BJB10

hi Tomo - hi Decca yep I did some (basic) training with Mission Aviation in NZ years ago with intention of doing some time with them in N. Australia and hopefully PNG - but it never eventuated due to me coming back to UK. anyway I can always dream. they have some pretty good pilots. They do need fit chaps though as there is a lot of twisting - turning - unloading - loading going on and it takes a toll on your back - that is one thing they reiterated with me - so being an old cogger over 50 (just) - thats me out. I think it would be an awesome experience though. well must sign off - watchboss1 (Clive) is due to help me fit the new leafspring - take care Brian

hi Decca - good to hear from you. the escapade is similar to the kitfox - except lots of baggage room in the back plus 70 litres fuel capacity - wingfold in 3 minutes without disconnecting anything etc. great machine - a bit tail-heavy but that has its advantages. - though I'm due to replace a leafspring any day now due to the long term effect of bouncing it around a bit - the joy of taildraggers - (or 'misery on springs' - whatever way one wants to look at it). I've got a rotax 912 UL up front with powerfin prop - certainly enough grunt for what I need. some of the guys prefer jabiru engines or even the belgian ul260i. I see you are based at Ballarat - I did my first solo cross country there from Melbourne. I think Mission Aviation are also there - is that right ? take care Brian

g'day - I've just recently joined the site but am currently based in the UK. I learnt to fly in Moorabbin, Victoria many years ago - what a great country Australia is to fly in - I've many happy memories of flying to Flinders Island, Mornington Peninsula, Apollo Bay, Phillip Island etc - mainly around Victoria. I recently took possession of an Escapade taildragger - very similar to the US Highlander. (http://www.justaircraft.com) I'm based at a farmstrip in south England - the Escapade is a bit of a challenge for me but good fun. Check out the following link on youtube of my mate Clive landing his Escapade at his home strip - I took the video and he did the fun bit. - if no luck with that type in 'escapade taildragger landing' into google.cheers Brian