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hairyaardvark

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  1. hairyaardvark
    Hello. I have a VH registered CA25N. Is the 912 used in the Gazelle a certified or non-certified engine? Richard
  2. hairyaardvark
    Hello. Just wondering if anyone knows where to get a 2:1 reduction gearbox that is suitable for a 100hp engine (Subaru EA81). Redrive PSRU Gearbox Reduction Drive Belt Redrive in Poland used to make them but they don't seem to anymore. Foxcon don't make a 2:1 + the price quoted was AU$4000. Thank you Richard
  3. hairyaardvark
    Hello. I need to obtain some replacement wheel struts. Have tried chrome moly but it is not strong enough. Any ideas on what the original material (maybe spring steel) and where to get it? Thank you Richard
  4. hairyaardvark
    Hi Doug. The think (from memory) the guy from Marian that took me up in his drifter was Eric S. Nice guy. Myself, can't wait to get back in the seat so to say.. Regards Richard
  5. hairyaardvark
    Thank you all for your most welcome suggestions! I think first flight with a 10 knot cross wind (yeah ok that's lame) may not have been such a good idea. Maybe I am over analysing the flight. I look forward to sharing the sky with you all. On another point, it seems drifter bits, other than engine parts have all but dried up. Does this mean a nail in the drifter coffin? Where does one by new canvas and other custom items for the aircraft? I read entries on spectrum aviation and the terrific job the owner did promoting private aviation before his death. Does this mean we now beg parts from the US and Maxair etc? Regards and in the dark, Richard
  6. hairyaardvark
    Thanks for the information. I am going to fit more instrumentation to my Drifter. Notably a turn and bank indicator. Probably go for the new age digital gyro types that seem to start around US$200. I don't think on my first flight I paid enough attention to my air speed. The drifter pilot I went with six months ago said he barely uses the ailerons, seeming to prefer to use the rudder for manoeuvring and turns. What do other drifter pilots think of little aileron and more rudder use? Is wing stall more likely in a Drifter than other aircraft? My first flight was marred by one climbing turn during the flight that seemed to get steeper and steeper to a worrying stage. I applied opposite rudder and I believe I centred the stick with a forward attitude - I think this corrected an otherwise uncomfortable situation. Once again I think the higher nose attitude led me to believe that my issue was not stall related but in hind sight I am not so sure - I was not paying enough attention to the airspeed. A friend seems to think I needed more power in the turn. The manual states 60 knots for manoeuvring. I don't believe I was doing sixty knots. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated . Richard
  7. hairyaardvark
    Hi Doug. The aircraft is hangared near Kuttabul. I should mention that previously with the Gazelle I operated out of Mackay airport with its lovely airstrip. Now on a grass strip that slopes and is nothing like I have ever experienced. Regards Richard
  8. hairyaardvark
    Hello Sue. Thank you for your welcome. My last flight was in a Skyfox Gazelle about 8 years ago when I had a GFPT and was licensed to fly solo. The Drifter is much different. I was lucky that I got a ride in a drifter about 6 months as a passenger and experienced some of the control differences. Most notable was the fact the nose dropped under power whereas in the Gazelle the nose lifted when the throttle was increased. I put this down to the engine on the Drifter being at the rear and on the Gazelle it is at the front (a pusher rather than a puller??). I would call my first flight a little unnerving to say the least. Unfortunately I was too busy trying to fly the aircraft with my right hand and control the throttle with my left to enjoy the ride. I have never flown with my right hand. I can see I have much to learn before I think I will sit back and enjoy the experience. My friends asked me if I looked down at all. Never thought of this. Only looked forward and to the sides. I think looking down might have unnerved me even more! I would be interested to hear from other Drifter pilots that learnt to fly in aircraft where the engine was at the front and then moved to the Drifter without any lessons. I certainly had a stiff drink last night! Regards Richard
  9. hairyaardvark
    Hello. My name is Richard and I am from Mackay in QLD. I have a Drifter Aircraft (only one flight so far). Joined the forum to talk to other Drifter owners and ask some questions. Chat to you all soon. Regards Richard
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