FlyingVizsla

I had been digitising the old AUF magazines which sometimes have listings of rego, make, model etc. There's photos and articles. I am still missing some early editions. Early single seat planes may never have been issued a number. I found one which seems to fall into this category, the guy who now has it is trying to fix her up and fly it again. All my searching came to nothing. When we get flying cars, regos on drones etc, there really will be an alphabet soup in the sky.

AUF initially messed up on rego numbers, not forward thinking enough to imagine more than 999 planes, computers, databases and further categories. They had to rescind some numbers (one of our planes was a victim) to sort it out. In an ideal world a unique number would follow the plane from cradle to grave and not be reallocated. Remeber the scandal of 001 that was taken by a former President of the AUF for his plane, when the original 001 plane was being rebuilt? I think the numbers are starting to run out. Ultralights, particularly the early home built were retired due to technological obsolescence, unobtainable parts, engines, structural integrity, aging owners and an inability to find any buyers. That happened to our Wheeler Scout. Numbers were allocated to builders, who then never got the plane registered. So it does make sense to re-allocate numbers for planes that will never fly again. However, there are people who rebuild and want to keep the rego, even only to save the history and the work required to change placards and decals. I agree, it is nothing new, my C152 used to be a DC-3. An issue I see, is that the last owner on the RAAus books may not be aware of who owns it now. As it costs money to keep a plane on the RAAus register, owners are more likely to let it lapse until they can get it airworthy again. They can sell and not inform RAAus. On the other hand, VH regos are free and perpetual, provided you don't inform them that it has been scrapped. Because I have so much history of AUF aircraft, I get enquiries from people who have found a plane and want to do it up. While that may sound like the future is bright; most of these will never fly again. My first port of call is the RAAus register, which gives me basic detail and when it was last registered. I can then have a look at the accident database (prior to that date). Then I look at the history I have. At present we are looking at 3 planes returning to the register once the ACR is done, and others in the process. AUF solved their 999 plane problem by putting a 0 in front making the range to 9,999. Perhaps RAAus could put another 0 in front? I just want them to keep the history visable.

RAAus are looking at re-allocating registration numbers from aircraft that have been removed from the Register. It has been handy to be able to look up the aircraft rego and find out when it lapsed and some information about it (serial No. etc). I hope some way of still finding this out remains, even after the number has been re-allocated. I know a number of people who have bought wrecks or unregistered planes with the intention of returning to the Register. Keeping the number, keeps the history and also avoids the work associated with taking numbers off wings etc. I am not opposed to this re-allocation of numbers, but keep the history please. RAAus will be contacting owners, but in some cases the plane was sold with the rego lapsed with no regard for who bought it. I know one that crashed in a paddock, the owner took the engine and abandoned it. The farmer ended up giving it to someone who is now rebuilding it. Same with deceased estates, where the half built kit goes to whoever made an offer and took it. This is from their Newsletter Review of Cancelled Aircraft Registrations As part of an update to RAAus’ IT infrastructure, we will shortly be commencing a review of our database to ensure that information is accurate and up to date. In particular, we will be conducting a review of cancelled aircraft registrations. We will be shortly reaching out to owners of unregistered aircraft to determine if these aircraft are required to remain on the register. Once this has been determined, these aircraft will be re-registered, de-registered or placed on hold for members who wish to retain their registration number. RAAus offers new aircraft owners the ability to choose a registration number when they register an aircraft. By reviewing cancelled aircraft registrations these numbers may be returned for future use by RAAus members. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Technical team.

It's a pity that they didn't split the reforms into separate Motions, because there were less controversial issues, such as better defining email as a means of communication, that are now not dealt with. The AUF had some very long serving men, and some who either didn't contribute or had their own agenda, but were elected unopposed or simply because their name was known. I used to be in favour of finite terms, but now with decades of volunteering, I think it should be left to the members to decide. But also think we need some information on the various Board members' performance and participation on which to base our vote. I've seen good clubs fail because they lost long-term office bearers and the new faces had no background. Then you run out of volunteers - last few elections were sparce - current members unopposed, needing to nominate people onto the Board unelected. And only 9% of members interested enough to vote.

I couldn't watch the AGM as we were otherwise engaged. Does anyone know which resolution got up?

Alwyn and Jenny Rogash's remains found weeks after Finch Hatton plane crash - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU Alwyn and Jenny Rogash are being remembered as "active, enthusiastic aviators" after a plane crash last month.

Thanks for that Robert, unfortunately I can no longer edit the Title. I wonder where the Coast Guard got their info from? Still, thankful that it ended with a bit of embarrassment, loss of $$s but not loss of life.

Now updated with location & plane Cessna Challenger Learjet ditched into the ocean at Barwon Banks, 20 nautical miles east off Mooloolaba Changed title to reflect this new info.

Light plane crashes into water off Queensland's Sunshine Coast - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU Two people are winched from a life raft after a light plane crash off the Sunshine Coast this morning.

Pilot killed and passenger injured in gyrocopter crash north of Melbourne - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU The pilot of a light aircraft dies and his passenger is injured in a crash in Goulburn Weir, north of Melbourne.

Emergency services called to light plane crash at Palgrave on Southern Downs - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU Emergency services are at the scene of a light plane crash south-west of Warwick. Firefighters say a grassfire has started as a result.

Results are in. Only 958 members voted out of approx 10,000. Michael Monck & Andrew Scheiffers have been successful, both previous Board members.

Light plane crash at Merriton in regional South Australia with two people on board - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU Emergency services are responding to a light plane crash at Merriton, in the state's mid-north.

Emergency services responding to fatal light aircraft crash outside Gundaroo, north of Canberra - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU Emergency services are at the scene of a fatal light aircraft crash at Gundaroo, after it took off from Canberra Airport about 2:30pm. Police...

Great day, huge crowds, good fundraiser. The Aero Club had run out of bread by 10:30am (sausage on serviette only). Unfortunately we couldn't get airside to look at the parked planes, could only wonder from afar. Massive collection of cars and motor bikes. Aerobatics, flyovers. Was worth the trip. Bigger than last year, when we arrived (got dropped off), all the parking was taken and the streets outside were full up. The gate keepers had run out of paper for tickets/receipts and the entry guys just had to trust we paid on the way in. There would be some very tired people yesterday. We walked for hours, the stalls and food vans had long queues. Looking forward to next year.

I watched the Live Steam of the Candidates last night. The questions could have been better - a couple answered "What he said ..." A fair bit of waffling. You can watch it again on YouTube. Probably a link on the RAAus members portal. Diversification of income stream to relieve the pressure on membership and registration fees was raised but not explained. It sounded like offering fees for services to external bodies. Improving the membership offering mentioned getting ATSB to investigate, CTA, more aircraft, bigger role for schools (from a CFI), remove red tape. I encourage you to listen to the broadcast and make up your mind about who to vote for. Voting opened today and is open for a month. Those without email have voting papers posted snail mail, so there will be a delay to results with an allowance for a vote posted at the last minute to make it to Canberra. Whatever you think about the process, at least cast a vote or you will get the same again. 🙂

Page 75 of Sport Pilot - How J160 won the outback air race.... Mr FV wants to know what is the gizmo with all the knobs?

The RAAus candidates have been announced. I was beginning to think that members were losing interest as the last election was unopposed and before that they had to make an appointment. Now you have a choice. There are 2 positions available and 5 candidates. Members can sign in to the RAAus website and go to Governance -> Board Election. Each has a statement and an email for contact. Three are current or past Board members.

Never too old! Our oldest student was 69yrs, and one of our Club members is 92yrs and still going.

Flying the plane is "if possible" according to the Form RECREATIONAL AIRCRAFT CONDITION REPORT TECH FORM 013 If possible a flight demonstration should be performed by the owner, or a pilot nominated by the owner, in the presence of the inspector. The experience of the pilot should be taken into account when assessing comments as to the handling of the aircraft. The pilot should conduct a normal full power take-off at maximum takeoff weight, climb to 1000’ AGL, reduce throttle to cruise power, perform a left and a right 360 degree turn with at least 30 degrees angle of bank and carry out 2 or 3 circuits and landings. On this or a subsequent flight, not necessarily in the view of the inspector, the pilot should climb the aircraft to a safe height and perform a number of straight stalls.

Pilot seriously injured after charter plane crash near Derby - ABC News WWW.ABC.NET.AU One person has been seriously injured after a light plane crash near Derby. A man has been seriously injured after a charter plane crashed in far northern Western Australia. WA Police said the aircraft, with two people on board, was coming in to land at Derby Airport when it crashed about 3.20pm on Tuesday in the state's Kimberley region. The plane came down on Derby Highway, about two kilometres south of the town site, with police, DFES personnel and paramedics still on scene. The pilot, a man believed to be in his twenties, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries while the passenger is believed to be uninjured. The two men have been taken to Derby Hospital for treatment. The passenger is stable, while the pilot remains in a serious but stable condition. Main Roads WA has advised motorists around five kilometres south of the Derby Airport Access Road to take care with emergency services on site. The spokesperson said the matter would likely be referred to federal authorities for further investigation. An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman said the circumstances surrounding the crash would be investigated. "The ATSB will investigate the forced landing of a Cessna 310 aircraft on the highway south-east of Derby on Tuesday afternoon following a reported double engine failure," he said.

AirHistory.net - VHINC aircraft photos WWW.AIRHISTORY.NET Browse AirHistory's historic aviation photography database

My C152's VH call sign used to be on a DC3 Airlines of NSW in the 1960's. There was a recent CASA appeal to de-register any call signs for planes not in use, to free up existing call signs, but there's no incentive to do that (no annual fee to save etc) and a big dis-incentive if you decided to re-register - eg go to RAAus and then try to go back to VH.

Yes, still for sale, a few interested, but we have to get some questions answered on the engine. It is a little older than the installation date. Does time start from manufacture, purchase or installation? It was zero hours when it went in. Waiting for Tech RAAus for guidance. PM me if interested in looking as it is in Childers and we are only an hour away.

Yes, there are "bargains"; we have our Lightwing for sale with a 912 with 86 hours on it, 55 rego, so it can be used for training. Asking $20k. A new 912 is $33k? We've had a little interest, but not a sale. It's on the Lightwing forum (Classies were not working when I listed it)