FlyBoy1960

He may have held a low-level endorsement but, you can't use that endorsement for just flying around like depicted in the video. The low-level endorsement is for very specific tasks ONLY like checking on your own stock on a cattle property etc. It is not for joy flights scaring the pretty young thing in the backseat. If you look at the photograph you can see they have blurred out the pilots body, and she is standing on top of the aircraft. Imagine her fear knowing that the life of the pilot has been extinguished and every noise or rustle she hears in the swamp could be a crocodile coming to get her. She has, without any choice or actions of her own, had to endure stress's that many people could not handle. My heart goes out to the pilot and his family, but it also goes out to this young lady who is obviously going to be suffering with this trauma for a very considerable time and I hope gets assistance that she needs or requires.

Holding pattern

I noticed same thing. There is corrosion everywhere. Also, if you look close you can see a couple of nutserts drilled into the strut either side of the bracket. These are not meant to be there, and are not standard. Who knows why they were added but it looks like it is a good point for fatigue to start from. Also, the footage whilst it looks fantastic is a lot lower than what is allowed by law. The footage we are watching is actually really close to the ground and he is not in the process of taking off or landing. As the RA-Aus rep for NT he should know better.

I'm not the aeroplane designer so I don't know why they have put covers in place when the gear is extended. I don't believe it is an airtight seal, there is still quite a gap around the leg that could enable someone skinny to slide in or perhaps the covers can be manually pulled down when you are on the ground ?

More information would help like what engines fitted, how many hours has it run, has it had any accidents, what instruments are fitted. Spruce up the listing by giving us as much information as possible to make it look like such a good deal we can't resist ! 🤩

there is a report somewhere online that particular aircraft model when the wheels are down a lot of the panels close to reduce significant drag during takeoff and landing. Apparently, unless you specifically go looking you cannot see into these locations when doing a walk around and kicking tyres. You need to get up into the wheel bay with a torch. I'm guessing after the FAA/NTSB have finished there will be one more item on the checklist in the future.

Thats a SLING, not a Sting ?

We should all go there and fill in the details, we have all witnessed the video, so that's almost as good as being there. We ALL have an opinion on the cause of the accident which can save the ATSB doing a costly investigation. I love how the Internet saves me so much time !

Rubbish, they are smarter than that !

i wonder if it was @Farcoffs

The daily mail is behind some sort of ad blocker on my computer so it makes really difficult to read or see but there is a good photograph of the horizontal stabiliser and elevator in one of the photos that is floating. It might be the top of the rudder at somebody should be able to identify the aircraft type from that photograph. It definitely sounds composite because of the reports of fibrous debris washing up on the shore. On the photographs I could see there was certainly no registration visible

The aircraft's aerodynamic design is highly unconventional. The prominent intake located on top of the fuselage is particularly striking, as its position and orientation are contrary to typical aviation practices. Beneath the fuselage, there appear to be two additional intakes for propulsion, along with a pair further aft, just in front of the landing gear. It's possible that the photos don’t fully capture the design accurately, or they might represent a computer-generated concept. However, the configuration suggests significant parasitic drag. The winglets are another intriguing feature—they seem to be part of the ailerons, splitting vertically. In one photo, they appear to hang downward, while in another, they angle upward, hinting at a dynamic or unconventional control mechanism. The absence of a vertical fin or standard control surfaces could reduce drag, yet the large dorsal structure raises questions. Its size and shape could be functional, but it also lends credence to the possibility that this design is a digitally fabricated concept rather than a practical aircraft. Higher-quality images are needed to better understand these unusual aerodynamic choices, which deviate significantly from standard practices. I found this on the Internet which has some new information after I wrote above. In late December 2024, China unveiled a new stealth aircraft, tentatively designated the Chengdu J-36. This tailless, trijet, delta-winged aircraft represents a significant advancement in Chinese aerospace technology, potentially marking the nation's entry into sixth-generation fighter capabilities. Design and Features: Tailless Configuration: The absence of vertical stabilizers reduces radar cross-section, enhancing stealth capabilities. This design choice aligns with global trends in next-generation fighter development. Trijet Propulsion: The incorporation of three engines is unconventional for fighter aircraft, suggesting a focus on high speed, extended range, and redundancy. The specific engine models remain undisclosed, though they are speculated to be variants of the WS-10 or WS-15. Delta Wing Design: The diamond-shaped, double-delta wing configuration indicates an emphasis on maneuverability and aerodynamic efficiency. This design supports both high-speed performance and agility in various flight regimes. Dorsal Intake: A prominent air intake atop the fuselage is a notable deviation from traditional designs, potentially contributing to reduced radar visibility and optimized airflow to the engines. Split Rudders: Located at the wingtips, these control surfaces likely manage yaw and roll, compensating for the lack of a vertical tail and contributing to the aircraft's stealth profile. Potential Capabilities: The J-36 is anticipated to offer: Enhanced Stealth: Its design minimizes radar detectability, crucial for penetrating advanced air defense systems. High Speed and Range: The trijet configuration suggests capabilities for sustained supersonic speeds and extended operational range, enabling deep-strike missions. Advanced Avionics: While specific systems are undisclosed, sixth-generation fighters typically feature cutting-edge sensors, artificial intelligence integration, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Strategic Implications: The development of the J-36 underscores China's commitment to advancing its military aviation sector and achieving parity with, or surpassing, other global powers in air combat technology. This progression may influence regional security dynamics and prompt considerations within international defense communities

They are smart people over there !

they got distracted by so many different projects according to the Australian importer who actually gets his supplied out of China. For him it is business as usual but for the Europeans they may have to start buying from China as well