frankmcm

Just a thought. Is there an optimum angle to position the prop, to assist with starting in marginal conditions? My jab rarely fails to start, the only episodes due to condensation on a cold foggy day with sub zero temps... However I use an electric start on model aircraft engines, and it is noticeable that the starter motor will fail to swing the prop if it is engaged late in the compression phase. I ensure that the prop is " wound back" so that the first few milliseconds of rotation is not trying to compress anything. Once rotation is established it is easier to maintain. Don't know if any of this would translate to a 4 stroke 4 cylinder, but in marginal conditions anything that can help initiate rotation and take some load off the battery should be useful..

Time to sign out, so you can all relax again. Heading back to snow and real weather in UK, with power outages due to snow and high wind. ;-). Thanks to all who made me welcome. You have a great place for flying, so don't waste it. Sorry especially OME that I couldn't take up your invite because of other calls on my time. My original offer still stands, so don't be shy.

Now that's better! Yesterday at Caboolture had a joyride with Al Harford. No problem once we had cleared the kangaroos from the strip. Never had that hazard at EGAD ! Could get used to this. Today beach combing, in fact next week beach combing,

Thanks for the invite OME, but I can't get clearance for today, and tomorrow we head north for 2 weeks. Maybe after I get back we could find an opportunity to say hello. Thanks again.

Back from HARS today. Too bad the main flying attractions were elsewhere. Full marks to Russell and Tony who took pity on us and gave us the full special consolation tour. Excellent day out.

The LAME who inspected it just diagnosed bolt failure, seizure was not mentioned so I presumed it had been ruled out. it will be a few weeks before I talk with him again, and should it be an issue I can update. Meanwhile I expect that some thruster drivers will be looking hard at their bolts..

T600 I think . Not completely up to speed on all the details, but I believe that Jab UK mandated replacement of bolts every 500 hrs following the first event 2 years ago. GKYLE had the specified bolts changed, and the failed bolts were way short of 500 hours. I dont know what prop was involved, except that it was 2 bladed composite. Both events I understand were similar, no warning sudden departure of complete prop. Neither prop retrieved incidentally !

And again ...........

Lets see if I can post some graphics. Advise if this doesnt come through..

Last week I helped a friend retrieve his thruster from a field. Prop separated at 2300 rpm as he was climbing to join the circuit. He was fortunate to walk away, but wrote off the thruster. This is the second such event at our airfield with this combination of jab 2200 & composite prop. Sheared the bolts connecting the prop boss to crank i believe. I am sticking with wooden blades henceforth.

Finally got here! Went for a long bikeride along the Bondi coast yesterday. The rain kept me up last night, so I feel right at home ! I get my campervan next Tuesday so should be on the road so long as it hasn't washed away. I notice a flyin at Wisemans Ferry. So might look in there if permitted. Melbourne is too far, and might have trouble making Caboolture. I now understand the reference to shopping in OZ ! Deep pockets needed in Sydney at least. However you guys are more than compensated by the toned and tanned supermodels jogging round the streets all day. In fact everyone here looks well maintained. Roll on the good weather again.

I keep getting a "Hell NO! " from my 86 year old mother when I offer her a ride. I would just love to give her the chance to see her world from a different perspective, but I doubt that she will change at this stage. Credit to your dad for going up.

Everything north up. last time my GPS battery died and defaulted to track up I couldn't cope. (Comment removed - mod)