seb7701

Motz, I hear where you are coming from and will be quite happily agree with you to a degree, but Sally (who owes no apologies in my book) nailed it in paragraph two above - 'Unfortunately common sense and taking responsibility for ones own actions is so lacking in today's society it is getting to the point where people are afraid to say anything in case someone jumps on you about it'. The fact is that in my view (and it may only be mine...), whatever is said here can be found in a million other sources across the web, so there should be no fear that one measly post here will result in grief. I used the term hijacking loosely, but I have seen a thread or two turn into what resembles a legal argument, where the initial message gets lost after people are finished dissecting it letter by letter. Stay with us Sally - loved the vid and the post...and no, I won't be trying it anytime just yet!

'2 of the pilots in the above videos are dead, I dont know about the other one.' Yes, this may be true, however I don't believe it would have been the result of reading a forum post such as Sally's sensibly written post and more likely, they were determined to do what they did, regardless of advice to the contrary. It pains me a little to see how often simple posts on this forum get hijacked by 20 subsequent posts concerned about disclaimers and other things which are generally averted via common sense. Yes, I know that common sense can be lacking, but again, anyone who watched the video would realise that we aren't talking about a simple manouvre either.

I am guessing he meant X-Air standard, which is what I would be looking at. They look like a more comfortable machine than a Bantam, but I am thinking the Bantam may be a little less draggy perhaps?

Hope y'all don;t mind me kick starting this thread again, but considering Drifters, X-airs and Bantams, I am interested if anyone else has a opinion on these three, particularly in terms of flight performance and comfort (by rag and tube standards of course...). All thoughts appreciated. The Bantam especially intrigues me as there are now several examples going cheaply in their home land which causes me to wonder what is involved in getting one over here. I know the USA to Aust shipping idea is not new, but perhaps NZ might be a reasonable $$?

Yeah, I agree, it's a bit hard to understand, particularly when the concept is so old and they have been around for a long long time. The likes of RAF2000's and that newer Eurpoean version appear fine, but the one in the video made me want one!

I stumbled across this old video after seeing a McCullough (yes, the chainsaw people) Gyroplane for sale in NZ. This video puts up some really convincing arguments towards the usefulness of the 'Heliplane' and you can't argue- that's a pretty impressive takeoff!! Nonetheless, without any disrespect to any gyro pilots out there, they worry me a little, although the technology is certainly improving!!

Great vid. It just again highlights how, with proper practise, occurrences such as spins can be turned into something a little more routine and thus more manageable. (with enough height that is...) Definately have to get me some spin training!

Thanks Bob - was wondering as I am looking at 16GB ipad and wondered whether it would leave room for much else!

Can anyone tell me what size the OZRUNWAYS app is?

Some interesting options cropping up re replacement engines. I must say that whilst a sup0er drifter with 912 would be unreal, I am getting a fascination for a Jab powered drifter...

Have heard a little about Hirth, but alas, I wonder how good they could be in light of the fact that 80% of the a/c I know of have a Rotax of some form. I guess a Jab motor would look O.K. strapped to the back of a drifter too.

Still sux in the absence of a quality alternative.

Dammit - I heard about that, but still saw them on Bert FLOOD's site I thought. I would you discontinue a masterpiece????

Yep and I am thinking a cheaper replacement if it all goes pear shaped. Just wish I could keep cruise at 60kt or above. I'm sure I heard some vary surprising performance figures from FISHER's fine tuning, but just can't remember what they were. I think some great things are possible with that little 503.

Hey - forgot to ask, what are the real world differences between the 503 and 582? Seeing as Wayne FISHER always goes for the 503's I am thinking that there is some power to weight advantages, with the two up performance obviously suffering, but still being sufficient. Would there be 10 kts difference in the cruise performance? Anyone?

If you have any details, I would love to hear them. I wasn't aware of any near here. PM if need be.

A couple of options, so yeah, pretty much.

'Bit embarrassed to say, but in the 'teens, based on a couple of a/c I've seen lately.

Good point - had forgotten them I must admit, but again, due to $$, I am actually aiming for a 2 stroke, odd as that may sound to some. The Hanuman might be a little scarce too. You have my interest though

Thanks for the shots - can't get enough of them. I know there have been drifter photo threads recently, but if anyone has drifter mods or Fisher photos, I'd be most interested, along with performance figures as well if there are any noteworthy changes.

Flaps?? Didn't know you could get them! Would love one of Wayne's extended pods which runds past both seats. Surely must pick up a few knots I would think. Failing that -this is the machine I started in. I believe there are only two with this rear pod.

Justin - thanks for that, sounds like you were the perfect man to answer for me. Funny, every time I think about various aeroplanes, I always end up back at Drifters. I appreciate the fact that you own a Diamond and still spend you're time out in the open air. I love that! I was thinking that with such a slow stall speed, the X-air may have been a great STOL a/c, but you reckon the Drifter is better? Actually glad to hear that part. Also never thought of the cabin noise. I am guessing that will such docile handling, the X-air might be bordering on a little plain, so the drifter argument is getting better eh? (X -air owners - don't be offended , I've nexver flown one...) Tex - always glad to hear of a drifter fan - some of your pics justify why we love the things! I'm now thinking a drifter with extended Fisher pod....

Yep, I hear you alright, but I'm going for budget and simplicity (with two seats) to start with for a first purchase. Funny though, seeing as a Jab or similar 90-100kt a/c is out of the question, anything below seems pretty much the same speed, ie 60-70kts. Along with drifters and x-airs, even 582 Lightwings (remember I mentioned budget....), Gazelles and the like, all seem to be in the 60-70kt range, yet with $10K+ added to the pricetag. Don't get me wong, I'd love a real cabin....

Hi all. Once again seeking some opinions from you learned lot regarding the two a/c I am considering for my first crack at ownership. I am first and foremost a drifter man, but have always been fascinated with these X-Air's, particularly with the existence of a cabin and tricky little features such as a 23kt stall and lush suspension. For a nosewheeler, they look like a snazzy little STOL a/c which could be fun out in the bush. Back to the drifters, I do lean towards them on account of the fact that they will perform better than an X-Air with even a 503, and that's before I even start looking at Fisher Mk1's etc. I have propogated a Fisher vs Drifter thread yonks ago, but the question today is moreso what is the actual performance difference in the drifter in terms of airspeed (I am aware of the more nimble handling of Wayne's a/c) and are there some simple mods that can be made to an Austflight drifter to make them more of a Fisher machine, even if it meant a rego change to 19- category. What can you tell me chaps (sorry....and gals)?

No, there is nothing stopping state police from requesting ATSB to investigate, but there is nothing stopping me from requesting an election either, it's just that neither of us will get what we want. The Act states - (1) Subject to section 21, the ATSB is not subject to direction from anyone in relation to the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers. (The prescribed exception to this comes in writing from the Minister). Basically, yes, the ATSB could share information if they are also conducting an investigation, but the fact is, they won't. The reason the ATSB will always say 'no' to such a request is that to participate in a police investigation would compromise the aim of the Act under which they operate, which stipulates that ATSB investigations are not undertaken to apportion blame or liability to any person. If they start peforming police investigations, they lose their image of impartiality and therefore hinder their investigative abilities. Witnesses, for example, will not provide information as freely when they are aware that their testimony may be used in criminal or civil proceedings. Oh, and even when providing evidence in coroner's court, ATSB evidence comes with conditions and protection. As per the information re Commonwealth juristiction, a federal entity such as ATSB are not answerable to a state authority such as the police. I'll leave it at that - I've probably waffled enough considering the real issue here the tragic loss of two souls from our flying fraternity. May they RIP.