Gyro trip to Wonderboom

[t-bird]

My last flight in 2008 was on the 31 from Summit –Grand central to Wonderboom.
I have posted all my previous trips on Gyro Talk, but though that this would be applicable to everyone.
Just past the red and white radio mast along the Magaliesburg ridge.
Wonderboom ATC was very friendly and route me at 5500 feet along the ridge.



The poort a reporting point ahead of me .



The reason for flying to Wonderboom. I had the opportunity to fly this AERO Comp 8 with a 700 hp turbine engine. If I ever have to choose an airplane besides a Gyro, this would be it.



Over the Hartbeespoort dam wall on my way back in my Gyro.



Some serious low flying over Harties . What a way to end a year.



For those interested in my other trips go to Gyro talk or the following topics

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5540&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=9538&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=9466#p96055
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=6648#p64685
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5882&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5763&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7614&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[RV4ker (RIP)]

The reason for flying to Wonderboom. I had the opportunity to fly this AERO Comp 8 with a 700 hp turbine engine. If I ever have to choose an airplane besides a Gyro, this would be it.

It awesome machine. Wish I could afford 1... If you ever looking for co-pilot or even bag carrier

PS
Nice pics... Were FAWB ATC "funny" at all? I know some guys have been given a hard time as some ATC refer to gyro as Microlight and I dont think they allow them in hallowed WB space...

[t-bird]

ATC was great at FAWB.
They don’t have a problem with Gyro’s.
Never had a problem at any airport across the country with a Gyro

[Chris]

hello

What about microlights? Why do so many ATC have problems with microlights? Ex. FAWB

Chris

[RV4ker (RIP)]

hello

What about microlights? Why do so many ATC have problems with microlights? Ex. FAWB

Chris

I think it speed (or lack thereof) stuffs up their spacing and circuit and often the radio transmission is very weak requiring countless "say again's"... Don't know? I have seen plenty at Rand so not all ATC are anti micro?

[Chris]

Say your'e flying from microland or kittyhawk via mamelodi to kroon, would they give you permission to enter fawb ctr to fly overhead the
magalies ridge to the west outbound rosslyn? Or should you call them telefonicly beforehand?

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I have routed many times before in ZU reg's aeries without a problem. Most accomodating usually, but there are 1 or 2 difficult ones. Just a word of warning. FAWB are charging for comms with them and flying though their airspace, so you may be allowed, but expect a moerse bill.

[t-bird]

Hi Chris

I have routed with my Thunderbird from Rhino along the Magaliesburg ridge to crosswinds.
No problem from FAWB.

Just make sure your radio is working properly.

If you are worried phoned them and ask them if the flight will be possible.

[Low Level]

Routing from Kitty Hawk towards Harties, we route over Villiera. There is a small corridor between Wonderboom and Waterkloof's airspace. Talk to Waterkloof when overhead Silverlakes. They give you a height, usually 5500 ft, and usually gives you over to SRW. The route roughly goes just north of Stormvoël/Michael Brink street. Then route along the south of the northern ridge towards the dam. You can jump the ridge once past Wonderboom CTR. Nice trip.

For about 5 minutes you must really trust the donkey, and be on the lookout for helicopters over the city. For some reason their radios are always broken.

[Stephan van Tonder]

Ok now that you talked about the Gyro - TELL us more about the flight in the comp 8 PLEASE!!!!!!!!

[t-bird]

Ok the flight in the Comp Air 8

Start up
This is all electronic for the turbine engine. You flick a switch and it goes through the startup procedures.
Once started you get that kerosene smell. Apparently that is how airplane fuel should smell.

Take off – My first take off with a taily
You have step on those pedals, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Pushing the stick forward to lift the tail was unusual for me in a 3 –axis

The flight

I flew over the Magaliesberg ridge to Harties , it was hot and turbulent. But she handle it with ease.

I loved the controls , she is heavy on the stick but responds to the inputs with no funnies.

ALMOST AS STABLE AS A GYRO, BUT WE WERE DOING 185 KNOTS compared to my 90 MPH in the Gyro.

Landing

We have hit some turbulence in the final phase of the landing and I handed over to the PIC who landed her perfectly.

[Stephan van Tonder]

Thanks Awesome looking airplane. It must accelerate rather briskly with all those horses in front.