FlyingVizsla

AOPA Attends the First Industry Stakeholder Meeting AOPA President Marc De Stoop attended the first Industry Stakeholder meeting with DAS Skidmore and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Ron Walker last week and reports that with 25 aviation groups attending it appeared to be much of a talk fest. Michael Monke, CEO of Recreation Aviation Australia was elected chairman of the group, with Ken Cannane elected vice chairman. Sub committees will be formed by the chairman to recommend high level policy initiatives but as always CASA and the DAS have no obligation to pay any attention to them. DAS Skidmore reiterated his claim that the general aviation industry at a grass roots level is vibrant and growing. I challenged him to produce data to support this contention and he said for me to produce data to show otherwise. Given he’s making the claim against the majority of GA organisations who don’t agree, the onus is on him to produce the data but he is unwilling to do this. I have joined with Dick Smith and Sandy Reith to commission a statistician to review the available data to prepare a report attesting to the state of GA. We are funding this personally and would love to receive volunteer help from the members with this initiative. Ben Morgan will have more to say about this during the week. Despite Jeff Boyd’s pledge to look into delaying ADSB, the DAS is adamant there will be no delay. According to all who attended the meeting the new fatigue management regulations covered by CAO 48.1-13 are an absolute disaster for the industry. The DAS said he will not support any reforms to Avmed without the industry submitting all the data to support such a change. I challenged him to simply request the data from the aviation regulators overseas who have had the courage to make much needed changes but his response was to simply say the FAA in the US are not happy with their raft of changes, that have been forced upon them by politicians. Given the changes that have been signed into effect came from the FAA I find this contention mystifying. Certainly there will be people in the FAA, most probably in the medical section, who feel their ‘turf’ has been raided, but the reality is a huge government department in the United States has looked at the data available over many years and concluded that the way they were administering their medical regulations was out of date with current best practice. New Zealand has done the same. The Regional Airline Association representative complained of two to three months delays in sorting out Class 1 medicals when any complications arise. I suggested to the DAS that if he got CASA out of Class 2 medicals he may have the resources to better serve the commercial aviation community. His response was that Australia is a special case with an aging class 2 pilot demographic. This comment is frightening in its ignorance. This is a direct quote from a NZ bureau of stats report from 2005. The 65+ age group is projected to make up over one-quarter of New Zealand's population from the late 2030s, compared with 12 percent in 2005. The number of people aged 65+ is projected to increase from half a million in 2005 to 1.33 million in 2051. Next a report from the United States government. The older population-persons 65 years or older-numbered 46.2 million in 2014 (the latest year for which data is available). They represented 14.5% of the U.S. population, about one in every seven Americans. By 2060, there will be about 98 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2014. People 65+ represented 14.5% of the population in the year 2014 but are 65+ expected to grow to be 21.7% of the population by 2040. Both the United States and New Zealand have the same issues with aging populations as Australia, yet they have both introduced reforms to make it easier for people to fly privately. We intend to gather the data about incapacitation of pilots with the help of AOPA in the US and New Zealand, though it would be a simple process for CASA to simply look at their own ATSB reports and the record of RAA. But it’s obvious CASA won’t change without being dragged kicking and screaming through the process of reform. Senator Nick Xenophon has already said post-election that he intends to take up the fight on the industries behalf with Senate Estimates, questioning the CASA hierarchy as regularly as possible about their decisions, or lack of them as the case may be. Hopefully this and the New Stakeholder Engagement Group combined with ongoing media coverage will begin to force the changes needed. The DAS stated at the meeting that he wants to work collaboratively with Industry. We welcome this approach but we need action to back up the words. When we see the stubbornness on delaying the ADSB implementation dates in line with our peer countries to reduce industry costs, then add no internal CASA progress over many years on Avmed Class 2 reforms , we are righty skeptical of the DAS's all powerful position. We, AOPA, and the rest of the Stakeholder Participants I witnessed, really want to engage with CASA and bring about much needed reform. We welcome Ron Walker into this coordinating or conductor role and his enthusiasm for the task. What we all want now is the DAS to act on the group’s recommendations and not be judge and jury and possibly executioner of them. Marc De Stoop President, AOPA

Two men injured in light aircraft crash at Bridport in Tasmania's north Light aircraft accident at Bridport in Tasmania's north Paramedics are treating two men after a light plane crash at Bridport in northern Tasmania. The plane went down in a paddock outside the town at about 3:00pm. .... "What we can see from our property is just ... a blue tail of a plane and all the emergency workers are around that part of the plane." Category: | The Mercury The Mercury is reporting one person to hospital and it being a privately owned ultralight

They pestered me (like they used to) to renew. 2 emails, 2 texts and I went on to the portal and renewed last month. They used to chop down a tree to print 6 pages and post twice. Mr FV renewed this month - he got an email (at least one), rang the office and paid over the phone with return "certificate" by email. The new cards are being printed and will be posted when available. I only have to print the bits I need for records. Works OK for us.

Mr FV wants to recommend the book I got for him from EAA - "GA Airfoils - A Catalog of Airfoils for General Aviation Use" by Harry Riblett (sixth edition 1996). Some wives get their husbands socks and undies. I joined EAA and get him interesting books I want to read ... He thinks it's the bees knees with regard to wing design. Look forward to seeing the Bex Special flying. Sue

I offered to digitise the RAA mags to go on to the website. I could look through what I have rounded up to see if there are any that I am missing from that era. Our problem is that they are spread over 3 or 5 geographic locations and lots of places within them. I volunteered to start this project as my other project was 90% done, then they found the other 80% and then I got involved in yet another indexing project...... Its like building a plane ..... I still have some problems getting the scanner to talk to the scanning software, but ONE DAY I will get it there. The scanning is then the easy part. If I was closer I could take some bits off your hands. Sue

My father flew a Cessna. As a kid I got to sit up front and fly everything but landings and radio. My father had strict ideas about what women were allowed to do, and although he let me do things he thought women shouldn't be doing, it was OK provided I didn't draw attention by admitting, or worse still, getting the licence. 1991 he died and I had to "get the licence". I asked my mother about Dad's log book but she couldn't remember one. Dad was not one for going to a doctor either. Later when I was having trouble with my medical (someone wanted me to comply with ATPL standard although I was PPL ... long 7 month story) when I rang I asked if my father had a medical - no trace of him - so I assume he never bothered with the licence either. Have been flying my current plane since 1995. I did my AUF conversion on a Lightwing at Barcaldine (now owned by Keith Page). Mr FV - his father learnt to fly in a Gypsy Moth at Maryborough Qld before he got married. He told stories of flying to Sydney and meeting Charles Kingsford-Smith. He ran out of money, went farm labouring and married the neighbour's daughter and had 7 children in 10 years which put paid to any more flying. Mr FV (the eldest son) started in model aircraft and learnt to fly early ultralights (Scout, Thruster) and built others - Karasport, RANS and flew many others. His children don't fly. He also flew the same Lightwing I did my conversion in, at Gympie. I married him late in life when his children were middle aged. We still fly and hope to for years yet. Sue

We have covers for the RANS - the wings, rear fuse & tail are simple edged rectangles made by an upholsterer; the windscreen and sides were made by Punkinhead (by far the better cover). The Punkinhead cover has a soft inner layer that won't scratch the plexi-glass, toggle drawstrings to pull it tight, velcro, straps and clips to hold it in place. By far the better thought out solution. The upholsterer's fabric is covered in dirt (even though it is always in a hangar) but can't be washed out (I tried), yet the Punkinhead material seems to repel the same muck. Came with a small carry bag for trips away. Highly recommended.

Trackley - I had to look twice as that is so close to my brother's on-line name (just missing one letter). Are you at Emerald Qld or Vic? Have you got the Pilot Certificate? Any preferences in planes? Enjoy the site! Sue Springsure Q

You can fly as part of another career. Consider flying as a form of transport for your profession / trade which can be tax deductible. Flying vet, IT specialist, flying piano tuner (I knew him - he would fly into properties and remote towns - tune pianos - fly on to the next). Transport for yourself is not "commercial" so you don't need anything other than a Private or Recreational Licence / Certificate. Works like using a private car for work transport - keep log books and apportion use and expenses between work and private.

ABC news http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-23/world-war-1-planes-put-on-a-show-at-caboolture-airport/7352984?section=qld Replica war planes and Australian aviators feature at Caboolture air show

Hi Andy, We have a house in Springsure. The sad looking C152 that used to be at the airport was one of ours. Which direction are you from Springsure? Always happy to see action at the strip. Welcome to the forum. Sue

More on this story today Pilot who ditched ultra light plane in Bass Strait denies flying recklessly http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-12/pilot-who-ditched-in-bass-strait-denies-flying-recklessly/7319480 The pilot of an ultra-light plane that ditched in Bass Strait in 2013 has denied flying recklessly and endangering his passenger. Shayd Hector of Tingira Heights in New South Wales pleaded not guilty in the magistrates court in Launceston to the reckless operation of an aircraft, flying without a licence and piloting an aircraft after having consumed alcohol within eight hours before departure. The offences are alleged to have taken place near Bridport on October 28, 2013, endangering the life of Hector's passenger, Joel Nelson. The pair were rescued from the ocean near Waterhouse Island off the coast of north-east Tasmania that afternoon after their ultra-light plane crashed into the sea. They told the media at the time that engine trouble forced them to ditch the plane and they survived in the ocean for two hours by clinging to an inflatable mattress. Hector was not in court and entered the pleas through his lawyer. He was ordered to return to court on the June 17. (Note the Jabiru photo next to the engine failure story ....)

Will be a short term anyway - the position is up for re-election before the AGM (when Maj Millard's term would have expired). To explain - the Nth Qld rep was elected for a two year term, when the incumbent died it triggered a casual vacancy - more than one nominated, so a "by-election" for a replacement is currently underway. The delay is due to nominations, then the postal voting system. The person elected will be a board member until his term finishes at the AGM in October this year. Nth Qld is north of a line that runs through Moranbah, so includes Weipa, Mt.Isa, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Torres Strait Islands.

Keith - have a look at Frank's post #4 - the election does not close until 4 May. Have to wait .... or get a crystal ball. Sue

Ross often took the Lockheed to the Birdsville Races. I have been in VH-ABH. The cockpit is all original with the exception of some GPS kit and necessary bits to allow it to continue flying, mostly tucked away. Rolleston is the next town to Springsure.

Here's the history of the Lockheed Electra now VH-ABH http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/electra/vh-abh.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-07/ross-smith-aeroplane-collector/7307752?section=qld An impressive collection of aeroplanes sits locked in a hangar beside an airstrip in the remote outback town of Rolleston, three and a half hours drive south-west of Rockhampton. With World War II training aircraft and the first all-metal plane to ever fly into Australia, this unique garage is filled with history. Proud owner Ross Smith said his passion for planes had been inspired by his father, who was in the Royal Air Force. After being taken for his first ride at 16 years old, he said he had never looked back. "The following weekend I was at Bundaberg learning to fly," Mr Smith said. His interest in restoring old planes came later, when he bought his first Tiger Moth in about 1986. "I thought I'd love to have a Tiger Moth and I went looking for one, and finally found one in pieces in Victoria and started restoring it," he said. "And it just sort of grew from that." Ross has a number of planes including a 1947 Tiger Moth and a 1941 Boeing Stearman Kaydet & Lockheed Electra Junior. See the article for photos and more.

The article doesn't mention a change of livery or Townsville, but briefly covers Woc's experience and career (including a tangent into motor cycles & antique Jags), planes he has flown and features his business, Antique Airways and joy flights from Redcliffe. It is mostly photos of the plane and scenery. I could scan it if you are interested. Sue

There's a 3 page article on VH-BJE in the AOPA magazine "Australian Pilot" (Feb-March 2016) p.24-26 "Woc's Flying Lifestyle". He has owned the plane 40 years and in 1996 started joy flights. Sad to see it down with a rash. Being a LAME Woc will be able to nurse her back to health.

The general meeting 14 May 2016 in Canberra has been on the radar for months - see the RAA email of 1st Feb 2016 - with a promise to circulate special resolutions to members. Since then there has been much discussion on matters coming before it - constitutional reform for example. Keith, you are in the Southern Qld area, but you say about Southern reps "we only get woffle .." this might indicate that regional representation isn't working for you? What you want on the board are good communicators who have time and money to get around the members. I think you would agree that the late Major Millard was a board member who served not only Nth Qld, but the wider membership with his open communication and technical knowledge. Jim Tatlock was an excellent treasurer and I appreciated seeing the finances every month. A few years back some of the Board and even an Executive member didn't want his contact details released to members, so no one could annoy him - effectively cutting off any regional representation for a whole swathe of members. I don't know what the answer is, apart from getting good candidates to stand for election, but at least it is being discussed. Members - Participate 14th May (in person, by proxy, or by video link) and have your say, vote on it, or send it back for a rethink. Sue

Husband and I are both members of AOPA, and have been for MANY years. We are members because AOPA is the only independent voice and lobbyist for all aviation. AOPA have had their ups & downs - true - but so have most other groups. I don't get any anti-RAA sentiment from them. Looking at the Dec/Jan 2016 magazine - on the cover is a RAA registered plane - there are photos of RAA registered planes on pages 4,5,9,39, article 42-45 and in the adverts & classifieds. There are over 15,000 VH registered aircraft vs 3,500 Ultralights so it is no wonder there are more VH pictures. Oct/Nov 2015 (the magazine is two monthly) has a feature article on a new RAA registered plane (p.24-27). A feature on AusFly which was the SAAA & RAA do at Narramine (p.28-31), A Club with 60% home builts - corby, KR-2 etc (p.48-51). A feature on a single seat RAA taildragger & it's female designer, builder & pilot (p56-59). An article on pilot medicals which suggests the RAA model works well. In addition every magazine includes articles of interest to most RAA pilots - products, airmanship, fly-ins, governance, etc. They cover the full range of aviation - Drones, RAA, GA, warbirds, helicopters, gliders, balloons, antique aircraft, medicals, builds, airstrips, travel destinations, Aero Clubs, regulations, and more. AOPA have assisted me with several attempts by Councils to either close, or change an airstrip (perm or temp) to drag racing, infringe the area with buildings or blindly accept a "consultant's" report that it should be closed as unsafe when it actually met CAAP requirements for a non RPT. Moving AvMed when my medical was held up for no apparent reason for months (thank goodness for the RAA driver's medical) Advocating for the freedoms I now enjoy. Reading their letter to the Minister, I was impressed with the level of research and innovative thinking. This won't get tossed to CASA to draft a "standard" reply. This may well be a turning point for aviation in Australia. If not, there will be less flying planes, less pilots (RAA was declining too) and less ALAs. Get with them. Sue

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-28/pilot-injured-in-light-plane-crash-near-stanthorpe/7279440?section=qld A pilot has been injured in a plane crash near Stanthorpe in southern Queensland. Police said he was flying a home-made plane when it came down near Glen Aplin about 11:30am. The man was taken to Stanthorpe Hospital.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-27/82yo-pilot-crashes-helicopter-at-lismore-airport/7278414 An elderly pilot has escaped with minor injuries following a helicopter crash at Lismore Airport in northern NSW. Police said they received reports of a crash at around 10:50am and found a two-seater RotorWay helicopter with significant damage. The 82-year-old man who was flying the helicopter was treated by paramedics for leg injuries. It is thought the man was attempting take-off and landing manoeuvre at low altitude. The incident will be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. ** Take off & landing at LOW ALTITUDE??**

Is Frank "unopposed" or is there an election? Any other candidates? Nominations closed last month and I hadn't heard anything.

Using my monumentally slow internet connection - most of the time the site comes up OK, but I occasionally get "The connection was reset" "Problem loading page" (only once yesterday). Images seem to be loading now, previously it was hit & miss, with the broken image icon being most frequent, but they almost all loaded when I looked at the thread on Silly Signs yesterday. All yesterday because the internet ground to a halt after that and I gave it away. I am on a laptop with ethernet cable to modem on ADSL Win 7 64, Firefox. Comparing this site to other popular sites, I have little trouble getting RecFlying, but other sites treat me as a mobile phone (text menu down the side) or completely fail to load. To load a page (chosen at random from recent): RecFlying "New Posts" - 5 seconds Booktopia - A book "Saving Vegetable Seeds" - 2 mins 10 seconds (not displaying correctly) Realestate.com.au - 8mins 5 secs - loads as text only - search a suburb - fail after about 6 mins (usually fails on home page) ABC.net.au/news/qld - 2 secs Google maps - load 30 secs - find a town in Qld 7 seconds, switch to Earth 35secs (usually longer and fails to fully display) BOM refresh radar - 16 secs BOM forecast - 35 secs CQnews - 35 secs YourTV - 1 min 10 secs - a program 2mins 5sec (opens in new window) Trove.nla.gov - open a newspaper article - 12 mins - failed Sue