Kenlsa

I seem to remember that one of the big problems, only a couple of years ago, was with the LHD. During rough seas operations, there wasn’t enough movement in the rotors to help compensate for the rocking of the landing deck, therefore over stressing the landing gear….the pitch changes overtook the ability of the pilot to control it. Ken

I kit built a SP500 (18 months to build, one hour every day and 6 hours per weekend) If I were to do it again I would build a j230 and set it up to fly it at 700 or 760 under the new rules for my latest build I have decided to rebuild a certified aircraft, though that can be spendy as you have to use certified and TSO’d or PMA’d parts and any modifications have to be STC’d. Though I am having fun doing it. if this is your first….go j230 Ken

Let’s just support one of our forum members. Ken

I hope everyone fills out the survey Ken

We manage our airfield for the council, they are happy with this as they keep any interaction with us to a minimum. If we don’t go to them with any headaches, they will allow us to operate. We don’t charge landing fees for sport aircraft as we expect a reciprocal fee waiver from others at their fields. we charge any commercial flight $10 per engine. We also charge our private owners (90 of us) $50 per year landing fee. This is separate from our hangar site cost. But a quick napkin cost structure of the NON FLYING portion of our operations is substantial. Rates, insurance, maintenance and salary for a site manager is over $100k plus volunteers who slash, repair fences etc Note this does not include any flight operation that is double that amount. This seems to work for us as everywhere in our normal flying destinations are reciprocal…..all good. BUT, just think of a council that RUNs the operation that doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with other sites (why would they as they are the council) they have to get get their $100 plus cost back somehow. They are not going to throw away rate payers cash. I often hear that visiting pilots spend up BIG in town adding to the council and business coffers but I have yet to observe many/any calling a taxi to get a pub meal, shopping etc. Most just grab a coffee and leave, putting it a a destination in their log book. The only exception I have noted is if it is a major event that most fields only conduct every 2 years. The money must come from somewhere. $100k has to be recouped somehow. User pays. Ken

Evidence, not hearsay thanks. ONLY direct evidence given by the person who actually saw or heard the incident, counts. All the rest: ‘I was told, did you hear, I heard that, he was actually there and he said to me ‘ is called hearsay. I used to do this for a living. So no more unless you are in a position to give direct evidence. Then I am happy to hear it. Ken

We keep revisiting this RAOz :company, business, association, limited by, club, AUF, better in the old days, my opinion doesn’t count, castles, no longer for members etc etc etc. and of course Jabirus are crap 🙂 I was a member in the AUF days, saw and voted for development of RAOz and the absolute stuff up with records and systems that stopped us flying. I voted for the new RAOz that has got us on the table with the grownups. I complete every survey, write letters to the editor, talk by email and phone to the tech and ops staff. I attend every info session when they come to visit our club. I am involved. I own, fly and continue to build planes. I have to say that I am more than satisfied with the state of affairs at the moment. Sure, most of the members (and just how many of you are actually members anyway and not disgruntled ex wannabes) did not vote for the last change (as they were lazy, didn’t care or were happy to be led)? Sometimes I wonder how many of you actually fly. Only those who really cared voted and the new system was supported by those who had skin in the game—owners and potential owners. If you don’t like flying under RAOz……..start another association. Oh that’s right, it seems to have crashed and burned. Or you can move over and fly VH and then see how much influence you have on your recreational flying. This is the organisation we have at the moment and we are moving forward under their hand, both paid and volunteer. And to those of you who intimate corruption by the executive and staff, as has crept into these forum discussions …..PUorSU. Ken

I have just completed the above survey to get rid of the stall speed limitation so I can fly my Colt under the RAoz banner. If I may urge all owners and potential owners to respond positively to it. For those who have articulated a reluctance to increase the stall speed, remember, it is NOT COMPULSORY that you alter your aircraft in any way, all will stay ‘as is’ for you. Ken

They are looking to put them in a microlight soon

The latest from Janes

According to the Australian paper, Ukrainian infrastructure doesn’t rely on too much computing input but steam instead, so much of the country’s infrastructure is still operational. Also states that European countries are about to send combat aircraft for the Ukrainian pilots to use, with plenty of Mig etc still in some eastern, now NATO aligned countries. The pilots should be able to cross the border and step straight into them with no conversation needed. Ken

I have the same as Bruce’s in the above photo. Had it as my only gps for about 12 yrs until an iPad and Oz Runways. I still have it on my panel as the backup. Ken

Does anyone use an iPhone AH app. If so, which one of the many on offer. For a couple of bucks it might be of use Ken

Further, my AC 43, tells me in 6-42, that one must drill small holes and flush with hot linseed Ken

Linseed oil is an appropriate fix,so I’m told Ken

ReAbove, AD canceled 10/2008 Ken

The AD had to be done, with the windscreen/spar carry thru tube, every few years (3 then later 5) but has been removed in 2012 (from memory). Mine has few ADs due to later serial number, one of the last made. Before the removal it was done regularly at 3k per time. Ouch. with the fabric off I did an inspection anyway and all good. Fortunately It has been housed in a hangar all its life. Ken

This is what that would look like

My Colt has the STC for removing the door for flight. But….. No bank over 30deg and absolutely no side slips. Used for photography or throwing a parachutist out when my flying scares them I suppose. I can imagine the 60 year old cotton covering in a slip….Looking like a car airbag for a split second before disintegrating exposing the terrified pilot inside. Ken

My Colt will be giving up its letters, UAD, when I transfer it to RAoz, so that will top up the available numbers to 87! Ken

I was at Narromine, I think it was about 15 yrs ago, when one caught fire at start up. Carb on top of the motor spilling fuel onto exhaust or wiring from memory. Not too much damage if I remember correctly. Ken

Airframe was good but I think the engine and PRU combo had a couple of issues. Get that Colt going! Ken

It will be fine. just about any/all parts from a Gen 1 (2200 and 3300) will fit and work. Remember that Camit made the Gen 1 engines for Jabiru anyway. CAMIT has been sold to a bloke in the UK. There is a website for it. They can be used on a Jab Gen 1 as well. go for it! Ken

Running when only on idle revs for a long period can make the plugs very sooty. That’s one of the potential problems with mogas. Our entire club Jab fleet, and many Jabs here run on mogas all the time, but it is start, taxi and go. Don’t have any trouble. General practice is not to spend anymore time than needed at idle, and that’s on any plane and fuel combination. you MAY have had a temp soak on the fuel line due to no air (120kts) cooling the crank area….remember that the muffler is right there….this is facilitated by those 2 x 25mm holes at the front of the air shrouds. Bottom line…….if you are going to sit there…..switch off Ken

Cooperplace, Using amps as it has a generator but I may change to an alternator for the lower weight. Trying to use the 1962 stuff where possible Ken