damono

Hi Mark and welcome to the site. Love the sound of the flying over there. It is great to stop and think sometimes about what is going on in aviation outside Aus, especially in non-alike countries. Thanks for adding that perspective!

Perhaps purchase the aircraft as a joint owner or a shareholder to cut down the cost... we all love to fly but with kids, jobs, etc. you can't be up there all the time. I'm not saying that it would work for everyone, and it may not for you, but in the right circumstances could be another option. If pursuing this path then get a lawyer involved to draw up the paperwork, might cost around 0.5% of the purchase price but that would be worth the peace of mind. Good luck and let the forum know how it all goes!

Hi everyone, thanks for all of the feedback. Lethbridge sounds like a good field/club - and it seems unanimous that a Saturday would be the perfect time to visit (just in time for the bbq). Thanks again. D

Hi all, Bit of a shot in the dark approach but thought this would be the best place to try... anyone here a regular at Lethbridge (Vic) or a member of the GSA club ? I'm fairly new to the local area and would be keen to know a bit more about the field / club. cheers, D

Some photos from the show to share with the RecFlying community... [ATTACH]13288.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13287.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13286.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13285.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13284.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13283.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13282.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]13281.vB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]12962.vB[/ATTACH] Yep, its a BN-2A-9, and as to where the photo was taken becomes clear in this photo. It is registered YJ-RV16 for VanAir the domestic part of Air Vanuatu. The grass/coral strip is Laman Bay, Epi Island (NVSM) in 2009.

An easy one... [ATTACH]12960.vB[/ATTACH] ...probably a bit easy so I'm only showing half of it (and even then, its probably still a breeze for some of you). Photo courtesy of my wife !

Mr Donald Charles ADAMS of Toogoom Queensland (Seabird Aviation Australia) was recognised today For service to the aviation industry with an Order of Australia Medal. Founder and Chairman, Seabird Aviation Australia, since 1983; involved in the design, certification and current production of the Seabird Seeker. Commenced a daily aerial paper run and delivery of urgently required goods to 7 townships in the Maryborough/Bundaberg hinterlands, 1963-1970. Chairman, Queensland Aerial Operators Association, for one term in the 1960s. Introduced the Britten Norton Islander aircraft into Australia and the Pacific region, 1970. Involved in aerial grass-seeding of the Brigalow scrub areas, 1957-1965. Made the first aircraft landing at the newly-developed Hervey Bay Airport, 1961. Obtained pilot’s licence, 1946. Involved in the construction of an air strip and tourist accommodation on Lady Elliot Island, 1969. Involved in the construction of the first air strip on Fraser Island, 1961. Mr John Hamilton MACKNIGHT ofDeniliquin NSW (Macknight Airlines) was recognised today For service to the aviation industry, and to the community. Founder and Operator, Macknight Airlines, 1970-1997; provided air services to Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin, Finley, Tocumwal and other districts in south west Riverina. Casual Pilot, Wettenhall Air Services, 1997-2005. Partner, Air Charter Business, 1964-1970. Life Member, Regional Aviation Association of Australia; Board Member, for many years; Foundation Member. Current Flight Checker of airport lighting systems and visual approach aids throughout Australia and East Timor, Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Ground Instructor, Pilot Proficiency Program, International Comanche Society; Public Officer; Chief, 2006-2007. Current Consultant, airport matters. Former Board Member, Deniliquin Hospital. Former Chair, Red Shield Appeal, The Salvation Army. Former President, Deniliquin Club. Involved in an agricultural farming property in Deniliquin, from 1975 until his retirement in 2002. Awards/recognition include: Access Road to Deniliquin Airport was named ‘Macknight Drive’ by the Deniliquin Council in his honour, 2008. Aviation Safety Foundation Award, 1998. http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2011/honours/ad11/ Congratulations Don and John.

Ok, so I just added my vote and wow ! that graph is much, much more dramatic than I had expected, I was expecting perhaps a 70% [male participation pilot+instructor] result... but almost 90% is surprising.

Hey everyone, Thanks for the welcome replies, this really is a very supportive and informative forum. Thirsty, re. RAA cert, to be honest I usually do my homework but admit I didn't find out about it until after I started the PPL training, but alas, it will be nice to have the PPL in hand should my mind change. Cheers, Damon

Hi all, just a quick post to introduce myself as a new member of the forum. After about 10 years working on and off with aviation folks in various roles I finally took the plunge and signed up for PPL lessons. And I'm really pleased that I did - I'm not looking for a career change and happy to keep the flying just for fun. I would like to have the opportunity to fly over the scenery and land at some of the many fields in this big and diverse country as well as trying out a few different aircraft types, but these are long term goals, first I'm just concentrating on qualifying. So, hi to all on these forums, I'm glad to be here. Cheers, D