Compulsion

I have been learning to fly in a Jabiru 160 and just haven't got the landings right. Today I went to Gawler to fly in a Jabiru 170. Everything I have heard led me to believe they are an absolute handful to land. I last flew at Gawler 16 yrs ago when I learnt to fly gliders. The new freeway has shortened 2 runways and the whole place has changed with all new hangars and buildings. The weather was awful with strong winds and driving rain at times. Flying was cancelled and students where rung to be told not to bother. I had nothing better to do so I hung around bothering the CFI. After lunch the sky cleared a little and I was told to get the aircraft ready to go. Parts of the Taxi way where water logged after all of the rain. The wind was strong but straight down the strip so off we went. The first thing I noticed was the rate of climb against the 160 I was used to flying. It was the bumpiest flight I have had since starting learning. I was not used to the field or right hand circuits. The plane seemed to be half a circuit ahead of me at first. I had to side slip the aircraft on base to loose some height. Down wind seem to take seconds and caught me out. I turned onto final and found myself flying over an oval full of kids playing footy as opposed to the normal paddocks at Murray Bridge. I flew over the new freeway and then lined up on the runway. To my surprise I NAILED my first landing in a Jabiru 170. I was over the moon and wanted to stop there before I could stuff the next landing up. I went on to do 6 circuits each one getting better and not seeming to go past so quick. I would say my tally for the day was 1 perfect landing (according to CFI) 3 good landings 1 below average and 1 terrible Kangaroo Hopping Landing where the CFI yelled(quite rightly LOL) at me to pull the stick BACK. Needless to say I am over the moon. I finally got the picture and am looking forward to going solo very soon. Come on next week so I can fly again.

Where are you based Alan. I flew at Gawler today for the first time in 16 yrs. First time in a 170.

Thanks Chris I will give them a call Monday.

Welcome to a fellow South Aussie. I fly out of Murray Bridge in a Jabiru 160. Going to Gawler tommorrow to play in a 170. Look forward to seeing more posts on your exploits.

I would never not insure for everyone else. Eg the old third party property insurance but wonder how much I would save and wether it is worth not insuring the airframe. Also what is ergo work on a Jabiru 170? I appreciate the help.

I am looking for help and advice on Aircraft insurance. I am looking at buying a Jabiru 170. I have never owned an aircraft and I have no idea how insurance works. Is it worth taking a risk and not insuring the airframe? Who is best to go to? Any advice would be great. Thanks all.

I am seriously looking at buying a Jabiru 170. The main problem seems to be where can I find a hangar to keep it in. If anyone around Adelaide can offer any help I would be very grateful. Possibly Aldinga, Murray Bridge, Strath or Gawler?

Hi Eric, I am looking at buying a 170 and would appreciate your advice. Sorry to post like this but I haven't worked out how to send a private post.

Big fella let me congratulate you for being open and honest. I work with people with disabilities and mental health issues. The biggest problem is people don't talk about these issues because of the stigma. Mental health is becoming more wide spread due to the stress we are all subjected to. Let's face it you didn't have to be honest and say you have a condition. There are an awful lot of people who never seek or get help because they don't want to be labeled. There would be more people flying with undiagnosed or not declared health issues than you would like to know probably. If you flew RA you don't even need a medical. I say good on you and I hope you achieve your dream.

Can anyone tell me what the story is with learning on the 170 at Gawler? Do they fly on weekends? How hard is it to get a booking? Any help appreciated.

Crazy that is an amazing feat. I admire the effort it must have taken. I need to loose 30 kilos and I am really struggling.

Before anyone gets the wrong idea I am not casting any dispersions on the school that I use. They are a great bunch of instructors and nice guys. I simply am asking a question of the knowledgable members of this forum. I cannot afford to pay 60k for an aircraft I don't own if the worst should happen. I will ask the CFI next time I fly and if need be I will seek advice on getting my own insurance. I know my instructors read the forums and I would never wish to offend.

I weigh 115kg and I thought I was very heavy for a jab 160. Luckily my wife only weighs 59kg. I heard yesterday of a student weighing 133kg learning in a LSA55. And yes guys I am doing something about the weight. I haven't had a drink (alcohol) in 5 weeks. Hence the shaky writing.

Can anyone tell me how insurance works for a student at a flying school. If under the tutor liege of an instructor you where to have an accident how is the damage covered. Is the school solely responsible for costs or is the student liable? If the aircraft is cross hired by the School does this change everything? The aircraft I fly is cross hired and the airframe is not insured. Where would this leave me as the student in the case of an accident? Can I take out an insurance policy that would cover my costs? I know you will all say ask your school but they are not keen to discuss this too much. I don't have an issue taking out my own insurance if I need to.

Great video Tomo. Must be great to be flying your own plane.

Great work. I dream of the day I can go solo. I just have to learn how to get the flair right.

Or women because I presume most of us are married. LOL

I really want to fly in a Sports Star but have been told max weight is 100kg. I way 115kg. So I now cycle for 20 minutes every morning and have given up alcohol. we will see what happens. Cruel thing is I never eat take away I cant stand the stuff. I am currently flying a Jab 160.

Wont work on ipad. I had to fire up the computer to watch it. Nice video. Tomo is there anything you don't fly?

I like the look of the joy stick. Could you fit the same to a Jab 170 instead of the double yoke?

Brings back fond memories of my flying at Gawler. You guys flying the tug deserve a medal when towing students. I lost it on takeoff once and nearly dragged the tug off the strip. I just wish I could get the hang of landing the Jab like I could land a glider. God I miss my air brakes. Lol

Not blaming anything or anyone. Just making a statement of what happened. Tyre went flat causing the aircraft to pull to the left. I didn't realize the tyre was flat because the runway was rough and wet.

I have a current Glider licence with Passenger and Cross Country endorsements. If I want to convert to flying a Jab 160 what do I need to do and pass. I know it takes different lengths of time for each student. I know you don't want anyone to be unsafe. I just want to know what the regs actually say. If there is no allowance for the Glider Licence then that is fine.

Went flying today in a Jab 160 at my flying school. Due to cross winds we used the rough grass strip for circuits. I checked the aircraft prior to flying and all was good. When I started taxing on the grass the nose wheel steering became really heavy and I had to push very hard on the right pedal. I put it down to boggy ground and rough ride. I did 8 circuits before stopping for lunch. When I pulled up at the hangar and got out the left tire was dead flat. No wonder I was having trouble holding the aircraft on touch and go. I have never used that runway before and hope it is a long time before I use it again. LOL

The most profound book in my life was Johnathon Livingston Seagull. I have read it many times.