the realisation that we’re alone for Christmas with nought to do. All of the kids and grandies off doing their own thing, so what now. Hmmm, let’s see. I know! One of our daughters is also alone in a new environment and just starting a new job. Weather checked, decision made, bags packed, ham sandwiches for Christmas lunch, plan submitted, CT pulled out of the shed and we’re off. Tassie, here we come. Yeehaa, what an experience. If ever you’re of half a mind to cross the Bass Strait, go for it. It’s a lot of water but really the individual legs between islands are quite short and not at all scary. We headed off from Cooma in pretty ordinary weather of sct cloud high enough to allow our planned 5500 alt but very bumpy air. After about 40 minutes of silence on the area frequency we called “Centre, Charlie tango 3841. Could we have a radio check please?” “I have you all fives.” came the reply. “Thanks. It’s been so quiet I thought we may be off-line.” to which he replied “Yeah, isn’t it great?” Seems like everyone else was home doing Christmas stuff. As we approached the coast cloud increased to overcast and lower with occasional drizzle but much smoother. Into Yarram for a comfort stop and ham sandwiches. What a surprise, three of the local aviators Jim (chrisag), John and Webbley were waiting to welcome our arrival. Nice touch guys and just when you should have been home for Christmas lunch … definitely a highlight of the trip indeed. Off again to head across the Strait. Flightwatch gave glowing reports of better weather with sct cloud base at 3500 and winds from our right not affecting our progress much at all. We had planned crossing at 9500 for plenty of height but decided to hang under the clouds. After all, I’m assured that Rotaxes don’t stop, right chrisag ;). The crossing was brief and a real pleasure with great views and a helpful watch from Mel centre monitoring our progress with SKED reports every 20 minutes ... and the Rotax didn't miss a beat, phew. Soon enough we were cleared for a straight in visual to Launy 14R and to a wonderful welcome by our waiting daughter. And isn’t she thrilled that we dropped in to make her Christmas special. And all it took was 4.7 hours and 70 litres, really surprising. Back home today leaving Launy at 0700, a quick orbit over our daughters home to wave goodbye, over the Strait at 8500 before dropping to 2500 just before the coast to slip in under the cloud in readiness to land back at Yarram. More friendly greetings and then off for the final stage back to Cooma getting the CT back in its shed (4.2 hrs and 60 litres later) just minutes before a thunderstorm dumped its load on us. All in all, a wonderful three days. Happy Christmas everyone. I just hope you’re day was as special as ours. Paul

A few clues might get some of going ;) Paul

I watched "One Six Right" for the first time on Friday night and when I saw that yellow Cub fill the screen as it danced across the countryside the first thing I thought was "That's what BrownG flies" ... little knowing that he was now gone from amongst us. It sure hits home when you know the person involved!! Apart from the forum I didn't know George but being a member of the forum makes him family and in some way we do get to know each other. I'm stunned and also will miss him here. How awful for his family and close friends to suffer this tragedy so close to that special family time, Christmas. Let's spare them a prayer as we enjoy the company of our loved ones on Tuesday. If nothing else guys and gals, take great care when you spread your wings to soar with the wind ... you're all very special people and we want you around for a long time yet. Ian, is there something we as forum family can do to express our condolences to George's family? I'm sure many of our members will want to share in this. Paul

This one's been around for some time but always good for a chuckle this time of year ... The FAA sent an inspector to the North Pole to check out Santa's sleigh before giving hime clearance to fly on Christmas eve. Expecting the inspector Santa and his elves spent days getting the sleigh in top condition and ready for all conditions of flight. The inspector arrives and checks the reindeer and they look good, he checks the harness and it looks okay, he checks the sleigh and it's in perfect condition. Then he runs through Santa's weight and balance numbers. Everything's spot on. Then he says, "Santa, the rig looks good. Now let’s take it up for a check ride to see if your up to speed and if everything looks good I'll certify you to fly." Santa hitches the reindeer up and taxis onto the runway and just as he's starting his takeoff roll he looks over and notices the inspector has a shotgun on his lap. "Hey! What’s that for!?" Santa yells. "Well, Santa, I'm really not supposed to tell you this, but there’s going to be an engine failure on takeoff." <FONT face=Arial>

Take a look here for previous discussion Jim ... http://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3238&highlight=children Cheers, Paul

Hi Darren, Yep, the canary Foxbat is one from the stable of the Hastings District Flying Club. You should make a visit to their weekly Friday night social time at the Aero Club rooms at YPMQ just across the road from the RPT terminal. It starts at 1700 and you can be sure you'll be made welcome ... just don't tell them you know Ian Baker . Take a look here for their web site http://www.hdfc.com.au/index.html. Cheers, Paul

Hey Joshua, You're right, I (and others here) don't really know you or your skill level. Obviously, having built your own aircraft says a lot about your skill . That's something most of can't or don't wish to do. I don't believe anyone here is wanting to judge and condemn you ... caution you to what appears to be a needed greater level of care is more the aim. To me, your statement above is very telling. No doubt professionalism is a must in commercial GA operations. However, for a recreational pilot, in both GA and RA-Aus, to aspire to a high degree of prefessionalism is worthy of applause and something we should all try harder for. Better attitudes, better reputations, better knowledge, better practises, better examples to follow ... makes for better airmanship, better pilots and better RA-Aus members. IMHO, this is something of real value and worth persuing. Your suggestion that striving for higher levels of safety and professionalism is a drag on the fun factor is just plain wrong. Think about it. Paul

Can't imagine why ;). Looks like interesting changes. Paul

Take care, lots of care Bigglesworth. We don't need another statistic on the records let alone a damaged forum buddy. Paul

Soooo ... when the av temp finally reaches 16 does this mean that all pirates will have melted into extinction? Can't be all bad after all.

Hats off to my RA-Aus instructors . They obviously know the importance of giving students an awareness session of what a spin looks and feels like and what to do to get out of it. They arranged for me to spend time in a Bocian glider with a GFA instructor. Pretty frightening at first but after a couple of spin attempts soon got the hang of it and an idea of what to do ... just in case. Time spent well in my opinion. I'd advise everyone "new" pilot to try and do this under the care of a good instructor. It doesn't cost a lot in gliders either, besides the silent ride is well worth it. Paul

True story ... We recently flew Pacific Blue from Bris to Christchurch NZ. The chief flt attendant began her pax briefing saying in perfect Kiwi "Good morning ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and welcome aboard flt 562 for Auckland." at which point passengers began looking around. She went on "At the rear of the cabin is the lovely xxxx and with her is" pausing then waving "what's your name again? Oh yes this is the lovely xxxx" in the middle is the lovely xxxx, if you have any questions please direct them to her because she thinks she knows everything. And then of course there's me xxxx and I'm feeling pretty lovely too." "What's that? Did I say Auckland? No harm trying, I was just thinking of going home ... sorry, really, we're all going to Christchurch, really." Then as we got under way another voice came over the intercom "Good morning ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. This is your captain xxxx. Welcome aboard flt 562 for Auckland" then a pregnant pause followed by, "who am I to question the flt attendants?" By this time they had us all expecting anything, but happy to be there. Paul

Well done guys . Great to see the forum achieving its purposes. Paul

Good choice of a/c David. I know for sure you're going to get a real buzz from 4848 ... enjoy. Paul

.......... ...... ... .............. ... ......... ..... ........ .... .. . ... .......... .... ....... ...!!! Wow, I'm lost for words Ross. I Love it. Paul

Thanks Mike, that makes a lot of sense now (not the westerns bit). When I first spotted this I couldn't believe what I was looking at but it just had to be some kind of strip. Paul PS I'll have to post a pic of Pelorus Sound that I took just for you later.

Here's a scarey one that I stumbled across while in NZ. This is located above Port Levy in the Akaroa area near Christchurch. It appears that a very keen flyer unable to find anything resembling flat ground has set himself up with a hangar/shed on top of a short but very steep strip on the side of this hill. I guess he comes in over the lip of the hill using the upgrade to slow down and then powering down the hill and off the edge for take off. A pilot with more "metal" than I could muster ;). Can't help wondering what his options are in case of engine out, s'pose he might be able to glide to the harbour below :ah_oh:. Don't bother guessing its name ... I doubt it has one. Paul

Kings Creek Station?