John, It isn't even that difficult.
At 08:07 PM 25/08/2013, you wrote:
The rules aren't so much of an issue as is the cost in both Time and Money. Experimental Category is almost as lose as If you think a Starched Wheat sack and Binder twine can fly, then go ahead; however the following applies: - Don't fly it in Class E/A Airspace - Not so much of an issue for most glider pilots.
I'm pretty sure some Experimental Lancair 4Ps with Walter turbines are flying in A airspace and certainly there's no trouble with E or D or C after the test flight hours are flown off. 40 hours for uncertified engines, 25 if certified engine and prop are used. For gliders in the US it is either 5 or 10 hours , I can't remember which. I don't think this has been tested in Australia yet.
- Use of Aeronautical Grade material makes approvals easier - but isn't required if you, as the design authority(and constructor) incorporate Commercial fasteners and material spec's in to the vehicle etc.
Be prepared with a good story as to why these are acceptable, though. It is smart to use aircraft hardware and wiring anyway.
- Only Fly over open uninhabited land - Seem to recall most glider pilots spend an in-ordinate bunch of time in these places. - Don't fly over towns or kindergartens.
Not so once the test flight hours are flown off. The only difference is that you must be able to glide clear of built up areas. You can fly over them down to 1000 feet with this proviso. With certified aircraft you aren't required to be able to glide clear. There is also a blanket exemption for approaching, landing and taking off and departing from aerodromes.
- Put a big experimental sticker in the cockpit
Yes. along with a "Passengers fly in the aircraft at own risk, CASA does not set safety standards for these aircraft." (not the exact wording)
- etc Now Don't expect a CASA/ATSB Party if you prang - they don't care! unless some of the above points are not complied with (Especially Kindergartens).
That's right. Sport aviation safety in Australia is a disgrace. Including gliding.
Insurance can be frightfully expensive, maybe even impossible, and should be considered before sinking Cash and time in to this.
Not so. SAAA members can get insurance, so can others. Not too bad when the test flight period is over. You may have trouble insuring the first few hours of test flying.
You may run out of Design Intent and Ability, and Time before creating something. No one cares about re-inventing the wheel - just don't copy my wheel or I will call it plagiarism, Or buy the plans from someone else. As the builder/designer, you will also wear "any liability", so In use, post sale to someone else(who probably also cant insure it) etc. you will have a Liability noose around your neck - This unfortunately may see your hard fought time in creating something actually being worth nothing.
The operator of an Experimental is responsible for the safe operation thereof. As a buyer you may have trouble suing the builder after it has had an Annual Condition Inspection by a LAME. (required if you don't hold the Repairman Certificate which you can only get as the builder.)
There is a lot of help available if you want to build your own aircraft. The US EAA has lots of information as do SAAA and RAAus and it is fairly easy to find knowledgeable people for advice, including LAMEs. Going to the Vintage Glider Association is probably a complete waste of time, particularly if you want to build in composite or metal and wrong advice from Gary Stevenson and Terry Cubley really doesn't help. Well done, guys. He sure won't appear at a gliding club.
None of you even bothered to ask what the motivation was behind Neville's enquiry. Whenever someone asks me what aircraft they should build or buy I ask "what's the mission?" Neville was interested in a RAAus homebuilt which he though he might be able to fly a little more cheaply if it had some soaring capability. There's a fair bit of this going on in the RAAus (why else would you buy a vario?) but they are now being told they can't turn off the engine, which they are sensibly ignoring. The RAAus is dysfunctional anyway like the GFA. Yesterday someone told me the GFA was "concentrating so hard on chickenshit things they are missing the things that are killing people". Sounds about right to me.
Right now, I'm told, the interests of glider owners and operators re airworthiness are being sold out to CASA by "your GFA" as the office holders roll over the have their tummies tickled by CASA who must be wondering why this is all so easy for them.
Mike
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Terry Cubley Sent: Saturday, 24 August 2013 4:11 PM To: 'Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.' Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] ScratchBuild My father in law built himself a large yacht and then learnt how to sail. This may be the approach that Neville is considering for joining aviation. Unfortunately (?) Neville, the rules around registration of home built aircraft are quite restrictive, with many checks (cheques) and balances. I support Gary's suggestion that you contact your closest gliding club and indeed the vintage museum which has many home builders as members, and they will be able to give you guidance on the options available. Terry -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gary Stevenson Sent: Saturday, 24 August 2013 2:51 PM To: 'Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.' Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] ScratchBuild Neville, The old saying goes that "you have to learn walk before you can run." In your case you need to first of all learn how to crawl! My guess is that you haven't the slightest idea on WHAT modern gliders are made of, let alone HOW? I suggest that you become a LOT more familiar about the sport itself, before even THINKING about trying to build a glider. If you want to gain some experience with working on wooden gliders, I suggest that you contact the Vintage Gliding Association, and volunteer you services, say 1 or 2 days per week. After you have done that for a year or two you will have a better idea of the magnitude of the task, the skills that are needed, and -let's face it - the plain stupidity of your idea! If you are not convinced, here is another tip: Google "Concordia Project" and follow the links. You will note that the first requirement is to be a multi-millionaire! Gary -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Neville Sutton Sent: Saturday, 24 August 2013 2:08 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Aus-soaring] ScratchBuild Where can one find Plans build gliders i.e. build from scratch not a kit All Google seems to return is Models i.e.radio control Is there a list of suppliers somewhere that supplies Glider Avionics etc? _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6603 - Release Date: 08/23/13 _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
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