Ballarat to Bundaberg-factory visit

[Guest kevin]

9-10-11-12 May 07 four aircraft departed Ballarat, Victoria, for Bundaberg in Queensland, to visit the Jabiru factory. I came away with a lot of respect for Rod Stiff and his team of sub contractors building a remarkable product.

 

Our generous host opened his factory to us.

 

We were also privilaged enough to visit the engine plant as well.

 

After concluding this visit, I can now understand why they have a full order board. Good onya Rod;) .

 

One thing I learnt about oil levels is on a local flight the minimum level on the dip stick is correct and a long flight the mid level point on a dipstick is correct. The factory did a test on an engine which ran flat out for one hour with one litre of oil with no ill affect.

 

 

[Guest kevin]

Sounds great Kevin...did you need an ASIC while there in Bundaberg a/p?

Yes Chris, you do need an ASIC card which I don't have one, but I was escorted by someone who did. Kevin

 

 

[Lamiunto]

Nice one Kevin! I would love to go and see the factory, but all my cash is devoted to flying lessons at the moment. Maybe once I get my cross country endorsement, luckily the flight from Mackay shouldn't be too long.

 

hhmmmm, thanks for that...I best apply quick smart!

Luckily it seems that CASA is sticking to their 4 week processing period. I received mine on Monday, in total it was actually 3 weeks, this included checks to be conducted both in South Africa and the UK, so even though my application could be considered "difficult", it went through without even as much as a sneeze from CASA. Arrived as registered post with a card holder and lanyard, plus a nice little letter explaining how I must display it, or return it if I am not going to use it.

 

Anyway, I am up to circuits, so hopefully I can solo soon, get my certificate, train for a xcountry endorsement, save up some cash and rent a Jabi and fly down to Bundy for some sight seeing. Did you take any pictures Kevin?