TechMan

If the Airmaster AP332 is approved for the aircraft as per the type

certificate it was accepted under, then by all means, let us know what

it goes like. If it is not accepted, then the aircraft will not be

legal. This is an important point to remember if your insurance company

becomes involved at all for anything to do with the aircraft.

Rather than have you come back and ask whether it is on the type certificate, it is not. So bear that in mind.

Chris

If you are unsure of the conditions of the strip / paddock or whatever, don't land there. Steer cleer of power lines!

Great idea for 'operational' powered aircraft. Usually though the only time when you are looking for a place to land in a paddock is when the fan stops.

I comes down to looking for signs of where power lines may be, ie clumps of grass in an open paddock, running along the edge of tree lines, edges of roads, etc and planning your approach when you are high enough. All well and good if they are the older style powerlines with two or more wires.

The SWER line addes a whole new issue.

But, I agree with your comment, stay away from them.

Chris

Have not heard anything. Will check with Lee or Middo for more info.

Chris

Hi,

Yes the aircraft did fly, although pretty much with the stick in the aft position. The elevator throw was altered to counteract the nose heavy moment.

Chris

A recent event unfolded with the resultant actions having taken place.

Engine upgrade from a Jab 1600 to a Jab2200

No weight and balance carried out.

Lead missing in the rear (was drilled out)

Elevator travel adjusted to excessive UP and zero DOWN.

Resultant prop strike.

I am still at a loss as to how this series of comical, yet deadly events managed to introduce themselves. It is a serious issue, and needs to be brought to the attention of the pilots that weight and balance is necessary and if they don't understand the figures, ask someone who does. The 'she'll be right' attitude will end up possibly killing them one day. Certificated aircraft particularly should have a weight and balance section with a CG graph in it. Why not use it and draw the line on the graph.

Needless to say, there will be more on this issue coming out over time. Education and recognition of the effects of weight and balance are a key to giving pilots just that extra little bit of survivability on a test flight so that they don't have to worry about too much more if the engine conks out.

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the info. Can you please complete a defect report and submit it to the office, for the benefit of others.

http://www.raa.asn.au/docs/index.html

Thanks

Chris

Arthur,

Can you please submit an incident/defect report to RA-Aus, downloadable from the RA-Aus website for the Propeller and all other defects that you find.

Or call the office and we can fax or mail you a form.

Thanks

Chris