Neil_S

Yup - I only ever use one stage of flap on my (factory-built) Sav S. Would only use full flap landing if I had to get into a really tight paddock in an emergency, and I would never use full flap on takeoff. The only other thing I really notice (compared to the Gazelle I used to fly anyway) is a bootful of right rudder on takeoff. I am sure you will really enjoy flying a Sav! Cheers, Neil

Hi Marty, I am fine, thanks! Shame the same can't be said about the weather here......expect the hangar to blow away any time soon! As for that plane......hmmmm..... Let's call it a Savzenconcordski.... Cheers, Neil

Hi Marty, Howya going? Don't think it's a Sav, it has slats on the front of the wing and the way the wing roots slope down to the cockpit make it look more like a Zenith to me..... Cheers, Neil

Hi Eric & welcome! Although I now live near Melbourne I was in Shropshire a few weeks ago visiting some friends who live in Child's Ercall, and stopped at the RAF Cosford museum on my way back. What a great museum it is! Lots of very interesting aircraft. I assume you have visited there? I worked for British Airways at Heathrow for about 11 years when I lived in the UK, in the IT department. Great fun watching all the planes on a day to day basis.. Cheers, Neil

Hi BD, I guess I could do that, but it means the battery is exposed, which doesn't really do it much good........ I still think it's crap design Cheers, Neil

Hi OME, Wow - what a brilliant site! Stacks of amazing old photos and masses of info for each aircraft. Thanks for posting! I could waste hours browsing through it !! Cheers, Neil

Windy.com for preflight planning, AVPlan on iPad mini on a kneeboard in the cockpit, Garmin Aera 500 in the panel. All good (apart from the Garmin requiring me to remove a backplate to access the mini-USB port to transfer plans from my PC! This requires a screwdriver...Poor design IMO) HTH Neil

Hi George, Welcome to the forums! I am building an Airdrome Sopwith Pup replica, so am interested in your Nieuport build. Tell us more! Cheers, Neil

It was my understanding that :- Altitude is always height above mean sea level ie AMSL Elevation is the height of terrain above sea level e.g an airfield's elevation or mountain's elevation Height is the difference between altitude and elevation i.e. AGL So given these definitions if the manual says you should state your altitude then it means AMSL, and if you are cruising above hilly terrain how the hell can you give an accurate height AGL? It varies every second. Cheers, Neil

What a spiffing wheeze, old chap! Apart from Wilson - jolly bad show, don't you know.... Tootle Pip! Neil

Good stuff, Vev. I particularly like the Sopwiths - hope they will be there! Cheers, Neil

Hi Carlos, Cool! Congratulations on buying the kit! I am sure you will enjoy the build very much. Keep us posted. Cheers, Neil

Hi Carlos, Correct - Reg is looking to sell the Savannah dealership (and, I believe, retire...), but he is still waiting for a suitable buyer, as he wants it to go to an enthusiast who will continue it in the same vein... Cheers, Neil

Hi Carlos, Good to see you have joined this site. I always watch the show! Keep up the good work (I have never seen a host so enthusiastic!!) Cheers, Neil

It sure does.

G'day, Mike! (from a southerner now living in Melbourne). Is your Savvy an S? Have had mine for a couple of years now. Cheers, Neil

Bonjour, Rollerball, Welcome to the site! As a Savvy owner myself I shall be very interested to hear how the scimitar blade prop goes once you have had some time using it... Cheers, Neil

Hi JG, That is extremely thoughtful of you - thanks! I have noted your number, but hope I never need to use it. Best Regards, Neil

Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for posting. Neil

G'day Frank, Which airfield do you fly from? Cheers, Neil

Stronger headwind he would have gone backwards!!

Sacre Bleu!

I have a radio where I can listen on a second frequency, so usually have it on Area and I have twice had ATC advise of "two aircaft in the vicinity of xxx at altitude yyy on a potential collision course" - one of which was me. I responded to one of the calls saying I was altering course and altitude, but ATC did not communicate further - I guess they were either busy, or just felt the initial advice was all that was necessary, especially as I was altering course. I also have a Mode S transponder, so they would have been able to see me. I went with a bunch of other pilots to a talk given by ATC at Melbourne airport, and basically they said they do not want to hear from us in the normal course of events, although obviously in an emergency they would respond. I am pretty happy if they continue to just broadcast if they see two VFR aircraft in the same area and altitude on a potential collision course as obviously that adds to our situational awareness, and makes us look around rather more in an appropriate direction. Neil

Hi, I have the adjustable seat as I am vertically challenged, so I have it forward, while my passengers usually have theirs back. I have a cushion too, so I find the comfort level fine. The flap lever is between my legs, and I have the central control column. The empty weight is around 310kg, but as I weigh only 60kg even with a full 140 litres of fuel (100kg) and 10kg baggage the TOW is 480kg. Could still have a passenger of 100kg and be below 600kg.... HTH, Neil

Hi Simon & , Good decision! Where will you be doing your learning? Cheers, Neil