Wow! what a nice place..!

[pdunster]

Hi All,

 

Have to say I am in a little piggy heaven at the moment finding such a great meeting place. So I'd like to say a big HI to you all and introduce myself.

 

I am an ex GA pilot, flying for 10 years until a back injury caused a medical failure back in '88. Got the back fixed but not before Marriage and Mortgage put paid to any more flying adventures. I now live within sight of Albion Park (Wollongong) airport, the temptation has driven me crazy!

 

My greatest flying experience: A solo flight across the English Channel in an old 2 seater Mooney.

 

My worst flying experience: 30 minutes later with a total radio failure on long final into Luton International! Ahh the memories!

 

Now, 20 years later, I have just realised how far Ultralight aviation has come while I wasn't watching! ...And I might even be able to afford it again out of my pocket money!

 

I came across this by way of my work, which is building CNC machines, which in turn are often used to make parts for Aircraft! I also noticed there are quite a few cool bipane kits out there (always wanted a Tigermoth!!). So putting 2 and 2 together I am a little curious about the feasability of building a bipe, either from kit or plans, with the help of my CNC mills and routers. I'd love to hear from anyone who has any ideas to share on this.

 

If any of you need help with CNC in doing your own thing please let me know.

 

Sorry for rambling! Look forward to hearing from you all

 

Cheers

 

Pete

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Welcome Pete (from another former Channel crosser !) - How about something like the kiebitz?

 

See http://www.ultralight-aviation.com/

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

[farri]

Pete,

 

You certainly are not rambling, it`s others experiences I like to read about.

 

Forgive my ignorance but what is a CNC machine.

 

Cheers,

 

Frank.

 

 

[pdunster]

Hi John,

 

Thanks for your message, wow that looks exactly what I am dreaming of! And I notice they are in your neck of the woods, do you know if they have any there for prospective builders to check out? I had seen the Fisher R-80 Tigermoth replica, but I can't see if anyone here in Aus has built one yet. Thanks for the lead.

 

When did you make your channel crossing? What were you flying? All I could think of on my crossing was the history of that small stretch, and how it must have felt for Bleriot and the others of that first crossing. Certainly a flight I will never forget!

 

Cheers

 

Pete

 

 

[pdunster]

Hi Frank,

 

Thanks for the warm welcome.

 

CNC stands for "Computer Numerical Control", which is just about as confusing as the acronym! It means a computer contolled machine for cutting parts. The advantage is, the part is drawn in CAD software on the computer, the material put in the machine and the computer cuts and shapes it with much higher precision than can be done by hand. All parts on commercial jets are made on CNC so they fit together perfectly.

 

I have machines that are capable of cutting wood and alluminium panels, as well as steel brackets and the like, so I am keen to have a go at it. Just have to find plans already drawn in CAD rather than on paper ! :big_grin:

 

Chers

 

Pete

 

 

[planedriver]

Hi :wave:Pete.

 

Welcome to the forums. My first flight across the English Channel was also a bit of "an experience". It was in an old ATL-98 Carvair if you remember those,(the DC4 or to be more precise the C54 conversion) taking us from Southend to Ostend carying 5 cars and 22 pax. Everything possible shook and rattled, even worse than grandma's teeth, then they had to shut-down one engine which was spewing sparks and smoke.

 

We arrived OK but needed a change of undies.

 

After that trip I chartered an old DC3 a couple of times from Biggin Hill which was closer anyway for the short trip to Ostend. About 16 or 18 of us from a diving club used to go to Brugge in Belgium for the weekend and it was cheaper that way.

 

Fun Days.

 

If you ever get to build a Fisher R-80, come take me for a fly. I've got the proper leather-bound RAF Mk9 flying goggles so I can at least look like "Biggles"

 

Rgds Alan.

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Hi Pete

 

See attached pic for my Channel crossing a Mainair flexwing trike - 2 stroke single ignition Rotax & 45kt cruise. Very Bleriot-like performance but happily I didn't have to rely on a shower to cool the engine. Outbound was very hazy so couldn't see either coast at the midpoint. Headwinds on the return meant a ferry which left Calais docks as we flew overhead arrived at Dover before us !

 

Yes the Blue/Yellow Kiebitz on the www is based at Caboolture & flies most weekends. There is also a second one under construction there. I saw it for the first time earlier today as it was out of the hanger (& I think taxying). Its painted in WW2 Tiger Moth style camouflage & looked absolutely brilliant. I'm sure if you contact Dieter via the www he would be happy to help arrange a closer look at 1 or both of them.

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

 

[pdunster]

Hi Alan,

 

Thanks for adding your channel experiecnces, seems they were a lot more eventfull than mine! Did you pilot the DC3 yourself? That is one plane I'd love to get a chance at. Seems we also have another paralell here, used to hire a Piper Lance or Beechcraft to fly members from a diving club I used to belong to out to Fraser Island or King island for a diving weekend, any excuse to get the hours up with shared expenses!

 

I notice you fly out of The Oaks airport, I called in there a few weeks ago to see what was involved in getting some lessons for an Ultralight license. Hopefully I'll be back there soon, but next time it will be to check out the airspace!

 

Cheers

 

Pete