skippydiesel

Note: Spell check is not always my friend. Please read hypothesis where hypostasis somehow got into the sentence.😈

Seems to me you are coming very close to proving my hypostasis. How about some real data instead of all this wishy washy feeling stuff?? : Wikipedia & Sling Comment My Sonex Legacy Comment Engine Rotax 912 ULS Rotax 912 ULS Construction Metal Wiki says UK life fatigue limited to 500hrs Metal No listed service life limits Max TO Wt 600 kg in Au Sling can go to 700 kg however not sure under what conditions & if this is retrospective. 554kg Empty Weight 370-380 kg Very heavy 340kg Heavy for a Sonex usually close to 300kg Fuel capacity 73-150L Lower end awful. Upper fantastic. 95L More than most Sonex Useful Load 220-230kg 214kg Sonex load & space challenged After Full Fuel 177– 121 kg Not great 145kg Sonex not so bad after all Approx. Cruise Duration to empty 5-10hrs Assuming same rpm/MAP see below 6+ hrs Assuming same RPM/MAP see below Approx Still Air Range to empty 585-1170 Nm (Sling 850nm) How does sling claim 15l/hr and then only 850 nm range?? 780 nm Actual Stall 40 -48 + flap Not so good – higher end- Nasty! 40 kn clean, 37 kn +flap Would like a lower stall but cant have everything Cruise speed 117- 120 kn True 130 kn True Eco Cruise RPM/ MAP 5000/25” MAP assumed - RPM Sling 5000 /25” Actual Planned cruise fuel consumption 15L/hr From Sling 15L/hr Actual 13.25-14L/hr Best Climb 1500ft/min Full fuel + pilot 5800 RPM TO Ground Role 100 m (grass) Full fuel + pilot Landing Role 200M (grass, estimated) Better pilot wild likely do a lot better Max speed 147 kn Indicated 152 k True Only been here a couple of times. Max Speed RPM/ MAP 5500 /27” Never Exceed Speed 135 kn Bit close to Cruise 171 kn Nice safe margin allowing for high speed descents Interior Looks very comfy Basic Looks Sling has it Utilitarian Handling Benign? Assumed from looks - A stable flight platform? Neutral Highly responsive Designed for aerobatics - constant attention. 😈

My knowledge based does not go much beyond 2 seat, Rotax 912 ULS powered aircraft. My guesses; Similar Configuration; Factory Base Model $180,K - 200,K Kit Composite $ 160,K Metal (flat pack) $ 120,K 😈

Burnie, Reality Check; Almost all small aircraft can, with suffice support (money, time, pilot will, etc), fly aground the World. For the pilot this may be a "bucket list" dream. For the aircraft it proves nothing, other than it can be started up & flown day after day, much like any other modern small aircraft, of the last 30 years or so - its a stunt! Sling aircraft are very nicely presented AND grossly overpriced, in comparison with a host of other worthy aircraft, in the same category, that can be acquired for many dollar less. NOTE: I have not flown a Sling 😈

Hi sfGnome, I empathise with the lack of "readies". Speculation: When we own or fly a certain aircraft, to the exclusion of others, we become "familiar" with that machine. In this context familiar means we no longer consciously look for a particular instrument/read out, need to adjust for a certain handling characteristics, take-off/landings do not require the intense concentration of our early days/new aircraft experince. Flying our baby becomes a pleasure not so much a challenge. If the above is largely true, it may explain why almost every owner exhibits considerable posative bias, when talking about their aircraft. For instance - its well known that student who learn in a high/low wing, will likly go on the purchase an aircraft with the same configuration. When questioned about their choice, pilots can get quit defensive. Their rational often not so rational ie its a personal (subjective) rather than objective decision. Your ex-syndicate friend could be demonstrating bias to the point of excluding other worthy, even better aircraft. Adding to the above is clever/aggressive marketing (Sling), the lack of objective flight testing (Sport Pilot et al). Where does the discerning pilot get their information? In the past there was competition eg NASA's CAFE Foundation/testing https://cafe.foundation/ - not sure its still functioning. It may be my faulty memory/imagination; aviator journalists actually tried for objective performance reports - seems to have gone. My philosophy is that all small aircraft that fly safely, are good. Better/worse then comes down to mission objective eg STOL, econamy cruise (my interest), comfort, access (some of us "mature" pilots can no longer easily step up onto a wing drop, down into/ out of a low cockpit), etc, etc. In short I am very sceptical of anyone endorsement of their particular make/model of aircraft , without objective supporting information. 😈

Hi Ian As you noted above; Knock detection is only half of the equation, automatic ignition adjustment is the other half. Variable fuel injector timing is a further refinement/compliment to the above. I am sure you realise that you are proposing a system that would, if retrofitted, have only modest benefit for existing powerplants. To achieve automotive style improvements, would require significant reengineering and a lot of computerisation (fly by wire engine management/control)😈

The video comes across as a full on marketing promotion for Sling. All credit to Sling they are an aggressive marketer of their product. They are involved with training establishment, various stunts, like round the World flights, promote heavily in magazines, fly-ins, etc, etc - Non of this makes for a better or a bad aircraft - just muddies the waters and sucks in the gullible. Sling promotions feature aircraft with top of the line instrument panels. Attractive - undoubtedly - in the analysis - bling! A fancy panel contributes very little to the flying qualities of an aircraft. 😈

Just got off the phone with Nick (working on a Public Holiday??) from Acrylic Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, who sell ACRIFIX. Nick recommends ACRIFIX 105 https://acrylictech.com.au/product/acri-bond-105/ ACRI-BOND 105 Acrylic Adhesive is the industry standard in bonding Acrylic (PMMA) to itself as well as other listed plastics. Fabricators use ACRI-BOND 105 when they want unmatched strength and bubble free joints. ACRI-BOND 105 is a solvent cement meaning it works by chemically softening and fusing the surfaces of compatible plastics. This creates a true molecular bond where the two parts effectively become one solid piece after curing. This provides a strong bond that other Acrylic Glues cannot achieve. As this is a hairline crack, invisible at some angles, I think I will give this product a go 😈

FYI; PlastiFix Aircraft Spruce $76.00 JB Tools $50.00 😈

Found this; ULRICH NEUMANN 25 Dec 2000, 07:23:42 Several years ago, I had to repair a crack in my Libelle's canopy. Acrifix works well - I let it cure by the window. But just smearing Acrifix over the crack looks horrible. I think the main thing about crack repair is the preparation of the seam. Here is how I did it: 1: Place a 2" wide clear plastic tape over the crack. This will protect the canopy's area to the left and the right of the crack during the following operations. 2: Drill a 1mm hole at each end of the crack to keep it from propagating. Caution: examine the orientation of the crack. It may not be perpendicular to the surface, so the hole may have to be drilled in an angle and be sure to really catch the end. Otherwise, it may spread beyond the repair. 3: Using a Dremel tool and a small ball grinder (dia. 2-3mm), carve out the crack to halve of the material thickness through the clear plastic tape. 4: Do not remove tape and clean 'weld-prep' area with rubbing alcohol. 5: Fill seam with Acrifix and let cure. Over-fill seam slightly since Acrifix will shrink slightly as it cures. 6: Repeat procedure from other side of canopy. Be sure to carve into the repair material of the first operation. 7: To remove eccess material, use file, fine wet sanding paper and buffing compound. 8: Remove plastic tape and buff area with plactic buffing compound. My canopy is holding up since more than 10 years now with minial optical distorsion. Feel free to contact me, if you have any questions.

Thanks for both of your suggestions. My canopy is almost new. Has no other cracks (at this time). I would like to try and extend its safe service life, if this is feasible. Canopy replacement, after just under two years & 175 hrs, just doesn't bear thinking about. I will contact Ian Linke about his Australian made canopy - bound to be a more durable product. Q. Is SonexAus still operating - I tried to join about 3 years ago😈

Has anyone used any of the following adhesives, to make good a crack in a canopy; E600 Industrial Strength Scigrip Weld ON 16 Acrylic/Polycarbonate Goroilla Glue Epoxy Gorilla Clear Grip - Fast Setting Permatex Permapoxy 5 Minute Weld Permatex Clear RTV Silicone ZAP Thin CA Glue JB Weld Plastic Weld JB Weld Superweld Instant Adhesive Acri-bond 110 Acrylic Cement Bostic Hard Plastic Loctite 406 Instant Adhesive Acrifix 192 Selleys All Plastic Glue Weld-on 3 Acrylic Cement TENSOL 12 Acrylic EVO-PLAS TC 731 Please make your Perspex crack repair recommendation, based on actual experince. My thanks . 😈

Thanks 440032 - looking into your suggestion now.😈

What is it with some people - You have had one experince , I have had another. This does not make your experince invalid (BS?????) nor mine. I recently applied for a federal security pass - The application accepted digital copies of origional documents BUT ALL origional documents then had to be viewed by third party for verification. This is not acceptance of digital documents.😈

Hi, Sonex Legacy 175 hrs, a few months short of 2 year since first flight Did my pre flight. Taxied down to the Club House. Came back to my Sonex & saw a 50 mm (2 in) crack in the Canopy had just appeared. Crack is almost exactly mid point, on the opening side, radiating perfectly straight up. Its so perfect, it looks deliberate. What to do?? Should I drill a stop hole? Perspex glue? My last air craft had no cracks after 20 years, now this!!! Any good instructions on how to deal with this problem? 😈

Accepting digital documents is still very patchy.😈

It really doesn't matter what names the business is under - Australia post is effectively/actually two businesses - the letter side uneconomic - the parcel side "going gang busters". The Australia Post CEO has often lamented the parlous state of Australia Post (letters) while neglecting to make any comment about the Parcel Delivery business. How you interpret this situation is up to you - I see the seperation into two business entities, it as a strategy for short term justification to hike letter costs and long term to divest (close?) the business altogether. It may be that electronic mail will completely supplant paper. This will require all sorts of "digital" documents to be accepted as legitimate eg birth , marriage, citizenship certificates 😈

"USPS costs have rocketed, because of two major factors. The first one, is the same one that has sent Australia Posts costs rocketing - and that is the Govt requirement to deliver letters to anywhere in the country at low cost. As the number of letters has declined substantially, so the costs to the postal agency have gone ballistic, as they need all the previous infrastructure and vehicles and employees, just to deliver a handful of letters a week to outlying areas." Australia ; While letter deliveries have precipitately dropped (due to email, etc) parcel deliveries have increased exponentially. Highly likly that the seperation of letter & parcel deliveries from one business, to two, is the principal cause of letter deliveries becoming uneconomic. The now separate parcel delivery is financial viable. This is an artificial seperation (much the same resources handle letters & parcels) designed to make an argument for higher letter delivery charges and eventually phase this service out altogether.😈

I have a Guardian iPad mount/docking station with charger & fan. I also have a Guardian, in paned, mounted USB-A, twin port, charger . Observations: The mount is flat to the panel, which is fine IF the directly in front of pilot. My son made up an angled spacer for mine, tilting the screen towards the pilot position (more betterer!) The fan seems to work well. The charger has been a problem from day one. Guardian do not respond to enquiries regarding product difficulties. Their products are TSO (certified) so very very expensive compared with say a good quality automotive/marine competitors Delivery costs from the USA may shock you. With my last aircraft I mounted my iPad/ RAM in-front of a small eyeball vent - worked a treat. 😈

AP can also lull the pilot into a false sense of security - "all's well, George is on the job". It will need to be used with care. Dont scrimp on the usual regular checks - on track/altitude/ time/fuel remaining etc. Fatigue is the product of work, in this case concentration ALSO altitude. The reduced O2 can effect the pilot/crew with fatigue like symptoms - the older you get the more likly to be effected. Dont go to sleep. Most AP do not handle turbulence well - you may find you are hand flying more than you might expect. I don't know the flight characteristics of your aircraft - Neutral Stability (many aerobatic aircraft) means that it will not maintain, with hands/feet off controls, a set altitude/wings level for more than a few seconds, before correction is required. Such an aircraft will require a sophisticated AP ($$$) that not only keeps the wings level, follows a track (heading) also must maintain an altitude. Opposite end - A Cessna 172, is astonishingly stable, can be set up to fly straight & level almost indefinably (fuel consumed being the main change to attitude) without an AP.😈

Hi Moneybox, In the distant past I used auto pilot (AP) but have not found the need since then. AP is a costly investment, I would be intersted to hear your rational for going down such a path. I am unsure why you have ADSB IN/OUT in the same conversation as Auto Pilot (AP)?? A transponder will enhance the safe operation of any aircraft, especially one that will operate in congested airspace. Currently not required for RAA level aircraft but in the future access to Controlled Airspace will require the carriage of an operating transponder. As you know I fly out of The Oaks, in the Sydney Basin, very congested airspace. To assist in my situational awareness, I have installed a transponder and a SE2 ( basic ADSB IN/Out). Combined with OzRunway I have a the facsimile of radar (blue bubbles with call sign, altitude & direction). This is a great system BUT depends on other aircraft having an operational transponder and/or OzRunways. Today I came across an R44, same altitude as me, that did not appear on my system. I notified the pilot - he didnt seem overly concerned. He was heading for Camden (CTR), operational transponder required - I wonder how he got on??😈

There was a time when the US had a public postal system similar to ours. The failure of their postal systems (& their non health system) is a good example of what happens when politicians legislate for short term vote getters and bugger the future. The US (non) postal system is a victim of market economics (thanks to Reagan/Thatcher) an extreme version of Capitalism. Like all extremes it is inherently unworkable/corrupt in the long term. Serves a few, while the majority are disadvantaged. 😈

Thanks for the advice D_G. Have ordered the: Campervan - QC3, USB-A 7.2 amp, USB-C 20.0 amp $48.00 The above unit arrived & was installed today. Have tested on the ground - seems to deliver ie charges iPad. Will follow up in a few hours with a report. Flying will have to wait until strong westerly winds abate - they cause nasty clear air/no cloud, rotor/turbulence in our area.😈

I have just gone trough the exercise of replacing my Rotax/Ducati VR - it failed at approximately 153 hrs despite not being mounted on "cold" side of of the firewall, with a dedicated fresh/cold air supply . I don't pretend to understand the electronics involved, however I am told that the latest VR type is the MOSFET. Not sure if the B&C VR, aimed at Rotax plug & play, is MOSFET or not . It seems to require the same capacitor as the Rotax/Ducati unit, while the EU ones don't. The two EU ones that seem to be most favoured are Silent Hectik and CARMO. CARMO is available in Au, through Vectric Parts. I purchased a CARMO CARR 5115 MOSFET - so far so good at about 22 + hrs Highly regarded by our American Cousins, Silent Hectic was/is only available through motorcycle dealership in the EU or if in the EU from the factory. Lots of debate on this topic in the Rotax Owners Forum; https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/general-tech-discussion/10942-voltage-regulator-failure 😈

sf Gnome; If your purchasing a Voltage Regulator from B&C, be aware they are at least double the price of some very well regarded European makers. Seems that deliveries from the USA seem to go by courier at very high cost. 😈