peterg

Sounds dangerous to me No need to - a lot of the earlier scribblings are just that. Yet another example of offering ill-informed comment resulting in a good thread hijacked and an eye witness retreating from further comment - I presume because he was fed up. I know there are a few lawyers (not the bush variety) who visit this site and offer no comment even to refute bizarre scribblings - it doesn't take much thought to understand why.

Exactly what it was used for - I used to work in the hangar next door to Civil around that time. If I remember correctly that Mustang and another was flown by "Black Jack" McDonald and maybe Terry Brain (who ferried the Firefly in that now resides in the YMMB Museum). Used to be a black Mustang too that Jack flew I think. By far the best Mustang at YMMB was the one owned by Don Busch VH-DBB - sadly involved in an accident at YBDG in 1970. Don also owned a Chippie VH-DBS which was in beautiful condition.

Me too and I've found ATC and the people on the ground to be friendly and accomodating. I've criss-crossed both the North and South Islands in a C170 and can't recall a single bad encounter. Same experience flying in Europe and Asia except perhaps for Egypt. And yep, this guy's a pilot.

He also seems to quite relaxed in life - no obvious signs of being totally weird

I have flown the J120, 160, 170 & 230 and have not experienced any type specific control problem similar to some described above. I have flown many other types in GA, RA-Aus & GFA and have experienced type specific peculiarities. The J170 requires a bit of skill to avoid float. The J230 may be the same due to wing similarities but I have not experienced it. An observation - I know a L2 who specialises in Jabirus and he has undertaken wheel alignment correction on a few. That said, it is a maintenance item that is often overlooked and many types probably have an issue but whether it affects handling adversely is not proven to my knowledge. Some of the above comments are unhelpful, unproven and not evidence based - reeks a bit of "Jab Bashing" which I had hoped had died a natural. Comments from those that have no or little type experience, those that haven't flown anything for a loooong time and those that feel the uncontrolled need to comment on absolutely every item raised on this Forum can be misleading. Personally, I prefer the comments from the "bush lawyers" as I usually get a good laugh.

I learnt on Chippies too and also did lots of spins - what a 16 YO called fun. That said, I remember the "loose coin" accident. Spins/aeros in gliders ding the enjoyment bell.

I share your enthusiasm for the 170 - I have a few hours in them plus some in the 120 and 140. I didn't find any of them to have challenging handling (I learn't in a Chippie) - if you want a challenge, try some of the short bodied Pipers. I took 170's to lots of different paddocks and conditions etc including snow in France and dust in the Middle East - handled it all with grace and reliability. An A model like yours got me from the UK to Australia and around NZ in its inaugural and, I think, only around NZ air race - all in the days before the magenta line. Those who criticise aircraft like the 170 probably don't like classic vintage aircraft and haven't experienced what a joy they are to fly - I include the Comanche 400 in that definition and it is not slow just a bugger to start when it's hot.

Also known as a "Prayer Wheel"

Geday RFguy Thank you for your response. Looks good but may be more than I need. Any suggestions for an entry level one?

Is anyone able to suggest a reasonably priced scanner / receiver that is able to be used for both aviation and maritime VHF transmissions. Suggestions as to a suitable external aerial also appreciated. TIA

My missed opportunity is flying the Amazon - planned for early 1990's starting in Florida and back to the US - got the vaccinations, A/C organised, planning done but my US based flying mate had a business problem so we postponed and never got back to it - career pressure from my end. Had already done UK to Australia (yes, Nev flew through snow in France) in 1990, the inaugural around New Zealand Air Race (I think the only one) 1991 both in a C170 and no GPS but with inaccurate maps and compass - parts of the US west coast (Stearman) etc Started AUF flying in Thrusters (my membership number is early 500's) and still enjoy it.

I have received the new Sport Pilot - looks to be a more expensive production that the previous version but the content is OK. At three issues per year, I'm not sure it is going to of great interest to advertisers. As for the candidates, I'm not I will vote - not a fan of M & M (although it now maybe one M) and another ex-Army aviator - I don't think so - those with a little memory will remember a not so long back "CEO" and President.

Thank you for your response - yes you are right, easy to do but me and my friends aren't that skilled in creating the aesthetic version hence the request. Will try Hella

Hello Does anyone a Gazelle key (the forked one) they no longer require or know where to get one? Thank you

Bruce Vickers at Lethbridge is the best you will find PM me and I will give you his contact details

Steve Pearce - Peter Bini Advance Flight Training Moorabbin - http://biniflighttraining.com.au

A number of years ago I did the inaugural (and only I think) around NZ Airrace in a C170 - I had to pass the NZ Air Leg exam before I could fly - I think I was issued a temporary licence. That said, I have transited many countries in Europe, Middle East and Asia without undertaking anything. I think the requirement is there if you want to operate under the host country's licensing/certificateI think the same applies here - see extract from RA-Aus Ops manual PRIVILEGES OF A STUDENT OR CONVERTING PILOT CERTIFICATE HOLDER 4 © c) they have passed a written pre-solo air legislation on examination on; and

lennox Head

Bruce Vickers at Lethbridge - GA & Ra-Aus - Very experienced and a great instructor - I've been flying 50 years next year - learnt on Chipmunks, flown lots of other tailwheels ( C170 UK to Australia etc etc) - he would be my choice PM me and i'll give you his phone number - do you have an A/C in mind?

Geoff Wood of Wangaratta Flying School would know - he used to operate at Lovely Banks

I've flown both - they are both relatively easy to fly - Drifter has a better view but in a Thruster you are next to your PAX - great for QLD - they are both tailwheel but in my opinion tame. Fabric can be tested with a Bettsometer

Here's the ad Aviation Classifieds Paul has owned it for a number of years and flies it regularly throughout the year. In my opinion, they are are easy to fly so don't be put off by the tailwheel.

There is a Thruster for sale at Lethbridge Vic

Amusing, but not likely to win in an undergrad moot.

Kaz I agree with your opinion and, in fact, alcohol consumption airside at some airfields is absolutely verboten and an offence with penalties. And, like you, I enjoy a drink or two and have sometime been known to have partaken in more than an elegant sufficiency. Nothing at all to do with Pauline, just not a good look.