Re: [aus-soaring] "Experimental" Tug ?

[Wendouree Water Treatment]

The Auto Tug is happily towing all comers at Kingaroy without restriction, and has been ever since it was put into experimental category. One of our DDSC club members, Bob Keen has recently investigated the feasibility of commercialising the Auto Tug, in cooperation with Dave Sharples. Dave is convinced that it is now sufficiently developed and unquestionably is a viable tug, and that this is the next logical step.   However the latest conclusion of Bob Keen after several months of investigation is that it is a non goer. The requirement with respect to using experimental tugs apparently is that we can have as many tugs as we wish in the movement operating in the experimental category, but as soon as we wish to produce a second one identical to a superior experimental example, then that will not be legal. There is apparently no provision in the category for any type of limited series production. Such examples have to go into a separate category, and be equipped only with components which are fully traceable back to their source of origin. (As Bob Keen puts it, to the hole in the ground). This will of course put the complete kybosh on using auto engines for series production, tugs. But if every club in Australia wishes to build one with a separate engine type and operate them in experimental that will be OK.   All sounds very logical doesn't. Is anyone really surprised?   Dave, I think you follow these postings. If I have missed any aspect, of what Bob reported back to DDSC, you may care to clarify. I don't think that Bob is tuned in here.   Don't hold your breath or hang by your toe nails waiting.   But then has anyone had a look at the new Jabaru eight cylinder,200 HP engine which will be able to be fully certified! See the Jabaru web site   Bob Ward ----- Original Message ----- From: John Orton To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 11:41 AM Subject: Re: [aus-soaring] "Experimental" Tug ? Hi Mark, You just asked questions outside my knowledge base. I am not from the Kingaroy area. I am just interested on our clubs behalf as to the autotug status. I think that it depends on the certification. If it gets certified for private use  ( experimental or not ) and has the appropriate characteristics then yes it could be used as a tug.   I have not be told of any restrictions to what it can tow. Maybe someone from Kingaroy could respond.   Regards   [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Fisher To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 8:37 AM Subject: Re: [aus-soaring] "Experimental" Tug ? John, Does this mean that any home built aircraft capable of performing the function of tug, can be legally used for all club operations? I thought the Auto-tug only had approval to tow single seaters ? Is this the case. ? Cheers Mark