Captain

Was poking around the Tooradin website and saw that they had a great group of graguations at their recent Wings Night.

See http://www.tooradinflyingschool.com.au/TFS.PDF

Things must really be cooking along there on the training front& the couple of 160's that were added earlier this year must have been given a good workout.

Captain

I have stopped doing this (on the dirt) ........

But am not quiteat this stage...................yet ..........

Captain

Thanks for your advice fellas.

I reckon you are spot on Mike. By coincidence there was an article on MSR in this months Two Wheels magazine and their stuff looks the berries.

And for us, being able to fuel a stove on Avgas from the wing drains makes good sense as the fuel canister can then be carried empty in the aircraft.

Now .... does anyone have any experience with freeze dried/pre-packaged tucker?

Thanks also for your note Clem. I've decided to go with 540 and hope that the RAA gets agreement to go to 700, as the LSA rules look to me like they apply greater future restrictions just to get that extra 60 kgs.

Also, does anyone have any experience with Black Wolf tents?

Regards & thanks again

Geoff

I'm looking formember's experience and advice on the best Tents & Camping Gear for use "Under the Wing" at Fly-ins etc.

Am thinking of something like the following. Does anyone have good/bad experience with particular types of tents and all of the other camping paraphenalia that we need?

Particularly cookers etc.

It's a given that weight is a vital consideration .... but what else?

Hope you can help

Geoff

<DIV id=sidebar-a>

<H2>Mantis II</H2>

<H3>Adventure Tent</H3>

<UL ="specs">

<LI>Code: MAN2

<LI>Capacity: Sleeps 2

<LI>Colours: Yellow/Black

<LI>Weight: 2.3 kg

<LI>Size: 255 x 260 x 100 cm

<LI>Seams: Heat taped

<LI>Floor: Polyester PU 5000mm

<LI>Poles: (2) 8.5mm premium T6 alloy

<LI>Fly: Ripstop polyester 3000mm water column

<LI>Function: 2~3 season, Below the snowline

<LI>

<H3>Features:</H3>Best suited to the needs of the serious traveller venturing into wilder, more rugged terrain. This is the tent of choice for many tour expeditions on the Kokoda Trail.

- Waterproof

- 2-pole tapered rectangular design

- Spacious & lightweight

- Dual side entry

- Dual side vestibules

- Gear hammock

- Head & foot vents

- 4 guy rope points

- Ring'n'pin colour-coded poles

</LI>

<DIV id=sidebar-b>

<DIV ="specs-"> Captain

The local DG Agent has posted the following explanation of steep price rises. I wonder when or whether we'll see that?

<H2><A name=latest></A>The latest developments in prices for glider manufacturers</H2>

I really understand your reactions only too well. In fact I can practically hear you groan at the sight of the latest prices of new gliders made in Germany. The least I can do, I feel, is give you some background information on current developments and how these affect our prices.

Can you imagine that your glider gets more expensive because Airbus is developing the A380? And that things will really start getting bad once the Boeing 787 goes into production? Unfortunately that’s exactly what’s going on.

In spring 2006, our epoxy resin supplier confronted us with a price increase of 25%. We pulled out all the stops and still only managed to knock him down to “a mere†18%, no further. The reason given? Well, raw material prices, of course. Especially oil prices, as oil is the feedstock. However, more important is the worldwide shortage of essential materials as a result of the terrific increase in demand from EADS for the new Airbus. There is more aviation-grade resin built into just one of those aircraft than we use up in an entire year!

This September, things really became critical:

There is no more carbon fibre fabric available, not of any sort. And again, it is Airbus who are buying up all the roving supplies worldwide, the material the fabric is made of. Most of the carbon fibre comes from Japan, and Japan has virtually exhausted all its production capacities. One shipment has just arrived in Europe, and the yarn is now being woven into fabric everywhere so that we will receive some in a few days’ time. However, we will only get a part of the quantity ordered, just as in times of food rationing.

That is why, a few days ago, our wing building department was forced to down tools.

Faced with simultaneous price increases of 15% now and 50% in a few months time, and the current shortages, we have our backs to the wall, as you will understand.

The question is, what will happen first: Will more production capacities come on stream first, or will the A380 go into production first? That will determine whether we will be able to lay our hands on enough raw materials in the coming 12 months.

And when Boeing’s “Dreamlinerâ€Â, the 787, is ready we will be faced with the next lot of problems, because that aircraft contains even more carbon components than the A380. The situation is a very very serious one, and we have no idea how it will develop! What did we therefore have to do once again on 1st October in order to cover our costs?

You guessed it .....

Aren't bikes fun!!!

Can't believe it's been so long since my last post, but have been locked in combat with the top & bottom engine cowls.

I have found this to be the most difficult part of the build so far ... mainly because I haven't done it before, am being over pedantic about getting it right .... and it's bloody hard to get it all spot on.

The front needs to be central on the prop shaft, the back needs to fit into the joggle on the fusl*ge and the sides have to meet up in a piano hinge. Doesn't sound too bad, does it? Except that when you adjust one area all of the others move as well.

I've been ringing and emailing all that are giving me guidance, then I sit and look at it all for a while ... then make another adjustment. Then sit for a while and swear.

Part of the past 11 days was also taken up with some work, too, whichdistracted me from aviation for a while. It's a bugger like that, isn't it?

Well ... for the good news.

1 The 1st headset has arrived and they are yummy. See pic below.

2 My Glider is at it's new home for this soaring season and the Form 2 annual is complete. That's yummy too. See pic.

Then see the pics of the Cowl when initially taped together. That's the easy bit.

Then see them on the aircraft as of today .... ready for more adjustment and hopefully for trimming & final fit tomorrow. Don't worry about the fact that the piano hinges aren't together, as thy should all come together nicely once all is trimmed and fitting into the joggle ... I bloody-well hope so, anyway.

Have also fitted a SAF-Air oil drain unit and it is pretty close to the exhaust. I wonder if the new extractors are closer than before and am waiting for a reply from someone else who also has one on a previous model3300.

Regards & if any of you have an easy procedure for the cowls (other than buying a factory aircraft) please let me know before I start trimming them tomorrow.

Regards Geoff

Captain

We've strayed a fair way away from Motorcycles .... which are better than sex, anyway, and are only bettered by various forms of aviation.

Perhaps we should undertake a poll to see what forum members prefer ..... and I'd like to make it clear that I'm not advocating abstainance from any of them.

Regards Geoff Captain

Paul

Don't be too hard on Ian. He has been away and may have a severe case of MSB ... which makes clear thinking very difficult.

I put in long stints at remote minesites in my early days and know the symptoms well.

While this does not apply to our esteemed Administrator, I have just thought of an old proverb which makes me chuckle ... "That manis borne with a brain and a penis, both requiring a good blood supply to operate a peak efficiency, however our systems only have enough blood to use them one at a time."

So, Ian, the truth is out.

That's why you took that contract on the NSW Nth Coast.

It's just a hop step & a jump up to Tamworth (.... and the Port MacQ - Walcha - Tamworth road is one of the best bike roads in NSW.)

If this is not true, and you are really working hard (pardon the pun) up there then please PM me Sister Kathy's family name a phone number, as it's a nice flight up to Big Guitar country.

Please don't copy the PM to Bruce.

Regards Geoff

Well it is clear that this Forum is well populated with old (and young) hoons, so that is good.

As I said to Turtle in a PM last night ... the older we get the faster we were. But that is a nice speedway shot Peter. Do you notice that we were all so much thinner then. I still have a set of Johnno's original leathers and can't even get one leg into 'em.

Cec ... the Short Circuit was at the Nepean Circuit at Castlereagh.

Keep those feet up P.A. ..... no dabs for you.

Seeing as we have drawn out the old pharts black and white box-brownie pics ..... I though that the following latest stuff from pit lane at the Phillip Island GP might be of interest. Not much has changed ... except for the speed, the chics and the money.

Regards to all

Captain

Do you think a couple of pics might be in order ... spanning the years from the ancient to the modern?

But 1st a question for Bruce. I may have missinterpreted your note, however do you think that some of us may have possibly harrowed the same furrow (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say-no-more). If so, how about the post your little black book on this forum and we'll let you know.

Captain

Well the Sailplane is done and goes tah-tahs to Corowa tomorrow where it will live all this summer.

That frees up 2 bays inthe shed for J230 stuff to be spread out ..... and if I keep spending like I have been, I'll be living over there too.

Ihaven't yet mentioned that there are Bose headsets in the pipeline.

For those who are interested, here is what the dash of a late model sailplane, with an engine, looks like.

Fitted the latest OzFlarm anti collision display today ... at top centre.

Also for those of you with a GPS and a PDA, check out www.winpilot.com if youare interested ina relatively low cost moving map display. They have both Gliding and VFR Power programs and it works very well in my machine.

Regards Geoff

You're in Bruce.

Ross,

VNE is about 3,900 feet per second.

Geoff

Roger

If your other syndicate members are too proficient at Rock/Scissors/Paper, I suggest that you see what they are like at interpreting Syndicate Rule 243 ......... see attached pic.

Just put one thru their front door and see if a seat suddenly becomes available from Bundaberg.

Hope this helps.

Regards Geoff

(Disclaimer - This is meant as a warped sense of humour ..... and should only be tried by trained professionals in a controlled environment)

Many that I know who are flying have at one time or are presently into motorcycles.

I know that I am.

I wonder how many of forum members fit this profile?

Care to comment?

Regards Geoff

R1150 GS Adventure ............. but sold a CB1300F to fund the J

G'day Fellas,

I did notice all the deregistered aircraft Ross. Everyone got their reminders and final warnings so it will be interesting tofind outwhether all of those owners have been slack .... or all those aircraft are still about but unused. It's a small world Ross. I lived in Concord when I was a Whipper Snipper. Went to Nth Strathfield Public and all. I was in High St. Where is your daughter? I went back there for dinner in Majors Bay Rd with a couple of Italian mates. Boy has it changed.

There was an article in the last Soaring Aust Mag, Darren,about using J230's for towing Sailplanes ..... but geez I'd have to multitask to make that work. I agree with you about the curves. Am quite pleased with the shape behind the back windows.

I'll keep 'em crossed for you for the 19th Roger. That would be a great week of flying if the weather is kind. Bundaberg to home then a hop over this way and let everyone admire your beast. When you (and any others) come over to Wagga just kiss the northeast corner of the Kapooka Restricted Area and you'll come right over my place. You'll see me weeping on the lawn. Do you have your rego number yet Roger?

My colours and decoration have all been worked out here and will be on in about 2 weeks, so I'll post a pic then. Captain

Final undercoating of the fuse was done this morning. Nice result and not one blemish to be seen, except where a couple of local blowies did the 2-step before it dried. It will all come out nicely in the final sand.

Not a pin-hole to be seen.

The Holden Blimp is in town again today. Did they take over at Holbrook again Don?

Not much will be done on the J for the next couple of days as I have to get the Sailplane ready for its Form 2 for the next couple of days.

To be ready for W-O-W is all but impossible ... well this year anyway.

Regards Geoff

Captain

Had a break over this long weekend after finding, on Friday, that the super-duper etch primer and undercoat did not bond well to the perpex around the windows.

Bugger.

Have had to take that all off around the windows and redo it with perspex suitable stuff.

Now have the fuse masked up again & ready for final thin coat undercoat, hopefully tomorrow morning if the wind stays down .... and the plan is to final coat the fuselage next weekend, so have booked the best spray booth in town for that.

Started on the wings this arvo and have the 1st stage done on both of them.

Am about to go out to dinner tonight with our Accountants, who flew down today. I hope they don't ask how much a J230 costs. Might have to see if the "50 bucks" line works with them.

Regards Geoff

Good post Ross. When you look at the cost of the engines, the hours they now achieve and the number in service + the cost of a refurbishment, I reckon that they are bloody good value.

I think that the latest 3300 engines have matched length header pipes which I THINK is an update. Can anyone look at mine in the pics and confirm that? If so, Jabiru have refined the exhaust system somewhat, and from my limited exposure to the 6, it works pretty well, routinely.

In reposnse to Clem's note about the wing inspection openings, I have just been out in my shed tonight getting up to mischief with a bright torch. With the lights out you can see right through the wings with the torch below and the Jabiru's cutout marks look to be in the right spot and outboard of the rib.

If you haven't already, Ross, I suggest that you have a check using that method before you cut. Let me know how you go.

I have also tonight done the holes in the fuselage for the Transponder antenna and the UHF antenna.

Also did a heap of laser alignment checks now that the engine is on etc and it all came up spot-on .... which is nice to know, what with the offset of the engine mount and the engine itself.

Regards Geoff

Captain

You are spot-on Peter. That was pointed out to me by another illustrious member of this forum, and that's why I located my radio & transponder at the top.

Ross ... just tell her those items are each $50 on special at Aircraft Spruce and go for it. That's what the rest of us do. Some of us having beengetting away withthat for years with our toys ... and it's not really a lie when you have your fingers crossed and get her some flowers or something of equal value to your purchase ($50). Captain

Have just done a test to try to answer my own question on GPS antenna location .... as I have the same antenna in a Sailplane with the unit mounted inside a carbon-fibre instrument panel under a plastic top and it works well.

I set up the Avmap antenna and recorded the SPS signal strength, then covered the antenna with 3 layers of vinyl and 2 layers of fibreglass. The signal strengths dropped less than 1 point and as you would know they vary all the time anyway.

So my conclusion is that the antenna can go inside the panel out of the directsunlight and it should work fine.

Decision taken.

Regards to those who might be interested Geoff

I knooow Clement, my son, I knooow.

Did I say I'd have it ready for Wings-Over-Wagga 2006 or Natfly 2007 ....... or maybe W-O-W 2007?

And if I don't make it for the end of next month, Roger will come over in his new 230 and go nah, nah, nah, nah, nahhhhh, and then refuse to take me for a ride. You know what those rich bokes are like that buy factory built aircraft

Have decided that I'm going to put in some long nights next week, so am plucking up the courage to tell my wife that she will have to abstain until the wings are done.

I'll start hacking into my wings next week Ross so will give your a draw string report .............. or you'll hear me swearing in Leeton if they are not OK.

I also need to pull cables thru for the wingtip strobes, so we'll see.

Peter ... Why didn't you put your GPS antennainside the panel?

Best regards Geoff

Captain

Muffler & final pipe have been sent off to Jet-Hot Coatings for ceramic coating in an attempt to reduce the temp inside the cowl .... but have decided not to unbolt & send off the 6 headers although their surface area is probably greater.

Will post a before & after shot when I get it back in a week or so for those that might be interested in this. Ian McPhee tells me that it made a big difference to his aircraft.

Doors and other minor fibreglass items have been undercoated and have had an initial rub back.

As you can see from those pics .... I also have a wing up ready to start work on it, so that's another little milestone.

Have hit the wall a little this last week, seem to be doing lots but getting nowhere. Oh well. Onward and upward ... hopefully.

Captain