clouddancer

Have 1200 hours on 912ULS, and always did mag check at 3000, with slightly rougher running on left ignition. Now have a very harsh vibration through the airframe when doing the same check. Recently changed carby on right side (#1 and #3) due significant wear in slide and body. Replaced spark plugs, did all ignition tests, can swap the problem to the other ignition switch by swapping plugs on ignition systems after the modules. Engine runs perfectly at all power settings, but harsh vibration also present when changing throttle settings between 2600 and 2800rpm, either powering up or down. Engine has two blade wooden prop, carbys balanced, tried replacement coil, no change, really getting frustrated! Took engine out and got Wal at Bert Flood to run on test bench, no problems present, but not sitting in the aircraft might not produce the problem. Did have kick back starting problems about 300 hours ago, got sprague clutch replaced and new flywheel mod to improve starts, starts and runs really well. Any suggestions??

Gazelle aircraft Hi Adam, Welcome to rec flying. Gazelle's are a great aircraft to start flying and enjoy around the local area. I did my basic training in the Skyfox which is the tail dragger version, and you can't get a more affordable, enjoyable aircraft. Secondhand they go for about $35-$40K and cost less than a car to run. Good luck

I think one overlooked factor is communication. If the instructor doesn't explain what standard of competency and performance they are expecting, the student doesn't know if he/she is there. Often the student thinks they are ready, but they can't maintain the centreline on a landing, they can't or won't hold a consistent speed for approach and wander all over the sky anywhere between 800agl and 1200agl on downwind. When the performance criteria are laid out clearly and exactly, and a safe attitude to controlling the aircraft is taken, progress is made and everyone is happy. I still think too much emphasis is placed on when you go solo, and sometimes unintentionally by a well meaning club member. "You've got how many hours and you're not solo yet?" When you are competent and safe, you and the instructor should both be happy to let you loose. As far as 20 hours minimum for RA-Aus cert, I tell people that is a minimum, and they should expect anything up to 40 hours! Age has an influence, but often the maturity of kids works against them. Bottom line, we are all individuals, students, instructors, young or old and there can be no one answer that suits us all. By the way, love the stability angle Tony, so true, if we set the aircraft up and trim, we can relax and enjoy flying so much more. One last point, I really work hard to make sure people are relaxed, you can't control an aircraft if you are choking the stick with a death grip!

Hi, Got a Jabiru 2.2 with 900 hours on it now. Use araldite on the rotor button to stop them vibrating and elongating, best advice I can give, do all the regular scheduled maintenance, especially head tension and tappet adjustment. Remember its a different engine than the Rotax, will not forgive sloppy maintenance, do regular compression/leakdown tests and if you don't get the right reading, take heads off and re lap valves. Never had a problem so far!

Hi all, These were my best 4 1) first solo (goes without saying) 2) flying along the west of the ranges on a pristine, clear, cold morning with not a ripple, music on the MP3, watching sunrise! 3) landing in my Jabiru at YAYE with an overseas jet behind ("I'll extend my downwind for you!") with a trike in front (must be the smoothest runway in Australia) 4) watching the night show at Avalon 2003, specifically the glider with the flares on the wingtips doing aerobatics!

Just arrived on the forum, been flying for over 10 years, built a Jabiru tail dragger and fly Tecnam's. Forums look good, and there is always good coverage of aircraft related articles. Look forward to chatting:thumb_up: