rick-p

Well I still think tyres are ok.They in fact have saved 2 aircraft that landed at my digs in a very strong cross wind. Both aircraft ground looped and if it hadn't been for one of the main gear wheels getting stuck in a tyre and spinning the aircraft around they both would have ended up through barb wire fences. As it was the tyres did no damage but I'm sure the fence would have severely damaged both aircraft and possibly there may have been injury to pilot and passenger in each case. Horses for courses I think but someone is right plough discs do make an excellent marker. Rick P

Goodaye Ian, I have not had a problem to date having my BP Avgas 44's filled at G'stone airport. But I will add the proviso that it has been 6 months since the last fill. Regards, Rick :big_grin:

Hey Ian have you ever noticed that the number of your posts has been stuck on 329 for some time now? Am I correct in my observation or are these forums just pushing me over the edge? Regards, Rick P

Well Gregg I never thought that I would be saying the following in this my post as my first experiance in a Drifter many years ago to say the least was in my view worse than going to the dentist. It's amazing though how time changes one's outlook or perspective on things. Out of necessity a few weeks ago whilst in the Philippines I wanted desperately to go flying but all that was seviceable at the time, apart from a quicksilver ha ha ha, was a 503 powered, wire braced Drifter. As I was having severe withdrawal symptons I opted to give it a go. The first flight was terrible but then I thought to myself, it's not the aircraft it's this bloody wind blowing up my nostrils and those infernal insects in my eyes, so what can I do about it. I was able to get hold of an openfaced helmet with these big goggles and away I went again. Well this was just what the Doctor ordered, I never looked back. What a great little aircraft to fly, you can do anything with them. I now understand the Drifter owners lament when they dispose of their dearly beloved aircraft. Mighty plane, miles of fun. Regards, Rick P

Ian read your first post, remember you started it, and your last post. Were you ever a a politician? See you at Raglan and you can give me your answer then. Rick P

David, Basically in my humble opinion you are stumped before you start. It will become a commercial operation or venture because money is to be paid by the pax to a third party for the use of you aircraft (hire). Think of the term TIF, what's required? Certified aircraft and instructer? Only if you fell into this category would you be able to work through it. In my view it dosn't really matter who gets the money the point is that money is changing hands for the use of your aircraft and your services. As it has been said previously, here in these posts, there are also insurance issues. But most importantly think about that guy in WA (I think), a little while ago, who was jailed for using himself and his ultralight for commercial operations. It won't be the RAA that wield's the big stick it will be the big bad wolf who's bite is far worse than it's bark. Just as an aside I would say that if you and your mate were going on a flying trip somewhere and your mate wished to help with the costs I can see no problem with your mate helping with part of the fuel bill. In each of your questions above the central issue is that someone is actually, one way or another paying for the flight. In conclusion, the best advice I can give you is the same as another reply to your post, consult the RAA and/ or, if you want a second opinion seek legal advice from an Aviation Lawyer. As it's a fund raising event for a school the Lawyer may go easy on costs. Thats my view and I'm sticking to it unless otherwise overuled. Regards, Rick P

I read it, understood it and said yes. Whereas it is my job to understand such things there are of course those who don't, which is no slight on them. Such people, as many hereinbefore have said, rely on the one's they employ and place there trust in to do this for them and rightly so. The RAA people are not going to do anything willfully and negligently, they make their decisions based on the best outcome available at the time. The advice given by the RAA should be relied on as it is the best advice you can get in all the circumstances. If you don't trust their advice who's advice are you going to trust and follow? The RAA is an interested player in our passtime not CASA nor the Government of the day, it is the RAA who will give the best advice to us no one else. The majority of the people who run RAA are themselves recreational pilots so ask yourself would they wish to shoot themselves in the foot and lose what we all now enjoy. Just my two bob's worth.

Oh well that's torn it, I better go and buy a new jab motor as it will be US having sat for 3 months without running. You guys need to lighten up a bit instead of being the doom and gloom brigade as I can't afford to keep buying new motors every 3 months.

Darren you are spot on, the little blighter's don't know when not to touch as was the case for someone I know. They were on short finals at a critical point of the approach and the child pulled itself up from the seat by holding on to the throtle thus pulling off power completely, the result was immediate, the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground heavily causing quite a lot off damage particularly to the nose leg. The aircraft was one with two throtles either side of the instrument panel. I have deliberately deidentified as much as I could in this post but I think that the message should be obvious to all. Remember that the proper age of any pax should be an age when you can explain and they in turn understand the passenger briefing I'm sure we all give to each and every passenger before we take them for a ride. If the person is a young person unable to understand a briefing (emergency procedures in the event of fire, engine failure or airframe failure) then don't take them it's for the good of all concerned. Of course if we were able to take along with us a supervising adult then no problem but as ultalighters oviously this is impossible as we only have one or two seats, the pilot can't be preoccupied with an ankle biter. What's the first rule?, "fly the aircraft"! Rick P

Auster J1N, Lambada, Skyfox CA21, Rans S12 and Drifter.

You have to admit the old girl will be much happier in Port Macquarie as she will be no longer subjected to those bumpy flights caused by all that hot air that is blown off by the pollies. Hey Darren didn't we have a discussion on this issue a little while ago in one of the posts? That is using the methane produced in parliament house to power up rural Australia. I know how hard it is to part with an aircraft as it took me 2yrs with the Supa Pup to let it go and now my old Skyfox for the time being is a roost for the Willy Wag Tails until I can mentaly gear myself up to part with it. My condolences to you Matt. Regards, Rick

Hey I may be going as it's been a while. Even though it's only a hop step and a jump for me over the range it always seems to be the case that something else comes up. I will either fly or drive as it is a fantastic weekend with good old country hospitality. Ian we do know each other as I have met with you on a number of occasions at the Smokey Creek flyins (Callide Valley Flying Group). I'm in the Philippines at the moment, was going flying but my dear old mum in law passed away and that obviously put a hold on all activites for a while.The thing I find about flying is that it washes over the sadness and brings back the sunshine in circumstances such as my better half and I find ourselves in at the moment. Beautiful weather here at the moment, ideal flying conditions for just mooching around up there taking in the picture like scenery below. I hope I can meet up with a number of forum users at Raglan as it would be, as said by "long tall texan" nice to put some faces to names. Regards, Rick

An interesting site Joe, thanks. Regards, Rick

Have a GOOD ONE Ian and thanks for all your efforts, I would say, from the response, you have not gone unnoticed which is both a rare and wonderful thing in the times we now live in Rick

Hi Nomad, The author for sure was from the land of the longy white cloud (new zealand) where fush nd chups are d order of d dey.

What are you all talking about, Gerry is Irish made.

Hi Jason, If you do achieve your dream of having your own airstrip remember to to have your public liability insurance extended to include a landing area. It costs very little to do so but is esential otherwise you put yourself at risk financially. My understanding is that insurance companies won't cover you unless the landing area (airstrip) is noted on the insurance policy. I hope that this info is of some help to you. Regards, Rick

Hi Adam, Call Allan at Astro Alloys, Hervey Bay Qld. They have a certified product called AW-190 Aircraft Wash. It's brilliant, it works but in doing so dosn't harm anything. Their # is 1300 304019. It's not cheap but it does the job and 10 litres goes a long way, it will do the job for you. It's fantastic on motor vehicles too. Unlike truck wash C11 whatever they call it, AW-190 is not corrosive. Hope this info is of help to you. Regards, Rick

I think I will stay where I'm at now, less likely to have people dropping in to use the pool when I want to go flying, too many croc's. Rick

I also have a Shell card for mogas only which I find is extremely competitive as it dosn't matter where you buy your fuel it is fixed at city prices. As for avgas, BP as it is in drums locally but if I'm travelling Shell as it's a bit more common. If you are using mogas in your aircraft motor always give it first the very simple ethanol content test because don't beleive what they tell you they do slip a bit in here and there. No point being up there wishing you were down on the ground because your motor is running like a hairy goat over tiger country due to the ethanol in your fuel attracting more moisture than your motor likes. Rick

Hi everyone, I don't think that there are too many magazines that I don't get on a regular basis ( things with wings I mean, just to set the record straight). In fact I was for a long time a collector of aero mag's from models, ultra lights, sports, GA and heavy metal. I had a shed full of flying magazines in boxes and lose, some going back 50 & 60 years but tragedy struck and the collection was decimated whilst I was away on extended leave by a monster mouse plague. Without exageration there were hundreds of thousands of mice. They just ate there way through everything and what they didn't eat they destroyed with their waste biproducts. I was only able to save a few hundred magazines out of possibly thousands. The magazines weren't the only things the mice destroyed but that is another story for another time. I always find Australian Aviation a good read. Another magazine that has not been around for very long that I find very informative and a good read is Aero Australia. It really does cover the field. Classic Wings is great if you like old timers and magic photography of old aircraft. I basically buy all local content flying mag's which for the price are not bad as they do keep you current as to whats happening on the local scene. I don't go much for US mag's as in most cases they are expensive, boring and irrelevant to the local scene. Thats about it for me. Rick

Hi Airham, Are you sure the Skyfox you are speaking of has done that many hours because if it had it surley would have to have had the wings replaced and the tail section replaced to be one not only reliable but also safe and legal. Rick

Darren, Nice shots once again Mr Smarty Pants. I have not tried as of yet your advice on posting pic's because as have been too busy making hay but I will in due course when I return from my upcoming trip to the Philippines. I want to this time go looking at a volcano or 2, from the air, should get some good shots so look out. I'm will also be looking at a new Kitfox over there, to leave it there of course and use it on my frequent visits. Kit Fox's use to be built there and exported to the USA but the factory went broke, probably due to red tape. Anyway I'm getting of track, the interesting thing is that I may be able to purchase basically a new aircraft with maybe a new early model 912 still in the original packing case for around the USD$16,000.00, in my book thats as cheap as chips compared to here. I know a guy who just sold a hardly used X-air for, I think, about the USD$8,000.00. Anyway keep up the photography as from someone who knows, you have a good eye for it with the content and framing of the shot. Kind regards, Rick

Your flying a helocopulator? That in itself would be wrong. The principle of flight in a chopper is that they are so dam ugly the ground repels them.

Sorry I meant OFF not of because of is not going anywhere.