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Thread OP
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I was thinking of a 2 vehicle team, 1 topless for me to fly from, the other following with a “caution, men playing with their toys ahead” style sign.
I’d like to keep the weight of the wings and empennage as low as possible so I can centre as much of the weight as possible in the fuselage, not for any particular reason, just because during my “napkin CAD” process I just sketched it that way. |
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X/c i oz
First. A good 100" Glider is a nice small XC model. Gemini, Sagitta, et al. I made 38 miles from Barstow/Daggett airport to Ludlow. 4.5 hours I think. I was held up enroute.
Second. A two car team is an excellent Idea. Put the second car in the lead position, put a good DLG flyer in the lead car and when you get low, the HL flier leaves the lead car and scouts for lift. I never actually tried it but it would work I think. Don't be afraid to ballast. Weight is what gets you to the next thermal. Back in the 80's we (SFVSF) had XC events where we did the 10K out and return. Our 2MWC models would make those goals with ballast. XC is fun, it should be great fun in Auz. JDK |
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Totally agree Jerry. XC is always fun and even a 10k is a good achievement. Using DLG as a testing platform for lift is good. Maybe an E DLG or something 2m ish so that the launch component doesn’t overshadow the quest to find lift.
Weight is your friend. Speed equally distance to get you out of sink. Really important. Arguably more so than finding lift. Great to see some interest again. It is refreshing to think past sub 250g, 400’ big brother hobbies. |
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???
Its illegal in California as well but I did 100's of flights in the back of pickups over a 20 year span. Never a problem. I guess my preconception of Croc Dundee was complete BS.
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???Quote:
As far as design... 18-22 oz loading critical if you are actually serious about XC. You will be using a vario so super light tips and empennage not a big factor. |
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Last edited by TrekBiker; Apr 06, 2021 at 04:00 PM.
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Yeah. The fuzz/ rozzers/ cops/ oinkers etc are brutal here. I’m guessing if you got caught riding in the back of a ute, it would actually be a big fine, and possibly some time in the cooler. Fines apply 5 fold to the driver under duty of care refs here too. If the individual copped $1K, the driver would get $5k. Not negotiable.
I recall couple years ago, a very senior political figure conducting an interview in the back seat of a moving vehicle. No seatbelt. Filmed and went to air. Next minute, big fine and almost lost licence. They take it serious here. Yes to wing loading. Speed is needed. There’s option here for slope lift rather than thermal. Over 700km in one spot. Average flight speed in excess of 120 km/h. Very different from a 350km thermal only flight. |
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Chasing options
Still a few legal options around - these were mine, both still going with different owners to my knowledge.
Saab have a four-seat convertible, and there are others around. Where there's a will... Cheers, Pete |
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You want us to buy/ hire/ steal a Saab? Crickey Pete. In the Wild West, we don’t allow such vehicles, nor the people who drive them. From what I’ve seen of Saab’s, outside of 50 shades, they are driven by Nanna’s in a Nannaly fashion. And come in white. Or black.
Id suggest a jeep, or even a Landrover before a Saaaaaaaab. And you know how reliable a Land rover is... |
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Some time ago, a friend of mine (somewhat tongue in cheek, but captures the differences rather well IMO) told me that in Australia, unless it is expressly permitted, it is prohibited whereas in New Zealand, unless it is expressly prohibited, it is permitted.
The traffic enforcement in Australia is OMG strict, US folk will not understand this. Doing 103 kph in a 100 kph zone will get you a fine. Last time we went to a comp in Australia, our driver missed seeing a speed limit sign in a rather rural area (near Milang). He got ~$800 fine... |
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And it doubles on holidays...
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Joe W is correct, I have had the opportunity to visit the US several times and four trips to Europe. As much as I am proud of Australia it is the worst country to drive. It is possible to follow the rules and be dangerous. With 36Mh so much as a TX aerial out a window can be a problem. Finds are all about raising money.
I am spending a lot of time looking for some where to do LSF 10K G & return and I would like to do the 25K XC US pin. May be I need to have a trip to the US. Take care john Quigley |
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Drela airfoils.
I second the choice of some of Mark Drela's airfoils.
This sounds like a real fun project. Edit: Based on the trials I have done with vacuum resin infusion, I found that it was heavier than hand layups. This is counterintuitive I know, but the evidence was compelling and I now do vac bagged hand layups only. |
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Last edited by Jim.Thompson; Apr 08, 2021 at 05:36 PM.
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Thread OP
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Quote:
Jail time is doubtful unless your a habitual offender (or just an all round bad egg), but the fines can be rather large. |
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Even simple parking fines can be exhorbitant. $401 dollars for parking in a designated disabled driver only spot. And that was about 5 years ago!
They are fining drivers here for putting keys in the ignition before securing their seatbelt. And many other inconsequential "offences". |
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