Riley

Nah, not close. A Sea Dragon is an ex-wife with a concrete block wired around her neck being dragged along the bottom by the tide whereas a Sea Vampire is a current wife who constantly bares her fangs and nags about the $65K boat you just bought. In the fullness of time, a Sea Vampire transforms into a Sea Dragon.

In busy traffic yesterday in Perth I saw (but couldn't intercept) a van with a Vampire silhouette logo and 'Project Sea Vampire' signwriting but no tel nr or contact details. My curiousity begs the question "does anybody have info as to what this 'project' consists of?"

Pud made his final departure yesterday in the company of hundreds of funeral attendees which more than proves that he wasn't just an 'aviator's kinda guy'. The family thanks everyone sincerely for their kind thoughts throughout the ordeal with special mention for those who donated to <<Prostate Cancer Research>>. In the eulogy to her man Gay urged that, in order to possibly avoid Pud's downfall, all men must have regular blood tests to identify prostate cancer in it's early (and treatable) stages. My personal thanks to Hitc, Biggles, naremman, Maj, rgmwa, and farri who supported the Research Foundation with their contributions in memory of the big fella. Riley

A thousand curses upon you and all your camels Old K! I need another project like I need a third nostril (or another divorce) but cannot but think this might be a suitable steed for my spare R2800 Rotec radial. The tail once again wags the dog. If you could PM me your contact phone nr and preferred time slot, I'd like to pick your brains sometime early next week. cheers Riley.

"or when considering purchase of a plane that may require a lot of work, even if you get it really cheap" How true Nev, how very true!!!

Pud's memorial service is being held on Thursday, 10/09/15 @2:00 PM at the West Chapel of the Fremantle Cemetery. A couple of Thruster drivers from the local RAA aviation fraternity will attend for a final farewell and a card from forum mates (signed on their behalf) will be passed to Gay.

Given that the R503 is no longer available from Rotax, it will be interesting to hear your critique on the MZ once you've had time to 'shake it down'. Keep us posted. cheers Riley

Done. Cheers all

Greetings Gentlemen (and Ladies) Had a brief natter with Ian's widow this morning. Thankfully she has numerous family members (from both sides) around her and seems to be coping reasonably well. Gay reckoned that Pud would prefer that, rather than floral tributes, a donation to cancer research in his memory would have positive results in slowing and/or eliminating this insidious disease. Accordingly, rather than for me to arrange flowers or to collect and relay offerings, I suggest that forumites could donate directly to The Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Australia. Their webpage has an 'easy-to-follow' selection of methods in which to donate along with any special directions as to whom honouring. Once achieved, if those participating can send me an email advising of their contribution (not the amount) I'll add their forum (or real) names, to an Rec Flying condolences card to be presented at the funeral (probably next Wed/Thurs). Thanks from Gay to everyone who expressed their tributes and farewells on the forums. I'm know she appreciates hearing of just how well thought of Pud was. Enjoy life folks - it's a gift we sometimes don't take time to appreciate while we're doing it.

A very kind suggestion HITC. I will talk with Gay and see what she thinks the big fella would have wanted. Will be in touch shortly. cheers Riley

A message from Gay advised that Ian (dear old Pud) passed away yesterday afternoon. News that I should have been prepared for but it comes hard. I feel selfishly cheated that he'll no longer be around to bless us with his good nature and country boy wit and there were so so many things that we hadn't yet got around to doing. I feel priviledged to have been a mate even if for too short a time. Rest in Peace old buddy.

55-3845 is the same Skyfox that pancaked at Bindoon a year or so back and which was immediately purchased by a scavenger for 5 grand. I was unaware that it had graduated to an automotive scrapyard in the interim but am having difficuties imagining what improvements have been effected to account for the additonal thousand dallars asking price.

It will sadden a number of participants on these forums to learn that Pud (at his own request) has been taken off all medication and that his big trip "Gone West" is anticipated shortly. May you have blue skys and tailwinds wherever you go old son.

The aircraft 'love of my life' is my 1946 Champ but because the marque is so rare in Oz I can't fairly include it in my listing so.... of the RAA aircraft that I've owned over the years my next all time favourite would have to be the 2-seater, T-300 Thruster. Low entry price, easy and cheap to maintain, fun open-air flying but with a requirement for 'heads-up'/no complacency operation. My choice perhaps influenced by it being my first aircraft (and still have a Gemini). The rest of the cast in order of appearance were/are: T-300, Flightstar Pioneer, Lightwing 912GR, Hummelbird, Gemini, Skydart, Sapphire and Champ. Only one I wasn't comfortable with was the Hummelbird as it well exceeded my capabilities at the time. There is a Fisher Celebrity Biplane being added to the list next month so may have to review the standings in a year's time.

Agreed Nev. It didn't look right but Iwas too lazy to dig out the Collins. cheers

My humble apologies Russ, I've told you a lie. I went to the store cupboard this morning to dig out and package up the vents only to find that they are 3 1/4" OD, not the 2" that you requested. Please advise if they can suit your needs (and in future never trust an old geezer's memory). Riley

The current ACS catalogue price is (US)$15.65 a pair. Works out to about $20 Oz. Let me kow your mailing address & I'll package them up and mail them off and will let you know the mailing costs before you remit any brass. Do it by PM if you wish anonimity. cheers Riley

I got my Model A-2-100 'Snapvents' ( 2" pt # 05-01178) at Aircraft Spruce (but I was at Oshkosh at the time). I have a pair of good used and a new pair that I was saving for a project but won't be utilized before I return from S & F next year. If you can't do any good locally get back to me. The used pair are 'freebies' and the new ones at replacement cost. cheers Riley

Thank Gawd for eccentrics like Jeff Morgan!!!

Andy, as much as both I love ya and admire your tenacity in attempts to sort out the mess that RAA has allowed itself to evolve into, this is the first instance where I detect you offering 'politspeak' as a response. Any members who have lived thru the degradation of administrative and operational capabilities of the AUF/RAA (and to be fair, the recent slow comeback) over the past decade must surely acknowledge that recreational aviation as we know it is on shaky grounds in the short term. There may well be a slight increase in current membership & AC registrations but I sincerely doubt (failing a CASA/RAA/SAAA epiphany) that the majority of these new members and a lot of the old members will still be around in 5 0r 6 years to applaud where the association has taken (or perhaps) left us in the light of the existing progress(??). I, myself am questioning if I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Not having a shot at you personally but the gloom & doom sayers definitely have a platform that warrants consideration. I'd be very pleased to eat crow if I'm off base. cheers Riley

Took some maneouvering but I finally worked it out. Jasus, I reckon you got too much time on yer hands!

About 30 years ago, the McDonald's franchisee in Midland, WA mounted a DC3 (I believe it came from SA) on a stand outside his slop shop and turned it into a specialty eating place/kiddie's playground. After some years it disappeared (apparently the shire council bitched enough about it). Lo & behold, twenty odd years later when flying into a private strip down the coast from Perth, I was happily surprised to see said DC3 on a concrete plinth in front of the fellow's home! Another local truck sales geezer made one complete Vampire out two with the same intent but the same shire offices shut him down before it 'got off the ground'. Never did find out what happened to either of the Vamps. History lost?? cheers

Congratulations on capturing the 8A and thanks for remembering my wants of last year. Amongst other projects, I looked at a very presentable Luscombe when in Canada last Aug but it couldn't be test flown so curbed my enthusiasm and ended up coming back to Oz with nothing. The geezer in Adelaide who is gearing up to make RAA-registerable Luscombe look-a-like kits dropped off the radar last Sept so I gave up on that lead. Anyway, I ended up buying a Celebrity Bi-plane off Barnstormers in Florida and it's due to hit these shores in about 3 weeks. Here's the irony ... I wanted an interesting fuselage to hang my Rotec R2800 radial on... the aircraft I bought is wearing a Rotec R2800 radial! Enjoy that Luscombe. Good to hear from you. cheers

Pidgin for.... ????

Thanks much - I'll google it up. Should make what seems unbelievable very interesting.