Steve L

Plus old cars don’t have computers

Yes Nev, have you ever seen an Eaglet throttle linkage, I have replaced near everything and still can’t get it to come back to idle at the same revs each time I land. Had they had a single lever quadrant like the later models I think it would be much better. Incidentally I’m not using Marks linkage on the Tecnam (wist I could)

I unpacked my throttle kit today, I can say that it has exceeded my expectations, the build quality and workmanship is second to none, thank you Mark, I’m now looking forward to fitting it. Steve.

Nev my build stopped 3-4 years ago when I retired, prior to that while working I had oodles of free time. One likes to think you get smarter as you mature but it hasn’t happened in my case . . . I can’t say NO Steve

Hi Mark, could you please add me to your list of guys wanting a throttle set up. cheers Steve

That’s nothing like my eaglet. I’ll take a pic of mine on the weekend

Runaway trim

Spot on Markdun. In my case it was the main loom between the seats had 3 wires almost severed and the main battery cable had about 2mm deep plastic insulation wear. We found the cause was no insulation or conduit fitted around the loom where it came in contact with the sharp edges of the aluminium cross member’s. Those cross members also have 2-3mm deep gouges where the loom lays. The only way to access the the loom through the centre console is by borescope camera. These exposed cables occasionally caused trim changes while flying, once or twice on finals the attitude would change. If it had a full pitch down run away on finals I doubt it could be arrested. I still have the pictures and correspondence from Tecnam. I know it can’t happen but I would be interested to inspect the downed plane. Steve PS. I was referring to Markdun,

Yes we found the electric trim kept running away, I had my wife with me, fortunately we were on the ground. I am not suggesting It was in this case but mechanical - electrical failures do happen, I hate electric trim.

Condolences to Dave’s family and anyone who knew him that have lost a mate and experienced instructor. Looking at the crash scene I find it hard to accept it was a stall, looks more like the P92 nosed into the ground, maybe a control issue. I’ll make it very clear I am not speculating, we need to let the authorities do their job and advise the outcome. The reason I say this is because ferrying a P 92 from Caloundra to Adelaide a while ago heading west at 6500 above Dalby I handed control to my low hour co pilot. Within minutes the Eaglet went into a full nose down attitude which took us both by surprise. I screamed at him it get his hand off the control yolk believing he was resting his hand on the trim buttons which he denied. Months later it was evident (actually proven) he was not manipulating the controls at all. steve

Unfortunately Mark being retired usually doesn’t give one more free time. I have been retired for near 5 years. My kit is still the same as it was back then. . . sad. Enjoy your retirement

I would look at the Eaglet with its adjustable seats, one has to be a contortionist to get your head in though. Even better If a central single control yoke was available. steve

Im not to familiar with the plugs you mention, that’s if your referring to the mushroom head rubber plugs that are inserted by means of an air pressured gun. I think they were banned years ago. The ones I use are aprox 60mm long pieces of flexible cord 3-4mm thick. Many can be used to fill the one hole and they are permanent repairs.

I’m sure it will be fine Skip.

Spot on Bruce, after that incident I wonder if he’s still test flying. Also sad for the owner of the Sonex who lives in the UK and built the plane here. A similar incident happened to Maj ( may he Rest In Peace ) as he wasn’t so lucky. steve