The Flying Tigers Recreational Aviation Club

Trim Issues

2009-11-11T06:48:00.005+10:00

Tuesday, November 10 appeared to be a day of trim issues.

Sikes's pretty little "girlie plane" is shown here sitting on her tail. "Oh Dear"

"Now what have I done wrong?" Thinks thinks the Wing Commander

"I know. I added 130 Kg's into the tail to trim the aircraft so Brian could come for a fly with me."

Ed Note. Brian has lost 6Kg in the past few weeks Siksey, so you can take a little lead out of the tail.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

NOW

Probably as poetic justice for me sticking it to Siksey.

A short time later I had a laps of concentration and turned the "BUSH PIG" away from the crosswind and on to the taxiway without pushing the stick full froward. (I was holding it full back after landing)

I did this so I could perv on Greg doing an engine off landing test right behind me with one of his pretty fairer sex students from Korea. As I turned and braked, so I could look down the airstrip, I watched in horror as the "PIG" ever so slowly lifted its tail in the air and then land on its nose, breaking one near new Petroni carbon fibre propeller blades.

Kiwi is right. The Pig is a PIG.

If it is OK for a tradesman to blame his tools. Surely I can lay some blame on the Pig.

Note the broken blade on the bottom left.

I have a bumper sticker that says - "Real Men Fly Taildraggers" I might have to cover up my sticker for a few days as punishment.

Bushcaddy flying again

2009-10-28T19:33:00.012+10:00

Well it has taken a long time but finally the Bushcaddy is flying again in a tailwheel configuration. As it was meant to be.

It took me longer to do the mods than it took Brian to do a complete rebuild on his badly damaged Savannah caused by a mini tornado at Avalon in March. But it was far shorter than it has taken Gary D. to do a very simple engine instillation on the Quicksilver. I think Gary started his re engine project sometime last century. It was so long ago, none of us can actually remember when. But compared to Billy the fisherman and John the ball player, who started their "solid Drifter" project back when Adam was still a boy, and they still are only only half finished, I didn't do too bad.

Well here is the "Bush Pig" as Kiwi calls this lovely aircraft, in its tailwheel configuration. It does have doors, but I have been doing the test flying without them for the present.

Above.

This is the original aircraft as a nose wheel aircraft. It was very easy to land in this configuration, but the nose wheel set up was not very successful and the previous owner had already broken two nosewheels on grass airstrips in less than 50 hours of flying. This plane is a "Bush" plane and is meant to land on rough bush airstrips. If I was going to keep it as a nosewheel aircraft I would need to install a long travel front wheel suspension like a Savannah or a Zeneth.

I installed a large skylight in the roof for better visibility. With all the gliders flying around Boonah I wanted better visibility, and coming from flying a Drifter for 12 years with its excellent visibility, I didn't like not being able to look up and see what was above me.

The large skylight for better visibility. I strengthened up the opening with Aluminun boxing and extra angle gussets. (you can see one of the four gussets in the RH corner) The angle "thingy" in the middle is the wing tank fuel sight gauge.

I moved the engine forward 183 mm and down 50 mm when transforming it to a tailwheel. I was given the forward number by the factory, but after doing the weight and balance I could have gone a little further forward to put the empty weight and balance right on the forward limit. As it is now, it is back 40 mm from the forward limit and now I will need to limit the weight I store in the luggage compartment behind the seat for CofG reasons and not MTOW reasons.

This was the first Bushcaddy flying in the world with a Jabiru engine, so there are some bugs to be worked out. A second Jab powered Bushcaddy recently had its first flight in the US, and it appears the owner is having some of the same problems I have been having.

Above. - This is the original dash and Y shaped control stick. The "Y" stick is great for training or dual flying purposes, but my aircraft will mostly only be flown from the left seat and I wanted a single stick. I still have the original one and it would only be a simple matter to switch them over if there was a need in the future.

Below. - This is the new dash and joy stick.

I have gone for a single pistol stick grip with 4 buttons on the grip. I have 2 PTT buttons to activate the UHF and VHF airband radios. The other 2 buttons are to change the memory channel and flip the frequencies of the Icom unit. All this can now be done from the pistol grip, rather than having to swap hands on the stick and lean forward to reach the radio.

The reason for the extra gauges. - Well what can I say? It is a sort of affliction I suffer from. Besides I can't let Brian and Sikesy have it all their own way in the full panel stakes.

The original configuration caused serious overheating issues. I have now made oversize ram air cooling ducts and installed a second "back to back" oil cooler. These oil coolers now have their own separate egress tunnel. Note the two oil coolers at the bottom of the photo. (edge on)

See above the old original ram air duct is on the right, and the new, much larger, duct is on the left.

The initial test flights are showing absolutely no cooling issues.

This is the first Bushcaddy in the world to be fitted with a 6 cylinder 120 HP air cooled Jabiru engine. The problem is that the supplied cooling ducts are meant for slippery aircraft flying at 100 to 130 knots. The Bushcaddy is a tough, boxy, bush aircraft that cruises at around 80 knots and the original air ducts and oil cooler are just not adequate for this aircraft.

I also installed a three blade 62 inch, ground adjustable Petroni composite propeller. The original wooden propeller was absolutely hopeless, and the aircraft just wouldn't perform.

So far I am very happy with this Bundaberg made propeller. It is very well constructed and exceptionally smooth.I originally set the pitch at 13.5 deg. But the engine would not rev out properly and ran rich on takeoff. I have now changed the pitch back to 12.8 deg and It is performing much better. I will do some more testing at this pitch, but I feel I may need to go down to 12.5 deg pitch to be able to access the full power of the Jabiru 120 HP engine.

I had to make a new fibreglass nose cowl. Note the inlet for the oil cooler under the spinner, and the oil coolers own egress duct coming out between the two exhaust pipes. I have a flap at the back of the tunnel so in winter I can partially or fully close off the air passage from the cockpit.

The original seats were nearly 75 mm thick and very comfortable, but I am 6 feet tall and this put my head level with the wing root and I had to bend down to see out the side windows.

I Took out the 2 or more inches of foam from the seats and and then cut out the solid wooden base and installed a webbing base. This dropped the seats down around 2 inches and they are still very comfortable.

I installed an electric elevator trim, see above on left elevator.

I control this from a switch right beside the throttle. (see above) The trim indicator gauge is on the right of the photo. The trim in this configuration is very effective and so easy to adjust. Far better than the old system of having to constantly reach down between your legs to work the mechanical trim wheel.

I used the parts from the old elevator trim to make an aileron trim (I copied mine off John B,s Bushcaddy from SA). In the past if I was one up or only had full fuel in the port tank I needed to hold my knee against the stick in cruise, otherwise the aircraft wanted to tilt to the left. Now I can adjust for neutral trim.

Boonah Update

2009-10-26T17:45:00.004+10:00

Sunday October 25 was a lovely day for flying.

Here is Brian doing a high alpha touchdown in his fully repaired Savannah. He touched down and rolled only about 30 meters when landing into a 10 kn northerly.

One of the visitors from Heck Field. Ros came in for a visit in the Gazelle.

Paul, our other visitor from Heck field.

"Constable Spook" giving Warwick a few pointers on how to drink coffee while flying his new Jab. It was also an exercise in how to shoehorn two size 16's into a size 8 space.

We can't show you "Constable Spook's" face for security reasons.

Well! what can I say. The sheep lover came over to the Bushcaddy with all his tools and beverages ready to "fix things" that I may have missed before some before I did some test flying.

Constable Spook got himself a ride in an RV visiting the field on Sunday. It was a big mistake. Now he finds himself disappointed in the Technam.

Gympie Aero Club Invitation

2009-10-18T17:17:00.001+10:00

Subject: Dinner with John McCormick C.E.O CASA

Hi John

It was good to catch up with you today,as promised here are the details re the Gympie Aero Club hosting an evening that features as our keynote speaker John McCormick the C.E.O of CASA which will be held at the Australis Resort at Noosa Heads on Saturday the fifth of December.

A three course meal will be served starting with drinks at 5.30 pm.This will be a wonderful opportunity to not only hear about John's flying career in his speech but to find out what future plans CASA has instore for us over the next five years which will be of interest to both GA and RAA pilots.

The opening speaker for the evening will be Brad Smart the C.E.O.of the Smart Radio Group who is a pilot and ex television and radio journalist who has reported from many of the hotspots around the world plus interviewed celebrities from Australia and overseas.

Affordable accommodation has been arranged at the resort starting at $132 per night for a studio unit and our club will offer free transport to and from YGYM if required.

This will be an exciting evening with excellent speakers,good food and the ideal time to mix with fellow aviators,plus enjoy the delights of Noosa.

Tickets are limited so please do not hesitate to contact myself becky@airnoosa.com or Deb deb@frogshollow.net for further information and bookings.

The cost will be $75 per person and we shall look forward to seeing you on the night,and thank you for your offer of helping us to pass this info on to other RAA pilots and groups.

Regards

Jennifer Beck

President

Gympie Aero Club

0419784715

19 Cat. Aircraft and Built Up Areas (Serious Post)

2009-09-18T05:37:00.007+10:00

There seems to be some confusion with 19 Category Aircraft flying over built up areas.

To clarify matters. 19 Category aircraft are forbidden from flying over any township or any built up area in the first instance.

There are exceptions, but it is on an individual case by case basis.

In the past the requirement was.

1. Your amateur built aircraft must be built from a recognized and approved kit.

2. It must have an "approved" engine and propeller.

3. You must get written permission from CASA or our Technical Manager.

4. Only after complying with the above requirements is it legally permissible to fly over a built up area. (above 1,000 feet AGL and high enough to glide clear in the case of engine failure)

Previously aircraft like the Terrier (above) or a Bushcaddy with a Subaru engine would not be approved. Subaru engines are not approved engines. Aircraft with a Herth engine like a Challanger would not get approval.

This was a negative impact on a number of our club aircraft. Those members with affected aircraft can now get approval from the Technical Manager even if you have a non approved engine and propeller. Steve Bell has worked to rectify this problem of the past.

Those people with affected aircraft who have not received written approval, should do so now, and need to be aware of the legal ramifications of flying out of towns like Boonah, where in the process of taking off and landing you can't avoid flying over some built up areas.

Approval can be obtained by emailing the Technical Manager with the relevant data.

August Club Meeting

2009-08-29T13:14:00.006+10:00

There was a very good turnout for the August club meeting with a lot of planes flying in.

One difference this time was the Melbourne family putting on all the food in appreciation for member donations to Brian, to help defray the rebuilding costs to his Savannah. (Wrecked in a severe gust at Avalon this year.

Club aircraft on the flight line

Some of the members prior to the meeting.

Bev with some of the food. Desert was just great.

Gary explaining the finer points of why his aircraft is still not flying to two sympathetic club members. " I am this close guys. Just another two years."

Of course this is a real case of the pot calling the kettle black. I have been telling everyone that the "Bushcaddy" will be ready in "two weeks" for the past four months. But I write the blog and I have heaps of literary license.

The W.Cdr where he does the best work. In the kitchen.

Brian's Savannah rising from "the ashes"

2009-07-13T04:45:00.003+10:00

Brian's beautiful Savannah was flipped over by a micro gust at Avalon earlier this year and badly damaged. See photo below.

Well Brian has been laboring away to fix his aircraft and this week it returned to the hanger at Boonah and is now being reassembled.

Photo of Savannah on its back at Avalon.

The rebuilt Savannah at Boonah, July 2009.

Brian constructed many of the required parts himself.

This is an interesting innovation. Previously the tie downs were attached to the strut, and the force of the gust at Avalon actually broke the strut itself.

Brian has now mounted the tie down fittings directly to the main spar. See photo above.

To cover the inspection hole Brian has installed a LED camping light .

Another innovation is the trim set up. See above. This is covered by tip comings.

Update July 2009

2009-07-13T04:31:00.005+10:00

The SW Spitfire at Boonah. Rumor has it that is the new "clipped wing" version

Club member Errol and his aircraft at Boonah

Drifter 404 with its new engine. It will still only fly at crow speed, but it can now takeoff with someone in the back seat.

Inglewood 2009

2009-05-04T17:18:00.008+10:00

Seven Club aircraft made the trip to Inglewood this year. When we arrived we found the grounds the best ever. The airfield and camping area were freshly mowed. There were portable shower and toilets and excellent food available.

There was also a person available to do fuel runs into town.

Two club Drifters. The red one belongs to our NZ member, and I think he is trying to dry out his bed linen by draping it over the starboard wing.

There is no shame in bed wetting Kiwi. These things happen sometimes when you reach middle age.

One of the Kilcoy guys arriving.

Grummo and his lovely lady "Olwin" arrive in style.

There was a large turnout of Savannahs this year.

Since Brian's Savannah is in "fix it mode" he came by recovery van, and all the comforts of home.
Unfortunately, Brian was unable to fit into the van his usual "fly away" complement of stores he is able to squeeze into the Savannah.

Some of our members sheltering under the Drifter wings.

One has is eye on the cake. Brian is looking at the flying wire attachment on Kiwi's Drifter, and JJ in the background is counting flies.

Long time member, and daughter in law of the blog author, arriving with her brood. The bundle on her belly is covering up my brand new Granddaughter.

JJ cooking pancakes for the bunch on Sunday morning.

Will you look at this.

While the rest of us "Slip, slop, slap". "Batman" gets personal loving treatment from his child bride. That is $1,000 a bottle (or is it $10,000) Estee-Lauder anti wrinkle, anti aging, and 30 plus UV moisturizing cream being so lovingly applied to his face.

And look at this also. Even "Batman's" dog gets special treatment on camping fly aways.

Some of the Drifters.

A cool Breakfast time on Sunday morning.

Or is it a church service put on by the cleric in the background.

John G's Savannah with his new bicycle garage.

John is trying real hard to beat Brian in who can make a Savannah carry the most gear.

Mama and Papa Chook also flew in in the "Chicken Run" Savannah.

Boonah Update April 26, 2009

2009-04-26T17:31:00.005+10:00

Two of our members doing their best to add to our greenhouse problem, and to the medical profession retirement fund.

Poor Kev. That Rotax still won't go. I think Brian is taste testing the coils???

Praying won't fix this one either Gary.

We currently have four club aircraft out of the air. Five, actually, but we don't count Bill F's. And John B's Modified Drifter. We need to be realistic here, and only count those aircraft that can be returned to flying condition within a 5 year time frame. So their aircraft is out. But I think the "Bush Pig" will just scrape it in, so is included in the stats.

Our wonderful scone lady again making her magic this Sunday. We all love her scones, and we soon see which members have self control and not eat more than 4 in a sitting. Thank God Brian was late arriving today.

The "Bush Pig"showing some progress in its conversion back to a tail dragger. Note the engine air inlet. The 6 cylinder Jabiru engine is going to be able to "breathe" this time around at full throttle.

Boonah Update April 22. 2009

2009-04-22T07:02:00.004+10:00

Below is Brian's new mode of traveling.

And there is still room for Brian and the dog to sleep inside.

The new Savannah. Although I wonder what airstrip he has been landing on, after looking at that propeller.

Two of our club members at the Weekend meeting

The lovely Olwin, Grummo's Much, much, much, much better half.

And this is Grummo.

Ian being very brave jump starting Grummo's Jab, and in bare feet too.

Our overseas traveler, about to prop start the CT.

ELT Compulsory Requirements

2009-04-19T06:00:00.003+10:00

SERIOUS POST

Hi All,

Please read the following memo and let the RA-Aus know your views.

Dear Sport & Recreational Aviation Standards Sub-committee Members,

CASA is proposing to remove the formal exemption in the sport/recreational aviation CAOs relating to CAR 252A (carriage of ELTs) as part of its present CAO review. It is proposed that the general exemptions, and the exclusions built into CAR 252A, would continue to apply.

ELT prices continue to fall and the benefits of ELT carriage are gaining acceptance in the sport/recreational aviation community, CASA proposes to continue to monitor developments in this area whilst applying CAR 252A to the recreational aircraft sector without exclusions that go beyond those already beyond those already stated in the CAR.

This means that two seat aircraft operated under CAO 95.55 (RA-Aus aeroplanes), 95.32 (RA-Aus and HGFA trikes) and 95.12.1 (ASRA 2-seat gyroplanes) would be required to carry an ELT for all flights beyond 50 nm from takeoff.

Whilst CAR 252A excludes single-place aircraft, aircraft travelling within 50 nautical miles of their starting point and some other aircraft classes including balloons and gliders from being required to be equipped with an ELT, there have been exemptions extant for aeroplanes and gyroplanes under sport/recreational aviation CAOs.

Exemptions from ELT carriage have existed in sport/recreational CAOs since the time that such aircraft were confined to small areas either by aircraft capability or by restrictions inherent in CAOs as they existed at that time. Aircraft capabilities have increased over time and so have the freedoms allowed by more recent iterations of the CAOs. With these new freedoms comes a responsibility for people who wish to access the freedoms.

Increased cross country capability of sport/recreational aircraft, the breadth of general exemption available in the CAR and radically decreasing costs of ELTs/PLBs means that CASA now has difficulty justify exempting such aircraft from this requirement. Also considered are the risks to search and rescue personnel of conducting a rescue and the costs to society as a whole for a rescue.

CASA proposes the CAOs wording be future proofed by the requirement for an ELT or CASA approved alternative. This would allow CASA to broadly approve alternate technologies for operators of aircraft under an instrument or provide specific approvals to operators to use alternate equipment as circumstances dictate. It is proposed that operators of aircraft covered by this new requirement would have until 31 May 2010 to comply with the new requirements.

CASA has contacted the organisations whose members will be affected and now seeks wider aviation community feedback on this proposal.

The extract below is provided for the purpose of informing this discussion but the regulation should be read in its entirety for operational purposes and is available at this link www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/download/act_regs/1988.pdf

252A Emergency locator transmitters
(1) The pilot in command of an
Australian aircraft that is not an exempted aircraft may begin a flight
only if the aircraft:
(a) is fitted with an approved ELT:
(i) that is in working order; and……………

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply in relation to a flight by an Australian
aircraft if:
(a) the flight is to take place wholly within a radius of 50 miles from
the aerodrome reference point of the aerodrome from which the
flight is to begin; ……………

exempted aircraft means:
…
(e) a balloon; or
(f) an airship; or
(g) a glider;

single seat aircraft means an aircraft that is equipped to carry only one
person;

Please provide any comments by cob Friday 1st May by reply to this message or by email to megan.barby@casa.gov.au.

Regards,

Greg Vaughan

Narromine 2009

2009-04-19T03:46:00.005+10:00

The weather was not the best this year, with heavy rain occurring on the Saturday, and then continuing for the next three or four days.

Black clouds coming over on the Saturday.

Most of the lectures were well attended, with the more popular ones attracting around 100 members.

Interesting looking powered parachute

The new Savannah. Looks like he had a prop strike!!!!

All of us, including "Misty", Brian's dog, in the recovery trailer, trying to keep dry.

Note. The trailer leaked.

Kiwi and Tony at the dinner on Saturday night.

Stopover at Tony's and Gail's on the way home.

Kiwi drying out his clothes. Nice undies Kiwi!!!!!

John's rooftop tent, which kept him dry and up out of the wet ground and mud.

Brian and the recovery trailer.

Serious NTSB report on Zodiac CH-601XL

2009-04-17T07:17:00.005+10:00

SERIOUS POST

All owners of the Zodiac CH-601XL are advised to read this NTSB report, released 2 days ago.

Note. 1.The fatalities do not include the 4 deaths in Australia from two recent 601 accidents.

2. There appears to be issues other than just canopy ones with the 601.

http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090414a.html

Recovery trailer under construction

2009-04-05T22:00:00.006+10:00

Brian has decided that the best option to get his "Poor little Savannah" home is to build his own recovery trailer.

These photos were taken on Sunday April 5, when a few club members dropped in on Brian to lend a helping hand.

Brian finding it is hot, hard, and sweaty work watching all the guys and and one Gal work on the trailer construction.

Jab driver extraordinarie, (Because he was Drifter trained) Grummo; demonstrating to his lovely partner Olwen, the building doctrine of "Measuring once and cut many times to get something right." and when all this fails. "Add patches over the mistakes."

Ed note. Some trades persons subscribe to the other lesser knowing doctrine "Measure twice, cut once"

Two of the club members admiring their work, with one of Brian's ring in friends.

Drifter Training for Famous Trumpet Player

2009-04-01T19:42:00.006+10:00

Drifter Training for Trumpet Player

After learning that you will never, ever, ever, really make it as a totally accomplished aviator unless you have Drifter training. Famous trumpet player, James M, decided he needed some Drifter training to really make it as one of that select band of pilots who have Drifter training.

After checking out the different schools and what was on offer James came to Greg's school at Boonah to gain those very special skills possessed only by Drifter trained pilots.

Ed Note. Australia's first and only, "Red Bull" pilot. Our fast jet military pilot who saw combat flying F18's over Iraq, got his initial flying skills from being Drifter trained.

Flying school CFI Greg, and James with the school Drifter. (James is the intelligent looking person with the trumpet.)

Now Greg is the one with the trumpet.

There is a very old Chinese proverb.

"Perhaps can teach Trumpet player fly Drifter. No ever possible teach Boonah CFI play Trumpet"

News Flash

2009-04-01T19:14:00.012+10:00

KIWI wants a BUSHCADDY

Yes. That's him above.

He needs the name tag to check on his name. (He really can read upside down) But it is mostly for people who find him wandering to send him home.

The "Bush Pig" above when it had a nose wheel. (Now being converted to a tail dragger)

Important news has just come to hand.

That mouth from the east. That sheep lover from across the Tasman. That defamer of my poor little Bushcaddy (Calling it the Bush Pig) But also one of this clubs most active, hard working, and valuable members. (Ed note. I had to add that last bit in the interest of balance and ethnic fair play, even if it is about a Kiwi national). Has secretly informed your scribe that his next aircraft will be none other than a Bushcaddy.

He loves the room (It can carry a number of sheep, plus some hay)

He loves the visibility for an enclosed aircraft. All the better to perv on sheep as he flies over those western sheep properties at low level.

He loves the flying ability after only one short flight. STOL ability, and off airport capability. He can just "pop in" to an open sheep paddock. Just to say hello mind you, and catch up with any rellies.

And he loves the all metal construction and the strength. Frightened sheep can't kick through the fabric, as in say a Lightwing, or a Piper Cub

Will we now hear he may even get to love Subaru motors??????

Above Australia's second Bushcaddy, owned and built by John B. from SA. This aircraft has a converted Subaru car engine installed, and as such has a different cowling to one fitted with a Rotax engine like the aircraft below.

This is how a Bushcaddy should look. - A Taildragger, and not a nosewheel. (Picture taken at Oshkosh 2008)

The photos above and below were taken by John B. from SA. John is the owner of the second flying BC in Australia and sent me these photos showing some of the "off airport" capability of these aircraft.

These were taken March 2009 at the junction of the Murray river and Murrumbidgee river, where John landed and camped for the night.

John B's Subaru powered Bushcaddy at his camping spot on the banks of the Murray river.

Ed. Note. (Serious) For those other than club members reading these posts please note that unless posted as "Serious". All posts are just light hearted banter. If any member finds anything at all offensive or distasteful in the post I will remove it immediately.

Avalon 2009 Post 5

2009-03-26T18:08:00.006+10:00

It is Monday morning, and Avalon 2009 is over. Kiwi and Ian flew out their Drifters, taking off in about 25 knots of cross wind.

Brian had a local friend come over in his ute with a trailer and we loaded the Savannah onto the two vehicles and headed off to Peters farm, where Brian was to store the poor little plane for later recovery.

One wing being loaded on to John's truck.

The rest of the Savannah went onto Peter's ute and trailer

A green light and it is all go, off onto the freeway.

Is this the lowest the Savannah has been to a road???

Lunch break out in the bush.

Kiwi arriving at Peter's farm and driving through the gate.

We spent the night at Peter's place and were well looked after and fed by his trim taught and terrific wife.

The next day it was off to Temora where we were again put up, fed, and spoilt rotten by the blond workaholic. Carol and Hubby have a airpark block so the Drifter boys were able to drive right up to the back door.

It was a long drive for John and Brian and they left before the Drifters and arrived at Temora well behind them, and in the dark.

The two Drifters at Carol's back door.

On Wednesday it was off to Tony's grain farm. (Tony is called Batman by the Boonah guys, because he once landed his Drifter on some power lines, did a couple of forward outside loops, and hung upside down for some hours until the power could be turned off. Not real smart. Most Drifter drivers know instinctively not to land on power lines unless they know for certain that the power is turned off.

Ian coming out of "Batman's" hanger.

Boy o boy we get well looked after here. However on the return trip from Avalon the "Child Bride" was missing, and was missed by all the flyers. Tony had to send her off on a holiday as Kiwi was with us on this trip and did a stopover with us at Tony's on the way down. Poor Gail.

Generally the locals drop in for a chat. Some are in this photo above. The young lady in the foreground with her back to us is joint owner of the wheat farm that had a large section "trashed" by Kiwi in his feeble outlanding attempt during wet weather on a previous visit.

Since the guys were going to spend a couple of days here flying around the local farms "Constable Spook" thought he would fly down from Boonah as well.

Will you look at him. He has just arrived and it is out with the 500 mega pixel camera, with a 1500mm lens, complete with FLIR and the latest IR image processor , plus an image stabilizer. Even on his day off he has the camera out.

I think I have just jumped to conclusions. Maybe it is not his day off. Maybe he is really working.

Avalon 2009 Post 4

2009-03-15T15:15:00.009+10:00

Serious Section

Oh! what a disaster.

A wild weather front tore through Avalon airport late Saturday afternoon and caused some severe destruction to tents and light aircraft. One of the army tents blew away and one of the tent poles traveled a great distance through the air, over the high fence and speared into a new Mercedes. How can you fathom this. Of all the cars in the VIP car park, the car speared with the tent pole just happened to be the staff car belonging to the chief of the Air Force.

But the worst disaster happened to us. Of the 6 aircraft turned over onto their backs one was Brian's lovely Savannah. It was very badly damaged and probably will never fly again.

Our camp with our trashed gazebo, and damaged tents.

Our camp before the storm.

The Savannah on its back.

Oh Dear. Brian's lovely Savannah.

A Skyfox also on its back.

This Foxbat was flung into the air and came back to earth on its tail. This photo was taken the following day after it had been put back on its wheels.

Light Hearted Section.

Brian discussing the advantages of his new upturned wingtips.

Brian has decided to copy some of the military designs and reduce drag by removing the draggy tail section.

Serious Again

The news is barely out and already Brian has had a number of people offer to drive to Melbourne to help him get the little Savannah home. Thanks to all those who offered, but at this stage the wings have been removed and Brian has been able to borrow a trailer and the little Hilux will tow it home.

On closer inspection today both Ian and Kiwi had damage to their control system from the violent flogging they received during the very brief passage of the severe microburst.

Avalon 2009 Post 3

2009-03-12T17:06:00.008+10:00

Thursday morning started very early for John. He went off for a pre dawn shower to miss the crowd in the portable truck showers. The water was freezing but John wanting to clean up after sitting next to those other Boonah guys in the bus really needed a good bath, or shower, even if it was cold. On toweling off afterwards there on the wall was a big sign how to get a hot shower if you are the only person in the truck. The moral. Read the signs first.

The refrigerated trucks that were converted into showers and toilets.

The sign that was in front of John's shower that he neglected to read an as a consequence had a cold shower. The instant gas hot water system needed a minimum flow rate to light the burners, so at least two showers needed to be turned on.

B1 Bomber

The A380 justs fits under Kiwi's wing

Ian and Kiwi pleaded with Brian not to eat those 35 Chili Dogs and onions in the one sitting

Sprung!! (Caught eating an ice cream)

Also sprung. Scoffing ice creams.

Ian under the new Virgin Boeing 777. Brian was the only one of us to go on board and after telling the hostess he knew Paul (she had also flown with Paul) Brian got the VIP treatment, invited to sit in the business class seats and given hot beverage drinks while chatting to the Captain.

The sign is a little hard to see but this aircraft is registered under our experimental rules, as is the Boeing wedgetail that the RAAF is still waiting to commission.

Some pop gun out of the F18.

More of the military display section.

John trying to make a personal phone call, and get away from Kiwi and his camera.

Just what or who is oversized?

The Savannah on display.

The two Drifters in the display area.

Friday night is always the special night display, unfortunately a low fog came in from the south with a ceiling of around of 150 feet and most of the flying display was cancelled. The Military could still operate in this weather with their IR and their special radars. The F111 Did a spectacular dump and burn in the clouds.

Avalon 2009 Post 2

2009-03-11T18:41:00.003+10:00

After spending a very pleasant night in a motel at Shepparton we departed for Lethbridge on Monday morning. The flyers flew to Lethbridge in one go via Bendigo and Ballarat with a 3 hour flight time. I drove the truck via the country roads of Victoria.

The three Boonah aircraft and a Bushcaddy from SA. tied down at Lethbridge airpark/

John's truck fully loaded with all the gear from the three flyers. Once these guys knew there was a support vehicle available they produced all manner of gear to go to Avalon. Brian put 5 bags in the truck and still kept his 5 metric tonne pod loaded to the hilt.

The second flying Bushcaddy in Australia over from South Australia. At least two people in Australia know a good aircraft when they see one. Drifters rule for open cockpit, and the Bushcaddy is the best enclosed bush plane.

Brian presented Kiwi with a memento from Lethbridge. A working sheep property, as well as an airpark. The owner was pre-warned by Brian about our sheep lover from the east, and he keep his girls locked up in the back paddock at night. On previous visits the sheep are allowed onto the airfield at night.

We all went into Geelong on Tuesday to do some shopping and then to Rays Camping shop for Kiwi to buy a mattress, and Brian to look at the latest torches.

Wednesday morning we flew into Avalon after a one hour delay due to low cloud at Lethbridge. (Lethbridge has an elevation of 820 feet)

More later.

Avalon 2009 Post 1

2009-03-09T16:28:00.007+10:00

Four of the Boonah pilots set off for the 2009 Avalon airshow. They were Brian flying his Savannah, Ian flying his Fisher Drifter, Kiwi flying his certified 503 Drifter, and John driving his Hilux truck with all the mountains of gear belonging to the flying members.

Kiwi, being the slowest, started two weeks earlier by flying his Drifter direct down to Tony's farm at Gunnedah. Brian and Ian left on Thursday May 5 and had two stops, Inglewood and Moree, on the way to Tony's.

Breakfast at Tony's on Saturday morning. Day 2. Brian is on a diet so is on light rations.

The trusty Savannah in with the farm machinery.

Kiwi wondering where to put the pallet of food in the Drifter.

Day 2.

We departed Tony's around 1030, the flyers going via Narromine and then straight to Leeton. John drove down the highway. Around 6 hours flying time and 10 hours driving time.

Day 2, we overnighted in Brognah. John and Ian drove into Leeton for food, and Kiwi ordered 4 McDonalds hamburgers. Being very naive, we thought he was getting one for each of us. NO! Kiwi ate all four by himself in one setting.

Day 3

John got a start on the flyers by leaving Brognah (Leeton) about one hour before the aircraft left. Ian and Kiwi flew straight to Shepparton, Brian went via Tocumwal because he needed to top up with avgas.

We spent Sunday night first class, by booking into a motel, after finding the caravan park booked out.

Our club hosts L1 workshop

2009-03-09T07:04:00.003+10:00

On Saturday February 28, the club hosted a L1 workshop. Around 25 people attended the workshop which was presented by our Brian.

The workshop was a basic introduction for pilots in maintaining their own aircraft. However the emphasis was on pilots seeking help if there was any doubt in their maintenance ability.

Special thanks to CASA for providing the funding to run these courses. Attendees were charged $15 by the club for lunch and morning and afternoon teas.

Brian giving his theory lecture.

The Kilcoy guys turned up in force.

Hanger talk discussion during a break.

These guys were doing their own "hands on" thing, while the rest of us were listening to lectures.

Club Meeting Jan 2009

2009-01-19T06:58:00.008+10:00

Yesterday was our first club meeting for 2009, with a good turnout.

Our wonderful club member Dorothy with her much loved scones.

Our hard working club member Phil, doing the club Bar-b-que. Our military defector member claims that his greatest contribution to the club, was to introduce Phil to us. Thanks for all the effort you put in Phill.

I always thought the "Mouth from the East" got his name from certain words and phrases of endearment he utteres from time to time. Perhaps I have been wrong.

Airfield CFI, Greg, about to adminster public punishment to the Military Defector for some minor infringement.

Some of the nine or so club aircraft taking part in the charity flyover. Look to the right front of the cowl.

President and Senior VP, testing the lifting ability of a Savannah. If you need to know. Brian is a lot heavier than John. In fact it would take two of John to equal one Brian. (In weight guys. In weight.)

Kiwi and Liam on return from the flyover. My God you are such a brave lad Liam. One might even say totally fearless to fly with Kiwi.

Bush Pig goes home

2009-01-19T06:33:00.003+10:00

The Bush Caddy suffered more cooling issues during its test flying with the rebuilt Jabiru engine. It was found that the right hand bank of cylinders was overheating again and I took to the cowl with tin snips to increase the air intake. This resulted in an immediate improvement, and I decided to take the plane home, turn it into a tail dragger, make a new cowl, and put a window in the roof.

The "bush" improvements that resulted in an immediate improvement to the cooling issues.

The "poor little plane" with wings removed and waiting for the truck to take it home.

Low level, (approx. 3 feet AGL) wingless flight through Ipswich.

Turning into the home paddock.