Vev

98 in Aust is calculated on RON, where Avgas is done on MON (not exactly right but close enough) ... in the US Mogas is calculated on RON + MON/2 = AKI (anti knock index) number. As a rough guide to align with Avgas octane nums Mogas 98 RON (Aust) - 10 points ish = 88/89 Mogas 93 in the US is close enough to 98 in Aust ... about 88/89 MON or Avgas equivalent Cheers Vev

Hi Avocet, Hawker SA right? BP Ultimate 98 is lower in aromatics in that region. Cheers Vev

The impact of plasticisation will depend on the aromatic content in the fuel ... some 98 fuels have higher aromatics than others. One brand of 98 has typically only 50% of the aromatic content compered to other brands on the market. Cheers Vev

Avgas is made from isooctane and has practically no aromatics at all ... it is highly unlikely to cause a problem to plastics/rubber etc. Cheers Vev

Hi Yenn, May be a reduced medical requirement? Cheers Vev

Just recently I got a chance to get a couple of hours in an R22 and had a ball ... I need count my pennies for more time. Cheers Vev

Was CASA saying that RAA pilots can't be trained to fly helicopters safely? I wonder what the French experience is ??? Cheers Vev

Very funny Dave! Serious question though, as I heard there were some people unable, or had great difficulty, in renewing their registration after the technical cleansing exercise of the files. I would hate to think someone would go to a lot of work in designing a glider for RAA pilots to learn that the RAA say are out of scope. Hopefully someone here with more knowledge on this topic will know for sure? Cheers Vev

Question for you.... Are gliders or motor gliders permissible under RAA aircraft categories??? Cheers Vev

Well done Dave ... wonderful effort on so many levels. Cheers Vev

The 152 rates are lower at Tyabb and you'll get more airtime as there's no taxi time to speak of... If you fly their new 162's, which are a cheaper hire rate than the 152, you can get both your GA and RAA completed at the same time. Cheers Vev

Hopefully they have improved the intake fuel distribution ... it will be interesting to see if this engine mod will have a better EGT spread? If it this has improved distribution, it may go a long way to stopping the thru bolt issue owing to lean mixtures and detonation, albeit this is mostly a 4 cylinder issue. Cheers Vev

A very frustrating situation .... If someone was taking your fuel it would be unlikely they would take your fuel cap too ... albeit not impossible. Hopefully the repairer has left it sitting on a bench... he may want to reflect on making good your inconvenience and improving his maintenance process. On the other hand, if it has fallen off in flight I would be concerned about the design of the caps and checking the locking mechanism for damage?? Cheers Vev

Hi Deadstick, Does the plenum chamber split or is the intake tubes a push fit with an o'ring? Cheers Vev

I heard Rod Stiff say 2 years ago at Natfly he was working on this designed and referred to the CriCri to describe it ... if nothing else, he puts his money where is month is and built it. I also recall him saying that it would fly on one engine, albeit it that was said before it was built! Cheers Vev

With 160hp from 2 x 4 cylinder engine this will give it some spectacular climb performance?

Interesting to read that oil changes have increased to 25hrs, which I think is a good thing! Cheers Vev

Lots of interesting info here from Jab http://www.jabiru.net.au/images/jaba/Jaba%20Chat%20April%202013.pdf Cheers Vev

Why does my battery charger asks me if my battery is a Gel or Lead Acid? Whats the difference in charging these batteries? Cheers Vev

Wx being kind this weekend, I hope to be there in my old girl, which is RAA reg and a AAAA member ... we are always made to feel very welcome . Cheers Vev

Got back today after a great few days at Natfly, I took the long way home and spent another day flying around northern Vic in my old Ercoupe .. Lots of great ac to look at and many interesting people to talk to. I was ramped checked on arrival by 4 CASA people who were friendly and made it clear it was an educational exercise. They found two small issues but no big deal. They did accept my Ozrunways nav and back up with paper charts, although didn't like me air printing my track off my iPad. They also informed me I can use a mini iPad as a primary nav tool with either mini or full size iPad as a back up. Attended a number of the forums, including he RAA GM. I listen to all that spoke from the board ... I particularly thought the Rat, who in my view, made a lot of sense. He (Rat) has not only put some positive tension into the organisation but appears to be developing the pathway to build a more sustainable organisation. There is a way to go before things are put right but I do believe they have stopped the free fall. I believe the board is reacting and good people like the Rat need our support to continue to show the way. Also attended the dinner, which was utterly boring .. It felt like a smoko night at the local footy club. One day they might learn to stop patting each other on the back and do something entertaining .. I think this is the last RAA dinner I will ever attend unless they change the format... I'd rather stay on the AD and watch videos on the back wall of a hangar with my mates. I managed to catch up with a few friends on this forum and also met a few new in person for the first time .. Always fun to put a face to a name and talk about planes. Cheers Vev

Hi Bruce, Are Jabiru experiencing cam and lifter wear? I think there's good protection in the currently recommended aero oils. I know trials have been conducted over the past 3 or so years to test an automotive formulation in Jabs by a major oil Co... there is still a lot to be considered as this is not without risk in terms of combustion chamber deposits. I think there is already enough evidence that detonation can be fatal to these engines ... adding a potential new detonation trigger will be a major concern for those conducting the trials. I'm sure Nev can answer this better ... aero air cooled engines burn engine oil owing to their larger piston clearances, that is, larger clearances than water cooled automotive engines. Automotive lubes have additives that can leave deposits on the piston crown that can cause pre-ignition and detonation. Time will tell if automotive lubes will work in Jab engines .... however for now, let the guys with the big cheque books take the risks ... I think sticking with the recommended products is the safest bet for you and me. Cheers Vev