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Downunder

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Everything posted by Downunder

  1. Downunder
    Some info for those with Rotax engines. Generally they'll (vdo) last around 400/500 hrs in Rotaxes give or take. Depending on whether a "bed" or "ring" mount is used. Ring mounts taking alot more of the vibration out. There is a local aircraft with 700 hrs and the original sender with a ring mount. A good carby balance will reduce vibration and make the sender last longer. Original senders came with a brass anti-vibration ring, so it is fairly easy to tell an original unit. Rotax then moved to a black "Honeywell" unit. This was not much of an improvement. Mine (bed mounted) lasted 350 hrs...... and Honeywell stopped making them. The next and current sender is the "Keller" which is expensive but seems alot more reliable. NOTE: The VDO and honeywell/keller senders are NOT compatible. The "signal" system is different, so requires a different gauge. The threads are also different. VDO/Honeywell, 1/8 npt. Keller, M10x1. Some tap m10 straight over the 1/8. Some replace the oil pump housing. I've (going from honeywell to keller) used an adapter and 90 degree fitting for a better fit and to stop the cable running into the exhaust. Ultimately, for those with vdo sender units the easiest option is to simply replace it with another vdo unit.
  2. Downunder
    I saw a couple of clouds, so I take it the F35 didn't compete. Too dangerous..
  3. Downunder
    The reward may simply to be able to use RAA aircraft at AAA membership airfields unopposed or even endorsed and encouraged by the AAA. This fits with the RAA GA training narrative and ambitions. The price, as we all now know, is the unauthorised supply of private and personal contact information of ALL RAA members...
  4. Downunder
    That's the "wink wink, nudge nudge" sentence that let's those in the know, know it'll never happen....
  5. Downunder
    The aircraft maybe billed, but it's the pilot that pays....
  6. Downunder
    Hang on.....you were stopped from using ONE airfield... From that you are saying ALL council airfields are going to stop RAA aircraft? I've registered at many fields requiring "PPR" and never been asked about insurance requirements once. Lets not jump the gun here....
  7. Downunder
    The local pc-9's often fly around at 200 ft or so....especially down the coast. I asked a military instructor once why that was. He said any "civillian" aircraft shouldn't be below 500, so it was actually safer for them at that height....
  8. Downunder
    You've got the wrong end of the stick there Jack! The RAA are now part of the problem, not the solution....
  9. Downunder
    10 000 brand new potential paying customers.... without lifting a finger and at ZERO cost. Avdata's Christmases have all come at once... On the subject of parasites. There are those that co-exist in a healthy relationship with the host and it can be beneficial to both. Then there are those that consume, destroy, mutilate and eventually kill the host. Unfortunately, the latter applies here....M&M will then move on.... to the next ...err... victim.
  10. Downunder
    9 out of 10 times it's the sender. If it's a VDO type, they really don't like the vibration.
  11. Downunder
    I find many bad (pilot) habits evolve from small risks and chances developed over time in ongoing risktaking behaviours. A steady progression into "normalisation of deviance" activity. Every pilot should be aware what "normalisation of deviance" is, look at themselves in the mirror occasionally and think about it. ( Am I doing something that I shouldn't? Why do I keep doing it?) I have found those not working in jobs requiring risk assessments, personal protective equipment, and safety procedures to be much more prone to this deviancy. There just seems to be an ignorance or apathy among a few, who really don't understand why safety rules and regulations exist. This video may help some understand. NOTE: My comments do not relate to the incident on this thread directly. I have no knowledge of pilot or passenger.
  12. Downunder
    For what it's worth, I think a 2 blade is great for fairly aerodynamic airframes (especially with IFA props) and 3 blade more suited to stol types where you hit that wall at about 90/100 kts and it takes a massive amount of power (and fuel consumption)to get any real increase over that. Most aircraft come with ground adjustable blades these days and it's very easy to add or take a half degree and test it. You need to post some performance figures and airframe/engine type. WOT climb, WOT flat and level etc It's no good changing props if you're not getting the most out of what you've got now....
  13. Downunder
    Good to see the increase. To be competitive these days, an RAA regoed aircraft really needs to be 600kg to have widespread appeal. One of my "must haves" was 600kg along with 100 litres minimum fuel which are linked. It maybe ok in other smaller countries to have less weight/fuel but Australia is bloody big!
  14. Downunder
    I'm guessing the reporter confused "flex" with "fixed" wing....
  15. Downunder
    A local council palmed off noise complaints to the EPA which made a ruling regarding flight times, number of circuits, etc. Now NO ONE, including the council has any room to manoeuvre or negotiate changes. Everyone's hands are tied.
  16. Downunder
    It was a Flight Design. I'm unsure if it was fuel starvation or exhaustion. The design has had issues with "unporting" in the past. [/url]https://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/ctsw-forced-landing-uk.63589/ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c1117ede5274a0ad4ea6615/Flight_Design_CTSW_G-KEVK_01-19.pdf
  17. Downunder
    RAA management and board reluctant to increase rates? Has there been a change in policy?
  18. Downunder
  19. Downunder
    Talking to a few gyro instructors, there is quite alot used for mustering. They would be VERY much cheaper to operate and purchase than a chopper. And also thousands, if not tens of thousands cheaper to get the pilot certificate/licence. Maybe if it can do 80% of what a chopper does at 25% the cost, it's worth it?
  20. Downunder
    Here is a calculator. You can put your own specs in. [/url]http://www.csgnetwork.com/glideratiocalc.html Foxbat has 11-1 at 60 kts from memory, so the Vixen should be slightly better...
  21. Downunder
    You see, the RAA is a monopoly, and when they have your money, there is nothing left for them to get out of you. You have no "potential" left..... So current members are largely meaningless. This is true with a number of businesses, not just RAA. On the other hand there is a booming training market (especially international students) and the RAA management want a cut of the action. They want to get cta access and aircraft up to 750 kg (LAME maintained) for basically the sole purpose getting into ab initio and early GA training. This will give them (temporary) pilot memberships and more aircraft on the books....more money. So SELLING your data gets the AAA onside, which is one step closer to mixing RAA aircraft into GA training..... Something in my opinion the RAA was never set up for and never meant to do. The RAA has effectively been hijacked by a few people for their own asperations of glory and power.... I've been to a few RAA forums and meetings over the last few years and it has taken till now to realise how much BS and lip service was handed out at them. They are smart talkers and are experts at putting you at ease while pulling the rug out from under you.
  22. Downunder
    I tried to pay the council directly and was told it would be a breach of contract on their part. Avdata have it all locked in and take a very large cut of the $$$
  23. Downunder
    It all goes back to controlled access and weight increases for RAA aircraft. The Raa want Raa aircraft operational in cta airports, however (I imagine) airport owners were not happy they could not bill said aircraft. The RAA sold out it's membership to the AAA. (Australian Airport owners Association) Burning the members for aspirations of glory and empire building....thank M&M for that.
  24. Downunder
    Credits to you Baz..... for making your dreams come true.
  25. Downunder
    "Standby mode" I believe it's called. The device is "on" but the screen is "off".
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