Niels in Noosa

[niels550]

Hello All

 

Just retired and home after 30 years working overseas.

 

I harbour a wish to build an aircraft. Presently thinking the Glasair Sportsman with the Diesel (runs on Jet A1) engine may be an interesting option. Tail wheel with big bush wheels. 130KTAS @ 20 lph seems a reasonable compromise for the cash strapped retiree. http://www.glasairaviation.com/sportsman.html Comments? Suggestions?

 

Still a couple of years off though and time for lots of mind changing.

 

Meanwhile onto the more mundane matter of getting an ASIC ...( Whatever the hell that is) and to get current again and do some local flying.

 

Cheers

 

Niels

 

 

[coljones]

For RAA See https://www.raa.asn.au/contact/forms/

 

Section "Applying for an ASIC"

 

 

 

but first read https://www.raa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Before-applying-for-your-ASIC1.pdf

 

 

 

If your licence is CASA try http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90103

 

 

 

Cheers (og skål)

 

 

 

[palexxxx]

I harbour a wish to build an aircraft. Presently thinking the Glasair Sportsman with the Diesel (runs on Jet A1) engine may be an interesting option. Tail wheel with big bush wheels. 130KTAS @ 20 lph seems a reasonable compromise for the cash strapped retiree. http://www.glasairaviation.com/sportsman.html Comments? Suggestions?

Hi Niel,

 

Welcome to the forum from a fellow 'newbie'.

 

Are you sure of those performance figures? According to the glasair website cruise at 75% power is 132 knots, but even at 65% power (122 knots) it is using 8.5 U.S. gallons per hour (about 32 litres).

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

Hello AllJust retired and home after 30 years working overseas.

I harbour a wish to build an aircraft. Presently thinking the Glasair Sportsman with the Diesel (runs on Jet A1) engine may be an interesting option. Tail wheel with big bush wheels. 130KTAS @ 20 lph seems a reasonable compromise for the cash strapped retiree. http://www.glasairaviation.com/sportsman.html Comments? Suggestions?..

Welcome Niels. Nice slippery aeroplane, the Glasair. Big bush wheels? The two don't seem to go together. The Sportsman's rated G loading isn't impressive; it doesn't look very robust- which is what you want if you are going to do what big bush wheels are designed for.

I wasted a few years building a diesel-powered aircraft; in the end the price of fuel is a minor consideration, but availability is becoming the big issue.

 

There are so many different sorts of aeroplanes available, it's probably best to hasten slowly and spend a few months checking them out and deciding what sort of flying you want to do.

 

 

[recflyer]

Hello AllJust retired and home after 30 years working overseas.

I harbour a wish to build an aircraft. Presently thinking the Glasair Sportsman with the Diesel (runs on Jet A1) engine may be an interesting option. Tail wheel with big bush wheels. 130KTAS @ 20 lph seems a reasonable compromise for the cash strapped retiree. http://www.glasairaviation.com/sportsman.html Comments? Suggestions?

 

Still a couple of years off though and time for lots of mind changing.

 

Meanwhile onto the more mundane matter of getting an ASIC ...( Whatever the hell that is) and to get current again and do some local flying.

 

Cheers

 

Niels

Welcome!

 

Sounds like a great idea! That glasair looks awesome. I bet you cosomeould civet some ground at 130 knots.

 

have you looked at the rv range. They seem like they may suit your requirement.

 

I like this website for aircraft reviews:

 

http://www.bydanjohnson.com/

 

 

[niels550]

Hello All.. sorry for late reply, Ive been away from the internet for a few days.

 

OK.. to answer your kind advice..

 

ColJones... Yes, I have an aged old DCA licence - when it used to be in a small booklet. I am planning to get my medical in teh next few weeks and then will apply for a ASIC something-or-other. Thanks or the links.

 

Pale XXX... Yup. you're right.. I had a 2nd look at the figures.. I must have been reading them the first time through rose colored glasses!... nevertheless, the diesel option looks good in a world where Avgas is in diminishing supply... Lucky you... living in Chang Mai

 

Old Koreelah... Your'e right the difference in the price of fuel is not that much but availability is. I had looked into flying back from the USA through my old stamping grounds - I see that Avgas is US$12 a litre in Luxor (HELX). And in most of the Middle East, Avgas is only available at airports where there is a flying school.

 

recflyer .... So far the Glassair Sportsman ticks the boxes except for price - that diesel is an extra $80K and then they are not able to be overhauled - they are a replace only when they time expire.

 

anyhow, still a work in progress.. I may find something cheaper.

 

 

[Gnarly Gnu]

Welcome to the forum Niels, all the best with your build plans and your flying!