HEON

QRAA planning a club trip next Feb to Tas. Should be great as a member is from there and is passing on "where to go" info. Lot of water...think I might just take an amphibian!

The BMW engine would probably be good in aircraft as I have to disagree with Yenn and his statement that most riders of BMW bikes seem steady types. As a member of Willoughby District Motorcycle Club in the '70's I attended most Castrol 6hr production races where Hatton and Blake did things on BMW's that were unbeleaveable...I think placing or winning every year from '73 to '78 except the year they were disqualified. Having owned three BMW's myself I know long times near the red line did not break them (ideal for aircraft), but did have a great effect on my licence point total! The newer ones would be even better but not cheep. The Take Off TBM 11 and 12 (110/120hp)are 9,300 and 10,300 Euro according to "Leisure Aviation 2010-11".

I have been to William Creek the last two years. With the attitude of manager(?) of the pub to our party of ten aircraft last year I personally, and the majority of the party, will never bother to give them any further custom. The Lake is great, their attitude sucks...stay somewhere else!

Xair looks nice. At $42000 looks a great aircraft. Out of interest, what is the engine? Less dollars than my Drifter and a lot (most?) of four stroke Trikes.

RickH...if you had bothered to read some of my other posts, which you have of course not, you would have noticed that just recently I was talking about the Belite which was in KitPlanes for UNDER US$20,000! A four stroke is being investigated and could be fitted under R A Aus weight rules. My origional post was concerning what are refered to as "plastic fantastics" replacing grass roots aircraft. I thought most people would have accepted I was refering to similar, modern, two place enclosed aircraft with a reasionable turn of speed. If you read articles concerning building OF THIS TYPE of aircraft(I would recommend KitPlanes) you would see that my statements are mostly supported and correct. As an owner of a Drifter constructed last year I KNOW you can build Drifters (and of course other aircraft) for under $40ooo from kits (and from plans cheaper), although you will not do a Drifter with a new 912 for this price (Jab 80hp approved however). Would you consider BEFORE accusing a person of not being truthful, that I may just also have some FIRST HAND knowledge on the subject, and consider the context the statement was made. I have reread my origional post several times and can find no reference to wanting to put people off home building...go for it! You can even build an amphibian if you want...a Sea Ray could fill your requirement...trust me however , you will not do it under $40000!

Is a big aircraft. Would rearly like to be in it to see the 110kt cruise speed though.

Bubbleboy, you have an opinion. So do I. We will it seem never agree. Thats life

There has been a lot of talk of "grass roots" flying...have we moved away from it?...new plastic fantastics are too expensive!...I do not want the cost/training/equipment to fly out of my local area...etc Regardless of the views of the "grass roots" flyers, the market now is dominated with plastic fantastics, not because the sellers want to move away from the "grass roots", but that is what sells. It is not possible to market anything (for long) if the buyers do not buy it. But what is "grass roots" flying? Some would say a powered broom stick with a Victa two stroke to whom a Drifter with (shock/horror)TWO seats, let alone a four stroke engine, is too advanced. Some others may consider a Jab LSA or Gazelle. Others a X-Air or trike. Powered chutes have their place, and good on them, but the market for most R A Aus pilots is for craft more expensive. A lot of trikes cost more than plastic fantastics such as Jab 120/160's it should be noted. Builders say that will save money. Yes, but if anyone can build (a four stroke) for under $40,000 EQUIPPED they are either: very very good; forgot to remember the cost of something; left something out; or of course built a powered broom stick with a lawn mower engine (four stroke of course!) While I respect the views of the "grass roots" flyers, the market indicates that the majority have moved on. Some people love Ford Model T's (not I), or some "classic" vehicles like LandRovers (me!), or older aircraft types (Drifter-me)...but not the majority. R A Aus has room for all of us, however if sales are an indication of what is now "grass roots", it is now a plastic fantastic! Using an artillery term..."SHOT OVER"

To be able to overpower auto pilot is important. Trio Propilot has listed in their manual the test of this ability to be perfomed pre take off. Disconect switch on the control stick also strongly recommended by them. I would endorce this feature as my other auto pilot does not have one fitted and now think a very good feature to have.

Standard unleaded is OK in 912 UL (80 hp) and I think (have not recently checked) this engine is OK with 10% ethernol which is in most standard unleaded HOWEVER ANY ethernol is not compatable with a lot of aircraft fuel tanks and possibly fuel lines. If in doubt use Avgas. Read Rotax recommendations regarding oil changing however. In inland 98 practically unattainable, and 95 infrequently available. I personally use 98 unleaded or Avgas in all my Rotax engines (don't want to get confused and put 91 into a 914) mainly because to the best of my knowledge no main brand fuel put ethernol in it...all my fuel tanks are fiberglass (ethernol eats it). Costs more, but less than new tanks.

Have one of each of the first listed. Both good. Buy on price but more importantly your trust on installer

There I go again BlackRod with my i's and t's! Said to you "nice aircraft". Second line was for bruceinOz with his 1981.2mm height...Drifters do not have a pilot height limit, just more bug exposure! Never been to 10000 in a Drifter; only 8500. Very good view, but cold...it was in winter! You can ALWAYS park a Petrel in a hanger so no excuse BlackRod

Your explanation of 95-10 David was very good. The Belite I spoke of would fit well. However a "rocket" with a turbine one can dream over...how do you get enough fuel in under 300kg to feed the beast (rhetorical question!)

That is a very nice aircraft BlackRod. Assume you are after a plastic fantastic? If not a Drifter has no height restrictions.

The USA FAR Part 103 ultralight class (254lb/115kg empty weight; 5 gal/19L fuel; 55kt max airspeed; stall 24kt) seems a interesting set of rules for true rag and tube people to get back the the origins of light low cost flying. The article on the Belite (under US$20K) in "Kitplanes" Apr 11 should get them interested in low cost rag and tube interested. Would fit into R A Aus regulations I am sure, with the ability to increase empty weight, speed, and I assume fuel capacity here.

Thought I would get some comments! David, my comment regarding number of Drifters manifactured I thought implied in the same time frame...last year. Must remember to cross the "i's" and dot the "t's" better.

Yes Bubbleboy people will look at your Pietenpol air camper when it is finished, just as I slobbered over the CFI's of Edra's one complete with Model A Ford engine in Brazil when I was there (Edra make them plastic flying boats by the way). Bet more 19 rego Jabaru's are currently under construction however. Thats my point...more R A Aus people are buying and flying plastic fantastics! Have some lovely photos of this air camper if you are interested (send email)

BlackRod I OWN and FLY both thus think I have a balanced view and thought it should be said. I personally love my Drifter but if limited to one aircraft it would NOT be a Drifter. Personally would love a trim body, hair on the head, and be able to look at the young ladies without saying "my daughters older!" BUT TIMES CHANGE Not VC stuff, however I but can think of them famous words that started..."We will fight them on the beaches, we will fight them on the landing grounds....we will never surrender!" reading your comment:big_grin:

I have been reading the numerous posts about getting back to the rag and tube and have to say WHY! People are NOT buying them in any number. People ARE buying "plastic fantastics" The rag and tube are not comming to Natfly. Some say distance...or are more R A Aus aircraft now NOT rag and tube? Who makes rag and tube aircraft now? And in what volume? I have sold more Super Petrel's into a small amphibian market in the last year than Drifters manufactured. I own a new 24 rego Fisher Drifter. I said to Wayne he could have it to display at Natfly. He did not take up the offer. He will sell some but the aircraft that are sold now are NOT rag and tube...GET OVER IT...TIMES CHANGE

Rearly gets me mad that real figures do not often appear regarding weights, range, fuel usage and all the other things people should know prior to considering aircraft. As a dealer I have noted real as against design numbers in my web site's technical data whenever I find it out. Will not name them but two Rotax 912 ULS aircraft claim 1. Range at 4000rpm...for a LSA! (?would it stay in the air?) 2. Cruise at 110kt for strut braced high wing with wire braced tail! (?in a dive?)...and I think the standard engine is a 912UL (80hp)! Probably costs me sales as the number of times "lookers" have been informed of other aircraft's better speed etc and want more than what mine will give...pity the only time it's obtained with a number of other aircraft is in the sales brochure!

All orders for a new Super Petrel LS from now that have the initial deposit of 40% received by me before 14 May will only have to pay freight at a rate as if two were being shipped in a container. This a potential saving of around $5170. Add this to our exchange rate of around $1.05 to US$ and you could have a standard Super Petrel LS with Icom radio and antenna for $100,200 fly away, no more to pay, from Warwick. See me at Natfly near the Aero Club to see what you get for your money and join the owners of the three sold in the last week.

Will make LSA rego a liability now with UL at same weight

So much for "world" brands!

You cannot make the Drifter too "clean" for speed. Not sure on 503/582, but with a 912 I can exceed Vne in level flight thus "cleaning it up" not rearly needed...personally I just love that open feeling. On another note, increase/change to screen height effects wind to prop/tail...talk to Wayne first.

What is situation regarding warrenty on Icom radios fitted as standard on new factory built aircraft imported from overseas. Is it the same as Rotax...supported by Australian Dealer (Bert Flood)?