Is the museum keeping the T-bird, or is it off to the States as well?

What a great finish. It looks superb!

Burning Fibreglass.

Speaking of rags (and I’m a little embarrassed to even mention this)….

Many years ago I took a passenger out to an outback strip, in one of the first Jabiru ultralight aircraft. After the passenger disembarked, I took a few moments to check over the engine, and check the oil level etc. Now the Jabiru has the entire top of the cowling removed for these checks, and it is held on with some clamps.

It all looked good, so after a little map study for the return journey, I strapped myself in, and was about to start, but something was nagging me…right at the back of my mind. I couldn’t figure it out, but knowing that it’s best to figure out the problem on the ground rather than in the air, I unstrapped, got out, and removed the cowling. Yes, there was the oil rag, sitting on the engine !! I’m so glad that my ‘spider sense’ was working that day.

Why no regular postings from military pilots? Generally it’s because military pilots do not have much interest in the kind of questions or scenarios that are posted. They tend to spend their spare time doing what every other normal healthy person does – whether it’s sports, travel, family, study or hobbies (which may include the internet). Debating on which air force has the best fighter pilots, pondering the YF-23 vs Mig 43 outcome, or wondering why the F-86 isn’t brought back into production armed with the latest generation Python AAM’s is not overly realistic. And some of the wanabe respondants will get nasty, sarcastic and generally angry if their ‘expert views’ are questioned or opposed. Sometimes the subjects quickly become racist, which is another area to avoid. Also, and most importantly, many of the military pilots are not experts in the particular fields that are being discussed. As such, they tend not to comment, as they have nothing worth saying on the subject. And then there is also the matter of security classifications….

As for what kind of people become military pilots, you will find that some of the nicest and most intelligent people on the planet qualify. Likewise there are also some arrogant idiots that also get the job. In general all of the successful applicants come from a broad cross section of the community, with varied backgrounds and lifestyles. However they all have certain aspects, which includes (amongst many, many others) dedication, health, aptitude, coordination, positive attitudes, strong survival instincts, common sense, teamwork, leadership, and self respect. Some of the other important issues can only be tested in the air, during military flying training, and only show up after this exposure. That’s why some people fail flying training.

Regardless, if your heart is in it, and you are prepared to give exactly 100%, then go for it. Find out what the academic requirements are, and strive to achieve them – no, beat them, it’s best to excel. Learn about the job, visit the recruiters, and ask relevant questions about your potential job, training and career. It’s not easy, but it is definitely worth it.

Many military helmets (well, the American Gentex ones anyway) have 19ohm impedence speakers in them.

You need to buy 300ohm impedence speakers for them. Changing them is easy.

Then you may need a lead to convert the one plug, into two seperate plugs.

“Oh blast it – the lens cap !!”

It don’t bother me. Just hope that the Tooth Fairy doesn’t take revenge on your pearlies..

Oh dear. I didn’t mean for this to happen.

Help Janie !!