gday aviators. . . just doing a fly by in search of answers to the many questions a new pilot and hopeful aircraft owner can muster up.
Some background.
Finished my PPL in May and plan on returning to the North West to get involved in several projects that will require me to cover great distances in the outback. Lots of bush flying in the Kimberley and Territory. Obviously with only 80 hours up my sleeve and most of it in C150, DA20 and C172s I don't have much experience on the RA side of flying so I am logging in here to see what I can learn.
Am presently researching aircraft ownership and operating costs for an older C172 as my old man flew 8000 hours of mustering and general bush flying all in a C172 and that's what he's been advising. However, he's been out of the game for 15 years and has no idea about the developments in RA (he probably doesn't know what RA stands for!!)
My main question is this. Which, if any, RA planes on the market will stand up to the demands of bush flying in Northern Australia? Distances, heat, rough strips / tracks / fencelines / salt flats etc etc. 1 pilot. 2 passengers. Light utility.
Any advice or pointers or links to web sites that might shed more light on operating costs much appreciated. . ..
blue skies
CINTR
