Litespeed

I will thrown in my 2 cents worth- It was a great project and some very talented people were involved including the pilot. As a highly specialised aircraft- yes it would be difficult to fly. Hence a proper test pilot, just like anything that fast running props it would not treat fools lightly. But the pilot was no fool and mechanical failure sealed his fate- Not his ego. It is very unfortunate but a calculated risk was taken, any test flying a new machine carries risk. Sadly Scott did not survive- I do not blame the pilot anymore than I would blame Gravity. It is a tragedy for all involved especially his family. His legacy should be applauded for having a go in as safe a way as was possible. If not for the clutch failure we would probably all be singing his praises. History is full of great pilots whose demise was not pilot error but the machine itself failing in a critical way. Test flying is dangerous and the safety we all enjoy today was built on the blood, sweat and tragically bodies of brave test pilots. May they all rest in peace and get the respect deserved, whilst we reap the rewards of their efforts. As a side note: it was not a cartoon aircraft just a very special machine for a specific purpose. Cartoon aircraft are the stupid "worlds smallest aircraft" competitors like below. I also include the Gee Bee - never happy unless it was on its nose. Compared to the above the Bugatti was relatively a sensible design, just a real hot one. Litespeed.

Going by their reputation, they would be very impressed. Quickly followed by the rubbing of hands with glee as they ring their lawyers and claim only they have the right to make aircraft.

I bet. They got ideas from Goldeneye, James Bond.

. Try a quote on a CNC and printed water pump or similar and sit down first. What is possible and what's economic as a finished ready to use part are very different.

Exception to the rule is BMW, they guarantee a part will be available even a 1960 model. But you will pay for it.

Nukes have only been used twice and only a tiny percent of population were effected. So by that argument everyone should be allowed them, to play with. Some things are fundamentally dangerous and should be restricted by law. Guns are one of these- there purpose is killing period. Target shooting is a straw man argument- it is practice at killing.

Then the guzzi had the wrong pipes on it. Have owned guzzi lemans with open staintunes and 40 delortos- brilliant. But with open reverse cones from Gianelli was like Thor had come to visit. Sorry the Ducati did not wake the dead- only stirred them. Oh yes car alarms of the 80-90's were great fun. And new ones will still go off when visited by Thor.

Or Gianelli or reverse trumpets - always nice sounding on a Guzzi

Ah classic American engineering has many names "Ford Exploder" is just a memorable one. And it is not the willingness to self flaggelate while driving on rough roads nor its ability to stop working when tuned to communist ABC radio. It is because it is famous for actually self immolation- ie bursting in flames from a poor fuel tank and tyres that as oem would disintegrate cause a accident or puncture the tank and WOOF! This is documented but no as common as the cruise control that has a mind of its own. And yes, it amazes me that peeps can not recognise turning of the engine can save the day. One famous incident was a cop- hwy patrol in a toyota with family onboard, smart enough to call for help but too dumb to turn off the ignition. All onboard died.

The Hummelbird is a excellent little machine- but is not a novice aircraft. But having accumulated your cert. hours and xc endorsement you should be well on track to flying one. It will be faster to respond and float longer you then expect. A sporty little number. I would forget the 1/2 VW and go a new or rebuilt two stoke- lots more power-plenty in reserve and easy to buy/maintain. Or use a converted V twin or even a pegasus twin. If you can- electric start is very helpful and much, much safer. I would recommend getting air time first and then try as many different types as possible to get used to each type and work out what really suits your needs, abilities and finances. Some love low wing, some love high wing- until you fly them you will not know. Then decide on buy or build and which type. Cheers and good luck. Oh and tell mum and dad to keep you home and spend the holiday money on flying and then a aircraft. USA holidays cost a lot.

1 in 5 risk, that is just plain bullshit. At that rate we would be dropping like flies. Everyone would be dead before getting many hrs up. Sure 5 hrs a year is low but not deadly. Have you not noticed some of our dear friends with bulk hrs are no longer with us? You seem to be making up facts to suit your argument.

Ah the good old days. Still have a few engines, cox- slow and AMA - absolutely ballistic and the sound,.............

Yes, but a bit short on details to make any real fair guess. As you have said, nothing with that big a difference in power density is yet on the horizon. So I take it with a large dose of salt

I say the young law student might be big on marketing and low on actual results. So far it's just claims

It would seem the coil might be breaking down, somehow. Can you swap them for another and check? Somehow the electrics are not doing the job below 5000. Maybe a problem with advance in lower revs? Good luck

Or having seen your video....................... Might be the rear seat belt

Not so fast fellas- There is a machine that looks just like that here in Sydney and has been doing the new overhead rail project at Rouse Hill. I do not now who owns or built it but its a Italian company doing the contract. I was amazed when I saw the big beast. Back to regular transmission.

For once - the change in weather is not related to global warming. Simply a manifestation of new politics locally, the sky fairy has made good on his promise- if his mate is not returned to the top job within 12 mths of the election................ Then hell will freeze over.

MBA masters of bugger everyone Masters of Bull Artists

Poor pooch, obviously the only smart one onboard. Owner must be a candidate for a Darwin award.

He loved the killing but would never eat one , he left that to dumb animals - like the neighbour's Jack Russell, who would eat them but couldn't manage to catch one.

Rossi Valentino is the furry ones name as she loves to ride like her namesake. She has three legs and a titanium hip, attacked by a bad Rottie when 3yo. Fearless but smart, the rottie scored a huge gash in its face. She was the first to survive such injury and Sydney uni experimented to save her, as her will to live was immense. They had never done such small hip work before. Her mate Monty also a longhair only passed 6 weeks ago, at the young age of 19 years 4 months. Happy to the end. He loved cats until he was 16 he never met one he couldn't catch, he never hurt them just loved the chase, capture and lick. Also a champion ratter. Once I came home to five dead rats lined up nose to tail in front of the great white god as sacrifices - the fridge. He killed hundreds of big bad rats, never a blood mark on them. Always a fast broken neck, some still standing but dead. Was always a laugh riding the horse with big goat following and two chihuahua leading. Monty also loved riding, one dog each side in a back pack heads on my shoulders. They also spent most of their lives as therapy helpers for disability work. Amazing nature and never biters or noisy. My furr kids

Running a business attitude is why we have problems in my view.

Not a aircraft.but my long hair chihuahua absolutely loves motorbikes She is happy in the tank bag, in a backpack or a gearsak on the rack.As long as she has her head out. Loves all the smells and looking at amazed car drivers, always gets big smiles. She is 18 and still is up for it.

Ugly Stik is also the name of a very popular rudder bar extension for sailing and a name of fishing rods.