FlyingVizsla

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

Hi Louise, Welcome back. Not far from Clifton? If you haven't been on the forum for a year to two, then it was probably the site. Ian (who owns the site) cleaned out a lot of inactive accounts to free up user names. Sue

Hi Debra, a belated Welcome to the Forum from another flying female about the same vintage. My internet died for 4 weeks so I am just catching up. I had trouble manoeuvring my C152 on the ground - pushing back wasn't a problem, but pushing the tail down to swing it was, as I weighed 42kg (a few years back) and at 4' 7" I couldn't throw my weight over it and still have enough traction to move it. I got stuck in a melon hole at Ilfracombe Qld and had to go get help or I would still be bouncing it up and down wishing I had a long rope or more height and weight. A photo or diagram of the hangar would help explain things. You can attach one to the message by using the icon next to the smiley face on the tool bar. If it is too big (too many kbs) then right click on the image file and choose "send to" then "email .." choose "medium". That will open an email message with the smaller file attached. Click on it and Save As, or double click to open and then Save As. Try attaching again. Alternatively a diagram might help. I could draw one and we can work on getting it right. Then someone will come up with a solution. Blue Skies, Gentle winds Sue

Merry Christmas to all - Santa has fixed my internet after 4 weeks off air, coming just after 2 weeks off a couple of months ago - so I am still catching up! Have also discovered our mobile signal comes from a tower 20km away over two lots of hills - no wonder it is near non-existent. Have written to Santa asking for a reliable ADSL, mobile and a plane that flies for 2016. Thanks to Ian and Corrine for the site and shop. Mr & Mrs Viz will be having a quiet one at home by ourselves. Wishing you all clear skies and light winds for 2016. Sue

We rang up to renew our aircraft by card as the promised password had not arrived. Lady was surprised we hadn't got one as she thought the roll-out had been completed, so she issued a password, so one of us could get on. I opted to wait. One RAA email said to contact them if we had not received anything by 15 November.