NinjaNate

Very cool Downunder. Some great reading! Thanks.

This is an interesting video by a Canadian pilot who was forced to ditch his aircraft into the ocean due to fuel starvation. He and his passenger survived completely unscathed. It's valuable for every pilot to watch IMHO with a humble attitude and learn from it.

Easy to find floors in his choices/actions and say "I'd never do that", but the graveyards bear the evidence of many who said the same thing. Nevertheless, it's also important for the flying community to critique and learn from each others experience..lessons such as the importance of fuel management and situational awareness of weather changes (..albeit with a good dose of humility.. at least IMHO anyways)

Nate

Ari,Yes had a look at the video. Less than 1.5 minutes to fold or unfold wings.

 

I like the idea of not having to empty the fuel tanks to fold the wings.

 

One thing I noticed though was that it looked to me like the aileron push rod connection joint was secured by pin bolt and only a wing nut?.. I think I'd definitely want a split pin or some sort of nut retention on such a crucial linkage. Wing nuts have a horrible tendency to vibrate loose!

Welcome Sarah.. and good riddance to that annoying emoji! ;)

If you haven't seen this, the opulence is pretty gob-smacking. A dreamliner 787 private business jet from the Boeing's Business unit (BBJ) that was transformed into a 'penthouse', including heated marble floors in the master bedroom ensuite ... and a measly $100k per hr running cost ;) ... I don't think I could afford to even put air in the tyres!

The private Boeing 787 Dreamliner that costs $100,000 an hour to fly

My first solo Nav flight, Jandakot to Boddington, Collie, Bunbury, Murray Field then back to Jandakot. Not the best crosswind landings ever but I didn't break anything ;)

 

L1 course now done and dusted! Definately more of a "search and find" box ticking exercise than anything else.

VL3 - World's fastest UL aircraft2 seat side by side - 165 kts ! max cruise - rotax 912 or 914 - 450 kilos ! max all up weight

Ok.. so looks like nobody knows anything about the GP One??

Does anyone have any experience with the Skyleader GP One? Anyone flown one? What was it like.. how did it handle? What was the build quality like? ...level of finsih?

They look quite similar to a Pipistrel Virus SW and purportedly has similar performance. I'd be interested to hear from someone with experience in one.

A couple of links below:

Manufacturer (Czech)

SKYLEADER GP ONE | Skyleader

NZ Agent

GP One light sport aircraft

Did anyone see the piece on one of the brekky shows the other day about the Denver based company that is building a new supersonic commercial jet aircraft? It was really interesting. They're developing a smaller and arguably more commerically viable supersonic aircraft than the Concorde. They apparently have 76 orders already for their carbon fibre design which will carry 55 pax at mach 2.2 (2335 km/hr) taking 6hrs to fly Lax to Syd.

Here is a link to the story if you're intersted and below that is a company promo youtube I found on them.

Concorde-like supersonic jet could be in the air from next year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJkM-ykKRxg

Rotax engines are more expensive than some other engines, but this is due (IMO) to the care they take in manufacturing and partly due to the wages Germans get compared to say Chinese workers.Personally, I'd rather pay someone a hefty salary to put my engine together carefully, than to get a "cheap" engine that the workers have rushed or just slapped together. If it was just a motor scooter engine, I'd probably prefer "cheap" though.

I was super impressed at the obvious capital reinvestment shown at the Rotax factory

Just thought others may find this video as interesting as I did!

It's an AVWeb video of a look inside the Rotax factory of how they build their aircraft engines.

The obvious large capital equipment investment shown gives a bit of an insight into their heft engine price tags don't you think? ..not that I don't think they're also gauging somewhat!! ;)

Only in America .. ;)

Hi HITC

All I can say is wow!! I have just spent an entertaining hour long read of your build log as I sat on my back deck this afternoon on a typical balmy gold coast Sunday. From start (way back on June 15) till your last entry today I've been impressed by your meticulous build approach and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your decision processes and learnings. Very impressive. I cant wait to see the final product on here, but not nearly as much as you I'm sure.

Nate

Awesome video and terrific looking little float plane! Well done

Hello all, I just joined the group, I'm interested in recreational aviation and looking to learn all I can about it. I'll be asking a lot of questions. Thanks.

Beware NjN. I paid royally for a prepurchase inspection on a flying & registered experimental in Florida done by a AIME referred by my Aeronca friend in the local area of purchase. Excerpts from report: "almost like new", " I would buy this myself", etc, etc, No photos- my bad, but I had a jillion from the vendor. Based on the glowing report I consumated the purchase and also contracted the same guy to dis-assemble and pack the aircraft into a container (having given specific instructions on some essential basics). Outcome - container arrived with A/C having 'slipped its moorings and sculling about inside' (fortunately a smooth crossing and no serious damage), no dis-assembly notes, no photos or identification of matching components and almost 18 months of serious shopwork to get the machine to where I was confident to test fly it. Not that I'm ever likely to import another aircraft from anywhere but, were it to happen, I reckon the best money anyone could spend would be to travel to the sales location and inspect the machine personally (perhaps in company with a qualified aviation person). Unfortunately not all aviation personell are as straight-up and honest as the rest of us. Good luck with your searching.

What sort of aircraft did you bring in? How did you go on reg'd it with RAA?

Necessary Processes:1. Finding an experienced shipper in the foreign country to dismantle and pack the plane into a container so that it is not damaged in the packing or transport. (Relatively easy to find someone if coming from the USA.)

2. Liaison with Australian Customs to ensure that all necessary taxes and fees are paid before you take delivery of the container here.

 

3. Liaison with AQIS to ensure that the plane is free from exotic flora and fauna.

 

From purchase to delivery might take about 3 months, allowing for time to dismantle and pack; transport across the water; Customs and AQIS, providing your paperwork is absolutely complete and correct in every way; transport from wharf to airfield.

 

Planes are coming in from overseas, especially the USA every week. It is hard to estimate a price for the import, but I don't think that you will get much change out of $20K for the process.

 

You will also have to add the fee for a qualified person to travel to the plane and thoroughly inspect it before you make the contract to purchase. And be prepared to accept the word of the qualified person if they tell you that the plane is crap. You might be out around $5000 to get that information, but you will save many times that amount in the long run.

 

I wouldn't be embarking on this without the nod from RAA that, all things being acceptable, the plane can go on the RAA register.

 

OME

Did you bring a plane in from the US?

Hi all,Just a few thoughts after attending.

 

I think the variety of seminars available was excellent. Some were well attended and one or two I went to had only a few interested enthusiasts there.

 

Matt Halls presentation in the main club auditorium was attended by around 120 seated with 20 or so standing at the back. Matt kept everyone interested and fielded questions for some time after.

 

One negative was presenters in the seminar tents were competing with external speaker announcements or event commentary.

 

The Camguard presenter finished early as he was drowned out by the external speakers.

 

Not a big deal, but those presenters and some of the trade sites were also competing with external speaker locations.

 

The Airshow saw many of the trade show exhibitors bump out whilst this show was on and this was disappointing for those whom had attended seminars and then the show. It was obvious that people were heading back to the trade area to find many exhibitors had gone. Perhaps the organisers can put a time to remain set up on exhibitors.

 

I did hear numerous people enquire about gliding club displays.

 

It was also obvious Dubbo and local residents were there in force and local clubs whom did a fantastic job with food stalls etc but did miss a good opportunity to promote their own club aircraft and membership.

 

After heading up from south of Melbourne I think it was well worth the trip and the money. There is perhaps an opportunity to sell tickets to Dubbo locals prior at a cheaper price at the Narromine clubs.

 

Well done all involved.

Hi all,Just a few thoughts after attending.

 

I think the variety of seminars available was excellent. Some were well attended and one or two I went to had only a few interested enthusiasts there.

 

Matt Halls presentation in the main club auditorium was attended by around 120 seated with 20 or so standing at the back. Matt kept everyone interested and fielded questions for some time after.

 

One negative was presenters in the seminar tents were competing with external speaker announcements or event commentary.

 

The Camguard presenter finished early as he was drowned out by the external speakers.

 

Not a big deal, but those presenters and some of the trade sites were also competing with external speaker locations.

 

The Airshow saw many of the trade show exhibitors bump out whilst this show was on and this was disappointing for those whom had attended seminars and then the show. It was obvious that people were heading back to the trade area to find many exhibitors had gone. Perhaps the organisers can put a time to remain set up on exhibitors.

 

I did hear numerous people enquire about gliding club displays.

 

It was also obvious Dubbo and local residents were there in force and local clubs whom did a fantastic job with food stalls etc but did miss a good opportunity to promote their own club aircraft and membership.

 

After heading up from south of Melbourne I think it was well worth the trip and the money. There is perhaps an opportunity to sell tickets to Dubbo locals prior at a cheaper price at the Narromine clubs.

 

Well done all involved.

Hi All

I have a query that I'd be interested in getting some discussion going on:

- What is involved in RAA registering a 2nd hand aircraft that you import to Australia?

Given this question is probably too vague to discuss meaningfully, let's assume a few specifics:

-a factory built aircraft whose spec's fit within our regs (ie. Wt and speed etc) and

-we have RAA reg'd/flying examples of here in Oz already reg'd (e.g. CTSW, Foxbat etc)

What is the necassary process to go through? What are the approx costs and hurdles? Does anyone have any experience with bringing a 2nd hand aircraft into Australia?...What was this process like for you? How long did it take you? Any recommendations and advice (assume an inspection visit and flight as a given).. what would be your concerns on bringing in a foreign registered aircraft?

This is a great video of Pipistrels Alpha Electric Airplane.

Only 1 hour of range but very innovative..

Hi All

A long shot shout out to see if anyone from Qld is flying down to Air Venture next week and had a spare seat and wanted some company. I'd be happy to share costs etc.

I gained my pilot certificate 20 yrs ago flying drifters and lightwings and then came family and children. Fast fwd and 20yrs slipped by. I'm sure it's a familiar story.

I have decided recently that I want to get back into flying and pursue that latent desire to see the world from up high. I'd love to hear down to Air Venture and re-connect with the rec flying scene.

If anyone will be passing by Gold Coast area heading south and may have some room, I'd love to chat... given the lateness of the hour I know it's a long shot but thought you never know if you don't shout it out :)

Cheers

Nate

Hi all

Is it just me or is the RA Aus site down at present?

https://www.raa.asn.au/

I've tried it on a few diff devices here at home this morning with no luck. I keep getting a "The site can't be reached" message.

I'm about to do some "techie" investigating on my net connection but thought I'd just see if anyone else is also having trouble getting to the site first?

Cheers

Nate

Very interesting indeed... And about half the price too by the looks!Do you mind if I ask a few questions?.. . What engine did you fit? What would you estimate that you spent on top of the mkt price (..eng, prop, avionics etc)? How long did your build take? How many hours a week on avg do you think you spent on it? Which model did you get (..there looks to be a few diff skyrangers..swifts, nynjas?). Was this your 1st build (..ive builty last couple of houses but ive not built an airplane before)?

Feel free to ignore my interrogation if that's too many questions above

 

Thanks Mike!