Kimberley flying

[Downunder]

Is it too late to be flying in the Kimberleys this time of year? 

 

Looking at heading up to Kununurra next week, so late September. 

 

I know it's hot but mainly worried about turbulence.

 

I will probably do some local early morning flights and drive around but getting there will be two full days flying. I don't mind flying high (9500) but I've still been smashed by thermal at that height before.

 

 

[kaz3g]

Early morning is good. Temps hitting mid 30s in Broome this week so hotter inland. Fitzroy Crossing 39 tomorrow.

 

 

[facthunter]

The inversion level will probably be above that after late morning. In some places the sea breeze coming in is associated with a few bits of raised dust. Thermal turbulence is more annoying than dangerous. Watch out for dust devils.. I think you will be OK. (for what that's worth). Nev

 

 

[Ryanm]

If you plan to fly early morning, you should miss the worst of the thermals. The “Build up” will start to show its ugly head soonish, so just be aware of the potential for Storms.

 

 

[Okihara]

Take me, take me!

 

 

[Downunder]

Well.....decided not to go all the way up.....

 

 

 

 

 

[Okihara]

Most of WA is still terra incognita to me. I like those boab trees. Very nice pictures. What high wing are you flying, may I ask?

 

 

[Downunder]

Foxbat Oki....Shark Bay/Denham, Useless Loop (salt mine), Steep Point (western most point of continental Aus) and Dirk Hartog Island today.

 

Contrasting deep blue Indian ocean smashing into the west coast with placid shallow green bays on the eastern side.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Downunder]

Coral Bay (Not my cup of tea, a bit too touristy but great if you're into diving).

 

Lake Mcleod. Very large and salty, mostly dry now with some "springs".

 

The "dish" at Carnarvon space museum. 

 

Ningaloo Reef....

 

 

 

 

[Downunder]

Out to Mt Augustus today via Gascoyne Junction.

 

Gascoyne Junction has a nice bitumen strip close to town with cable tie-downs..(No avgas I believe)

 

Accomodation in town and 95 ulp at the servo.

 

Servo was closed in the morning as it's a public holiday but there was a coin operated coffee machine.☺️ (Remember to bring gold coins)

 

I could almost see Mt Augustus looming from leaving GJ....80 odd miles away.

 

The worlds largest rock. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Augustus,_Western_Australia

 

Stopped in at the tourist park for a chat, drink and to "water the horse"....

 

http://www.mtaugustustouristpark.com/

 

I believe avgas is available on the station  right next door (I landed on the station strip, PPR) but it's expensive..... 

 

($2.48 at the BP bowser in Carnarvon but I'll stick to pulp).

 

A bit rough and thermally after midday so climbed to 8500 heading west back to Carnarvon. Much smoother but faced headwinds up to 36 kts. Had to keep an eye on the fuel burn at mid 60's ground speed. Winds subsided to "only" 15 kts so all good in the end.

 

Passed over Kennedy ranges on the return.

 

Such a barren and pre-historic landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kaz3g]

Oh, the memories....Two-thirds of Mt Augustus was included in my lease of Cobra Station. My homestead was originally the Bangemall Inn about 50 miles west of it.

 

The station was around half a million acres and ran down past the Pink Hills to the south. It was resumed by Govt after the drought that crippled us, along with several others including Mt Phillip, Walburg, Mt James and Pingandy.

 

Wild times mustering even wilder cattle with a C172, motorbikes and horses. Sigh....