Tomo

At least you'll never run out of a job!

G'day Shags, what date would you be thinking? I could be over at YCAB this Saturday... might be able to talk someone into letting me take their aeroplane up. I'm only a 20yr old 200 odd hour pilot though...

You'll love the manual trim in the Jab... flap switch is a little painful for starters, but you get used to it. I must say I rather cruising in a Jab than the Teccie. The P92 is pretty snappy with plenty of power, and quite responsive on the controls. The Jab is slightly more truck like as Ultralights said. Jabs are a little less forgiving if you don't land right, but you'll enjoy it. Remember it 'is' a different aircraft, so it 'will' be different! Enjoy it, and it's characteristics.

I keep my hand pretty close to my release in the tug too...

These days you do an hour lesson on effects of controls, hr of straight and level, climbing descending turns etc... back in the day I reckon it would have been the first hour covering all those, and probably doing loops on the second lesson. Then landings for the rest of the time. Once you could land it without breaking something... They did operate mostly off a big field too didn't they, so didn't really have to fight mad crosswinds or follow a white line... and it was probably grass too which makes all landings a lot more forgiving. Just me thinking of course...

True, but there are many aircraft that don't have that system, I don't know why but that's just the way it goes. The Left/Right tank only positions such as Piper and other Cessna's etc... aren't a real good idea. But it's okay as we use fuel management in our flying... though it certainly isn't a fool proof system.

You have a point about the three valves, if you only thought it had the one tap you wouldn't bother checking anywhere else... but in my opinion a good knowledge of the fuel system in each aircraft is paramount before leaving the ground. I'm surprised the owner didn't say anything to you about it!!! I must say 8 mins of flight time is better than 2 min or so, when you're 50' on take off. I wouldn't say having the the two wing taps were a bad idea, infact I think it is a good thing for parking on unlevel ground, just needs to be added to the checklist.

Finesse! The more landings you do, the more critical you, the pilot gets of your own landings I think. I think I'm one of the worst ones in that bracket... every landing there's just something that could have been better! To make a seamless touch down you need to be landing on smooth grass... as bitumen always makes a little 'screech' sound spinning the wheels up, which in turn causes a slight jerk.

Yes Ariel is the dumb one in the show, so to speak... but I think she's the draw card for people to watch it! lol I find it quite an entertaining thing to watch.

You should be looking at the aeroplane, not the lady!! But yes, it does get easier, though easier may be a bad term... one just learns how to cope with the situation and fly the aeroplane rather than the aeroplane fly you. I remember learning to fly the drifter when I first got started, and to keep the thing straight on the runway I could not, frustrated me to think I can't do it... but with practise and learning the correct technique it now comes almost second nature, taking off in a straight line now is an almost non event in some ways. Just like reading, once you know the sounds and way something is said, it makes it sooo much easier (though sometimes I still can't figure it!) I think by gaining an understanding and by practise you develop the required skill to overcome the task at hand, though sometimes things will come up that causes the blood pressure to go up!

Ariel makes me laugh... great show, and her Dad is a good pilot!

You're to kind! An 802 Airtractor could handle it I reckon...

This is brilliant! What a tug

Ian! Great to hear, I've done a little bit of gliding, but mainly do the towing bit now pulling gliders up! Never flown a Champ, but have always thought they look a lovely aeroplane.

Great news Phil! I love the Pietenpol! I've flown in one with the Model A engine up the front, most magnificent (fitted with pressure oil system, and dual ignition) Here's a photo of the engine - 1928 A Model Ford

Heavy earthmoving/ag machinery mechanic, aka - diesel fitter. Also small engine, petrol. Hydraulic, electrical systems, general machinist, welding etc... Farm assistant, truck/tractor/machine operator. Wood turner, carpentry, decrotive art/craft. Leather work, sewer (as in sewing!...) aircraft maintenance assistant. Brass Instrument and dodgy piano driver... Pilot...

I may be there... depends as I'll be in Gympie again, but if the wx is right you never know what might end up in the sky and over the range...

Talk about waving a carrot on front of the horse Dave!! Unfortunately I could only justify that amount of money if I could use it for work... a Drifter is a little hard for that at this stage! Maybe I could claim it as a 'de-stress' operation, for work.

So true Maj! My work boots...

G'day Jake, I'm not sure who is looking after this now, Dr Carrol Richards used to, but she isn't there anymore. Might be easier just to ring RA-Aus, that way you get an answer right away, I haven't had much luck with email to RAA in the past.

I'd do it if I didn't have to work! Sounds like Gareth is pretty keen...

Ooops! Bet he won't do that again Glad there weren't any injuries

Yep, that's what the Consulate is for! Be sensible, stay sober, and respect their culture... if someone pulls a gun to you, give him the money...