ozbendigo

Thanks Alf I think the local discussion is a good idea - I will get onto it. Will call in and say hello next time I am in Sale Cheers John

Thanks Alf, I will talk to the other operators and see how they feel about me flying inside their circuits. I have basically been following the same entry procedures that you have and have become very familiar with them. My concern is what I see as a major change for below 55knt aircraft in the new regs. that have just come into force on the 3/6/10 4.6.4 CAAP 166-1 effective 3/6/10 States " For low performance aircraft...it is recommended that the aircraft overfly midfield at 500' above aerodrome elevation" they don't want us to overflying at 2000' and conflict with higher and faster traffic. They way I am interpreting it - is that I must arrive at the airport at 500' to overfly at 500' and then join the circuit at 500' John

JayKay - I wish there were some local rules! 4.6.4 CAAP 166-1 effective 3/6/10 States " For low performance aircraft...it is recommended that the aircraft overfly midfield at 500' above aerodrome elevation" they don't want us to overflying at 2000' They way I am interpreting it - is that I must arrive ar the airport at 500' to overfly at 500' and then join the cuircit at 500' John

NEV - The way I read the new joining procedures - is that I have to be at 500' AGL before I arrive at the airport and then over fly at 500' so that I don't conflict with other circuit traffic. This is impossible from the west because of the city and problematical from all other directions because of the bushland surrounding the airport. If I fly closer circuits am I guilty of overtaking if I complete my circuit more quickly that other aircraft?

It has been suggested that I fly my circuits at 800 -1000', but this would seem to defeat the purpose. I try to restrict my circuit training to times when the strip is not so busy. Then I can fly quite tight, close circuits.

I fly a trike 45 - 50Knts cruise. I understand the need for 500' AGL ciurcuits, even though in Bendigo that takes me over heavily tree areas for 3 legs (N, E & S) of my circuit. And if I am following a GA aircraft, that can be a fair way out from the strip - with no chance of a glide back. My problem in understanding the new separation procedures is: How far out from the airport (or circuit) do I let down to 500' AGL to be able to over fly at this height? If I approach the airport from the west I have to fly over the city - technically the city boundary is on the airport boundary. Cheers John 4.6.4 CAAP 166-1 effective 3/6/10 States " For low performance aircraft...it is recommended that the aircraft overfly midfield at 500' above aerodrome elevation" I read it as they don't want us to overflying at 2000' and conflict with higher and faster traffic. They way I am interpreting this new procedure - is that I must arrive at the airport at 500' to overfly at 500' and then join the circuit at 500'

Andy, Bill and Kevin Thanks for your advice. I ran through the check list offered by Andy, using two identical radios and an obliging mate. Nothing much changed, swapped the radios around, changed a lead no difference, tried different headsets, different PTT and repositioned the aerial@$#@!! Today as a last resort dragged out the old 1/4 wave wire aerial mounted it on the trike - hallelujah - reading you 5 John!!!!! Thanks again for your help, thanks to the guys in the Bendigo circuit for putting up with my numerous radio checks. So where to go with the "Black Widow" aerial? I will talk to the supplier and see if they have any suggestions. Cheers John

Thanks Bill I have had a good look at aerials discussion and found some very useful information there. I will get back to the forum when I have had a run through Andy's suggestions Cheers John

Thanks Andy I will give that a try and report back. Radio reconditioned and test by ICOM last year, so it should be OK. Cheers John

Hi everyone I found the forum while looking for a solution to my radio problem. I fly an Airborne Edge X 2002 Microlight with an Icom A22E hand held radio and Raptor A22 intercom and headsets. (+ Black Widow antenna) Reception is very good but my transmission is terrible. Transmission reported at the weekend in the circuit as less than 1. Volume is great, but sounds like electrical interference with very faint audio in the background. I am at a loss to know where to start. If anyone has an idea I would be pleased to hear from them Cheers John