JG3

I tell that on the page 'Finding a Vehicle'. The first one didn't have enough power for all those high mountain passes, so changed to the truck with massive power, 7.3 litres turbo.... JG

Gday All, I just finished a flying/roadtrip of the Western USA. Flying from 44 airfields in 13 states. See the story and photos at http://jgwalkaboutusa.blogspot.com/ Now the rig is for sale, ready to continue, see the classified section. Tailwinds always, John Gilpin

Remember that Arkaroola has fuel, both Avgas and Mogas. JG

Regular NGK plugs are just fine. The only plug fowl in had in 1000hrs with a 447 was one of the fancy iridium ones..... Remove idle adjustment screw and blow out the idle circuit with compressed air. Check that the needle clip is secure in one of the middle slots. Check that the needle clip is under the nylon retainer, not on top.... Also check that the enricher valve is closing properly. That's all I can remember right now..... JG

I haven't used those carbies for some years so can't remember for sure, but that float level 4mm below top of bowl sounds very high..... Also fits the symptoms...... JG

Yeh, Dalby is a walk, but the airfield is about as close to town as it can be. Forest is a good one, and right where you might need a rest...

Exactly correct, Maj. The list is especially meant for those travelling two-up in these little aircraft, so can't really carry full camping gear, or those who's partner refuses to sleep on the ground. I really prefer camping on deserted airstrips a long way from anyone, but it's kinda nice once in a while to have a couple of beers and a proper feed and a yarn with the locals. If you're camping at the airfield, bring your towel and have a freshup in the pub washroom, feels great!. The list has grown now so that when you first look at the map you'd think every airfield was suitable. But there's lots of country airfields too far for a comfortable walk and no taxi service, been there done that, with a cloud of mozzies for company..... JG

Added to the map, thanks. JG

Excellent. Thanks for that useful news. JG

[Either that or use a smaller radiator or block some of it off. I do have some concern about the reliability of the average thermostat these days. A thermostat is a lot more dependable than a taped over radiator on a hotter than expected day and the temps are climbing faster than the aircraft...... JG

.....even with the Evans in it struggles to get to the 90 deg rotax reccomend, it used to be worse with the water and glycol mix. For those having concerns about low running temps in the 912, have a look at http://www.stolspeed.com/thermostat-for-912 Mine runs about 90 degC all the time now. Simple installation. JG

Definitely need something like 28mm wide angle for best landscape effect.... Keep the shutter speed at least 250/sec to stop blurring due camera shake. There's something mysterious about aircraft, flying nice and steady hands off, but as soon as you look through the viewfinder they act up like a rough horse....... Study light and composition, far more important that camera and lens quality for final viewing effect. JG

Good shot Greg. Yeh, I measured 29 kts at one time. But very smooth that time of day, deceptive..... But still dead calm on the ground. JG

Look forward to seeing your New Years photo next year, Mark. Be good if there were lots of photos from here and there. Might start something.... JG

Have look at this one. http://www.vimeo.com/21181307 JG

A tradition that I have kept for many years is to take off at very first light on New Years morning, and meet the sun at 5000 ft, then follow it down to the ground again. What a great way to start the New Year! So much better than nursing a sore head under a pillow.... Here's what I saw this year, over Somerset Dam, SE Qld. Wishing everyone tailwinds in everything you do this coming year. JG

This was a good one, across the middle and around the NW. Photos.

I much prefer the McCreary brand, the Condors are a lot heavier..... Profiles are similar. Are there more of those McCreary's available?? A friend would like to get some. JG

I count 10 Jabirus for sale in the same issue.......

Geoff, OK, I finally got in direct touch with Free Flying at Caloundra, and yes they're still in action. It seems that they've been working up in Mt Isa for awhile, but will be back in Caloundra later this week. Their website has changed to http://www.freeflyingcaloundra.net/ They fly a Texan. JG

There's avgas at Nullarbor, but not sure at Border. The strip at Nullarbor is better.

Yes, Nullarbor Roadhouse and Border Village both taxi right to the back of the roadhouse. Premium fuel. Good runways. JG

I've had a lift-off just about as short as that in my Savannah, when it was young and light, and there was a freezing cold, howling SW gale blowing, like i think there was in the video. (It used to blow like that here sometimes in August, before the climate changed...) An observer reckoned the wheels only made one revolution on the ground. (No videos in phones in those days, so no evidence...) But I didn't haul it up at very low speed just hanging on the prop like that guy did. Just as soon as the wheels lifted, I put the nose down and held it in close ground effect, and built up airspeed rapidly then hauled back and zoomed up real steep, with momentum enough to nose over into a safe glide if the engine coughed. (I have horrors imagining the fuel in the float bowls when at that very steep climb attitude at full power.....) Still able to clear an obstacle just about as high as would have by clawing up there hanging on the prop, but much safer. In a real bush situation there's also a real risk of getting behind the power curve while trying to climb over an obstacle with a slow, prop-hanging climb like that, and losing climb angle and settling into the trees..... That's a 'hot rod' aircraft, like a dragster, probably stripped of all weight, and you could hear the very fine pitch prop crackling even with that load, so it would over-rev straight and level.... Great for show-off and that's just what it is, but really good show-off, eh! JG

My early iPhone works easily for tethering, just turn 'Tethering' on in 'Settings' and enable it on the PC. No charge. JG

I've done email business with a fella in Canada by my iPhone while flying at 5500ft over the Petermann Range 50nm west of Uluru, no problem. Amazing! Telstra NextG is the only way to go. JG