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Methusala

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Everything posted by Methusala

  1. Methusala
    I am gratified that my original post has excited so much interest and thoughtful comment. There is food for thought as to our responsibilities as owners and operators of aircraft. I always feel that it is a great privilege to be able to fly. And I am reminded that you can rue the day that small details ceased to be important. There is still a distinction between those that matter and those that are mere distractions. Don
  2. Methusala
    "SAFE SKIES FOR ALL" It seems to me that a few of us on this site have fallen for the "big lie" strategy. The motto quoted above is from the home page of CASA's web site. I would love somebody to explain to me how including an hyphen in vertically arranged ID numbers (BTW this is the accepted manner of displaying when the fuselage is a 150mmm round tube), how this is going to contribute to flight safety. My point is that we are being led around like a pack of dumb sheep AND LOVING IT! Don
  3. Methusala
    To Neil - (yes that is an hyphen!) I think that when replying to posts on this site you could show some manners and keep the provocative language for the pub. Some members should learn the art of nuance and reflect on exactly what is being highlighted in these events. Thank you, Don
  4. Methusala
    I think that respect for regulation is engendered by regulation being appropriate and proportional to the expected outcome. Some wish to operate in a framework where all discretion is absent and so, "just follow the rule and you'll be safe!" is their mantra. I hope that we can have the self discipline to act safely and operate with some independence. By the way, I never implied that the workers at RAA in any way are at fault. Don
  5. Methusala
    I suppose that in responding positively to pettifogging behaviour we may ignore far more serious issues such as Gazelles being left inefficient and under performing by the requirement to only use the original specified propeller. This undoubtedly helps keep the fleet and those who fly in them safe! Why are we required to affix in a prominent positition a label stating that the aircraft does not conform to airworthiness standards when we are, in fact, over regulated by dolts? Don
  6. Methusala
    No spring on the aileron circuit of our Kitfox! I would be surprised if there was. The rudder springs only keep the pedals upright. I don't think the springs exert any force on the rudder. Don
  7. Methusala
    Yesterday I visited RAA Headquarters to hand over photographs of the panels of 2 aircraft displaying the yellow warning stickers attached. I was astonished when it was pointed out that the one on the 19 registered aircraft had CAR 95-10 printed in small type. This apparently made the aircraft unable to be registered until the sticker was exchanged for a generic type! Then when the file for my 25 registered Thruster was examined, it was pointed out that the large rego numbers arranged vertically down the rudder were missing a hyphen which again made that aircraft non-compliant. How do we win against such pettifogging nonsense? I can only wonder at the mind numbing pettiness of bureaucracy. Don
  8. Methusala
    In discussing the merits or not of authority's surveillance of our activities it should be remembered always that we are compelled to display a bright yellow notice stating that people fly in our aircraft (entirely) at their own risk. This is the way that we want it and I believe the way it should be. The dead hand of bureaucracy has caused the cost of GA flying to ridiculous expense and we should be the alternative. That is we should be adults and do our utmost to ensure that our activities will hurt neither ourselves or the public. Regards, Don
  9. Methusala
    When viewed from the ground , looking upwards, tree cover looks a LOT LESS dense than when flying over it at one or two thousand feet and looking down! Don
  10. Methusala
    Well I've never lived in Canverra! He he he! Don
  11. Methusala
    I had a VW engined VP-2 for 12 yrs. Grafted Bosch multipoint EFI on and had NO issues with engine during the time. Used to run 3600 rpm for 2 min on take off and would cruise all day at 3200. Never an icing problem flying from 2500ft all seasons in Canberra area. Have a friend with an 1835 who has done 600 hrs without issue. Cooling is the most important issue. Don
  12. Methusala
    Heard of someone(?) landing on the dam wall at Talbingo but don't know who it could have been. Sorry, don't know whether you can use the strip. It is pretty short, about 600m having been designed for Beavers and later the Pilatus Porter. Don
  13. Methusala
    Only wooden aircraft that I've ever seen in natural finish was a Messerschmidt ( I think it may have been a racer) in the Deutsches Museum in Munich. It looked fantastic, built in the early 30's I reckon. Don't know of any others. Don
  14. Methusala
    I think that almost all discussions about accidents are good. Sometimes points are made that are disagreeable to some. In this case, use your critical talents to ignore them as one does with alot of rubbish found in the media. We have a wide range of experience in this forum group and valuable ideas are shared. I think that to ignore the truth that this is a deadly serious activity would be a mistake. Don
  15. Methusala
    Aviation by its nature attracts people who dare to "push the envelope". Without such people we would not have CASA because everyone would be so scared to death of flying. I hear them all the time and say that if they want to try something really, stupidly dangerous, try riding a motorbike on the city streets! I think that in a forum of pilots this type of discussion should be conducted at a more thoughtful level. Don
  16. Methusala
    Over a million ways that an aeroplane can kill you ---- WATCH OUT! Don
  17. Methusala
    The ABC scandal sheet "Australian Story" has recently featured a famous radio personality. Their view presented was at variance to the views of a number of others who may have worked with this person. Don't believe media claims of "factual", "unbiased", "Fair and balanced"...etc. I don't. Don
  18. Methusala
    Tripped heavily over the space bar and alighted daintily on the piano keys. These had acquired a striking similarity to the rat's gold toothy grin. Ahlott was mesmerised and gushed excitedly....
  19. Methusala
    At least 1,000,000 ways that an aircraft could kill you. Watch out! Don
  20. Methusala
    Wow Adam, you get to fly a Beaver and a Thruster! Two of my favorite aircraft. Don
  21. Methusala
    I believe that all involved in recreational aviation are barking up the wrong tree. Rather than trying to portray flying as a relatively safe pastime we should be spruiking the dangers and results if something goes wrong. This would disseminate among the wide community the truth ie. that when something goes wrong it is obvious that people are going to be injured or killed. So people would accept that there is great danger lurking which is quite obvious. The courts and the damn ambulance chasers would be deprived of their fig leaf. Awwww gee, we dint know that this could HURT SOMEBODY!!! Regards, Don
  22. Methusala
    I am not a lawyer. But I recall a report mentioning a case brought before NSW courts relating to a passenger suing the pilot of a light aircraft. The court found (quite reasonably in my opinion) that to a reasonable man flying has to contain a risk of being seriously injured or killed. No surprises there. It therefore found that anyone who flies in a privately operated aircraft has made a judgement and accepted the bleeding obvious. End of case! Get out of here! Regards, Don
  23. Methusala
    If folding sheet metal in a bending break the way to increase the radius of the bend is to clamp an additional piece of metal above the one to be bent. The mandrel (or clamp holding the metal) is then in a raised position which forces a larger radius when the fold is made. Experimenting with this will satisfy you that the radius will be as specified. About 3-4 degrees should be ample allowance for spring back but this also can be tested by experimenting with a small test piece. The radius 3mm equals a diameter of 6mm. Don
  24. Methusala
    I'm pleased to hear it (wish that I lived there - LOVE the sound of round.) Don
  25. Methusala
    Thank you for the info. I simply hadn't seen them around and assumed that the service was discontinued. Don
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