Narrogin Airfield Today

[pudestcon]

I was going past the Narrogin Airfield today and suddenly found myself in the carpark:augie:

 

The RFDS were there doing what they do best, and the hangars has a few aircraft I thought you might find interesting. It's a pity some had covers on. I'd like to know what 19-4553 is but can't find it on the RAAus register - maybe an early Lightwing? There was a very nice looking, gleaming, Cougar 19-7999.

 

See what you think.

 

Pud

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Riley]

I was going past the Narrogin Airfield today and suddenly found myself in the carpark:augie:The RFDS were there doing what they do best, and the hangars has a few aircraft I thought you might find interesting. It's a pity some had covers on. I'd like to know what 19-4553 is but can't find it on the RAAus register - maybe an early Lightwing? There was a very nice looking, gleaming, Cougar 19-7999.

 

See what you think.

 

Pud

Pud, when you're away from home ya gotta remember what yer Mum told ya "Stay away from other men's women and other men's hangars - both of them are gonna get ya in trouble!" Judging from the cone of oil-impregnated dust under the engine bay, I'm tipping 19-4553 to be a Verner-engined SkyRanger that was kit-built about 5 years back. The fellow then had a split up with his partner & went to ground and I doubt that the aircraft has even had the obligatory 25 hour probationary registration period flown off. Mind you, last time I saw it (6 months back) I wouldn't have been game to add more than 5 minutes to it's run time (and that would only have been in run-up mode). Gonna see you at White Gum?? cheers

 

 

[pudestcon]

Pud, when you're away from home ya gotta remember what yer Mum told ya "Stay away from other men's women and other men's hangars - both of them are gonna get ya in trouble!" Judging from the cone of oil-impregnated dust under the engine bay, I'm tipping 19-4553 to be a Verner-engined SkyRanger that was kit-built about 5 years back. The fellow then had a split up with his partner & went to ground and I doubt that the aircraft has even had the obligatory 25 hour probationary registration period flown off. Mind you, last time I saw it (6 months back) I wouldn't have been game to add more than 5 minutes to it's run time (and that would only have been in run-up mode). Gonna see you at White Gum?? cheers

So it's a Skyranger but not on the register (not updated though) that is currently on the RAAus website.

I'll be at Whitegum Farm for Westfly - volunteered to do some marshalling so watch out!!!

 

Pud

 

 

[Riley]

So it's a Skyranger but not on the register (not updated though) that is currently on the RAAus website.I'll be at Whitegum Farm for Westfly - volunteered to do some marshalling so watch out!!!

 

Pud

Marshall 'Pud' Dillon. Has an impressive tone to it. Do you get to pack a six-gun (or gun a six-pack?) and does this mean I have to be nice to you? (I drew a very demanding and equally important job....... cutting the verge grass on the entry road). Look forward to seeing ya there. cheers

 

 

[naremman]

G'day Pud,

 

Brings back memories when the Narrogin Flying Club was in its apex during the 1970's. It boasted three instructors, and had a fleet of 4 x PA28s, C150, C172, plus a Tiger and Chippie tucked away at the back of the hangar. They operated about at about 20 satellite airstrips, and trained many country pilots. Many keen and aspiring pilots got their first job instructing with NFC launching of from Narrogin for a four or five day excursion to distant country towns. I learnt with NFC when it used to visit Bruce Rock for two days every fortnight.

 

NFC was well served by two great CFIs, in John Douglas and Doug Dawson, when it expanded so quickly. Sadly NFC is but a shadow of what it once was.

 

I noticed that the Peter Martinovich designed hangar is still proudly standing. Peter was an engineer with the then WA Govt Railways, and when the decission was made to construct a new hangar, Peter offered to do the design. Obviously influenced by his railway background, it was certain to stand up to every known and anticipated hazard. Ironically the cocky inspired original hangar is still standing as well!! Peter's latest known achievement was the engineering oversight of the Perth/Mandurah passenger railway.

 

Great images of the RFDS PC-12, and you omitted to mention the St John Ambulance presence, staffed with two volunteer ambulance officers for the transfer. Provision of an acceptable standard of health in the WA bush would be severely diminshed without the great work done by RFDS and St John.

 

Hope to get to Whitegum for the Sunday Pud. Pity that the country is suffering so badly with such a harsh winter.

 

 

[pudestcon]

G'day naremman,

 

I did my training out of Narrogin as well, back in the late 90's under CFI Rod Jarrold. He was using an SB Drifter and a Jabiru. I preferred the Drifter, and still do:wink:

 

It was very remiss of me not to mention the St Johns volunteers,being the controller at Koorda for over 20 years. We were part of the Wyalkatchem Sub-branch. Most country services would not exist if not for vollies, as you are well aware being heavily involved yourself.

 

It would be good to meet up with you but I will probably only be at Westfly on Saturday. Westfly promises to be a great event if we all support it.

 

Cheers,

 

Pud