Auster driver 2

[kaz3g]

Hello everyone.

 

I have an Auster "Ajax" which is one of a kind. It started life as a J5 Model D built in 1944 and test flown in 1945. It was originally fitted with an 0-290 Lycoming and saw service with the RAF in Germany, etc before being mothballed. In the early 50's it was sold to Kingsford Smith and fitted with a surplus Gipsy. It also had a larger and strengthened tail installed along with modified perspex. More recently it was extensively refurbished and now has a 160 hp 0-320 up front. It has less than 900 hours TT.

 

The bounce was left in during all these changes.

 

I was also built in 1944 and bounce too if treated roughly! This makes us both 65 so we fit together petty damned well...

 

Nice to be here.

 

kaz

 

 

 

[Spin]

Beautiful Kaz (BYM that is!) Welcome

 

 

[dazza 38]

Very nice looking Auster, Kaz

 

 

[djpacro]

I agree, a nice Auster.

 

 

 

[planedriver]

Nice one kaz.

 

Brings back memories of my first lesson which was in a J5 at Shoreham UK in about 1964.

 

Having always had a fascination for aeroplanes, I decided to take my first lesson while my boss assumed I was working. It smelt fumey, a bit draughty, me nervous, and no barf bag supplied. Sadly, my new pin-striped business suit was the substitute, and I was this colour;)

 

Next time, wearing clothes fit for the rag bag I went in a Beagle Terrier, which from memory was a civil conversion of the Auster AOP6 and my breakfast never saw daylight again.

 

That's Murphey's Law for you.

 

Kind Regards

 

Planey

 

 

[Scottw]

G'day Kaz

 

That is a nice Auster. Didn't see the Auster fly that often but have seen it buzzing around Watts Bridge on occasions. Hope you enjoy your lovely toy!

 

Scott:thumb_up:

 

 

[kaz3g]

I love it and I guess you can tell

 

Planey said: "Nice one kaz" and included a photo of BYM taken at the recent Chipmunk fly-in at Tocumwal.

 

Thank you. I really do love her and find her a great thrill to fly. I was awfully nervous of her at first but have come to understand that all will be well as long as I abide by the rules (funny that):

 

1. Slow down early in the circuit rather than later and be aware everyone else will want to get out and pass you (I'm doing a 100 knots on start of downwind and need to get it back to about 45 by the turn onto final - stall is 24 knots in landing config);

 

2. Balance aileron and rudder (there is nothing like an Auster to show up ham/lazy fists or feet);

 

3. Go round if the landing is anything less than a good one (she really does BOUNCE);

 

4. Land as near into wind as possible (the max cross wind component is 9 knots as she was built when airfields were all-over);

 

5. Be prepared for a looonnnnggggg float when landing on hot days on tarmac (she thinks she's a glider);

 

6. Keep working the rudder to balance P-effect with power on and the strong tendency to turn into wind when landing or taking off (incipient ground-loops are scarier than incipient spins);

 

7. Get the into wind wing down and do it early (see above); and

 

8. Be gentle and ALWAYS speak to her nicely!

 

Cheers

 

kaz

 

 

[Bryon]

Kaz,

 

welcome to the site

 

Was number 8 referring to BYM or Kaz??

 

 

[Guest rocketdriver]

Was number 8 referring to BYM or Kaz??

 

It is a wise man who treats an aeroplane like a lady . .. and vice versa .... think ahead, pay attention to what she is telling you, and make sure your footwork is up to scratch! ....