The newsletter of the Sport Aircraft Association (Auckland Chapter) Inc Sport Aviator January 2017

www.saaauckland.org.nz

Committee 2016/17 Contents EXECUTIVE CO MMITTEE 2 Committee 2016/17 President: David Wilkinson 3 Presidents Report 021 468 270

Vice President: Gary Briggs 4 From the Editor 09 277 9959 021 168 7206 5 Chapter News

Secretary: Ken Watters 10 Chapter BBQ 09 535 2435 027 565 9596 12 Mystery Aircraft

Treasurer: Gordon Sanders 13 In the News & On the Web 09 534 2464 021 266 0585 14 Upcoming Events COMMITTEE MEMBERS Peter Armstrong David Campbell- Next Meeting 09 576 3676 Morrison WHEN: Thursday 26th January 2017 021 883 080 09 817 4782 WHERE: Auckland Society of Model 021 946 078 Engineers Club Rooms Scott Neill Peterson Road, Panmure Basin 09 826 5655 Mt Wellington 027 479 3280 SPEAKERS: Alan Butler OPERATIONAL POSITION S Will give a talk on the back- Safety Officer Technical Library country Cub flying he has done in Norm Bartlett Rob Keith the Alaskan Cub around the South Island plus what was done 09 528 0108 09 534 3845 to modify a stock Super Cub with 027 611 2153 Alaskan mods. Tool Library Newsletter Editor Manfred Scherbius Gavin Magill Keith Weale 09 298 0221 07 866 0625 Will speak on some of the tips he 021 0813 6503 027 291 0525 has found building his RV-12. Catering Airspace Users Group Carl Pudney Steve Chilcott 027 430 5303 09 376 3794

021 763 742

TECHNICAL MENTORS Wood & Fabric Mike Tunnicliffe 09 237 8173 Composites Alistair McLachlan 299 2775 Metal Skin Kevin Paulsen 296 5125 Avionics Liviu Filimon 268 1199

FRONT PAGE DCM’s RV-12 beginning to take shape with the first trial fitting of the wings to the fuselage.

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 3 President’s Report

Happy New Year to you all and I hope you have all had an enjoyable break.

It has been a busy period since our last meeting with a successful and enjoyable BBQ at North Shore, Fly In at and the airshow among various other events. Hopefully you have managed to get some flying done in between these westerly winds.

The next event is obviously the SAA fly in at Ashburton and we will spend some time looking at the available routes south and the long-range weather forecasts at the meeting on Thursday evening.

I am due for a 100 hr service on the RV which I will complete before I head south. Leanne Paulsen who is now working for ICE Aviation based at Ardmore has very favourable rates for oil and filters since the supply from Hawker Pacific has dried up following their closure. I understand that they are also agents for David Clarke headsets. If anyone is after oil, filters or headsets let me know and I can pass on Leanne’s contact details.

Once again, I thank Gavin on behalf of the chapter for the effort that he puts into the newsletter, it is much appreciated.

See you all on Thursday

Cheers

David

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 4 From the Editor

Hi Everyone me he has over 100 registrations so it is looking like it will be a bumper year for Happy New Year everyone. attendance. Delys and I will be flying down I hope your Xmas break commercially this year as I don’t have the has been an enjoyable leave available to fly myself. I am still very one. much looking forward to attending though. As David mentioned it has Another event coming up on the weekend been a busy time since the following Great Plains is a Vans’ RV Aircraft last Newsletter and much Forum to be held at on February has happened. Thank you 11th. Jim Evans at Aero Club has to everyone who has sent in updates and arranged for Wally Anderson, former CEO of pictures of the various events. I would ask Synergy Air who built the LSA RV12, to come everyone to please remember to take photos and speak and they are promoting the day as when you attend events and send copies to a RV fly-in event as well. me of any you think would interest the Chapter as I cannot always get to all events. The mystery aircraft for November was correctly identified by Warren Sly as the Budd One event I unfortunately missed was the RB1 Conestoga. Wikipedia tells me. “The RB-1 Chapter BBQ. I was not able to battle my way Conestoga was a twin-engine, stainless steel through the turbulence over the Coromandel cargo aircraft designed for the United States Ranges on the day of the BBQ and figured Navy during World War II by the Budd discretion was the better part of valour. By all Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. accounts it was a great day and several Although it did not see service in a combat members have sent me photos from the day. theatre, it pioneered design innovations in One of the biggest pieces of news of American cargo aircraft, later incorporated in December was Gordon Lindsay’s first flight in modern military cargo airlifters.” his Corby Starlet ZK-YGL. Congratulations to Gordon on this achievement. It has been a long time coming but worth the wait. Paul Edgars SD1 is also rapidly approaching its first flight and you will read in his update some of the trials and tribulations he has been working through. Pete Walton has received his new project at his hangar in Whitianga. Pete’s Fokker Tri- plane comes from Airdrome Aeroplanes in the US. I caught up with Peter over the Xmas break to have a look at the kit. This is an impressive kitset and given Pete bought the deluxe version of the kit minus engine for the grand total of US$16K, I think is very good value for money. The engine was a further US$4K meaning he has the makings of a Enjoy the newsletter. See you Thursday night. complete aircraft for around US$20K. Pete Cheers tells me the company that made the Fokker Gavin (and other types) is tucked away in the backblocks of Missouri and is run by one guy and a bunch of his enthusiast mates. As David also mentioned, the next big event on the SAA calendar is the Great Plains fly-in at Ashburton. Planning is well underway for Great Plains and Owen Moore, the registration officer from Ashburton Aviation Museum, tells

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 5 Chapter News

PROJECT UPDATE PROJECT UPDATE

Gordon Lindsay – Corby Starlet David Wilkinson– DR 107

By Don Wilkinson By Don Wilkinson

Dear John [Corby] David moved the One Design to his hangar Yesterday, 17 Dec 2016, Gordon Lindsay Wed 15 Dec for mating the fuselage and flew his new Starlet ZK-YGL (Yvonne & wing. Yes, it did fit. The wing attach bushes Gordon Lindsay or is it "You're Gonna have to be encased in epoxy and left over Lovit"). Christmas. I complimented him and he said Beautifully built, it was only its 4th flight he "did take a couple if measurements after David Wilkinson tested it and checked during the build" it with 10lb in the baggage locker to ensure operation was ok at Gordon's weight and CG. Gordon flew it for 20 mins over the North Shore field and again later in the day in company with me in TOY when we spent 45 mins over the Gulf and Kawau Island. While Gordon said, he has a little work to do on the landings, he flew it well and sat in the hanger after with a beer, a grin and distant look in his eye. The look reflected his thoughts. "Why didn't I finish it earlier?" The plane is an immaculate example and has revealed no issues whatsoever in the initial 3 1/2 hours of testing and operation. Gordon is totally in agreement that you have again given another Corby builder a huge amount of satisfaction and pleasure. He said he did worry a little about the huge expanse of water underneath him and I suggested he should not consider Norfolk at this stage. Ya old Mate Don

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 6 Chapter News

PROJECT UPDATE An email out of the blue from a man with an SD1 from Germany told of similar problems Paul Edgar – SD1 and cures so a bigger aperture in the lower By Paul Edgar cowling, wrapping the exhaust and

It's so close I can smell it (the smell is channelling the air past the oil cooler in a probably the coil). Gordon Lindsay came to more efficient manner have brought the visit last week to check out my man temps down to normal ground operating carrying model. He seemed impressed until temperatures. I tried to start the little SD1. A lot of Fast taxi testing has shown me the need to tinkering and inspecting and I came to the master the heel brakes but while the engine conclusion that there was no spark. Thanks was running the acceleration and rudder for your time Gordon. Turns out that due to authority were good and my last run at 45 the vague wiring instructions, lets blame knots with all three wheels firmly on the those, I had wired it wrong and done a slow ground left me with a big grin, sooo close. roast of the stator and possibly the coil. Electricity to me is like magic and I only A few photos plus a blurb and this ‘you have a twenty dollar children’s magicians kit tube’ clip. from the warehouse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB3hx4vB0 Ro The designer has since sent me a crystal- clear wiring diagram that, whilst doing my initial wiring, would have made life very simple. New parts are on the way and normal service will shortly resume. The weight and balance was interesting as I had the incorrect numbers. Taking the chute out to balance the aircraft revealed that had I pulled the 'oh shit' cord I would have plummeted to the ground like a flaming shish-kebab as the chute lid was not going to come off. It now has three small grub screws which should easily let go. After getting the correct numbers from the designer the weight and balance is within limits and should I get any fatter, ground effect flying may also be fun. Previous taxi testing had uncovered a lot of small issues. The first day out was windy and turning crosswind, the canopy I was holding open for ventilation, flipped open and smashed the screen. This of course happened in front of the North Shore clubhouse. A small bungy cord now has my face the normal pink colour. The position of the canopy retaining cord was lifting the aft hinge so a new cord and position have cured that problem. The engine temps have been very hot and bleeding the oil cooler with a syringe revealed a large air bubble. Engine temps lowered but were still high.

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 7 Chapter News

P R O J E C T UPDATE PROJECT UPDATE

Pete Walton – Fokker DR1 Tri-Plane DCM – RV-12

By Gavin Magill By DCM

Some photos of Pete Walton’s new project Getting the RV12 centre section out from in his Whitianga hangar. The kitset is from the lower level to the garage for final Airdrome Aeroplanes in Holden, Missouri. assembly.

Fitting the wings for the first time on the RV12. 2 Jan 2017

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017

8 Chapter News

PROJECT UPDATE PROJECT UPDATE

Ken Watters – RV 7 Keith Weale – RV-12

By Ken Watters By Keith Weale

Not a lot has happened over the Christmas The finishing kit arrived in a crate with a break unfortunately. I have worked on the crushed floor due to poor handling. I following bits: discovered this only when I removed the Firewall sealed as far as I can go at the last of the mountain of packing paper. moment. Brake units fitted to the axles. There lay a bent canopy frame. That’s my third major replacement part due to third party damage. No one said putting together even an easy RV-12 wouldn’t be without its trials and tribulations. I have to be philosophical about it though. At least I won’t be held up waiting for a replacement, as I have plenty to do. It turns out that I ordered the finishing kit way too early. My excuse is that the foreign exchange rate was favourable at that time. The fuselage is taking shape slowly. I am painting as I go, which means an entire rearrangement of the garage every time the greenhouse tent has to be erected. Not Wired up and fitted the servo relays for the dismantling the damaged crate, for elevator & aileron trim servos. insurance inspection purposes, also takes up valuable space. Nevertheless, I have almost completed the fuselage belly, and rudder pedals and brakes.

Carried the wings downstairs and gave them the alodine treatment and carried them back up again and primed them upstairs … took a few days for the weary body to recover from that physical effort and I will have to fix the damage to the stairwell. Finally, I have met with a removal company to get the plane out of the window. Should happen around April. All I will need then is somewhere to take it to ……

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017

9 Chapter News

PROJECT UPDATE CHAPTER NEWS

Keith Weale – RV-12 Continued Missing Wire Strippers

By Keith Weale By Gordon Sanders

I have just started on the fuel lines. I am One pair of wire strippers has gone missing jumping ahead a little with these as I feel it from the Chapter’s electrical wiring tool kit and been replaced by a different type which will be easier to install most of the does not appear correct for the task. The plumbing, wiring and control linkages now missing stripper is an Ideal Brand T- before the sides and canopy go on. Those Stripper for 16-26awg stranded aircraft wire who have gone before seem to agree. as shown in the photo. The sizing is critical as the exact diameter of the wire core to be The dreaded bending and flaring of the stripped varies between solid and stranded longerons turned out to be more of a pussy conductors and even slightly with the cat than the tiger that so many make the number of strands. Use of the correct tool ensures wires can be stripped without task out to be. Van’s Aircraft engineers nicking or severing strands. know what they are doing, so I just followed the instructions and hammered Would anyone knowing the whereabouts of judiciously away with a little 3 lb sledge these strippers or having any knowledge of hammer and some strategically placed them please contact Gordon Sanders at sacrificial aluminium on the concrete floor [email protected] or 021-266 0585. Thank you. as protection. A workshop day later two perfectly beautiful longerons emerged. It Also, if builders wiring their aircraft find that will be a shame to have to hide them under additional crimp tools are required (the the skin. present crimper is only for Amp (automotive) red, blue and yellow colour coded cable ends) please advise Gordon, preferably with detailed info, including cable end or connector pin make and size plus tool availability. Using the correct tool not only makes the job easier but better, increasing safety by reducing the chance of failure in service.

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 10 Chapter Xmas BBQ by Gordon Sanders

Many thanks to Julian Coles, David Wilkinson and, most importantly, their wives for their work organising and running today's BBQ at North Shore. A very good turn-out of members and friends enjoyed the hospitality in convivial surroundings. Kids on scooters emphasised that it was a family day as intended. Even the pet dogs seemed impressed, especially the miniature one that had everyone trained to take a turn throwing its tennis ball for retrieval practice.

While the wind was blustery at least the rain stayed away (only a couple of spots) so folk could move around to check out members' aircraft and hangars in the impressive operating cluster SAA members have established in the corner of the field. A great day enjoyed by all, so 'Thanks again' to the organisers.

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 11 Chapter Xmas BBQ

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 12 Mystery Aircraft Quiz

Another interesting mystery aircraft sent to me by Barry Gillingwater. If you can identify it, email your answer to the editor at [email protected] before the Chapter meeting and the first person to get the correct answer earns a chocky fish.

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 13 In the News & On the Web

O N T H E W E B O N T H E W E B

Jetmen Formation Flying Model Gull

From Gavin Magill From Keith Weale Amazing video shows three Jetmen fly in You might find this link interesting formation with the Patrouille de France https://www.facebook.com/Graphic.world.c display team. o/videos/1327465700653390/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNaZCDhvh 88

O N T H E W E B New Rotary Engine Concept O N T H E W E B From Gavin Magill 3D Printed V8 Engine Imagine a 13.5 kg (30lb) 40hp diesel engine or a 4.5 kg (10lb) 3-5hp engine From Don Wilkinson driving a generator set for an engine. As I guess we shouldn't be too surprised one of the comments says. In a small LSA anymore at what can be done with 3D- you could save close to 100lb in engine printing machines. The video below shows weight and release that to payload. the model being assembled like a real http://aviationweek.com/technology/liquidpiston-rotary-x- engine, and "running" on an engine stand. engine-offers-compact-uav-power? With the exception of the bearings and fasteners, all parts were 3D-printed. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/man-builds- working-3d-printed-chevrolet-camaro- engine/?ftag=CAD13782fc&bhid=2415700216021376 3163024212961096

AANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017 14 Upcoming Events by Gordon Sanders

Chapter Events Aviation Calendar 2017 2017 2017 Jan 26 Chapter Monthly Meeting Feb RNZAF Air Tattoo, RNZAF Base Ohakea

Normal venue and time. 7.30 p.m. at the 24-26 Celebrating 80 years of service. More info at Auckland Society of Model Engineers http://airforce.mil.nz/about-us/2017-air- clubrooms, Petersen Dr, Panmure Basin tattoo.htm

Mar Tiger Moth Club AGM Fly-In, Omarama Aviation Calendar 2017 03-05 Annual summer fly-in, competitions, annual 2017 dinner, AGM. Contact secretary Graeme Wood on 027-293 2318 or Every Dargaville Aero Club [email protected] Sat The place is buzzing every Sat, wet or fine, windy or calm, and the catered lunch at 12.30 Mar Langley/Marshall Aerobatic Memorial is good value, just don’t be late! Club website 18 Competition. North Shore airfield. 25th is http://dargavilleac.weebly.com/. If going as anniversary of this renamed event, rain date a group, please ring in advance so the cook 19 March. Contact contest director Simon expects you. Ph. Murray 027-478 4308 or Marshall on 021 747 943 or club house on 09-439 8024. [email protected] 3rdSun Turangi Aero Club Fly-In Month All welcome for a BBQ lunch. Apr Classic Fighters Airshow, Omaka Airfield Contact Tony on 027-453 3740 14-16 Includes Knights of the Sky Great War Exhibition. More info at: Jan Stratford Aero Club Sports Flyers 85th http://www.omaka.org.nz/ 28 Birthday Celebrations. Stratford Airfield Note change of date. Contact Nick Furmage Ph:020 40428854 or [email protected] If members are aware of other events that could be of Feb Great Plains Fly-In, Ashburton Airfield interest to others, please pass the details to Gordon 04-06 The Ashburton Aviation Museum is again Sanders - [email protected]. hosting the SAANZ bi-annual Great Plains Fly-in, Wings Awards Dinner and AGM over Waitangi weekend. Details are progressively updated at www.saa.org.nz/public_pages/events.php Feb Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs 04-12 , Blenheim Please note change of date. Contact Craig Anderson. Ph: 029 890 4910 Email [email protected] Feb Van’s Aircraft Forum/Open Day, 11 Whitianga Aerodrome. Conducted by Wally Anderson of Synergy Air, Oregon, hosted by Mercury Bay Aero Club. Open forum to discuss Van’s aircraft and advice on building RVs. Contact Jim Evans on 021 823 532 or [email protected] Feb Flying NZ Alpine National Champs, 13-19 Taumarunui Aerodrome. Hosted by Taumarunui Aero Club. 13–14: Arrival, practice; 15: Aerobatics; 16: Wildcard, navigation, low-level; 17: National Champ events; 18: Professional pilot, microlight events. www.flyingnz.co.nz Feb Wings over Wairarapa, , 17-19 Masterton. Full info at www.wings.org.nz Feb NZ Aerobatic Club National Champs. 22-25 Hood Aerodrome, Masterton. Contact Grant Benns [email protected] or www.aerobatics.co.nz

SAANZ Auckland Sport Aviator January 2017