rodgerc

Did anyone say, ethylene diamine? If you’re short on time or fall asleep reading, jump to pages 61 and 62. https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/33960/sir200103_001.pdf

Pantene Process: “It won't happen overnight, but it will happen.”

I replaced the Sonex wheel with the Vans RV (solid) wheel and a bracket that was supplied by Kip Laurie (see photo) at the time. During building I had ditched the Sonex push-rod for an aluminium version with a couple of rod ends. The wheel and bracket swap had negligible impact on weight and moment. Peter Anson’s bracket has been subject to FEA and validated in application.

Typically 5 or 6 hours dual in a 600kg MTOW (low inertia) aircraft.

From my point of view, it’s nothing more than a turf war….A bit like being a Ford or Holden supporter….There are disadvantages/advantages in both schools and don’t see an overwhelming reason to consider one any better than the other. Personally I maintain both licences and fly my amateur built RA-AUS registered taildragger on Saturdays and VH registered experimental RV on Thursdays. The costs are comparable in either camp and eventually I’ll be forced to drop one of the two options….It’s a toss-up at present, but if RA-Aus get CTA access over the line it’ll likely be my Part 61 license/VH aircraft that will go, simply because I’m finding my local RA flying community a lot more “relaxed” and “convivial”….And I find the folk at RA-Aus generally helpful and easy to approach. Happy to accept though that others’ experience may be different….No doubt the turf wars will continue until natural selection determines the dominant species.

Here’s their current schedule of fees https://raaus.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Schedule-of-fees-and-charges-V1.0-July-2025.pdf

From RA-AUS On May 15, 2026 CASA amended Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs) 95.55, 95.32 & 95.10 to allow a regulatory pathway for RAAus to obtain access to controlled airspace for our members. This achievement comes following many years of advocacy for members. So what does this mean? This amendment allows RAAus to apply to administer controlled airspace operations for members. This will be achieved through the introduction of a Controlled Airspace Endorsement within the RAAus Flight Operations Manual. Prior to operating in controlled airspace, RAAus members will be required to undertaking training in accordance with the RAAus Syllabus of Flight Training to ensure competency conducting control area (CTA) and control zone (CTR) operations. Training requirements are aligned with the RPL standards listed in the CASR Part 61 MOS. When will this be introduced? RAAus has already submitted a revised Flight Operations Manual, which includes criteria for the issue of a controlled airspace endorsement, to CASA for approval. These changes are currently expected to be approved and implemented within quarter 3 of 2026. What other requirements need to be met? In addition to controlled airspace training requirements, RAAus members will need to hold a CASA Class 5 (or higher) medical to operate in controlled airspace. The CASA Class 5 medical is a self-declaration similar to the RAAus self-declared medical requirements. . RAAus members will also need to hold an ICAO level 4 or higher Aviation English Language Proficiency standard. RAAus aircraft used in controlled airspace must also meet eligibility and equipment fitment requirements in accordance with the regulations What if I hold a CASA Part 61 Licence? The holder of a VALID CASA Part 61 licence who is authorised to operate in controlled airspace may continue to operate in accordance with their CASA licence (as was already permitted). RAAus is seeking to to accept CASA authorisations for the issue of an RAAus controlled airspace endorsement. What are flight training school requirements? Prior to undertaking training for the recommendation of controlled airspace endorsements, RAAus flight training schools will need to be issued with a controlled airspace training approval by RAAus. Final word: Whilst these changes are exciting for the future of recreational aviation activities in Australia, the success of the implementation of these changes relies on the ongoing competency and professionalism of RAAus members to ensure safe and compliant controlled airspace operations. Further updates will be provided to members in the coming months as progress is made with CASA approval and implementation of our revised Flight Operations Manual.

Ironically, there are precedents for “aircraft” that are not “aircraft”…. When the Shuttle passes the Karman Line, it ceases to be an “aircraft” and morphs into a “spacecraft”. Likewise, when a seaplane touches down on water it morphs into a “vessel”. So maybe there’s an argument that an RA-Aus registered flying machine is actually an “enjoymentcraft”….which exponentially increases the likelihood that it will be taxed.

I inspected a new JMB VL3 Evolution with a Rotax 916iS engine at Redcliffe about 2-1/2 weeks ago….200kt TAS and on the RA-AUS register. Didn’t have the heart to tell the proud owner that it wasn’t an aeroplane. Hang onto your hats fellas….MOSAIC is coming, ready or not.

In an attempt in inject some light relief into this thread, and at risk of emulating Bernard Woolley (ref: Yes Prime Minister), it seems we may have a case of logical fallacy, since the conclusion is contained within the premise. Ie Since CASA has not evidenced anything in writing, neither in hard copy nor digital format, there cannot therefore be any “paper” to which value may be ascribed.

Conversely, in order to maintain your (owner built) CASA reg VH experimental, you must have completed the MPC provided by the SAAA….It’s cost is around $550. The W&B component of the MPC requires renewal biannually, but the procedures component has no expiry date. The catch is, according to the SAAA, to hold the MPC qualification, you must be a current financial member of the SAAA. Therefore, those who have resigned from, or have not renewed their SAAA membership after completion and Phase 1 testing are not entitled to maintain their VH registered experimental aircraft.

If you’ve already built a substantially similar aircraft and purchase another experimental built by someone else, there is an avenue to be the maintainer of the aircraft….

A six or seven years ago I asked my daughter (partner in law firm) whether or not I should agree to an engineering software licence agreement (Finite Element Analysis)….Her response after a cursory scan, “Do you want to use their software, or not?”

Buy one….Cut away most of the centre portion of the bellows so you have two ends to connect to your Bings with hose clamps….Make up two split ring flanges from some 0.040” 6061 T6 sheet that will secure the “cut ends” to your airbox with pulled rivets….Go flying.

Spot on Skippy…. I built and flew a 2300 cc AeroVee (upgraded from 2180cc Nikasil) powered Waiex that was a ton on fun and as strong as an ox, but the lack of a 912-ULS Rotax option (at the time) dictated that our relationship would not be long-term. The good news for existing owners is that they are so simple, that anything short of a destroyed spar cap is easily repaired or replaced. If (when) a new owner emerges, they would be well advised to relaunch with a decent Rotax mount….I’m not convinced the high wing variant was going to set the world on fire.

There’s more heat than light in forums….🤔…or is it fora? 🤷🏿‍♂️

https://services.casa.gov.au/airworth/airwd/ADfiles/airgen/gen/GEN-087.pdf

Over the years a number of fellow pilots have told me they wouldn’t be comfortable flying an aircraft that they personally built…My counter comment these days is, I’m not comfortable flying a plane I didn’t build. I’m exceedingly comfortable having my build quality and standard of finish measured against anything coming out of a “factory”.

He’s had considerable angst along the way with his chosen power plant, but doggedly preserved….I sincerely hope that he doesn’t come to regret his tenacity in that regard. 🙏

Just checking you familiar with the Rotax oil priming process utilising low pressure compressed air.

I wonder, is it the Subaru engine that typically fails or the PSRU bolted to it?

Dean, there’s a fairly active Aus/NZ FB group that might be a source of buyer interest in your S-7.

I’ve seen draft seals used to good effect….Start off with a piece 300mm long and keep trimming back until you’re satisfied

Tena pads or Depends if it’s only minor leakage.