10-1968 —

A superb capture! Every aspect of this shot is outstanding, but the aspect I particularly love is the scarf flying back in the wind. Adds an exceptional dimension to the entire scene. Whoever voted this snap less than a 5 only did so because he (or she) honestly knows in his (or her) own mind that he (or she) is unable to take pics of equal quality or else he (or she) is a dimwit who knows zilch about photography.

bingo @Gary :-)

I agree, this is an excellent photo!
I have a question tho. I’m wondering why these pilots wore such long scarves?

The original engines were lubricated by a total loss oil system which threw oil on to the screen and pilot.The silk scarf was to clean the goggles.The oil was usually castor oil so after landing the pilots would have to rush off to the closest latrine.(Thanks to Fantasy of Flight for this info)

Complete with fake bullet holes and all!

Thanks Rex.
Also about the castor oil, I heard that they would load up on cheese before heading out.

Hello and thanks to all for the comments, and thanks Gary for the boost. It was a bit tricky slowing the shutter speed enough for the movement with a heavy Sigma 120-400 lens on the front - more failures than successes!

I should have added in the description that our ultralights don't have VH- registrations.

For any who are interested, you can find a LOT more if you search Australian Ultralight rules. The actual regs should be on the first result, the Ultralight homepage.

So if it's a 7/8 scale replica ultralight what engine is it running?

Hello Alan, thanks for the question. An information board with the plane on another photo I have states a Rotax 503, 46 hp engine and that pretty much lines up with general information I found searching on the type - Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW). You can also search Circa Reproductions Nieuport which will give you some more information.

Absolutely superb shot Gavin :-)

Thanks Andreas.

A great capture of this old machine... Cheers,
Ike

Thanks Ike.

Awesome shot and capture, Gavin!

Thanks Dwight.

Very good picture and really captures the mans love of grass roots flying.