skippydiesel

i had the pleasure of a conducted tour of an immaculate RV 4 on Saturday (Wedderburn Fly In).

Its LED tail beacon was tiny,  about 20 mm diameter and only raised about 10 mm above the vertical fin/stabiliser.

On 26/07/2024 at 10:30 PM, sfGnome said:

Is it possible for me to delete a classified ad? It’s a ‘wanted’, but I no longer need the item and there’s not much use in marking it as sold.  

I would also  like to delete my Classified Advertisement - how do I do it?

AND

You may not have noticed the significant number of ads, that when you get in them, the item has been sold.

Just so you know , my interest is alternative, possibly useful (to somebody) technologies - At this stage, I can not see my Sonex flying with Tweel wheel/tyres. For the future ??????😈

6 hours ago, Red said:

A few years ago at

A few years ago at Blois I saw a petrol powered man carrying multicopter, I seem to remember it had 8 small petrol motors with servo driven throttles, I was sceptical and remain so...I wonder if he ever got the thing flying?...i'll try dig out a pic

 

here you go 12 little petrol engines.....Blimey

 

 

Seems to me that the most likly way to be able to power & precisely control, so many small motors is via electricity

14 hours ago, onetrack said:

Skippy, the lightest weight gas turbine APU I can find is the one on the Bombardier/DHC Dash-8 100 series, and it weighs 115lbs (52kgs). That's the basic twin turbine unit - add in accessories and a fuel supply, and you're probably looking at over 100kgs additional weight. Not exactly a practical proposition, I'd have to say.

Where there is a need there will be a solution - Why limit your search to existing CPU's, check out the RC world even a Wankel or 2/ might do the trick

Just now, onetrack said:

Skippy, the increased rolling resistance of the Tweel comes from the fact it flattens out more on the bottom than a conventional pneumatic tyre. I'd have to opine a radial tyre has less wall flexing resistance than the tread supports in the Tweel, which are quite stiff material.

That's probably a reasonable guess.

It may be that the characteristics of the Tweel might just suit those of us who aspir (not me) to landing on fairly ordinary surfaces. At the moment this seems to require a large balloon tyre.

If the Tweel should offer a similar ground pressure and "give" to a large/heavy /aerodynamically compromised balloon tyre,  the aspiring "bush pilot" may have an interest.😈

1 hour ago, onetrack said:

Weight gain would make the addition of a small genset impractical. Even a camping genset is heavy for its size. No-one has yet been able to produce a very light generator.

Not even the turbine powered generators in large aircraft tails??😈

Added bonus, cold probably run on the diesel that almost all land users rely on.

44 minutes ago, Deano747 said:

It may just get a little interesting if you touched down with any drift on and the ribs failed in shear. 

What makes you think that a light aircraft, weighing considerably less than a good sized zero turn mower, would impose any more of a side force?😈

1 hour ago, onetrack said:

The turf equipment tweels are rated for a maximum speed of 25mph (40kmh), and the tweels for ATV/UTV's are rated for a maximum speed of 50mph (80kmh). No model of tweel is approved for highway use yet.

Seems to me you have forgotten all the micro lites and sub 30 knot stall/landing aircraft.

44 minutes ago, Deano747 said:

It may just get a little interesting if you touched down with any drift on and the ribs failed in shear. 

1 hour ago, onetrack said:

 

There's a considerable increase in rolling resistance with a tweel, as compared to a pneumatic tyre. So, I'd have to opine that tweels are unsuitable for any aircraft.

That's interesting - why would they have "considerable increase in rolling resistance" ?

1 hour ago, onetrack said:

 

The fact that the manufacturer hasn't sought to produce a tweel specifically for aircraft, tells me that the tweel is limited to off-road, low-speed vehicles only. 

You jest!  There are a host of micro/ultralights, using mower/wheelbarrow tyres.

They day they are offered for aircraft use, is the day the price increases exponentially.

".......the tweel is limited to off-road, low-speed vehicles..." last time a checked, there were no aircraft registered for the public road. 😈 

Could these have an application for small aircraft ????;😈

https://www.michelin.com.au/michelintweel/turf-care

The small ones are about $216 US

2 hours ago, Marty_d said:

Look like a lot of fun.

Bet farmers who currently use helicopters to muster stock are watching that video and wondering about costs.

Spot on ! Subject to duration, with that maneuverability, would make a very good mustering tool.  Might be a little concerned about its reversing capacity - easily connect with a tree/shrub - situational awareness would be paramount. May be some sort of enhanced proximity sensing equipment, similar to automotive that would, inhibit backing inputs, to prevent contacting "stuff" behind aircraft.

If duration an issue - could a petrol powered one be developed -  as in petrol powered generator, supplying current to little pod motors?😈

Truly amazing!!!!😈

This article may be of intersted to the electronics members of the Forum

2802 Manual-s.pdf (rstengineering.com)

AND

XCOM Aerial Dummies Guide.doc (craggyaero.com)

My apologies to all -

 I dont step back from my observation regarding the drag effect of circular structures .

However I thought I had better search for a "teardrop" tail beacon - couldn't find one!!!! Seems they only exist in my fevered imagination. Again my apologies for going down this imaginer track.

For the future; This is a great opportunity for anyone with the skills/knowledge to design/ build/test/market a streamlined tail beacon😈

I am aware of the possibility of doing a 500 ft circuit, never have.

I have never encountered a 1500 ft circuit - probably only in a controlled airspace.

The reality is that 1000ft is , for all intents & purposes, the circuit altitude - faster aircraft don't fly higher they fly wider.

"These aircraft tail beacon lens are round due to the need in having 360deg coverage with its lighting optics."

I think you will find that a modern teardrop shaped tail beacon will almost certainly deliver , if not perfect 360 light" very close to its - it's all in how the magnifying lenses are are located & shaped.

"I don't feel the Beacon Lens would make that much drag. "

I think you may be surprised, at just how much drag a circular X section,  fitted at right angles to the air flow, can deliver.  A lot of aircraft will have teardrop fairings fitted to round undercarriage legs, same for wing struts.

1 hour ago, RFguy said:

what?

We're not  using rotating flashing beacons.

 

this sort of light create very little drag.  it is a good shape.

 

Disclaimer;  No in-depth knowledge.

I have always been under the impression that a round structure, induces a lot more drag than a tear drop shape. 

How is it that wing tip lights (LED's) can be a teardrop and a tail beacon must look like a coke can stuck on the fin, almost as if an afterthought (ugly and draggy)?😈

Warning! Tangent!

It seems to me that barrel/round beacons, are a hangover from when the light had to rotate, to give a flashing effect.

The shape of this "traditional" light must surely create significant drag.

With modern electronics and LED's, we no longer need to rotate the light - we can now have a more streamlined lense - why is this not being done???😈

No worries Garfly - an important part of my addition to your comment was both the observing and observed aircraft being at circuit height.

You have probably noticed that if you are a bit high, prior to joining, its that much more difficult to see the other aircraft  in the circuit.

Same goes for the aircraft you are trying to see/find - if they are not where you expect them to be (high/low) just adds to the difficulty.

I am not sure that all pilots are aware of the importance of circuit discipline - not only should you make good calls but you should be where you are supposed/claiming to be.

"................just the term "downwind" can indicate a strip of air a mile long and half-a-mile wide."

True ! but one ingredient,  missing altitude.

If you are at 1000 ft above terrain ie circuit height AND the other aircraft is at the same - spotting much easier.

While radio failure (including wrong frequency) can always happen , good communication, removes most of the concerns about airborne conflict.

When approaching/in the pattern, if I hear a call but cant see the aircraft, I ask for more information.

If there are a number of aircraft, I like to say where I will be in the line up ("No 3 to the Foxbat turning down wind").

I have never tried to see another aircraft behind me. My cockpit does not facilitate this view. I trust the following aircraft to have me in sight, because I have given/received communication to that effect.  

2 hours ago, BrendAn said:

you can buy good electric petrol pumps cheap now. make yourself a trolley with a drum on it then no more holding cans up.

Couldn't agree more BrendAn. The Forum had this debate, what 2-3 years ago? Some good solutions/designs were offered then. Back then a suitable 12V,  vane pump and hoses could be had for about $80 (never had mine on a trolly/cart, so dont know the cost for this innovation).

The thought of those good old boys, teetering on a stand, while pouring even a 10 L fuel drum, into their high wing, makes my stomach turn.

PS: Still using my 10 year old Bunnings Aerospace plastic "jerry" cans. Cheapest I could find at the time - don't seem to be degrading in any way (fingers crossed)

On 20/11/2023 at 12:55 PM, Marty_d said:

Yeah fuel spills are a big worry especially as there's a top window as well and the wing root skins fair down onto it.  So any fuel spilled will go there.

I've been thinking that perhaps I should put a gate on the first full rib to stop any leaks from getting past it, they can just run to the leading or trailing edge and drip to the ground.

Thoughts?

Acrylic supposed to be far less reactive to fuel spills/splashes .

Sonex use polycarbonate on the front windscreen, as its supposed to be more resistant to in flight damage/birds. The main canopy is acrylic. You might want to consider a similar strategy.

"Again, you rwelcome to your beliefs, but what evidence are you offering up to support your beliefs. "

Observation, comparison and a long life - Non too scientific. I put this to you; How did society manage before the availability of diagnosis & treatment of kids who were perhaps a bit naughty/short attention span? Your answer may be badly, however I would suggest that the majority of "suffers" learned to manage their "symptoms" and went on to make their place in society. Regrettably a few ended up in asylums/jail. Asylums are now out of fashion, the habitants are on the street and the jails are now a flourishing industry in their own right such is our success with social/individual behaviour engineering.

"......excessive screen time is not currrently thought to cause ADHD (but I have seen studies where it can exacerbate it"

It's not the actual screen time - it's the substitution of play/imagination/exercise/face to face social interaction/etc with an electronic device (screen time). The devices themselves are completely neutral (much like a gun)- it's the over & miss use, thats the problem.

From time to time, I used to pass through a large housing estate, not far from where I live. Not a child/youth to be seen on weekend/holidays. One day we had an area wide, day long, electricity failure - kids everywhere, playing talking to each other, no doubt getting up to mischief - doing what kids should do. I had no idea so many young people lived in that community, until the "blackout".  Power back on - no kids.

History is littered with medical trends/fashion. Most have some basis in fact/need/efficacy - for a few. In time, the enthusiasm dies down, a more rational/measured approach takes over and we move on to the next wonder drug/therapy.😈

Hi Jerry,

You make a strong, well articulated case. I am certainly better informed BUT not completely convinced.

I believe that much of the epidemic in ADHD, is self inflicted histeria, brought on my a combination of a generational (seismic) change in the way children/youth behave (glued to electronic devices) popularist inaccurate information (same devices) the media (same devices) and parental lack of responsibility & blame shifting ie do not take responsibility for their child's behaviour - lets dose him up, with the bonus of added teacher attention and acceptance of what would otherwise be unacceptable behaviour . 

Your analogy to HIV - AIDS is problematic, in that it is a viral infection complicated by a host of secondary infections. True ADHD sufferers are born with the problem - there are no lifestyle choices involved or unfortunate exposures.

Dont get me wrong, I am sure there are genuine ADHD sufferers, who need/benefit from various therapies.

As for pilots with ADHD - surely this would be a case by case  ruling. I would expect that ADHD would, like most human conditions, have a spectrum from mild to severe. I have no idea at what point an aspiring pilot would be considered a danger to himself/the community.