Danger Mouse

Hi Fred There has been a new posting for a Gazelle for sale online located in the Hunter Valley, priced at $27K

Hi Fred I keep a close eye out for Gazelle's online, there is usually one or two about but I haven't seen a new ad for months. The only Gazelle for sale at the moment is as follows 2 seater ultralight plane Single engine propeller Original - this was the first Skyfox ever built in 1989 serial number CA-21001 This plane was then remodelled into the first Gazelle in 1992. Registration 55-4140 (elapsed but expected to pass re-registration. All ADs complied with) Original registration VH-CAL (de-registered) Engine 1992 Rotax 912 serial number 3792927 Total time airframe 1106.7 hours Total engine time 627.7 hours Cream in colour with red stripe Logbooks Always hangered Rebag at 1093 hours. Restored by retired Skyfox mechanic between 2001 and 2006. Located Tucabia near Grafton. Ph: 0455750599 (Theo) Additional information: New fuel lines fitted 2020 Alloy aileron hangers Cooling upgrade fitted New charger ignition coil fitted Lift strut carry through fitted Spares include: New windscreen Spare wheel hub Spare brake discs U/c strut braces new Set of tyres Throttle locking device Auto pitot cover Headsets x 2 You could also call Tony Kerr at Gympie Aircraft Maintenance 07 5483 5170, he is the go to guy in Queensland and might know if there is anything available. Get a pre purchase inspection - these aircraft are getting long in the tooth and someone like Tony will know what to look for.

The new 'Coastal Skyfox' being discussed here; http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/want-a-new-skyfox.58613/ No updates since May however. Maybe someone on the forum can update us?

The Gazelle is the easiest to fly and it was the best for building confidence before moving to other types. Back in the day as a basic GA trainer our students always progressed faster on the Gazelle than on the 172 or Tomahawk. Students were faster to first solo and usually spent fewer hours getting to the GFPT or PPL. It has forgiving handling characteristics and is slow enough for student pilots to keep ahead of the aircraft. The hardest thing when learning to fly is getting through those first lessons without losing confidence in your ability to actually learn this new skill. For a flying school it is always when you lose your students. I must say that at the time those who were able to use the Gazelle would usually come back for another flight. I agree that it is important to be proficient on a number of types, but the Gazelle is a great start.

Hi davebutler What we need is an airfield in the Redland/Cleveland area for southsiders!

Tony Kerr at Gympie Aviation, knows just about all there is to know about Gazelle's, has been working on them since day 1. Offers a pre purchase inspection service too according to their website.

Scan your logbook and email a copy to yourself, not only does it give you a backup but means you can access it on a smart phone or smart device while out and about.

There was some discussion in the following thread about aircraft available in partial kits http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/aircraft-available-as-partial-kits.49144/

The purchase price is just part of the picture, running costs are your main concern and there is lots of great information on this site about the cost of operating a small aircraft and the pitfalls to look out for. I hope you enjoy your TIF, a simulator is no comparison to actually being up there. Let us know how you go.

You are never too old, in fact you could knock over a CPL in about 18 months even working full time and devoting all your weekends and holidays towards your licence. You personal circumstances are probably the bigger obstacle, if you are married with kids or plan to be in the near future this will impact how much time and effort you can put into a career change. The early years of a CPL often involve 'going bush' for experience - something very few partners will tolerate, and jobs near major population centres are hard to find and do not pay well. Realistically you are better off treating your current job as a means to an end, use the cash and opportunity cost to buy an aircraft and instead enjoy flying as a private or sport pilot.

Hi All, I have no affiliation with the Queensland Air Museum but I have just noticed they are doing an engine run day this weekend, Saturday the 6th of April. Here is the link; http://www.qam.com.au/aerd/engine-run-day.htm If you love the sound of a big 1500 hp radial like I do, I think that's the place to be this weekend.

I like the look of this one - it's called an Easy Eagle - VW powered. Plans available from Great Plains Aircraft I notice a reserved rego on the register so someone is building one.....

There is a member on the forums here called old man emu. Just send him a pm I think he can help you with AN hardware

Thanks for the recommendation Mark

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the Alsun catalogue and it looks like they have a good range of square and round tube, plus a few other bits and pieces that will be handy, will give them a try.

Just a question to builders in South East Qld, where do you source your square and round aircraft grade (6061-T6) aluminium tubing from? It seems Performance metals and Airport metals are mentioned most frequently, but is there a local supplier, or do you just get it shipped up?

Hi Dave The Bug looks fantastic, I hope you are successful with it, looks like it would be great fun to fly. Have you considered a Sauer engine? They have a 100hp 3cylinder liquid cooled 2stroke with a dry weight of 99 lbs (excluding prop/gearbox). It is 490 long x 280 wide and 420 high. I don't know anything about them but stumbled across it one day researching motors. Just google Sauer s950r 100 and it should pop up with the manuals and spec sheet

Have any of the people here completed an Affordaplane yet? I notice some said they were starting but I don't see any on the register yet. Any reports on ease of build or flight reports?

Hi OME Any chance you recovered the parts and price list? Just interested to know the cost involved.

Hi Bernie Yes I have seen photos of 3382 It is CA25N044

Just google "tiny tach battery replacement" the instructions are there on a Yahoo group users page. Sounds a bit tricky but I guess if you have some basic tools should be doable.

So I have been doing some research and it looks like it dropped off the VH register in late 1999. The owner was Robert Molesworth and he lived in the Ballarat area, apparently he did his licence in the machine, maybe someone knew of him or saw the machine at Ballarat or a nearby airfield (Lethbridge, Sunbury, Geelong)? If anyone has access to the RAA register perhaps you can let me know if the serial number is on the register against one of the Gazelles. I have managed to find pictures online of most of the 24 registered Gazelles but there are a few missing. I have looked everywhere and managed to find an old magazine clipping It only shows the front profile but you can get an idea of the colours, the stripe on the wing is the same colour as the stripe on the fuselage, the tailplane was the same red/orange all over.

The Sonex family of aircraft can be purchased as sub kits and completed in stages

Caboolture recreational aviation have a Piper Cub - that might be a fun way to get your tailwheel endo

Sorry, typing to quickly myself. Meant to say I think prior experience/endorsements can be accepted from the PPL regardless of whether it is current or not. But as in the above post from Roy what it will take to get competent again is a whole other question for your training organisation. I'm going through all the theory again and best of all that part is free - it just needs some effort from the grey matter. Best of Luck.