martinbg

Avgas also runs less power unless you change the engine to take account of the increased safety margin from detonation point.

Torque figures for all fasteners are carefully worked out. They depend on the fastener grade, how they are done up, lubrication and material under the fastener. This is true for everything. Ford have a document which runs to some 15 pages for critical fasteners (I jest not!) The figure of 92 ft.lbs, which is equivalent to 124Nm which is mid range for a 8.8 grade M14. I don't know what size Parajet use to hold the prop on (6mm or 8mm) but doing it up that tight will a: crush the prop & b: shear the bolt. Maybe it's a fastener deeper in the engine on the prop shaft which you don't normally see?

Something like that. But we aren't talking about maximum height gain, that's a whole different record. Ultimate height is what was required. Even to manage a take off at that sort of height was deemed by many in our community as "impossible".

I for one believe that they did it. As with all major records like this there will always be doubters. I take my hat off to them. If I'd got a £500k budget I'd have a crack at beating them!

Maybe its appropriate to list those coming, if only by initials. I believe I'm down to come (and supply silly baloons). Or maybe a confirmation pm to those with their name down? Just a thought. Martin

Tuesday pm / wednesday am as she is going for a sleep over! Kids - love 'em.

Half term week for me, so looking after daughter. Probably means I won't be down. Pity as the weather does look good. Martin

may also get everyone wet!

Simon I had a 1/4 share in an aircraft until recently. MBG

video worked for me but no sound (if there was any in the first place)

Norman I agree. What I didn't want people to do was fit a strobe then get lulled into a false sence of security. I haven't flown as many hours as you but I have had a number of close calls in GA aircraft. Some other things to help would be: Pilots are attracted to things that look nice from the air (crop circles, white horse etc) extra vigilance around these is required as they attract pilots like bees around a honey pot. GA pilots also tend to stick to round numbers in terms of height/altitude, avoid flying constantly at x000' or x500'. I'm sure there are others. Martin

Norman wrote "It is worth emphasizing the importance of lookout, the LAC driver just didn't see him by the sound of it. The truth is, we are vulnerable and at the speeds we fly at you can consider yourself to be a stationary target for anything from a micro-light upward (one step up from a balloon ). Getting seen is about the best defence we have and nothing beats a strobe. " Can I add that "nothing beats a strobe as long as the other people are looking the right way". A strobe isn't a guarantee to get you seen. Keep up your personal look out and if necessary, fly defensively.

Hi Simon Hoping to get down tomorrow and/or Saturday if that's OK. Been really busy with getting deliveries in and cars Mot'd amongst other "stuff". Maybe see you tomorrow if car 2 passes mot! Martin

Next years RAD's will have a fuel gauge option.

Simon As a bit of a request for the coming months, can we get Norman to borrow an ILS and go for a Cat 1, 2, or 3 approach for the main field as it's so BL**DY foggy!!!!! Martin

Hi All Just tried it again. Save file to desktop. rename with file extension as .kml open GEarth Then do File Open Desktop Norman's file (now a .kml) zoom into the ridgeway site at the club go to slant view for best view. Hope that helps Martin (see my album for a screen shot)

Hi Norman I downloaded your track to my desk top and used it as you described. Simple as that. I did need to check for latest updates on a previous occasion. definately haven't paid for GE upgrade. Martin

did it just imply "real time"?

Norman I can see other peoples tracks and I haven't upgraded. Martin

Simon wrote >Sorry to those of you have have to do office / no flying stuff...... Simon But you were in your office as well! MBG

WILCO!

Simon Open Google earth go to help click on "check for updates online" and download the laest version. Then go for it. Can we have a file server here for these logs? Norman Just got it working, GE sent me to the US when I opened it (can't think why) but I came back to Lambourn and there it was. Nice little flight. How long did it take you? MBG

Hi Norman I looked at one track that a guy made is Slovenia (or some such place) and if you use google earth with the slant view i.e. not top down) you can actually see where he thermalled upwards in distinct circles, then where he lost altitude going to the next ridge and onwards to land. It was most impressive.

I have found "Rocket Balloons" (apparently that's what they are called) in a local shop as cheap as on ebay. All I need is an idea of numbers and I'll sponsor the long balloon stock for everyone.