FlyingVizsla

To be fair to Councils (and I have worked in the Development Approval area) they have to balance the expectations of the constituents, the environment, State & Federal Governments and business. Developers are in it for the money (except for a small minority), so the argument is always on to get the most for the least outlay. Councils are also mindful of what problems the Developer might then pass on to the new landholders. For example it is easier to require the Developer to lay a water main to all blocks than it is to leave each landholder to individually apply for and construct a water main; with some inequities, in that the first applicant would be required to pay to bring the water from its terminus to the Development and then to their block, with a continual digging & building disrupting roads and footpaths and disputes with the one who refuses to participate or share costs. Similarly with power. Councils have Planning and Zoning documents which outline what goes where. The big money is to be made by getting permission to put something where it was not allowed. For example getting permission to allow one ha lots in the rural zone (eg min. 450ha lots). The value of these lots per hectare is many times greater than the rural lot. The land is also then lost to broadacre farming. Where there is an existing airstrip, the issues are usually around the size of the lots and services. Where the airstrip is proposed or has not been active for some years, there are questions about the impact on the surrounding landholdings. Airparks are complex because the Developer is usually proposing a rural zone, but is requesting much smaller blocks (eg one acre where the minimum is say 450ha) and arguing that due to the rural nature of the area no reticulated water or sewer would be provided and only a gravel standard road, and in some cases argue that the runway/taxiway be the road access, with no storm water provision. Who owns the airstrip and how it will be maintained? If the Developer does and then walks away from maintaining it or denies access to it, the reason for the small blocks evaporates and it becomes a defacto rural residential in a Rural zone removing agricultural land from its primary purposes and introducing a "village" of people who may then object to the agricultural industries surrounding them. Do your homework before buying into one, particularly before all the Council's conditions have been met, or if they are other than freehold. Sue

There has been a system in place, even though you "don't see anyone". Certified, licensed or publicly operated airstrips usually have an ARO (Airport Reporting Officer) listed in the ERSA. For example Emerald Qld has an ARO's phone number with the phone being held by the officer on duty. The ARO has been trained to maintain the facility in a safe state on behalf of the operator. Their duties may include running the strip regularly to pick up foreign objects, turning on the lights, scaring birds, enforcing parking rules, ordering people off the strip, replacing the windsock, collecting landing fees, locking gates, laying out closed strip crosses etc. The airport operator should do a risk assessment on the level and frequency of ARO services. In the case of Emerald Qld (RPTs, frequent charters, flying school) there is a 24/7 coverage on site. The same operator has the Springsure airstrip (no RPT, no lights, no School, occasional RFDS or visiting plane) and oversees it with a visiting ARO and locals keeping an eye on it. So it isn't true that GA don't have to do it. The Airfield Operator provides this, rather than individual pilots electing someone. Sue

From what I understand, there is no standard, even with the airlines. A few years back I discussed this with a pilot who worked as a casual for charter, government, airline, instructing etc and he said it depended on the airline or company. He had several, from five bars to two. Two was the minimum for charter because the company didn't want people to think a one bar guy (who still had his training wheels on) was flying them solo. Five was for a private jet - if you can afford a jet you don't want people to think you didn't have the best pilot. The school had one bar per level (1,2,3), with the CFI on 4. He mentioned another school that had a similar scheme (plus one) as they awarded graduates one bar, so the CFI there was 5 gold bars. Sue

Glen Innes Aero Club would like to invite all keen pilots, their support crew and anyone interested in aviation. We are a small struggling club with a passion for flying and would love to see our little aerodrome filled with planes once more! Fly in or drive in, come say hi, grab a feed and have a yarn with other like minded aviation enthusiasts. An ideal cross country stop over. $10 Bacon and eggs. Sausage sizzle. Tea and coffee. Big Bar-B burning hot! No landing fees on day and brunch 9:00-14:00!

South East Qld Sport Aircraft Club Inc have decided to have our Kilcoy fly-in a bit later due to the possibility of fog in the Sommerset valley happening on the day. The fog (if we have it) normally lifts by 11am so anytime after then lunch ($12) will be served. Should you get in early then coffee/tea and cake will be available. Look forward to seeing you again. Check our weathercam for conditions on the day: http://webcams.bsch.com.au/kilcoy_sw.html www.kilcoyairfield.org

19th July 2014 - Trainers to Fighters Aircraft Flying: Spitfire, Wirraway, Bird Dog, J-3 Cub, Harvard, Ryan. Cost Adult : $20.00 Adult (65+) : $18.00. Child (3-16) : $10.00. Sample Aircraft Showcase Program 10.00am - Gates Open 10.30am - "Winging It" Q&A with Guest Speaker or Movie in the Display Hangar - relevant to the theme of the day. 11.30am - Flight 12.30pm - Flight 1.30pm - Flight 2.00pm - Engineering Hangar Tour 2.30pm - Movie in the Display Hangar - relevant to the theme of the day. 4.00pm - Museum Close - See more at: http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/vistor_information/flying_dates/index.html#sthash.Br5rcfJ6.dpuf Aircraft Showcase Days will be held on the first and third Saturday of most months with the aim of providing visitors with a personal, interactive and in-depth experience with some of the Museum’s aircraft. Visitors will witness the aircraft being towed from the hangar and watch the pre-flight inspection, servicing and refuelling as it takes place in front of them. The pilot will strap in and start the engine and then the flight will take place. The flying display will vary from a simple handling display to aerobatics or formation flying. The aircraft will land and taxi back to the visitors where they will have the chance to have a chat with the pilot, take photographs, and inspect the cockpit and engine. Audio visual presentations both in the cinema and the Display Hangar will enhance the stories of veterans who will be invited to share with our visitors their wartime experiences. At the conclusion of the flying activity, the Engineering Hangar will be open to all visitors. We have rarely allowed access to the workshop areas, but now visitors will be able to take a closer look at the most diverse range of aviation engineering activities anywhere in the world. Our Engineering Team will demonstrate the projects they are working on and the unique processes, materials and techniques required to keep this fleet of vintage aircraft flying. Prior to the flying, visitors may take in a Q&A session titled “Winging It”. A special guest will share their aviation experiences accompanied with a photo presentation, guest speakers will vary from some of the Museum’s highly experienced Warbird pilots to veterans who served during times of conflict. Due to circumstances beyond our control, flying weekend dates sometimes change. Please check this site or call the Museum to confirm dates prior to travelling to the Museum. Upcoming Flying days (listed in Recreational Flying Events): Aug 2nd 2014 - CAC Australian Made - Boomerang, Wirraway, Winjeel, Ceres Aug 16th 2014 - Vietnam, Long Tan - Bird Dog, Cessna O-2A, T-28 Trojan, A-37B Dragonfly, Sabre Sep 6th 2014 - Fighters - Spitfire, Meteor, Boomerang Sep 20th 2014 - Frontline Fighters - Spitfire, P-40 Kittyhawk, Boomerang, Sabre Oct 4th 2014 - WWII Pacific Theatre - Hudson, Wirraway, Spitfire, Ryan Oct 18th 2014 - Fighters - Boomerang, Sabre, Meteor Nov 1st 2014 - Trainers to Fighters - Spitfire, Boomerang, Tiger Moth, Ryan Nov 15th 2014 - Bomber / Attack - Hudson, T-28 Trojan, Sabre Dec 6th 2014 - Pearl Harbour - P-40 Kittyhawk, Ryan, Wirraway, Spitfire Dec 20th 2014 - No Aircraft Showcase Jan 3rd 2015 - No Aircraft Showcase Jan 17th 2015 - No Aircraft Showcase Feb 7th 2015 - Fighters - Spitfire, Boomerang, Meteor, Sabre - See more at: http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/vistor_information/flying_dates/index.html#sthash.Br5rcfJ6.dpuf

Reminder:- The AOPA Bankstown Aviation Seminar is shaping up to be the most exciting seminar held to date! Dear AOPA Members & Friends, This event should not be missed, it is open to all aviators (not just AOPA members). There will be presentations from a broad range of aviation organisations, including: Avmed, CASA, Airservices, Lycoming, Cirrus, Pacific Avionics, Virgin Airlines, ATSB, Avplan, Oz Runways & more…. There will be Q & A Opportunities, there will also be lucky door prizes on each day and a BBQ lunch. Please extend this invitation to all of your contacts, colleagues and fellow aviators. AOPA is fighting to improve GA and your participation in these informative seminars is an important part of the future of GA in Australia. A formal invitation as seen below can be downloaded in PDF format here. The Seminar dates are Sat 16 August & Sun 17 August 2014 from 9am - 3pm each day so mark your diary and please RSVP now. It will be a great weekend, don't miss out. Seats are limited so please RSVP to: email: [email protected] ph: 0417 29 2209 Best Regards Aaron Stephenson CEO

Annual General Meeting of Recreational Aviation Australia Members may ask for items to be included in the Agenda. Only matters on the Agenda can be actioned at the AGM. You will get the Annual Financial Statements and the President's and Secretary's reports well in advance of the AGM. There is an item on the Agenda (Item 8) that allows for Questions from the floor but, if you want the best, most considered response it would pay you to send your questions in to Secretary Tony King well before the AGM. Tony's contact details are on the RAA website www.raa.asn.au or C/- the Canberra office.

We have a Karasport in an enclosed trailer (search Karasport - there are posts with photos). Basically the wings and struts are removed. Takes two people, but one could do it with supports. Our other is the RANS Courier S7 with wings that swivel & fold back. Needs two people as the jury strut has to be undone and the end of the wing has to be supported while doing so. You might be able to get away with some ingenious supports for a one person operation. The other one we were looking at building (after we get all the other projects done) is the Sherwood Ranger. Its a bi-plane with folding wings, manufactured by The Light Aircraft Company UK and available as a kit. http://www.g-tlac.com

Shags, You might be thinking of the John Brandon tutorials - they are on RecFly under Pilot Tools ->Tutorials

Facthunter - Nev - has :yikes:10,000 posts today!

Ausfly has been cancelled for 2014. SAAA will hold a Fly-in, BBQ & trivia night with their AGM instead. See separate posting - Narromine Fly-in & BBQ.

www.saaa.com.au Maintenance Procedures Course (MPC) 10-11 September at Narromine - Places filling fast! Bookings via the SAAA office or pay on-line for existing members SAAA also holds 2 day metal work courses based on the Vans RV Training Project (contact SAAA for dates)

As a result of the cancellation of Ausfly, the SAAA will be holding a fly-in over the weekend September 13-14 which will allow for the SAAA AGM to be held at 2pm on Saturday 13th this will be followed by a BBQ and trivia night to be held Saturday evening. More details to follow.

www.australiancampovenfestival.com.au Beside the Millmerran Airstrip 123456 Put the 4th and 5th October 2014 in your diary because the Australian Camp Oven Festival is coming and it’s going to be bigger than ever! Let us entertain you.... Camp Oven Cooking Competitions, demonstrations and hands on workshops. Music all weekend. Bush Poets Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday Mornings. Join in the fun of the Damper Throwing and Billy Boiling Competitions. Market stalls. Vintage Machinery. And much more. The festival’s two day program has plenty to interest the entire family and is not to be missed. See you there.

To find towers (ie look up the location of all licensees) go here http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/register_search.main_page Search by Site, postcode. The list appears, choose one, then click on Nearby Sites Map for a Google map with sites pinned. Clicking on the License will also give you the antenna height. See if there are any near to the crash that might support the theory.

AOPA is pleased to announce its next Safety Seminar will be held in Sydney at Bankstown Airport in the passenger terminal building. The event will include aircraft on display, exhibitors, presenters from government bodies and private organisations. The dates are Sat 16 August & Sun 17 August 2014 from 9am - 3pm each day. It will be a safety seminar with an expo feel. There will be Q & A opportunities. A BBQ lunch will be on offer. Will be a great weekend, hopefully you can attend on one or both days. Please RSVP to secure your place to: email: [email protected] ph: 0417 29 2209 Best Regards Aaron Stephenson CEO

I am out in the Boonies on the farm with only one bar to no service, so bear with me if I can't get into a lively debate - Telstra (#%#**&!!) service. The Annual Reports from 2007 to 2012 have very little detail to judge what exactly is going on with wages. I am aware that lately some have been contractors rather than employees. I think this was the CASA rego checker after the Audit fail, and one of the Tech staff. Year & $(employee exp + annual leave accrual). Note year 2007 = 2006/07 financial year 2007 $508,211 2008 $508,729 2009 $651,410 2010 $868,396 2011 $840,690 2012 $1,075,708 2013 $1,089,325 increase from 2007 = 2.14 times Key Personnel - defined as "Any person(s) having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the association" 2008 $212,458 2009 $222,872 2010 $399,694 2011 $379,887 2012 $470,429 This looks like some other staff have been added to the Key Personnel rather than a couple getting big pay rises. Post employment benefit is also included in this figure. Note we had vacancies in the CEO & Tech area which may account for the drop around 2011. The Annual Report is a public document, provided to members each year and also available to anyone who asks from the Dept of Justice & Community Safety ACT. Sue

I have included the website address in post #1. The airshow is 11am - 2pm each day, so the airstrip will be closed to arrivals & departures. The "Getting There" advice only says "Fly in – If you intend to fly in to the Festival of Flight, parking for your aircraft will be available."

Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition 24 Feb to 1st March 2015. See website for further information: http://www.airshow.com.au/airshow2015/TRADE/index.asp

The Great Eastern Fly-In is a unique Australian aviation event. Pilots, their families and friends, Fly-In from all over Australia, to enjoy a great summer holiday with a difference! Locals, young and old, come to marvel at the latest in aircraft, air displays, and have the ride of their lives. Celebrating 100 years of Military Aviation in Australia And all things Aviation! 2015 Great Eastern 9 -11 th January, 2015 Join us and help celebrate this special anniversary. 2015 highlights: RAAF recruitment and other highlights Aviation Heritage Museum with new displays and of course the F111 Bomber Command Display 737 Flight Simulator – the real deal! Air Displays Model boat display Plus All the fun of The Fly-In! Register on arrival and go into the barrel to win a Great Eastern Fly-In Jersey/t-shirt and cap. Pilots flying in, could you print details of your aircraft and place it on or near it for people to learn all about your special aircraft. SEE YOU THERE! http://www.greateasternflyin.com/ Where The Sky Meets the Sea.

Featuring Paul Bennet Airshow Aerobatics Since 2001, Show Us Ya Wheels has been a great family fun day, regularly attracting over 6000 visitors, and has become a permanent and well loved fixture on the Victorian car show circuit. When: Sunday, December 1st, 2013 Where: Numurkah Showgrounds Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Pricing: Kids $2.00 Adults $5.00 Vehicle Exhibit $10.00 per entrant - Enter on the day Rocker Racing is Free. http://www.showusyawheels.com.au/

Tamworth’s 2nd (YES Second) FESTIVAL of FLIGHT is planned for 17th,18th, and 19th OCTOBER 2014 (Reserve the Date!!) Enquiries: 02 6760 7221 (after 4pm) or email [email protected] The second Tamworth Festival of Flight is touching down at the Tamworth Airport on October 18th and 19th with an even more spectacular air show of planes from cutting edge to the classic, aerobics, skydiving, joy flights and career advice. Presented by the Tamworth Aero club and the Rotary Club of Tamworth this will be a fun packed weekend not to be missed. If you enjoyed the air show in 2013, reserve the date and bring the kids again in 2014. Prices are most reasonable with daily ticket prices of $20 per adult, $10 per child and family ticket of $45 and these prices will include free bus travel to and from the airport using Hannaford’s Coaches. All funds raised will be used to support the local community. So strap yourself in, reserve the dates and come for a weekend of excitement and enjoyment. And there will also be a special careers day as part of the Festival on Friday 17th October. Speak to your Careers Adviser at your school for more details. More details http://tamworthfestivalofflight.com.au/

Australian Aerobatic Club Queensland State Titles - Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield Friday 8th August to Sunday 10th August 2014 http://www.aacqld.com.au/StateTitles.html

You are all invited to Paul Bennet Airshows Aerobatics Day to be held at Luskintyre Airfield and Maitland Airfield over the Weekend of July 5th-6th. Both Paul Bennet and his team members will be available to critique your display flying and aerobatic competition flying from Basic through to Unlimited. Enjoy a BBQ with the Luskintyre Tiger Moths. If you are just interested in aerobatics and would love to come along, then you are more than welcome. All participants will also go in the draw for an opportunity to going flying with Paul Bennet in either his Wirraway or Grumman Avenger aircraft! http://www.maxxgaerobatics.com.au/appearances.html