It has been a busy day here at Lake Keepit… And it is now almost 7PM, and I have still not had lunch. Yes, I have been really really busy. Anyway where do I start. Firstly, I have wireless internet… They have a two way satellite link here through Bordernet, and have that connected to an 802.11G access point, allowing all and sundry to get internet access.

Today we distributed about five OzFlarm units into the field, and I am about to get a report of the test. I know one of the issues, since I also went up, but I need to tell that story separately. The issue with the unit that I was using was that GPS was being interfered with by ignition noise from the motor of the plane. I am not sure what model motor this is, but I suspect that by changing the location of the GPS antenna then things would be better.

The morning briefing was uneventful. A few questions were asked about the OzFlarm, but not to me. I am sure that I could have answered most of the questions though if I had been asked.

Following that I went for a ride after helping to get a glider ready. Believe it or not (and I do not have a photo of this), you normally fill a glider with water before you take them flying. I am talking about 120 liters of water. This is a lot of weight, which is why you add it. It helps you go faster. The water is dumped before landing to reduce weight. Of course the glider I was helping with had a flat tire so I needed to lend them my tire pump from my car.

[Interestingly this is the 2nd aircraft that I have used this on. I have also used it on Richard’s RV7]

Then I went up in a Jabaroo. The one I was in was registered as an Ultralight, and it surprised me how quiet it was. It started more easily than most small planes I have ever seen, and looked like a responsive aircraft. It flew really well, and we ended up cruising at about 7000 feet. The plane behaves in many respects as a glider.

You could really tell as the plane hit the thermals, and feel the plane rising… Then there were times with a downdraft where the plane just seemed not to want to stay at altitude…

The Jabaroo seems like an interesting aircraft to fly… What I found strange was that there was no control stick as such. I think the controls were in the middle between the seats.

The landing in the Jabaroo was interesting. This is the first time I have ever landed at a grass strip, and it was bumpier than I would have expected. Then again we were probably going a lot faster than I would have expected too.

I really enjoyed my flight. I am not sure that I am yet convinced to get my license, but I am getting there. Not yet though