At 06:56 PM 3/11/2008, you wrote:
Looks like I skimped on 10 kilos there.
I instruct in the Jabiru 170C and had a go in the Jabiru 160. Both
are 4 cylinder, 80hp on the paper - not ok for towing; speeds / Vs
are a definite issue. We'll get a Jabiru 230 soon. The 230 is
already approved for towing. In theory it is very comparable to the
150. I did a few aero-tows behind the 150(2) VH-KML - flying a
Standard Libelle and even a Centrair Marianne. I've never launched
behind a Jabiru 230. The 150 felt very safe and capable.
KML is very safe and capable. It has a 180 HP O-360 Lycoming. Not
your ordinary 150 at all. A normal 150 can barely get out of its own
way. (Not that I have anything against the 150. I find them
delightful to fly but lacking in power.) It is my understanding that
the mod was done under an STC so there would be nothing to prevent
its use in training as a VH aeroplane.
Just where is the cost saving going to come from by going to RAAus
registration? There's a $110 per year for the RAAus for the aircraft
and $160 per year for each of the pilots which is an extra cost if
the pilots want to keep their PPL's. The parts from Cessna and
Lycoming are going to cost the same, so is the fuel, oil and filters
etc. While maintaining a small bugsmasher isn't rocket science, LAMEs
have at least seen lots of 150's and Lycoming engines. I guess you'll
save on LAME labour costs at the price of the towplane being at the
mercy of gliding club maintenance. It won't take too many
unavailabilities to negate this.
As for the RAAus, last I looked their ops manual was about the size
of the AIP and you'll still need the VFG. Just what is the point of
having people write manuals that are largely a rehash of existing
CASA material? If being done by volunteers, they are wasting their
time and if this is being paid for it is a waste of money. RAAus
members also seem to be killing themselves at a great rate, far
higher than in private operations with PPL holders. In fact I think
it must take a certain hardened mindset to continue to promote RAAus
aviation in light of these figures.
What a pity the RAAus and GFA got together 6 years ago to kill the
CASA recreational PPL. It was an act of sheer political bastardry and
naked monopoly behaviour in support of short term self interest of
the organisations to the detriment of sport aviation in this country.
The proposal would have essentially restored the old Restricted PPL
which is all tow pilots need, with relaxed medical standards and no
requirement to pay money to the RAAus.
Mike
Borgelt Instruments - manufacturers of quality soaring instruments
phone Int'l + 61 746 355784
fax Int'l + 61 746 358796
cellphone Int'l + 61 428 355784
Int'l + 61 429 355784
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
website: www.borgeltinstruments.com
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