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nomadpete

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Everything posted by nomadpete

  1. nomadpete
    Boy. What a bunch of hardened cynics!
  2. nomadpete
    Nev, you have got me hanging in a string, waiting for the next installment. I'm acutely aware of my limited knowledge. And Totally intrigued with the concepts of which you speak. Concepts which I can only barely conceptualise. I do understand that there is a large amount of R&D that goes between your description an an actual flying machine, and there is high probability of some ideas turning out to be dead ends, but I'd love to somehow be along for the ride. Just don't tell bexy. He's got enough projects.
  3. nomadpete
    All very impressive, but I thought that ROTAX 2 strokes needed a new crankshaft when overhauled, Did these others get new crankshaft? Just asking.
  4. nomadpete
    Thanks gents, for your positive well-wishes. This is one adventure that I hadn't planned. At the very least it sets my life back a year. Still, that's better than the alternative, isn't it!
  5. nomadpete
    Hi all Lightwing lovers, My beloved GA-912 project has stalled. I had to ground her when the fuel tanks developed leaks. New tanks were installed. The wings were stripped and inspected (ten yearly requirement) and recovered with Poly Fiber. Aileron control cables replaced in wings. Fuel lines replaced. Oil lines replaced. Oil reservoir replaced (stainless). Windscreen replaced. New battery. The ROTAX has had a full rubber replacement done, Carby diaphragms, etc. Coolant, plugs, oil, filter, and test run. Leakdown is 85/85 psi on 3 cylinders and 85/83 on the other. Airframe aprox 2200hrs, engine 500 hrs since zero houred by Bert Flood. Still needs the wings fitting and final checks before test flying. I am scheduled for open heart surgery in a week, and won't be physically able for some months after that, and who knows how long before I can fly again? Posting here in case one of you fellow Lightwing tragics can buy her from me, and get her back in the air once more. PM me if you're interested. Peter
  6. nomadpete
    Bex, thanks for the China insights you share. I didn't mind the thread drift. Our MSM fail miserably when it comes to bringing us meaningful news about the dynamic face of China.
  7. nomadpete
    Bex, you missed my point. Although your quick and easy kit has it's own merit, I proposed you get acceptance of your lifting body (or whatever) platform accepted and respected by your potential market before adding the electric option
  8. nomadpete
    Bex, Perhaps you might consider an incremental approach. The major problem will be the conservative mindset of your potential buyers. They won't buy it just because it's GOOD. Such expenditures by individuals will always be heavily tainted by emotions. Marketing will be a major expense, to Change their minds. It may work better if you first prove your unconventional (I mean that in a positive sense) aircraft with a conventional motor, then after it is seen to be practical and 'cool' and practical, move to step two and market the electric powered version. Although mass marketing has convinced most of the world that Coca version of Cola is not only cool, but worth paying extra for, I suspect that their marketing budget is VERY generous. It would take such a massive marketing plan to get pilots to part with their cash to risk buying an unconventional (and some will call it strange just because it's different) aircraft powered by a radical motor (that's how their wife will see it) I'm all in favor of your ambition
  9. nomadpete
    Bex, start a poll E.g.: A) will you buy a radically different planform aircraft? B) Do you have the money, to prove you're not dreaming? C) Have you ever owned a plane?
  10. nomadpete
    Electric? - as Jab has shown, the students seem to want to learn in a "proper" looking aeroplane. And I assume that the training market would be your target, with swappable batteries sitting at the "fuel shed", ready to go. Electric seems a good proposition for short training flights. In a Jab airframe! (Note. Please activate your humour subroutine) An advantage might be the lower noise- many strips can't allow flying too early in the day in case it wakes somebody up. Also, training schools are more likely to appreciate the entire operating cost, and see the potential for offering cheaper hourly rates. I'm expecting the higher purchase cost is offset by cheaper fuel and engine maintenance cost over the life of the batteries and motor.
  11. nomadpete
    I have long held a fascination for Wainfan's Facetmobile. Especially his concept for simple, cheap construction. Yes, IF I had the money, and it was available, I'd buy one. But my eccentricity is not a good market indicator. The only hope for a marketable "different" flying machine would be to do what Wainfan originally did. He built a prototype and flew it to Oshkosh, and won awards there. Instant publicity.
  12. nomadpete
    But therein lies the problem. What chance is there to identify the operator, and to prove in court that he was operating the thing at the time? It's rather unlikely that any witness will come forward to incriminate him/her.
  13. nomadpete
    Last night there was a doco segment on tv about drone pilot licencing. It highlighted the CASA regulator and the importance of operating within the rules. Then it showed a professional drone operator flying a large drone over a bunch of people. Does that fit within the rules? Is that a good role model to show the thousands of little (hobby size) drone operators? Or silly politicians?
  14. nomadpete
    Lucky? Maybe those good luck coins the little old lady threw into the engine worked.
  15. nomadpete
    Thanks, Col. I've never seen it put so succinctly.
  16. nomadpete
    Thanks for the link Desky. Interesting stuff, but it's still got a long way to go before I'll be trying this sort of flying. It shows that contrary to the beliefs of some cynical posters, the spirit of adventure (and experimentation) is alive and well.
  17. nomadpete
    I'm still confused by the thread title. "Manned Drone Flies" ? I've heard of drone bees. And we've got lotsa flies out west. But I've never heard of Drone Flies.
  18. nomadpete
    After reading that link, and others, I am possessed of a growing sense of gloom. I can only hope that the previous rate of turnover continues and offers us another option, from the lucky dip bag of bureaucrats.
  19. nomadpete
    I think they are doing the best they can within the very limited scope permitted under the law. If you don't like the law, (By the way I don't), write to your local member and ask them to change it.
  20. nomadpete
    Years ago I found a priceless book titled "The Asian Mind Game". It was written by a lady of eastern origin (I believe nobody wants to be called 'Asian'). Her job was consultant to (mostly American) businesses, to guide them through the cultural challenge of doing business with each of the various eastern nations, without bankruptcy or nervous breakdown. If you can stumble across a copy, grab it. Very enlightening. It explains all of the points made in this thread.
  21. nomadpete
    Or (4) too difficult at my age!
  22. nomadpete
    You don't get much more north than where you are, Haydn. There's less tiger country up your way. Marty and I are south of HBA. Still good to have another Tasmanian on board. Welcome.
  23. nomadpete
    If we get enough southsiders maybe we can set up a nice airfield one day........
  24. nomadpete
    G'day Hayden. Welcome to the forum. In what part of Tassie are you based? Are you flying? If so, where. There are not a lot of airfields to choose from. But lots of nice scenery.
  25. nomadpete
    If you really want to know, ask Flying Dog !
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