Neil_S

From the above manual I would say that this section probably applies (as the Skyecho is not an EFB) :- 3.7 Installation of small cameras and similar devices inside aircraft Note: This section is only applicable to mounting small devices inside an aircraft. It is not applicable to mounting devices on external surfaces – the regulations and safety considerations are different in those scenarios. 3.7.1 From time to time CASA receives enquiries about the rules and requirements for mounting small cameras and similar devices inside aircraft, in particular about whether the airworthiness regulations are applicable and a Part 21 modification design approval is required. 3.7.2 The airworthiness regulations are primarily about certifying the approved design of aircraft and required operational equipment, manufacturing those products and thereafter ensuring they remain airworthy. The continuing airworthiness and maintenance regulations are framed in relation to the approved design and the terms aircraft components (CAR) and aeronautical products (CASR). Aircraft components and aeronautical products include parts of aircraft as specified in the Part 21 approved design of the aircraft, and equipment required by the regulations for operation of the aircraft. 3.7.3 A small camera, or similar device, is not an aircraft component or an aeronautical product if it is: a. not included in the approved design of the aircraft; and b. mounted in a way that does not affect the approved design of the aircraft; and c. not required equipment for the operation of the aircraft. 3.7.4 Mounting a small camera, or similar device, in accordance with the above criteria is not a change to the approved design of the aircraft and is not maintenance of the aircraft. A Part 21 modification design approval is not required in those circumstances. 3.7.5 The approved design of the aircraft would be affected by physical changes to a part of the aircraft, such as drilling holes. The approved design of the aircraft would not be affected by mounting means such as a suction cup. 3.7.6 Under CAO 20.16.2, a small camera, or similar device, that meets the above criteria is cargo. It is therefore the operator and pilot in command’s responsibility to ensure that the device is used, restrained and stowed in compliance with CAO 20.16.2 and such that the safety of the aircraft is not adversely affected for the particular operation. A formal approval from CASA or an ADO or authorised person is not required in these circumstances. 3.7.7 The assessment by the operator and pilot in command will necessarily be on a case by case basis considering the device, the mounting means, the mounting location inside the aircraft and the operation. The physical size of the device is a relevant consideration for mounting and safe operation, in particular, the mass and dimensions of the device are relevant for determining the suitability of the mounting means and the mounting location. Personally I feel that using suction cups alone, as from our experience they frequently fall off in mid-flight, would be better augmented by something like velcro as some of us have described. Cheers, Neil

Interesting point, GF. I don't think it can affect things that much as I had an aircraft crossing about 1000ft below and in front of me the other day (boy was it hard to actually see!), but it showed up on my AVPlan display the whole time, including while it was actually blocked from my eyesight. Cheers, Neil

I do the same. Have also had ATC warn me of traffic at 12 o'clock one time. Got me to squawk IDENT on my transponder so they could positively identify me. As I'm based within a few miles of Tullamarine it's good to hear the commercial stuff and pick out where it is - I can usually see it on my AVPlan display from my Skyecho - and then eyeball it. Cheers, Neil

Not sure about J230s but in my Savannah I have taken the suction mount and put velcro on it, then put velcro on some of the cockpit tubing at the top left side, then once attached by velcro I have put two zip ties around as well. This arrangement keeps the whole thing securely in place (I also had the suction mount fall off the lexan). It seems to work so far, and I can't really see any way it can fall off now. Where it is placed allows the required clear view upwards and forwards. When the weather improves (haha) I will be going out to the airfield and will take a picture or two. Cheers, Neil

Hi, I have the GME MT610G. Cheers, Neil

About 45-50 minutes. Closer would be nice, of course, but I've been doing the drive for about 14 years now, so I am used to it. Neil

For RAAus if you are either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic (or epileptic, have heart condition, or mental illness) you require an annual form signed by your GP saying your health meets or exceeds that required for a driver's licence - ie that your condition is under control. However, it is still the responsibility of the individual to take the meds that give that control. For some reason this driver apparently ignored 9 warnings that his blood sugar was low and he needed glucose (eg jelly beans, or can of full-sugar coke). I cannot imagine why he would ignore the warnings. Same irresponsible behaviour as drinking alcohol and then driving. People I know who are insulin-dependent carry a pack of jelly beans in their car so they can stop and increase their glucose in such a situation.

He looks rather catatonic to me!

My AVPlan HUD on my iPad mini has both GPS Altitude and Baro Altitude. In my experience they can be very close (within a few feet) or sometimes disagree by a few hundred feet. So, as others have said, I believe it is best to use your biennially-calibrated altimeter with the correct QNH. Checking it right now sitting at home they are within a foot of each other..... Cheers, Neil

If you didn't vote you can't complain.

Hi FD, It was the iphone, not the iPad Mini, that was not up to size spec. Cheers, Neil

Hmmm - works OK for me....

Hi Skippy, I have had the ITECH2000A 2000 AMP PORTABLE LITHIUM JUMP STARTER from iTechworld for a few years. Has been used to jump start my Savannah, a friend's Savannah, and a couple of cars. I take it with me in the plane any time I'm going to land at another airfield. (Same with my rechargeable air pump bought from Aldi years ago). It also has torch and every connector under the sun for charging phones, running small fridge etc Cheers, Neil PS Just noticed it's currently down to $175 in an EOFYS

I would also caution against using just the suction cup mount if your cockpit lexan/perspex has any curvature at all. I had my plane out of the hangar warming up one cold morning with the suction cup facing towards the sun. As I began taxiing the mount and Skyecho unit fell onto the cockpit floor and refused to turn back on. I assume the combination of vibration and maybe the sun heating and expanding a bit of air behind the suction cup caused the suction to fail. I thought the unit was broken, but when I got back home I searched the web and found someone else had had the same issue. But he found that when he plugged the charging cable back in the unit restarted. I did the same and mine started again too, so apparently this is the way to reset it. This is not documented anywhere in the manual. He also found a dumpfile had been produced in the unit, so I looked in mine and found the same, but when I tried downloading it just hung for about 10 minutes and I gave up. I will probably just delete the file as my unit has been working fine since. So then I put some velcro on the suction cup and on some tubing in my cockpit, with a couple of zip ties as well to hold the mount in place. That baby ain't going anywhere now. It seems to work fine as the unit still has a good view of the sky. Others I have spoken to have found similar issues with the suction cup - so best to explore a few other options IMO. Cheers, Neil

Me too - but prices change (read increase) quite frequently so I would suggest a quick Google of retailers followed up by phone call to cheapest to confirm. About 15 minutes work to possibly save quite a few bucks. Don't forget to see if their price includes free shipping (uAvionix did). Cheers, Neil

Hi Garfly, I don't disagree - but probably worth giving uAvionix a call as I'm sure they would know if the Ping qualifies. You wouldn't want to spend $300+ more than necessary if it does. Cheers, Neil

Hi, My Trig TT21 also is ADSB OUT capable, but is not connected to a certified GPS source as is required, and therefore is NOT transmitting ADSB OUT. I am sure you would know if yours was connected as it would have cost you about $3000 to have it set up (I was quoted that sort of cost). My Garmin Aera 500 is not a certified GPS source so it could not have been used, I would have had to buy a newer more expensive model. Much easier and cheaper to buy a Skyecho2 and get the rebate - as I did. I show up on Flightradar24 due to the transponder. A few days ago I tracked one of my flights and it showed me from under 2000ft after takeoff right the way to my circuit at 2000ft at my destination. BTW - if you do already have ADSB OUT then don't waste over $1k buying a Skyecho and turning half the functionality off, just buy a PingUSB ADSB IN device from uAvionix for under $400 (under $200 with rebate). All it needs is a small USB powerbank to power it, or connect it to your power accessory slot, and it displays the ADSB IN on your AVPlan/OZRunways. Cheers, Neil

Hi Brendan, I wouldn't worry about it. My first plane, which I flew for about 5 years, was right hand on throttle, left on stick, but my current one is the opposite. It took very little time to get used to it (and I am in my sixties!) In fact as I drive a manual car I find it takes longer to get used to driving an automatic - my left foot nearly punches a hole in the floor! Cheers, Neil

Yep - when I lived in the UK I remember at the timber yard buying 2 metres of 4" by 2" wood, and buying petrol in litres while distances were still in miles, and roadsigns in miles per hour......

....and Part Two coming up next week......

Hi, I was talking to a mate yesterday who flies a 160, and does aircraft maintenance himself - he said there are about 6 Rotax-powered Jabs around that he is aware of. If you want I can send you his number in a PM. Also try contacting Lethbridge airport and ask them for the number of a guy called Robert who has a Rotax-powered Jab. I've spoken to him in the past and I'm sure he can supply confirmation of several year's worth of safe operation. Cheers, Neil

I would agree. They do look similar, but there is a different shaped fin/rudder, and different strut(s). You can see the word "Cessna" on the tail of one of the 140s too. In addition many Luscombe aircraft have the Luscombe "S" logo, which the aircraft in the picture has on its tail. I was interested to see it was 24 registered, implying factory-built. Neil

Hi Nev, I think the Fisher is owned by Derek Dyer (it used to be anyway - it was previously painted green, if I recall correctly). Cheers, Neil

Hi Nev, It's a 1930's Curtiss Robin, owned by Jack Vevers at Tyabb. Immaculate! Cheers, Neil

Hi folks, I really enjoyed this fly-in and thought I would add a few pictures for you all. Cheers, Neil