codlocks

Chapter 15 of SAAA meets on first Thursday of each month at 8.00 pm at Archerfield. There is a good deal of composites expertise among members in the club. One or two meetings ago I believe a rep from CG Composites addressed the club about what they can offer builders CGComposites:: Home

I'm building a RANS S-19 (Venterra) which is similar to the RV-12 but I (and most other I've spoken to) think the S-19 has a distinct advantage in the looks dept. Both designs use pull rivets. I looked at the RV-12 but decided on the S-19 mainly for two safety reasons; the fuel is in the wings and the canopy is a slider not a tilt-up type. The wings do come off the S-19 also but not in 60 seconds like on the RV-12. The manuals are quite good for the S-19 but I believe this is an area where Vans people excelled (though I haven't seen them). If you like the RV-12 it's probably worth having a look at the S-19 for comparison. All the holes line up perfectly and although the -19 is very high in part count, it does go together extremely well. RANS also have alot of experience with Rotax engines and make a good engine install kit. In summary, I think you've probably got two very good designs from two very good companies.

Yes, it would be extremely valuable in any flying publication. I visited my optometrist last year (5 mins south of Ipswich) to explain my dilemma where I need vision correction for "instrument distance" as well as map reading and also with tinting (I had pterigiums removed 10 years ago from both eyes and glare bothers me more than most). On a plane like the drifter I can see all the instruments, except the tacho, without glasses, but on planes equipped with EFIS/GPS I am lost without glasses. Last year the regular optometrist was away and the stand in bloke hadn't dealt with pilots before so couldn't help much. I walked away with another set of readers. So now I learn that there is an pilot/optometrist just a few minutes up the road next door to Jets. Know where I'll go next time. You would be doing us a great service if you did put an article in a flying mag and I would hope that you would get some benefit for your efforts with a bit of new business. There are probably dozens of pilots in Brisbane who would be interested to know a local optometrist who understands exactly what their needs are and can offer some practical solutions and advice. Cheers, Chris

Could anyone who is building or built an Aeropup comment on the quality of the builder's manual and the company tech support. Thanks, Chris

Knighty & Ozzie, Thanks for those suggestions. I wonder if you could use brass step-down fittings to attach the nipple instead of welding it (I have a stick welder but am pretty ordinary with it). We used to have 45kg gas bottles for heating and the copper pipe runs from outside the house to underneath where I will be building so I could probably utilise that and keep the compressed bottle a bit distant at the same time. I also have some 100L stell drums (that used to have pesticide in them) that would acommodate a 45kg lpg cylinder quite nicely so could put water in them for cooling. Thanks again, Chris

Thanks Ozzie - sounds like I really should consider outlaying a bit more $$ and go for as much capacity as possible that will still run off 10 amps then. Regards, Chris

Has anyone had experience using air tools like riveters, drills, die grinders and spray painters with those relatively inexpensive air compressors you can get at places like Super Cheap and Repco ? Thx, Chris

Folks - thanks for your responses. T87 - I had a look at http://www.idp.net.au. They appear to stock quite a good range. I couldn't see any prices though. Did you email their sales people for those prices you have ? Bushcaddy105 - I read on the builder's section of the RA-Aus site a similar comment by a chap called Tony Stiller (BushCaddy rep at Caboolture) who also found exceptional service with Aircraft Tool Supply Co. I place alot of value on service so it is good to know there are some serious and decent suppliers out there. vk3auu - thanks and that's a nice looking CH701. Regards, Chris

Thanks Thruster87 and Case for those links - will follow up. Regards Chris

Can anyone recommend a good quality pneumatic riveter that is available locally in Australia. Thanks Chris

Thanks Chris. That's a good idea - will put that suggestion to them. Regards Chris

Dear All, Have been viewing these forums for a few months now and though it about time I said hello. I began flying last November with Kev Walters . Kev's flying school operates out of his strip called Lynfield (in the Lockyer Valley - 1 hour west of Brisbane) and we do alot of training at The Univ. of Qld's Gatton College airstrip. I started on the Drifter and am now using the Tecnam Sierra for cross country training. Have loved every minute of it and only wish I started years ago. I am thinking of buying a kit plane (from the USA) and made an enquiry about importation procedures with a customs agent in Brisbane yesterday. He informed me that the wood crate would be fumigated with methyl-bromide by the Quarantine & Inspection people here in Australia (unless it was treated and certified in the country of origin) and he wondered if this could be detrimental to instrumentation or electronic components. Might there be someone who has had experience importing a kit who can offer any advice in regard to this ? ps. I think these forums are great and offer an invaluable service to the ultralight flying community. Thanks & regards, Chris