Ahhhh Austerrrrrrrrrr (Merged)
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LnS
My Auster had a steerable tailwheel at one stage as it has the bracket on the rudder post. It had a new spring fitted about two years ago so may have lost it then.
The Maule unit is about £210 for the wheel and £220 for the mount (or vica-versa). Throw in another £18 for the 'latest' anti-shimmy springs. So a few quid cheaper and certainly cheaper than the Scott type.
I was down at Ron's place a couple of weeks ago, he remembered working on my Auster in 1964! It was owned then by Lord Trefgarne , who was mate 's with Charles Masefield the son of Peter Masefield who was the MD at Austers.
There was a very nice J/1 in the hangar which, might be for sale and a Mk1 Auster which will be nice when finished!
My Auster had a steerable tailwheel at one stage as it has the bracket on the rudder post. It had a new spring fitted about two years ago so may have lost it then.
The Maule unit is about £210 for the wheel and £220 for the mount (or vica-versa). Throw in another £18 for the 'latest' anti-shimmy springs. So a few quid cheaper and certainly cheaper than the Scott type.
I was down at Ron's place a couple of weeks ago, he remembered working on my Auster in 1964! It was owned then by Lord Trefgarne , who was mate 's with Charles Masefield the son of Peter Masefield who was the MD at Austers.
There was a very nice J/1 in the hangar which, might be for sale and a Mk1 Auster which will be nice when finished!
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Considerably cheaper than the Scott. I was going to replace mine with an Auster item until I found out what the Auster one cost and what my Scott was worth!
Join Date: Feb 1999
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Did a bit of flying in an Aiglet trainer many years back seem to remember the manufacturers handbook recomended an approach speed of 55 knots which is a lot for an Auster presumably down to the loss of wing area which I felt took some of the charm of the breed away.Didn,t like it much to be honest .As for aerobatting any Auster no thanks be like entering the Monte Carlo rally in tractor.
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Stampe harsh but probably accurate compared to your namesake 
The Aiglet does look 'different' with it's relatively narrow wingspan.
I've heard that they are a bit of a ground gripper compared to other Austers despite the bigger engine. Any thoughts on that?
The Aiglet does look 'different' with it's relatively narrow wingspan.
I've heard that they are a bit of a ground gripper compared to other Austers despite the bigger engine. Any thoughts on that?
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I don't think the wingspan makes a huge difference, not that I am an expert on these matters. My Aiglet J/5F can get off fairly smartish when required, but has had the 145hp Gypsy fitted in lieu of the 135hp, which almost makes it J/5L apparently.
I think the approach speed would probably be 55 mph wouldn't it? All the figures in my POH are in mph. Stall speed is below 40mph with full flap which is ok by me
One significant advantage is that you do not have to open that last hangar door (the one that always sticks) quite so wide when you want to put it away
I think the approach speed would probably be 55 mph wouldn't it? All the figures in my POH are in mph. Stall speed is below 40mph with full flap which is ok by me
One significant advantage is that you do not have to open that last hangar door (the one that always sticks) quite so wide when you want to put it away
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Vick VG 55 mph sounds better than 55 knots. If I landed mine at 55 knots I'd bounce all the way to Hatfield and there ain't a runway there anymore 
The Autocrat (Cirrus II - 100hp) gets off the ground, solo with a full tank (15 Imp gall), in about 150-175 yards in a 5 knot headwind. How does the Aiglet compare?
The Aiglet Trainer I'm thinking of has a 145hp Gipsy 10-1 in her, unfortunately without the ring mod. Oil consumption has been described as 'unbelievable'. The current owner is going to sort that out before I get my mitts on her though.
The wingspan is a major bonus for me as well. The Autocrat only has 18" or so between the wingtips and the doors so delicacy is called for. She has had a few scrapes but no damage beyond requiring a touch-up thank goodness.
The Autocrat (Cirrus II - 100hp) gets off the ground, solo with a full tank (15 Imp gall), in about 150-175 yards in a 5 knot headwind. How does the Aiglet compare?
The Aiglet Trainer I'm thinking of has a 145hp Gipsy 10-1 in her, unfortunately without the ring mod. Oil consumption has been described as 'unbelievable'. The current owner is going to sort that out before I get my mitts on her though.
The wingspan is a major bonus for me as well. The Autocrat only has 18" or so between the wingtips and the doors so delicacy is called for. She has had a few scrapes but no damage beyond requiring a touch-up thank goodness.
Join Date: Oct 1999
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We've been wondering about this for a while. Our ASI is marked
Air Miles per Hour. The speeds Placard in the Aircraft is marked in Knots. So we've presumed that Air Miles per hour were the same as knots. However whilst flying in the comapany of other aircraft the speed seems to be more like Statute Miles Per Hour. I guess we'll have to check the ASI Against the GPS to see what it does actually read!
Air Miles per Hour. The speeds Placard in the Aircraft is marked in Knots. So we've presumed that Air Miles per hour were the same as knots. However whilst flying in the comapany of other aircraft the speed seems to be more like Statute Miles Per Hour. I guess we'll have to check the ASI Against the GPS to see what it does actually read!
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Windy and just to add more confusion is your altimeter calibrated in metres 
Landing at 55 knots must be interesting 
As mentioned before, I usually aim for 50 mph ish over the fence with touchdown at about 35-40mph 
Landing at 55 knots must be interesting As mentioned before, I usually aim for 50 mph ish over the fence with touchdown at about 35-40mph
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I was just wondering if there would be enough interest in setting up an Auster message board?
This thread cannot run for ever and I guess it's not really that interesting to non Auster folk.
I was thinking about approaching the club about it.
What do you think
This thread cannot run for ever and I guess it's not really that interesting to non Auster folk.
I was thinking about approaching the club about it.
What do you think
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Sounds like a good idea to me. It might liven up the club's website.
What was on the cover of the last Auster Club mag? I don't recall getting one for quite a while now.
Is there an Auster section on the PFA's BB? I haven't been there for a while and I think it is currently closed for maintenance.
What was on the cover of the last Auster Club mag? I don't recall getting one for quite a while now.
Is there an Auster section on the PFA's BB? I haven't been there for a while and I think it is currently closed for maintenance.
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IIRC the front cover of the last magazine was a camouflaged Auster taking off from a strip in Devon, with a backdrop of trees. It showed the camo off to good effect
I have heard PB is not well at the moment, so could possibly effect delivery of the next issue?
There is nothing on the PFA site for Auster’s or anywhere else that I have found.
I will fire off an e-mail to the webmaster of the Auster site to see what he thinks about the idea. As you say the site could do with a bit of livening up.
I have heard PB is not well at the moment, so could possibly effect delivery of the next issue?
There is nothing on the PFA site for Auster’s or anywhere else that I have found.
I will fire off an e-mail to the webmaster of the Auster site to see what he thinks about the idea. As you say the site could do with a bit of livening up.
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Cheers Vick VG I'll check my perfectly ordered magazine filing system (the pile under the bed, scattered in assorted boxes and drawers around the house) when I get home.
PS Fancy swopping a flight in the Aiglet for a flight in the Autocrat?
PS Fancy swopping a flight in the Aiglet for a flight in the Autocrat?
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L n S
Yes I would like a flight in the Autocar that would be fun
I am still converting onto the Aiglet
So give it a month or so and we will have to try and arrange something.
I am back in the UK Monday night, so I am in the hangar on Tuesday to do some odd jobs on her, and hopefully doing some flying Wed/Thur.
I am up at Nottingham (the original one) if you fancy a trip up.
p.s. a mate texted me yesterday to say there was a big article about Auster's in the new Flyer magazine (it's just a shame he did it at midnight and woke me up
).
Yes I would like a flight in the Autocar that would be fun
I am still converting onto the Aiglet
So give it a month or so and we will have to try and arrange something. I am back in the UK Monday night, so I am in the hangar on Tuesday to do some odd jobs on her, and hopefully doing some flying Wed/Thur.
I am up at Nottingham (the original one) if you fancy a trip up.
p.s. a mate texted me yesterday to say there was a big article about Auster's in the new Flyer magazine (it's just a shame he did it at midnight and woke me up
).
Join Date: Mar 2002
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Well I must catch up with this thread.
Vick. I hope your Maule tail wheel is the 8" tundra one. As that is the only new Maule one that fits a 1 3/4" spring, ala Auster. (the scott is 1 3/4" as std.)
I've got an old Maule one myself, but will be making my own control horn.
LNS so a change is the the offing, a go faster clipped wing toy no less. At least your keeping with the breed.
As for AP, progress has been slow of late. It's just to damn cold to go out in the workshop. Plus business has been very busy and the wife demanding.....
I'm looking for some wheels and calipers at the moment. I've already got the cylinders and new rudder pedals. Toe brakes both sides !!
The plan is to have the fuselage finished by end of October, leaving just the wings. With the tank mods needed these could take some time. So it should see air under the wheels around September '05.
But if anyone hears of any goods wings with tanks in going, I could be interested.
p.s. Looking for come cleveland 600 x 6 wheels and brakes.
Vick. I hope your Maule tail wheel is the 8" tundra one. As that is the only new Maule one that fits a 1 3/4" spring, ala Auster. (the scott is 1 3/4" as std.)
I've got an old Maule one myself, but will be making my own control horn.
LNS so a change is the the offing, a go faster clipped wing toy no less. At least your keeping with the breed.
As for AP, progress has been slow of late. It's just to damn cold to go out in the workshop. Plus business has been very busy and the wife demanding.....
I'm looking for some wheels and calipers at the moment. I've already got the cylinders and new rudder pedals. Toe brakes both sides !!
The plan is to have the fuselage finished by end of October, leaving just the wings. With the tank mods needed these could take some time. So it should see air under the wheels around September '05.
But if anyone hears of any goods wings with tanks in going, I could be interested.
p.s. Looking for come cleveland 600 x 6 wheels and brakes.
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Hi OD
The Maule tailwheel I have ordered is the 1-1/2 version, which is the width of my tail spring. Light Aero only do this one and a 1-1/4 version.
I saw a brand new Scott tailwheel on e-Bay last week, it was at £200 all week, so I did a bit of frantic bidding at the last minute and got it up to £385 and was pipped at the post by a chap with a PA-18. I am glad I didn't win though, as the adapter's are about $100 and it would have made it more expensive than the Maule.
Bet the chap with the PA-18 wasn't to impressed though!
L n S
Did you know there is a good write up about the Aiglet Trainer on Pilot magazines website?
The Maule tailwheel I have ordered is the 1-1/2 version, which is the width of my tail spring. Light Aero only do this one and a 1-1/4 version.
I saw a brand new Scott tailwheel on e-Bay last week, it was at £200 all week, so I did a bit of frantic bidding at the last minute and got it up to £385 and was pipped at the post by a chap with a PA-18. I am glad I didn't win though, as the adapter's are about $100 and it would have made it more expensive than the Maule.
Bet the chap with the PA-18 wasn't to impressed though!
L n S
Did you know there is a good write up about the Aiglet Trainer on Pilot magazines website?
Thread Starter
Oscar Deuce welcome back. Glad that AP is moving forward albeit slowly. I'm not completely sold on the Aiglet yet, I'm waiting for our mutual frien to get it back from France so I can have a whizz about before I make my mind up.
Vick VG there seems to be some discrepancy in spring sizes here! I would have thought that if they were to be different between models then the Aiglet would have had the heavier / wider one.
I'll be back in the UK in April, I'll pm you closer to the day. Mine's an Autocrat not an Autocar, they are much chunkier with a 180hp Cirrus Major compared to my 100hp Cirrus Minor
Ta for the Pilot tip, but I'm not a subscriber so I don't think I'll be able to access the flight tests
Vick VG there seems to be some discrepancy in spring sizes here! I would have thought that if they were to be different between models then the Aiglet would have had the heavier / wider one.
I'll be back in the UK in April, I'll pm you closer to the day. Mine's an Autocrat not an Autocar, they are much chunkier with a 180hp Cirrus Major compared to my 100hp Cirrus Minor
Ta for the Pilot tip, but I'm not a subscriber so I don't think I'll be able to access the flight tests
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L n S
You only need to register with your e-mail address to get the flight reports as I am not a subscriber either.
Deffo 1-1/2'' on TA, its a relativly new one though as I have the receipt from Auster spares.
Sorry about the type confusion, but Auster model designation can be a bit errrr well confusing at time's
You only need to register with your e-mail address to get the flight reports as I am not a subscriber either.
Deffo 1-1/2'' on TA, its a relativly new one though as I have the receipt from Auster spares.
Sorry about the type confusion, but Auster model designation can be a bit errrr well confusing at time's
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So how come I've got a 1,3/4" spring on a 1946 Autocrat. I thought they were all 3/4".
By the way, how old is the receipt for the spring and how much did it cost. ?
LNS. Chris seems to be moving a few Austers lately, I hope he's keeping one for himself along the line.
By the way, how old is the receipt for the spring and how much did it cost. ?
LNS. Chris seems to be moving a few Austers lately, I hope he's keeping one for himself along the line.
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OD
I am slightly worried now, cos I am at work in Paris so not in position to check the size!
But I remembered using a vernier to measure it and I did double check it so it must be correct.
Incidently what set me off with the Maule type was seeing one that Ron Neal had just fitted to an Autocrat, which he said that he got it from Light Aero, and as I have previously mentioned they dont stock a 1-3/4, so its all a bit of a mystery.
I will check the receipt for you, from memory its from 02 and was for around £600, but I will double check when I get home.
L n S
Is it Romeo Fox that you are thinking of buying?
I am slightly worried now, cos I am at work in Paris so not in position to check the size!
But I remembered using a vernier to measure it and I did double check it so it must be correct.
Incidently what set me off with the Maule type was seeing one that Ron Neal had just fitted to an Autocrat, which he said that he got it from Light Aero, and as I have previously mentioned they dont stock a 1-3/4, so its all a bit of a mystery.
I will check the receipt for you, from memory its from 02 and was for around £600, but I will double check when I get home.
L n S
Is it Romeo Fox that you are thinking of buying?
Thread Starter
VVG it is indeed RF I'm looking at. She looks in need of a tidyup but nothing too drastic (I hope). Do you know her? I must say that I find Auster naming and numbering confusing as well.
I've fitted a new tailwheel spring recently. I think it's 1 1/2" but I can't check it right now as it's 3,500 km away........
ODI think Chris has owned every Auster in the UK at some point or another. Unless his fleet has changed recently he has an Autocar, the Aiglet and he's sold a half share in his Autocrat. The Autocar is a chuncky beast. With the raised turtledeck it looks like a 3/4 scale Argus. The 180hp Major engine thuds along nicely too.
I've fitted a new tailwheel spring recently. I think it's 1 1/2" but I can't check it right now as it's 3,500 km away........
ODI think Chris has owned every Auster in the UK at some point or another. Unless his fleet has changed recently he has an Autocar, the Aiglet and he's sold a half share in his Autocrat. The Autocar is a chuncky beast. With the raised turtledeck it looks like a 3/4 scale Argus. The 180hp Major engine thuds along nicely too.