Bernie Knight

I did get a call yesterday alerting me to considering converting an RV 3 or RV 4 to RAA Rec Aus advising the aerobatic capability of RV 3 and 4 and the prohibition on aerobatics once converted to RAA Something I had not worried about but worth being aware of... There are a few RV 3 and RV 4 on the RAA registry which is interesting Lets know if your on RAA with your RV 4

Tnx guys. I think the RV 4 is ok also with stall speeds...

Mike, Thanks I'm reading your comments to Bob on the RV 4 and see how it's done now. Great discussion. OK - by removing the seat, harness, controls etc it then is basic storage behind. My guess is that's round 25 kg reduction in component weight along with the 75kg average for the passenger, it falls well under at around 580 kg. As I said I'm considering the RV 4 as a quick option that can be flown by any Rec Aus RAA only pilot. The Rec Aus RAA liability insurance as a Rec Aus. RAA member us a huge plus also. :cheezy grin:Mmmm - then if the MTOW for Rec Aus. RAA does increase it could be re configured with all two seat I'll keep an eye out Bob - RetiredRacer - for that RV 4 on the RAA - Rec Aus register in Melbourne. Someone may chime in here with other RV 4 on Rec Aus. RAA Thanks again guys for keeping the discussion going, its a good insight into options.

Thanks Bob - Mike for your thoughts. I'm thinking of jumping on an RV 4 and was considering the option of removing the rear seat, harness etc to comply with sub 600kg. Just a thought.

I like the Piper Sportscruiser also. I recently had the opportunity to have a good look over one... The BRM Bristell and Arion Lightning are similar types Interestingly, I've started another Thread enquiring about the RV aircraft going onto the Rec Aus Registry. I was particularly interested in an RV 4 - removing rear seat, harnesses etc to bring it down from MTOW of 680 kg approximately to sub 600 kg. As above comments note, I think the opportunity of Rec Aus being moved to 700 or 750 kg will provide some great opportunities for both RV and other designs. I sometimes wonder if reducing weight with composite or other light weight materials is really ideal in trying to stay sub 600 kg. Also the fine balance between fuel levels is also a bit if a worry if fuel needs to be left out - ullage - to meet MTOW. Again the Piper Sportscruiser seems a really nice little all metal aircraft

Thanks KRviator The RV 4 converted to a single seat seems a great option. In the event Rec. Aus is successful in the submission to lift MTOW to 700 kg or higher the RV 4 could under normal configuration easily omply. Mmm just thinking...

Are there more RV's on the Rec. Aus register now?? RV 12's are going on. I've noticed a number of RV 3 's on Rec Aus registry ( 19 - .... ) They clearly fall under the 600kg MTOW and some are now on Rec Aus 19 - .... The RV 4 has a MTOW of 680 kg (1500 Ibs ) and I'm guessing the rear seat and harness is removed to reduce the MTOW to under 600 kgs. Now a single seat. Whilst I have not seen an RV 4 on the Rec Aus registry, I was wondering if there are any of the RV 4 's on and what have owners done to bring them under 600 kg.? I'm keen to hear about RV 4's on the Rec. Aus register.

Thanks for 'posting' Thought the pram was insane then I saw his jet bike....

I'm not sure if the question should be 'has anyone been written up or spoken to by CASAaa for using a GoPro? I've seen mounts on wings, dash combing and all sorts of places - even on helmets. I've never seen or heard of anyone being spoken to about them. That could be that internal mounted ones are quickly removed in time before being seen ..

Mmmm. Script and algorithms already underway ...

Ian That's sounds great. Cheers

Great idea. If there was the ability to update as fuel etc. became available or other airfield improvements. I'm thinking of used Lethbridge Victoria, as there are constantly upgrades taking place with Mogas, Avgas and Jet bowsers going in at the moment. Lots of new hangars going up.

Great. Enjoy the training. The best instructor is the one next to you..

Stewy I flew in recently and had lunch in a nice little cafe on the edge of the river - "Spoons Restaurant" I think it was called. Just near the old paddle boat. Would recommend the trip. Taxi was only a few dollars into town. Was the new runway government funded as it was only partly sealed with the old shoulders. I did notice the shoulders in a different surface seal where quite good. May catch up next time. YLED to you guys is one of the preferred recent longer solo Navs so you will see a few drop in - possibly just use the WC and take a photo Bernie

Long walks generally require you get out of the bar 10 minutes earlier

Love those moving walkways. Particularly if you carry on is as heavy as your first born..

It must be torturous for family members whom I saw recently speaking to media to have their hopes dashed time and time again. To quote .. " we would just like some closure and be able to put our family members to rest" If this person is profiting from deception and attempting to get payment or some form of media reward he should be punished for diverting the search or re starting a search again..

Mmmm how's this for a quote from 'the horses mouth ' I think they say.... " I came in as we could not see the Lonny lighthouse from a kilometer out. The swell was rolling about 1 meter troughs. It was fu&@ing p!ssing down and windy" "The boys came in also. It's lucky that plane didn't hit the black lighthouse" I think I recall the conversation verbatim. The 'Lonny' lighthouse is a local heading point for the locals coming back through the Heads to Queenscliffs boat ramp (Point Lonsdale) The rolling swell would have been outside the Heads. The black lighthouse is within the Queenscliff army forte. All within a couple of kilometers of the crash site. It's interesting to hear a local fisherman observation. I'm not sure if he spoke to authorities. But was obviously happy to tell our local Point Lonsdale coffee shop owner. He went on to say he was fishing with the guys who witnessed and attended the crash site. It sounded as if there were a few boats out just prior and at the time of the crash. Some boats would have come in earlier as ebb tides make it difficult at the boat ramp. Others obviously came in due to the swell, wind and rain. Interesting conversation between long time locals and fishermen. Mmm no doubt everyone will have an opinion. But in these small communities there are so many Coast Guard volunteers and SES volunteers who turn out to assist.

djpacro Steens story is a great one to read. Particularly with his reference being bound under a Pitts by Pitts himself measuring up. He had a tape, pads and pencils and was busy scribbling down all the detail. Pitts asked him what he was up too. Then just gave him a set of plans for the Pitts.. to Dave him the effort. Steen Aero Lab has some great links to the stories and history. Thanks for links and info sent via email and the many Posts here. I think the Atherton Skybolt has made it down south to Victoria.

At the height they were allegedly at they wold have been close to the Barwon Heads Bluff elevation. Mmm

Butch The conditions you described in the '92 accident appear to be similiar with visibility, heights etc. I've just spoken with one of the Police whom attended the scene we were both at at our local bakery this morning and he quickly covered a few points - off the record he said as its a Coroners Inquest. The weather was extremely bad and he spoke at length with two fish men whom were in the area. In fact he said they were also a bit crazy being out there in their boat. I probably should not repeat here what the fisherman said other than to give a brief overview. Seas were slight with a 1m rolling swell. Cloud cover was heavy black with constant heavy rain - their/his words. They were in about 25m of water and looking at returning to the jetty as visibility was down to less than a kilometre and they were loosing site of the Queenscliff and Lonsdale beach. These guys heard the plane and witnessed the accident and motored to the vicinity. The rest of the story and quotes from the fishermen can be seen and read in local papers. In guess in summary the weather was certainly not ideal VFR in my opinion. Additionally, this weather the aftermath of the huge storm that caused widespread damage the day before in Geelong nearby was predicted and emergency services had been on standby.

Thanks guys for the leads. Another has turned up in Gisborne Vic - under construction.

Where are the Steen Skybolts in Australia. hi all, I've been following the location and ownership of the Steen Skybolt in Australia out of curiosity With one at Lethbridge Vic - a new arrival at Kyneton Vic - one at Penfield Vic - one on a private strip at Mansfield I think I have them all accounted for? Seen another