Now that was some recreational plane.

[cattletruck]

Wandering around Station Pier in Melbourne this afternoon we were buzzed by a strange looking flying contraption, unfortunately I didn't manage to get any pictures of it so I can only describe what I saw.

It was mostly white in colour and the front section appeared to be of an enclosed monocoque construction, it had a high mounted rectangular wing with backwards mounted engines turning pusher props - they were so quiet they could have been electric. The tail boom was just a bar and the horizontal stabilisers looked like they came off a Fokker triplane with its rake and visible ribbing. It had strobes, so it must be legal in some way.

Never seen a twin ultra-light, but I don't get out much these days. It appeared to be very stable in the air and easily handled.

Anyone know what it was, or even better have any pictures of it.

[Squawk7700]

As much as this doesn't match your description, did it happen to look at all like this?

http://www.pilotmix.com/images/ac_images/lazair-2.jpg

[cattletruck]

Yes and no. The cockpit looks the same but was further forward, the main wing appeared to be mounted Catalina style on the fueslage, and the horizontal stabiliser had no anhedral.

[aroa]

Built in Sebring Florida, high wing, twin AFT facing engines, Rotax?, tandem two pax out the front. Great for filming/photography with the unobstructed view forward.
And its called a ....????
Got a pic of the bloody thing. One operated locally around the Tablelands on floats.
And its called a....??
Drat those old neurons. They'll probably make the connection about 3am tomorrow.

Anyone else ????

[Nomde plume]

One of these?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockwood_Aircam

[aroa]

AIRCAM.

Dr Google is you friend !:ok:

Neurons rewired.:ok:

[cattletruck]

The lockwood aircam looks about the right proportions, but I distinctly remember seeing the horizontal stabiliser being a wedge tail. Maybe its something derived from the lockwood aircam but using a more modern design. Is there one on the Australian registrar?

I think we're getting close.

[aroa]

I hope so, as it was see nr Melbourne.

Its a crime of 'strict liability' max 2 years in the clink, to fly an unregistered aircraft in Oz and the Safety Police would love some brownie points.

[Sunfish]

Most probably Andrew in his Searay about to land at Williamstown in the Southwesterly.

[runway16]

It is most likely an Aircam. two open seats in tandem, two pusher props. High wing.


One of two in Australia (at last count). Based at Tyabb. Promotional vids show that it can hold its own on one engine. Great for photography.


C U.


R16

[Squawk7700]

Of course by "recreational" you mean GA registered, because it has 2 engines :ok:

[cattletruck]

Thanks folks, it did look very much like the Searey in profile, but I thought I saw two engines on it - could have mistaken the floats :O.

Happy flying to whoever owns it :ok:

[dubbleyew eight]

could also be an RLU Breezey

[cattletruck]

Only took 2 years to identify that plane. Well done that man.

Flying solo around the world in sea plane lands Melbourne pilot Adventurer of the Year (http://www.smh.com.au/national/flying-solo-around-the-world-in-sea-plane-lands-melbourne-pilot-adventurer-of-the-year-20161026-gsaynz.html)

[Capn Bloggs]

1/ There should be a WARNING that I am reading a thread 2 years old!

and

2/ Any relation? :{

[gerry111]

Damn it, cattletruck!

The Sydney Morning Herald reckons that I've already used up my free monthly access.. :sad:

[Checkboard]

This chappie?

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/407/19501866485_96de7ecdf8_b.jpg