Innehållsförteckning för July-August 2019 från Australian Flying

Airservices Australia has established general aviation Industry Operations Forums to communicate better with stakeholders and discuss plans and initiatives for the future. The first meeting with aviation associations was held in Canberra in May, with further forums planned for later this year. The first meeting involved representatives from 11 groups including RAAus, the Australian Airports Association, the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), Sydney Metro Airports, CASA, the Bureau of Meteorology and the Regional Airspace and Procedures Advisory Committees (RAPAC) among others. Although Airservices will not make the forum notes public, Australian Flying believes issues such as OneSKY, Class E over Class D and digital tower technology were discussed. According to Airservices’ Customer Engagement Manager Elissa Keenan, Airservices created the Industry Operations Forums to deepen engagement with stakeholders. “It’s really…

Airservices Australia has permanently shifted responsibility for traffic over 4500 feet at regional Class D airports from the local towers to Air Traffic Service Centre controllers. AIC H25/19 (AIRAC) released on 15 May stated that the changes commenced at 2.00 am on the morning of Tuesday 23 May 2019. “The first initiative of the Airspace Modernisation Program (AMP) to be implemented is the increase of en route surveillance services at the regional Class D aerodromes of Tamworth, Alice Springs, Albury, Launceston and Hobart,” the AIRAC states. “Aircraft operating at these aerodromes may receive a service from both the local air traffic control tower and from en route controllers in either the Melbourne or Brisbane Air Traffic Services Centres (ATSC). “During tower hours of operation, the local tower will administer the…

To many pilots, deciding between a jet and a turbo-prop would be a nice problem to have. Turbo-prop engines harness the rotating turbine inside a jet engine to drive an external propeller through a gearbox, whilst turbofan engines derive thrust from the reaction force created by hot expanding gas that exits the engine. Modern turbofan jet engines create thrust not just from combustion exhaust, but also expanding bypass air that has been capture by the engine’s fan blades and heated by the engine’s core. While turbo-props also derive some thrust from reaction forces, the majority of a turbo-prop’s thrust is generated by the propeller blades. Conventional aviation wisdom–if there is such a thing–says that turbo-prop aircraft are more efficient at lower altitudes and airspeeds, while jets work in the inverse,…

“The level of automation, especially with the auto throttle, cannot be understated” Despite its critics, the SF50 is the only one of many similar designs from name-brand manufactures to make it to production. It sold well and went on to win the prestigious Collier Trophy. In 2018 Cirrus delivered 63 SF50s – with 22 in the third quarter. Getting aircraft out the door brings in the cash for innovation. At the time there were some desirable improvements: better take-off and climb performance, an ability to fly higher, more efficiency, and a little more speed – but not too much such that those SR22 pilots would get into trouble. There was also a faint hope for an auto throttle. Cirrus delivers In January this year, Cirrus announced the G2 model. The…

We’ve all been there. Having spent a week planning a trip, the accommodation is booked, the aircraft is reserved and your friends are chirping with excitement. Four days before the trip you’re reading the synoptic charts with increasing fervor; the night before, you check your state’s capital's trend type forecast and at first light, you’re up and on-line, reading the local and area forecasts. While you were hoping for a three-line terminal aerodrome forecast, you’re disappointed to see multiple lines, with a few FROMs and BECOMINGs, along with INTERs and TEMPOs. With VFR into IMC, loss of control in mountainous turbulence, landings gone wrong in gusty crosswinds, and airframe icing, still among the major cause of accidents in GA, most accidents are avoidable and only occur because the pilot misjudged…

We often spend a lot of our time just getting down to the business of flying and tinkering with aircraft as RAAus members. It’s worth stopping, from time to time, to actually look at why RAAus is such an incredible avenue for us to commit aviation. For those looking skywards, RAAus is a perfect way to get into the air and in many cases the ideal first step. Likewise, we all get to mingle with lots of people in our day-to-day lives and many will probably be fascinated and intrigued by our flying exploits. Isn’t it too expensive? You’ve got to be smart, right? I would never be good enough! It takes a long time, right? I’m too old or I’m too young! So let’s break it down and remind…

This discussion contains extracts from the SACAA’s accident report. It is compiled in the interest of promoting aviation safety and not to establish legal liability. Aircraft Registration: ZS-FBT Date of Incident: 16 August 2005 Time of Incident: 1030Z Type of Aircraft: Beech Baron 58 Type of Operation: Commercial Pilot-in-command Licence Type: Airline Transport Age: 63 Licence Valid: Yes Total Flying Hours: 20,796 Hours on Type: 2000 Last point of departure: Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kwa-Zulu Natal Next point of intended landing: Jackleberry Game Lodge, 11nm SE of Air Force Base Hoedspruit Location of the incident site: Runway 23, Jackleberry Game Lodge Meteorological Information: Surface wind 150/20, temperature: 17°C, cloud cover overcast at 1500 feet Number of people on board: 1 + 4 No. of people injured: 0 No. of people…

The Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF) has called for substantial reform of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) through a major review of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The call came in the 2019 TAAAF policy released in the lead-up to the 18 May Federal Election. The policy was signed by TAAAF chair and former CASA Chairman Jeff Boyd, and TAAAF executives Paul Tyrrell from the Australian Helicopter Industry Association and Michael Monck from Recreational Aviation Australia. “This policy is aimed directly at strengthening and improving the operational and strategic output of the regulator so that it is more effective and efficient while still remaining focussed on continual improvement in safety and risk management,” the policy states.“While there are many other issues relevant to aviation policy, the primary focus should…

The fatal crash of a Diamond DA40 in Queensland in has cast doubt over whether or not some aircraft are suitable for incipient spin training. VH-MPM was on a simulated RPL test flight out of Archerfield in September 2017, when it crashed, killing both the student and the instructor. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the aircraft impacted the ground after it failed to recover from a developed spin, most likely the result of advanced stall training. “On-site examination of the wreckage and surrounding ground marks indicated that the aircraft impacted terrain left wing first, nose-down and rotating to the left at low forward speed,” the ATSB investigation found. “This was consistent with a left upright spin.” The ATSB subsequently found that Diamond Aircraft does not approve the…

Light Sport Aircraft were intended to be exactly that: light. With customer demands for swish avionics, leather seats and more powerful engines raining down on manufacturers, it shouldn’t be any surprise that basic empty weights of many LSAs are now pushing over the 400 kg mark, eating into useful loads that were already on the limit of practical. Czech company DirectFly has taken it on themselves to restore the LSA to what it was always supposed to be: a simple, practical aeroplane that is easy and fun to fly, but can still carry a decent load without having to leave fuel behind. And it’s made of metal. The DirectFly Alto 912TG first caught my eye at Avalon this year. It was probably the sparkling red colour that did it, but…

elicopter training is often more structured and advanced both on the ground and in the air than fixed-wing training. This may be because the consequences of getting things wrong are more immediate and severe for helicopters. In contrast, when it comes to simulators, fixed-wing is more advanced, especially at the ab initio level. However, things are about to change. Helicopter simulators are catching up fast. Further, all types of simulator training are being revolutionised by virtual reality, so the cost of simulator training is falling. One of the most mobbed displays at the Australian International Airshow this year, was the Australian Navy’s, with Ryan Aerospace HELIMOD Mark III virtual helicopter simulators. Ryan Aerospace is a Gold Coast based Australian company making huge export headway. At the International Search and Rescue…

When you are a child born to aviation-tragic parents, there is this certainly in your young life: you’re going for a ride in an aeroplane soon. It may be the beginning of a life-time passion for you; an experience filled with wonder and excitement, or it may leave you very unimpressed with the flight, the aeroplane and perhaps even your parents. Most children are resilient creatures. They’re more prepared to try new things than adults are and in many cases have greater capacity to see the good through the bad. However, children also absorb first experiences moreso than adults, and that memory colours their impressions through the rest of their lives. How important is it, then, that pilot parents do everything they can to make sure their child’s first flight…

The Australian Defence Force’s Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) has successfully achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC). “Following successful testing of the individual aircrew training courses throughout 2018, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, declared the conditions had been met for Initial Operating Capability,” then Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne said. Operating from 723 Squadron at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW, HATS is staffed by Navy and Army aircrew, instructors, and support staff with aircraft maintenance provided by Boeing Defence Australia. As well as the 15 Airbus EC135T2+ helicopters, HATS uses full-motion flight simulators, part-task trainers and classroom instruction, in a purpose-built facility. “At an acquisition cost of $436 million, HATS has delivered a modern helicopter training system for Defence that has the ability to train up to 144 helicopter…

In those days the only information available came in the form of the Rutan Aircraft Factory (RAF) plans and Canard Pusher newsletters, all of which arrived via snail mail. Burt Rutan, Mike Melville and the team, being keen to improve the RAF product as the result of their own experiences, kept changing the plans at a rate quicker than the early Aussie builders could change their project. A push-pull nosegear retract changed to a worm gear driven version, then we had to cut our already made wings up and add ailerons, then we needed wing cuffs, and so on. My Varieze, VH-DED was powered originally by the Continental O-200 and a Teds prop. I made the first flight in it on 14 September 1979. It was the second Varieze to…

Since stepping down as CASA Chairman in June last year and taking on the role of Honorary Chairman of The Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF) earlier this year, I have had the opportunity to both meet and re-engage with associations that represent many facets of the Australian GA industry. TAAAF comprises of 13 member organisations with a total of approximately 12,500 members. What has struck me is there is still the same level of enthusiasm and, unfortunately, frustrations amongst the members as there was when I was involved through the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) in establishing TAAAF back in 2008. There are new faces and new industries now involved, with the UAV sector being represented by two associations. TAAAF was originally created to give a louder voice to…

“how many times do you hear of aircraft running into difficulties from industrial plumes?” Editor’s Pick Short and straight to the point, this reader is voicing what many in the industry are asking at the moment. It is worth remembering that although the likes of Airservices and CASA have an obligation to consult, that obligation does not extend to actually complying with the feedback. Note also, that feedback from the GA industry is rarely harmonious or unanimous. Where is Consultation getting Us? Hi, Steve. I shake my head in wonderment when I read that Airservices is going to try to put Class E over Class D towers … again. We tried this years ago and they didn’t go ahead with it. Last year it reared its ugly head again and…

1 XTI Aircraft tests Trifan POC Vehicle 2 Gas Plume threatens Albion Park Circuit 3 Textron updates Denali and SkyCourier Programs 4 EASA certifies Daher’s TBM 940 5 First Quarter Shipments go back to Basics 6 Goodbye Six South 7 Piaggio goes on the Market 8 Ausfly aims to foster the Community Spirit of Aviation 9 The Elephant in the Aeroplane 10 AeroVue Touch IFD debuts at AERO SIGN UP TO KEEP UP! The Australian Flying website is updated daily with the latest GA news stories. Visit us online now at www.australianflying.com.au to also check out our free classifieds section, photo and video galleries, blogs, flying tips articles and comprehensive Warbird coverage. And be sure to register for our FREE weekly electronic newsletter, which delivers the latest news FREE to…

Celebration planned as one of Australia’s largest aero clubs chalks up its half century. Redcliffe Aero Club (RAC), perched on the shores of Deception Bay in Brisbane’s north, is set to hold a celebration to mark its 50th anniversary. Scheduled for Saturday, 13 July, the celebration will feature a live band, food vendors and a patrol flight from Redcliffe Airport to the islands offshore. The bar will be open late. “We plan to celebrate what the club is good at,” said RAC president Mike Cahill, “enjoying all aspects of aviation!” The first meeting of RAC was held in October 1969, and a permanent home set up two years later on an airstrip forged from mud and shell grit by local character Norm Thurecht. In those days the strip was at…

• Part 141/142 approvals • Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approval • CRICOS approval to train international students APTA hold the approvals and delivers across multiple locations and offers all levels of training, with a Boeing 737 Simulator and MCC Course application currently in the process of being added to our capability. Most importantly, it is a well-intentioned, safe, and compliant organisation designed to enhance and protect the Australian Owned sector of the industry. Prior to its current expansion the business was valued as a multi-million-dollar business. I am exiting the industry at short notice, due health issues and it is imperative that APTA continues. That is my only current concern. The potential acquirer of the organisation must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. This is to ensure that the…

A pilot’s logbook is far more that just a record of dates, times, places and flights; it is also a history of a pilot’s flying career and a chronicle of the lessons learnt that makes them the aviator they are today. Jim Davis takes a look back through his own logbooks, and records the incidents that have shaped his approach to flying. June 1964 was a whirl of activity. I had one day to settle my family into our new home in Kimberley, and the next I was off to Port Elizabeth. Bert Potgieter, who was my new boss, was a spherical and cheerful little man. A tailor would describe as “portly-short”. He owned the General Motors dealership for that semi-desert hinterland known as the Northern Cape. My first duty…

A viation is a relatively unique profession in that its qualifications are not necessarily achieved through an academic institution. While TAFE, Uni and pilot academies are options for gaining a commercial licence, many student pilots choose to achieve their pilots licence outside an academic framework, often through a flying school or aero club. With self-study often a daunting prospect, specific aviation theory schools exist to serve the demand of student pilots seeking a path to aviation careers outside academia. Bob Tait’s Aviation Theory School in Redcliffe, Queensland and Nathan Higgins’ Advanced Flight Theory School based at Sunshine Coast are two of the most prominent schools in the country. Both Bob Tait and Nathan Higgins are considered masters of the theory by students past and current. Countless CPL and ATPL students…

The ABAA made a submission at the public hearing in Sydney on 26 March of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Economic Regulation of Airport Services. We concentrated on issues with the curfew at Sydney Airport and primary capital city airport charges. The final report of the Productivity Commission is expected to be released in June. Sydney’s curfew The main issue concerning business aviation operations during the curfew is that only business jets with a Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) up to 34,000 kg are permitted to operate. We provided a strong case for the Sydney Airport Curfew Regulations 1995 to be amended to allow business jet aircraft, which are certified to ICAO Chapter IV noise standards and also certified to carry a maximum of 19 passengers, to be permitted to operate…

Understanding risk and responding appropriately is a challenge everyone in aviation must meet. For a private flight in a familiar aircraft the risk assessment and response process can be relatively straight forward, particularly for an experienced pilot. But nevertheless, spending quality time identifying, assessing and managing risks before and during each and every flight is essential to a safe outcome. We all need to ensure we have a safety system to make sure risks do not become accidents. As the aviation environment becomes more complex, the risks naturally become more complex and need an increasingly sophisticated approach to be managed successfully. Even in smaller aircraft the risks multiply quickly as the type of operation changes. Flying training has obvious and different risks to private flight, as does aerial application or…