tlamdweeb Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 Hello everybody, not much flying going on in the UK at the moment for us Microlight pilots. Fortunately I am due to be heading to Perth (West Australia) later this year with work so if anyone has any experience of getting their UK NPPL(M) endorsed for use in Australia, I'd be grateful for any advice.
Old Koreelah Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 Hello everybody, not much flying going on in the UK at the moment for us Microlight pilots. Fortunately I am due to be heading to Perth (West Australia) later this year with work so if anyone has any experience of getting their UK NPPL(M) endorsed for use in Australia, I'd be grateful for any advice. Beewdmalt? Bewdmait? Bewdie mate? Not much of a code-breaker; help me out?
tlamdweeb Posted January 8, 2014 Author Posted January 8, 2014 tlam = I'm currently involved in the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile business. dweeb = a geek/socially inept/studious person. Although my wife thinks I'm socially inept, my youngest daughter thinks I'm a bit of a geek at times when it comes to aviation, most people that know me wouldn't agree that I'm I'll that studious... 1
Old Koreelah Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 So, are your tlam's likely to get in the way of our little rec aeroplanes, or can they weave their way thru the traffic? 1
planedriver Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Welcome to the forums tlamdweeb. Perth is a lovely place, but a long way from anywhere else. If you need to catch trout in the High Street like Castle Combe, then the nearest you'll get to that, would be in Tassie. There's a lot of fellow Pom's who have settled in Perth, who I hope make you feel most welcome, even if you do fly inverted initially. Good luck with the move, it's a big step, but one i'm sure you won't regret. Kind Regards Planey ( The old Womble from Wimbledon Common) and stay in touch. 2
Guest Crezzi Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 To answer the OP - your NPPL(M) is a UK only qualification and doesn't entitle you to fly in Australia. You will need to join Recreational Aviation Australia (equivalent to BMAA) and get a Pilot Certificate via one of their flight schools. How much flying this requires typically depends on your competency but shouldn't be too onerous. At their discretion, the school might also want you to sit an exam or two E.g. Air Law or Radio. There are some differences in both these areas such as generally being prohibited from flying in controlled airspace. As an aside - in Australia the term "microlight" is usually interpreted as exclusively referring to weightshift trikes. Fixed wing "microlights" used to be known as "ultralights" but tend to be called "recreational" or "light sport" now. Cheers John
Guest ozzie Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Shame you are not bringing your TLAMs. I could use two at the moment. One for CASA and one for RAAus.
tlamdweeb Posted January 10, 2014 Author Posted January 10, 2014 John Thanks - I've emailed RAAus several times regarding the process with no response as yet. I've done a bit more digging and it appears that they can do a 'conversion' of my licence (3 axis in UK parlance which equates to UL/Rec). I haven't been able to look at a detailed Chart of WA airspace yet, but not having to contend with flying through Controlled Airspace will come as a bit of a relief after flying around the Southern UK (they don't always let us VFR only boys in...).
tlamdweeb Posted January 10, 2014 Author Posted January 10, 2014 John Thanks - I've emailed RAAus several times regarding the process with no response as yet. I've done a bit more digging and it appears that they can do a 'conversion' of my licence once a RAAus Instructor/examiner signs me off. I haven't been able to look at a detailed Chart of WA airspace yet, but not having to contend with flying through Controlled Airspace will come as a bit of a relief after flying around the Southern UK (they don't always let us VFR only boys in...). Welcome to the forums tlamdweeb.Perth is a lovely place, but a long way from anywhere else. If you need to catch trout in the High Street like Castle Combe, then the nearest you'll get to that, would be in Tassie. There's a lot of fellow Pom's who have settled in Perth, who I hope make you feel most welcome, even if you do fly inverted initially. Good luck with the move, it's a big step, but one i'm sure you won't regret. Kind Regards Planey ( The old Womble from Wimbledon Common) and stay in touch. Planey Thanks for that - I'm coming over to do a 4 yr exchange with the Australian Navy. I'll make sure I'm pointed the right way up before getting in the air again. Recovering from unusual attitudes might need a bit more thought.
Guest Redair Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 G'day Tlamdweeb. greetings from down-under. Never expected to see a posting from Swindon on this website... small world, I was originally from Ciren. Where do you fly out of over there? I know what you mean about busy airspace... Herc's, VC10's, Tornados, Harriers, Chinooks, Hunters, Hawks, Red Arrows, B52's, B1's, A10's, Jaguars, Andovers, Balloons, Vic and his wing-walkers, microlights and then after lunch.... OK, so I guess a few of those don't come over any more, but the sky was never quiet. Took a few years to get used to seeing 1 plane a week over here. Sure you'll enjoy it over here, and bring pictures of the Magic Roundabout... Aussies will never believe it! Regards, Redair.
tlamdweeb Posted January 26, 2014 Author Posted January 26, 2014 Hello Redair. I did my training down at Yatesbury (mid way between Calne and Marlborough) - cracking little 400m grass strip, using Silbury Hill as one of the headmarks for downwind leg -not many airfields use Neolithic monuments to keep you on track! The bloke that runs it used to have a strip at Ramesbury until the Nimbys did their usual. I've been using Membury airfield lately- they got it up and running about 2 years ago with 5 grass and tarmac runways set on top of the old USAAC WW2 airfield that was there. Unfortunately the weather in the UK is abysmal at the moment. Hercs have moved from Lyneham to Brize but you occasionally see them stooging Wiltshire at 300 ft. I'm hoping to get my RAA conversion done at Bindoon with TopFun later this year (arrive in WA July) but looks like you've got your fair share of airspace restrictions over there! Regards Tlamdweeb
Deskpilot Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 G'day tlamdweeb, welcome to the forum. Your last post reawakened fond memories of Yatesbury, in it's day as RAF Yatesbury, an air-radar training station. I spent many months, years, there completing various courses. I've just had a look on Google Earth and am happy to see that at least some of the site still remains,ie the hangars. God I hated guarding those in the depths of winter (we all had guard duties from time to time). Just done a search and the only images I can find of Yatesbury in it's Heyday are from the late 40's or early 50's. I was first there in 1960 but not much had changed. Some horse play between classes. I'm bottom row and struggling on the right. Graduation to Junior technician. I'm 2nd left. Ah happy days.........................mostly.
Guernsey Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 G'day Tlamdweeb. greetings from down-under. Never expected to see a posting from Swindon on this website... small world, I was originally from Ciren. Where do you fly out of over there? I know what you mean about busy airspace... Herc's, VC10's, Tornados, Harriers, Chinooks, Hunters, Hawks, Red Arrows, B52's, B1's, A10's, Jaguars, Andovers, Balloons, Vic and his wing-walkers, microlights and then after lunch.... OK, so I guess a few of those don't come over any more, but the sky was never quiet. Took a few years to get used to seeing 1 plane a week over here.Sure you'll enjoy it over here, and bring pictures of the Magic Roundabout... Aussies will never believe it! Regards, Redair. It's a few years now since I flew in the UK but is it true that part of the PPL training now includes a formation flying endorsement because 90% of your flying will be in close proximity to other aircraft. . Alan. 1 1
BoxFat Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Hello Redair. I did my training down at Yatesbury (mid way between Calne and Marlborough) - cracking little 400m grass strip, using Silbury Hill as one of the headmarks for downwind leg -not many airfields use Neolithic monuments to keep you on track! The bloke that runs it used to have a strip at Ramesbury until the Nimbys did their usual. I've been using Membury airfield lately- they got it up and running about 2 years ago with 5 grass and tarmac runways set on top of the old USAAC WW2 airfield that was there. Unfortunately the weather in the UK is abysmal at the moment. Hercs have moved from Lyneham to Brize but you occasionally see them stooging Wiltshire at 300 ft. I'm hoping to get my RAA conversion done at Bindoon with TopFun later this year (arrive in WA July) but looks like you've got your fair share of airspace restrictions over there!Regards Tlamdweeb Will look forward to seeing you around Bindoon after July then. It's actually the best time of the year to fly here in WA - our winter is much the same as your summer for temps and commonly clear sunny days with light winds, especially up around Bindoon (right now in high summer it's too hot and bumpy most days). The strip is ex WW2 and in Pearce Air force base training airspace and hence closed to training mid-week (with appropriate quals and clearance you can still fly in and out though). Weekends and most pub hols are fine and in Spring and Autumn (also great weather !) there is enough daylight to operate before and after the RAAF zone closes for the day. Once out you have the whole north coast of WA to explore with little airspace restriction. Oh..and...mindful of not getting a Tomahawk sent looking for my house I promise not to mention the cricket :)
Guernsey Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Will look forward to seeing you around Bindoon after July then. Oh..and...mindful of not getting a Tomahawk sent looking for my house I promise not to mention the cricket :) When he arrives he will be a temporary 'Aussie' so he will be on our side. . Alan. 1
tlamdweeb Posted January 27, 2014 Author Posted January 27, 2014 At least we still have a better Bobsleigh team than you...that's proper sledging, that is!
tlamdweeb Posted January 27, 2014 Author Posted January 27, 2014 G'day tlamdweeb, welcome to the forum. Your last post reawakened fond memories of Yatesbury, in it's day as RAF Yatesbury, an air-radar training station. I spent many months, years, there completing various courses. I've just had a look on Google Earth and am happy to see that at least some of the site still remains,ie the hangars. God I hated guarding those in the depths of winter (we all had guard duties from time to time). Just done a search and the only images I can find of Yatesbury in it's Heyday are from the late 40's or early 50's. I was first there in 1960 but not much had changed.[ATTACH]27085[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]27086[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]27087[/ATTACH] Some horse play between classes. I'm bottom row and struggling on the right. [ATTACH]27088[/ATTACH] Graduation to Junior technician. I'm 2nd left. Ah happy days.........................mostly. Deskpilot -thanks for sharing those photos - all the buildings in your shots have gone with the exception of the gym. The airstrip runs parallel with the first road on your right after coming off the A4. The old buildings from its time as an RFC airfield are still standing(just) but are mostly derelict. It's a real shame because the history behind the place is quite interesting (Winston Churchill learnt to fly there). I think they shut Yatesbury down in the late 50s/early 60s and moved all the training to Locking just outside Weston Super Mare (I used to live there too!) -that's now gone as well...
tlamdweeb Posted January 27, 2014 Author Posted January 27, 2014 Will look forward to seeing you around Bindoon after July then. It's actually the best time of the year to fly here in WA - our winter is much the same as your summer for temps and commonly clear sunny days with light winds, especially up around Bindoon (right now in high summer it's too hot and bumpy most days). The strip is ex WW2 and in Pearce Air force base training airspace and hence closed to training mid-week (with appropriate quals and clearance you can still fly in and out though). Weekends and most pub hols are fine and in Spring and Autumn (also great weather !) there is enough daylight to operate before and after the RAAF zone closes for the day. Once out you have the whole north coast of WA to explore with little airspace restriction.Oh..and...mindful of not getting a Tomahawk sent looking for my house I promise not to mention the cricket :) Thanks for the info BoxFat - I've got an RT licence so hopefully that combined with X country /nav endorsement will give me a few options. assuming the RAAF don't object to me too much...
planedriver Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 G'day Tlamdweeb. greetings from down-under. Never expected to see a posting from Swindon on this website... small world, I was originally from Ciren. Where do you fly out of over there? I know what you mean about busy airspace... Herc's, VC10's, Tornados, Harriers, Chinooks, Hunters, Hawks, Red Arrows, B52's, B1's, A10's, Jaguars, Andovers, Balloons, Vic and his wing-walkers, microlights and then after lunch.... OK, so I guess a few of those don't come over any more, but the sky was never quiet. Took a few years to get used to seeing 1 plane a week over here.Sure you'll enjoy it over here, and bring pictures of the Magic Roundabout... Aussies will never believe it! Regards, Redair. Geez Redair, You forgot the all important Bristol Beverly's, not to mention the Sopwith Pup's.
Nick Evison Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Im just down the road based at Old Sarum Airfield, learnt to fly at Clench Common just a hop away from you. You,ll love Australia its much better weather. 1
Deskpilot Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Geez Redair,You forgot the all important Bristol Beverly's, not to mention the Sopwith Pup's. BRISTOL BEVERLEY'S, sacrilege. Blackburn lad, Blackburn.
Deskpilot Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 BTW, you think a 'windswept UK' is bad, we've got to contend with this. View the current warnings for South Australia Forecast issued at 5:20 am CDT on Tuesday 28 January 2014. Forecast for the rest of Tuesday Summary Max 41 Very hot and sunny. Chance of any rain: 0% Rainfall amount: 0 mm Adelaide area Very hot and sunny. Winds northwest to northeasterly increasing to 30 to 45 km/h during the morning ahead of a southwesterly change 25 to 35 km/h during the afternoon. South to southwesterly winds reaching 35 to 45 km/h about the coast in the late afternoon then turning southeasterly during the evening. Fire Danger Mount Lofty Ranges: Extreme Adelaide Metropolitan: Severe UV Alert from 9:20 am to 5:40 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme] Around Adelaide Precis Icon Location Min Max Very hot and sunny. Adelaide – 41 Very hot and sunny. Elizabeth – 41 Sunny. Glenelg – 38 Wind easing. Sunny. Noarlunga – 38 Wind easing. Sunny. Mount Barker – 39 Wednesday 29 January Summary Min 19 Max 33 Mostly sunny. Adelaide area Mostly sunny. Winds south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Thursday 30 January Summary Min 20 Max 37 Sunny. Adelaide area Sunny. Winds east to southeasterly and light tending west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then turning south to southeasterly during the evening. Friday 31 January Summary Min 21 Max 40 Very hot and sunny. Adelaide area Very hot and sunny. Winds east to southeasterly and light tending south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then tending south to southeasterly later in the day. Saturday 1 February Summary Min 23 Max 41 Mostly sunny. Adelaide area Very hot and mostly sunny. Light winds. Sunday 2 February Summary Min 26 Max 40 Mostly sunny. Adelaide area Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming southeast to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day. Monday 3 February Summary Min 19 Max 34 Cloud clearing. Adelaide area Cloud clearing. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. The next routine forecast will be issued at 4:10 pm CDT Tuesday.
Jabiru7252 Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Hi, I am involved in similar work, but air2air. Could you PLEASE bring some cold weather as this 40°C and higher temperatures is getting me very annoyed. A set of steak knives from your area would be nice to.
Guest Redair Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Geez Redair,You forgot the all important Bristol Beverly's, not to mention the Sopwith Pup's. Sopwiths? Just how old do you think I am? I was going to mention Argosy, Varsity, Britannia, Meteor, Vampire, Venom, Buccaneer, Lightning and Gnat, countless gliders and even a space shuttle, but I figured no-one would believe me!!! My early days with a glider began at RAF Up Avon... not so many aircraft to dodge, but I do have vivid memories of lumps of burning straw rising up from nearby stubble-fields, hitting the underside of the Kirby Cadet... canvas and wood + flame = very quick circuit!!! Thank you farmers. Redair.
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