gordon_dunn

And don't forget to factor in the 500ft high cliffs along the Kintyre coast line......

A few other routes may be worth consideration also- Larne-Portpatrick: This is only 22 miles, but Luce Bay may be subject to restrictions if NOTAMS are raised. Wicklow-Aberdaron (Caernarfon): 53 miles, but you need to cross an international FIR- not a problem in theory- but legally a flight plan would be required. Rosslare-Fishguard: 47 miles- again a flightplan would be needed. The main advantage in going Torr Head to Kintyre- is that you can see the destination from the take off point..... although navigation shouldn't be a problem- it's a lot more reassuring if you can see where you're going.

The guys that did it had speed boats following them and flotation aids.... not sure if they also had survival suits... In terms of regulations- I don't believe there are any special restrictions.... you are within a National FIR region so you don't need to cross any international boundarys. When you think about it- it's only 14 miles (Torr Hd to the Mull of Kintyre).... many of you would fly further on any typical flight... but there is something very daunting about wide open sea beneath you! If it were done with a good tail wind, you'd do it in no time...

They certainly used to be good navigational aids, but now there are just too many of them around here.

Yes- A group of guys did the trip a few years ago. Flew from Torr Head, Co.Antrim to Mull of Kintyre, landed and then flew back again. Just over 14miles flight each way, but quite an achievement!

Indeed. Often thought that the core functionality of the G10 was based on simplicity- being able to point and shoot, with quality photos relatively easy to take- important during flying. On the downside, the default perameters were somewhat limiting for other applications- and I didn't want to buy another SLR camera to do my 'other stuff'.... Turns out that you can also get a filter adapter for the G10, just ordered one on Ebay, as well as a basic intervalometer....... some serious experimentation due!!!!

Just discovered a very useful website detailing how to hack the Canon G10, and extend it's capabilities somewhat.... For example the default 15second exposure limit on 'TV' mode can be extended to over 3000seconds, if desired..... All kinds of pretty useful stuff built in there... The hack software can be booted up on the camera at any stage from the memory card- the default firmware still remains on the camera, and remains unaffected. More information at- http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_1.2.0_User_Manual GD

Very nice...... I wonder what the little thing above the cockpit canopy that folds down after takeoff is?? (See position 1:07 on video)

Most manufacturers recommend you don't start or run the engine without the prop.... Yes it acts as a flywheel, and without it the engine can 'race' and cause damage. Depending on your machine, your warranty may be void now.

I've spotted people doing this too- only on public roads!!!!

thanks Pat.... Just made a purchase on iTunes..... some great 'Gopro' tracks there!!!!

Had the same experience when I needed a fast wing repair- the loft didn't answer my enquiry, but Aerofix were brilliant.. Gave me a few different repair options, and turn around was very fast, and reasonably priced. I'd definitely use the again, and recommend them to anyone. GD

Spotted this report on the BBC website- very simple, well made video featuring some very clever timelapse! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24879936 Anyone know what the soundtrack is?

Sorry- this video was 30fps, but started using 50fps now on everything, as it gives sharper results and I have more versatility if I want to experiment with slowing down some scenes, etc.... I don't use ProTune, and editing is very simple- just used Cyberlink Powerdirector to cut out the scenes- no stabilisation or anything.... The 'raw' MP4s straight from the camera are good enough- a lot of them I don't even edit- just add titles. GD

Another way of doing it- instead of modifying your exhaust system, would be use a piezo electric transducer, pump and a glycerine solution- similar to the small smoke machines you get at parties... With a bit of tweaking you should be able to get it working on a 12v battery.... not sure what the smoke density would be like though- but would be worth a try...

Tried a few different settings on my Hero 3, but stick to 1080p at 50fps for most flights now- [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEaQttK62S0[/youtubevideo]

Just checking the wording on my exemption certificate there- and if you went by the letter of the law then there wouldn't be a lot of areas that you can actually fly.... (Quoted from actual exemption cert- Applies to Republic of Ireland only... Northern Ireland is UK) Item 3- No flight may be made at any height over- a- any town, city, or built up area b-any area of commercial, residential or recreational use c-any open air assembly of persons, whether gathered in connection with an event or public entertainment or otherwise Comments- Commercial/Recreational- Can you legally fly over farmland? Forrests, etc.... Ambiguous. As far as I am aware taking off and landing in public areas is prohibited. Also, of interest Item 1 A valid JAR-FCL Class 2 Medical Certificate issued by an Irish Aeromedical Examiner must be held at the time of flight Comments- Surely a certificate issued by any JAR medical practitioner would be enough. The whole idea of JAR (Joint Aviation Requirements) is to adopt a harmonised standards system throughout the international member states.... so why does the certificate have to be from an Irish Medical Examiner??? Item 2 All flights must be conducted in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions under Visual flight Rules and in Class G airspace below 4000 above mean sea level. Comments- Yes only 4000ft!!!! unbelievable!!! GD

Hiceadha - Sounds like you wouldn't go far wrong if you had 'ptwizz' and 'pete_b' on your design team- these guys in collaboration could produce some very interesting things.... 2 strokes are fascinating- simple in theory, but in reality an art or a science?

Even if you get the 'Wicklow Uplands Council in Ireland' talked into this- which is possible.... you'll have to get the IAA to retract the prohibition from 'flying from public places' rule in the terms of their exemption. I will hopefully have a word with the IAA next week on the Exemption status. GD

Well- if you don't need the tuned pipe, then the expansion chamber shouldn't be necessary then... I'm no expert, but i thought that the expansion chambers job was to dissapate shockwaves from the 'rebound' of the tuned pipe thus reducing noise emmissions..... GD

Wow! I forgot about the expansion chamber also... definitely no need for this either.... Sounds like a nice idea- but the electrics would let the whole thing down I'm sure.... You cant beat a Top 80 with pull start for sheer simplicity!!! GD

Parajet rotron.

This is a big plus of the system.. and only those who 'misbehave' fear or argue with it.... The other main advantage is that pilots are trained to a defined standard, and there is a record of who actually flies...

OK- to answer your question- the system doesn't work in Ireland. 90% of PPG flying is outside the exemption system- therefore technically illegal. I think there was a similar situation with microlights in Ireland also..... GD

True the IAA do run an 'Exemption' system, but what use is this if they don't police it. No detections or prosecutions for illegal flying, even when the Irish Air Accident Investigation unit have been involved. If they can't police it, or refuse to allocate resources to policing the requirement for the exemption- then it should be abolished! The system isn't bad on paper- but the requirement for the Class 2 medical certificate is way overkill!!!! Degregulation works fine in the UK- so why should Ireland be any different? GD