Graham Pukallus

Thangool airfield certainly came Alive today with preparation for the Callide Dawson Flying Group Inc fly in starting tomorrow. Here some early photos of this upcoming event which promises to be a great success.

Thought I would further explain what I and other pilots and instructors believe about the level of accuracy and discipline required in GA flying compared to RAA, not comparing the instruction level of either and agree with Coljones in the flying standard from RAA is generally First Class and makes the transition easier for pilots wishing to go to GA. Firstly in RAA you don't normally operate or more importantly have to enter and follow specific rules and regulations while in class D and C airspace and Airports and adhere to strict procedures, instructions and abide to a high level of accuracy both in the air and taxiing around in a busy commercial airport. Therefore the demand on PPL student is, I believe and in my case anyway much higher with a higher cockpit load with radio procedures, read backs, know the specific aerodrome your flying into and out of re - taxi ways, holding points, helipad crossovers etc etc with the VFR entry points at specific heights, airways clearance, start clearances etc. So considering the above their is a considerable difference when comparing training in a GA environment and meeting the legal standards of operating in a controlled environment, compared to a RAA schools that operate generally in class E Airspace, not withstanding that there are some RAA schools that do operate in Class D aerodrome and Airspace. Hope this explains and answers your questions. Regards Graham

More photos of today's aircraft that attended Watts Bridge.

Top event, Well organised and attended by everything that flies. Top marks to Richard Faint, Liz and the many helpers that made the all in fly in, a very professional event.

Here are the rest of the best shots over the weekend including a shot flying to Burrum Heads / Pacific Haven Airpark and a reminder that the Thangool Best Ever Flyin is on in 2 weeks (Queens Birthday Weekend) and needs everyone's support for Liza and her team. Ditto Scott and to all the Ninja flyers from Watts Bridge and see you next weekend for All In Flyin. Graham and Val

Just returned home from one of the best weekends and flyins at The Old Station, unsurpassed entertainment throughout the weekend for flyers and non flyers. Even the photos don't do Justice to this huge event organised by Leonie Creed and her massive team. Weather perfect with warm days and nights unlike the past few years, Matt Hall was inspirational in all areas of presentations throughout the weekend. In excess of 80 aircraft and 50 + caravans / Motorhomes, the weekend went off like clockwork, Doug Mc Cullough arrived with 6 other planes from their flying holiday in nearby Great Keppel Island, members of the QRAA club, to enjoy and support The Old Station Flyin. Great to catch up with old mates and meet amazing pilots and their aircraft from all aspects of aviation.

-------- Fly-in Update -------- THE OLD STATION FLY-IN AND HERITAGE SHOW Preliminary photos of Old Station Fly In, thus far at 3pm Friday. 40 planes arrived so far with Matt Hall just taxiing in as I post. Big night organised with pilots dinner and talk by Matt Hall.

Great huge Hangar, airstrip looks great in green.

Ditto, should a great weekend, leaving 7am Friday from Caboolture, see you there.

Val and I will see you there, booked accom today, will watch the weather, here 's hoping.

I did considerable revision and update of especially CTR and in general (current procedures), after some time out of GA, before being recommended by Jarrad to go for my PPL BFR test. In my case this took with briefings sessions approx 8 hours, but this cannot be used as a general rule due to a number of deciding factors re flying experience, competency with radio, Navs, and CTR procedures. The sense and appreciation of reaching this level of competency and discipline in my flying was immense and can attribute this to the patience and skill of my instructor. To answer your question Gnarly of how many hours it would take to achieve a PPL coming from a RAA licence, this would require a assessment of current experience and what would then be required to meet the standards of a PPL Licence. I have a good reference from a RAA pilot who just passed his PPL test last week if want a second opinion. PM me.

Can highly recommend GA instructor Jarrad Smith at Redcliffe Aero Club, who I personally found very patient, thorough and professional, who relates very well with Pilots coming from RAA. I have referred a few now, who are very happy with their training and achievement under Jarrad's instruction. You can contact him on 32031777 or PM me for further info.

Being a trike,my first suggestion would be a VSI for thermaling, or a watch / clock, see photo for use with navigating.

You noticed my love of real planes with tail wheels. Just something nostalgic about it I suppose. Born and Bred on Drifters, Lightwings, Austers etc will do it every time.

More Photos, Gatton Air Park Breakfast

Another excellent get together and flyin with a huge variety of aircraft, 40 + on a brilliant Blue sky day. Good to catch up with old friends. PS: Loved the Auster. Here are the photo Highlights.

More photos of Childers Wings and Wheels Flyin.

Attended yet another great Wings and Wheels Flyin by the Isis Flying Club, see photos of the highlights of the many and varied aircraft, bikes and cars. Great event and well attended, Thanks

Many thanks to the organisers and workers for another great brunch and get together at Kilcoy.

The home cooked country menu was even better this year with the addition of home cooked Savoury Mince on toast, and believe it or not, the best Porridge, apparently with secret ingredients, I've had for a long time. The usual breakfast favourites were there, the Pilots Dinner won a lot of hearts especially with the Roast Pork and crackling which most came back for seconds before it disappeared. Can't beat country cooking from the heart.

The Inglewood Lions Club would like to pass on the major contribution to the Trike and micro light community for the contribution that was made to make this event a success. On behalf of the Stuart and Debbie they ask to extend a big thank you and look forward to seeing you all next Anzac Weekend in 2015.

The Inglewood Lions Club would like to pass on the major contribution to the Trike and micro light community for the major contribution that was made to make this event a success. On behalf of the Stuart and Debbie they ask to extend a big thank you and look forward to seeing you all next Anzac Weekend in 2015.

Good bye Inglewood till next year, Anzac Day Weekend. Final Big Breakfast by the Lions Club before we all departed home.

Inglwood final day of flying in perfect weather followed by the legendary Pilots Dinner tonight, again superbly catered by the Inglewood Lions Club with all proceeds to the Drought Effected Farmers. 38 Aircraft counted over the weekend, with a strong contingent by the Trike community, and the crew from Coffs Harbour, all had a memorable weekend. The photos say it all. Inglewood Flyin, Date set for ANZAC weekend for 2015.

Breakfast served by lions Club with dawn flights for chief cook and volunteers.