Aerochute Kev

I believe they were obtained by contact with members as they are not available from RAAus.

Interesting..... I know Gavin has my e-mail address as I had dialogue with him voicing my displeasure at the grounding and audit failure early in this saga. Alas, I did not receive this e-mail so can only assume it was part of the server problem he mentions as I am sure Gavin would not have only sent this out to those he thought would support him in this matter.... I find it surprising that instead of using his efforts trying to inform members on exactly what is happening, why and what they are doing about it, he is asking members to support a Board and Executive that have allowed the RAAus to fall into such a shambles without any explanation other than to blame CASA for the "unprecedented audit" failures. Perhaps if he had said "The board is stepping down and an administrator will take over the running of the organisation until all is sorted, planes are all back in the air and people responsible for this situation are held to account" he might have had some chance of being taken as seriously working for the benefit of the members. I am afraid any Board member will have to do better than that e-mail to get my support.

I guess from the wording RAAus are not required to send out to members the information on request (as it could get expensive) but must have the info available at the office. If you were in Canberra a request like "I would like to make an appointment for 2pm tomorrow to come in and view the member register" could not be reasonably refused? Kev

Thanks Powerin

Can anyone re-insert the resignation letter in the older .doc format? my old machine wont recognise the newer .docx format. Thanks

Maybe as the staff cannot do registrations and renewals without outside help they don't have much else to do at the moment?

Looking for a system that works? Nothing will work well, or for long unless all processes are open and accountable. I vote in my Local Government elections to elect a representative (Councilor). That Councilor will attend all MONTHLY Council meetings, or provide reasons as to why he cannot attend. That Councilor may serve on sub-committees to deal with individual complex matters and report back to full Council. ALL new Councilors receive comprehensive training in their roles and responsibilities (what they CAN do, CAN NOT do and are EXPECTED to do. The Councilors set policy and direction as well as employ a CEO, the CEO employs the rest of the staff (with senior positions approved by the Councilors). Any deficiency in staff performance or legislative deficiencies show up very quickly with such regular Staff/Council meetings. The Local Government will put on its website EVERY MONTH the agenda for the upcoming meeting and soon after that meeting will have the minutes on the website. This information includes what is happening, how the Councilors voted and FULL FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS for the month. As a ratepayer I can access this information on the website anytime I like and can get a good understanding of what our Council is doing. THIS SYSTEM WORKS! Isn’t this what we as members of RAAus want? Perhaps we don’t need a CEO with great aviation knowledge (that’s what staff are for) but with the knowledge of the procedures to ensure things happen as they should. Maybe a former Local Gov’t CEO or similar is what we need?

Not sure about "useable" but certainly not useful!!! I have asked my Rep for more detail. Kev

There appears to be plenty of skilled/experienced people within the membership base however before anyone can volunteer their services we need to know WHAT the problems are. "Failing an audit" doesn't say anything except that we are not doing something right. Unless the management come clean and tell us what procedures failed or what needs fixing, nothing will change. I have e-mailed my WA Rep for some answers, so we will see what happens with that. Kev P.S. Just received a reply. The "audit failure" was in regard to registrations but no details given as to what that failure was. Problem identified at previous audits but change of Tech Manager failed to resolve it. RAAus prevented from processing registrations from TUESDAY last week so any excuses given for not processing between then and the official notification given on FRIDAY are suspect. If you were given other excuses contact your Rep. Renewals back in place from today but new registrations will need new updated process and new forms which need to be approved. Expect some changes in the next few weeks. Kev

The Aerochute takes off and lands into wind, does not handle crosswind landings well but doesn't need to as will land in a small area. Factory recommended wind capabilities is max 15kts, 8kts for takeoff. The 8 knots for takeoff is variable, as long as the chute will stay on the ground for setup it is OK to fly. I have flown in over 15kts but as the airspeed is only around 30kts there is really not much point as you will not be going far, or have trouble getting back, depending which way you go. The wind speed when airborne doesnt matter too much and doesn't affect flight characteristics as long as you can get where you want to go. The Aerochute seems to handle winds very well and even in turbulent conditions down low can be a lot of fun. We often fly when the paragligers pack up for the day, being lighter they get tossed around more.

If you check out the PPC forum at australianppa.com you may find out a bit more info from others that have flown both. Good luck and keep digging Regards, Kev

Whoops, Above post should read...Ihave NOT had an accidental turn off..........." I put them this way as I am never in a hurry to turn them on, but if hanging upside down, in a tree, on fire with the chute lines winding in, I COULD be in a hurry to turn them off!!. Kev

Hi guys I have fitted the covers so they are up when the ignition is on. To turn off both I only need to run my hand over them and they move to the off position. The covers actually have a locating lug on them so they can only be installed in the opposit way (The wrong way for us) so I filed them off and turned them round. When screwed on with the switch, put a bit of alaldite under them to stop them turning. The switches are spring loaded and do take a deliberate push to close them (off). I doubt they could be accidentally closed. I have had and accidental turn off nor had a loose flappy end of the seat belt turn off a switch since fitted. With the switches on the headplate, Aerochute did put them there for a while but a student waving his hands around accidentally turned them off in flight. They were then promptly moved back to the side. Merry Christmas eveyone, Fly safe Kev

Hi Stringpuller The switches appear not to be the originals. I think the originals were sealed and not able to be unscewed, They had a tendency to fall apart and not be repaired. I have had one fail on an aborted takeoff, not pretty. I also fitted the missile switch covers. As well as stopping the flapping seatbelt ends from accidentally turning them off, just flicking the covers closed pushes the switches at the correct angle without the normal downward pressure on the switch that contributes to the usual failures. I reported the switches to Aerochute and RAAus as a defect and recommended the missile covers as standard to avoid premature switch damage and the usual damage of lines being wound in when you cant turn the engine off. After the usual "we'll investigate" nothing was done. Obviously too expensive to fit 2 $10 covers to a $20,000 aircraft to stop it happening. Have fitted the missile covers myself and have had no problems since. Cheers, Kev

Thanks for the quick reply Michael, I just love these forums, always someone with knowledge around. I will try Wade Air. I tried a google search for ivoprop could not find any info on Aust. agents. Thanks again

Hi all Does anyone know if there is an Ivoprop agent in Perth? Note to self....... Check passenger helmet SECURELY fastened BEFORE it dissappears through the prop!!!! Cheers Kev:helmet:

Jerrys Progress Jerry is currently in Warmun (tennant Creek). He is stuck there for a while as his chute has a hole (dont know how it happened) and has been sent back to be repaierd. For up to date info check out his website at www.overdownunder.com.au. If you register you will get a copy of his diary each time he posts. He has really done well to fly an aerochute that far!! I consider a 30km trip from home a long trip! Cheers Kev

This is the first time i have joined a thread so hope it goes to the right place!!! My aircraft cost under $20000 new, I keep it in the shed next to the house and if i am working the paddocks and just happen to notice its a great day for a fly, i can be airborn in about 20 mins. My aircraft may only fly at around 30 kts but just being able to take off whenever i like, just because i can, is pretty hard to beat. I can even take my wife, daughter or a friend. I may not travel very far but i can always put it on the back of the ute and take it somewhere else just for a change. No runways required. Low, slow and great scenery. Running costs on a 503?? not alot, fuel about 15l per hr solo. This is the type of flying I wanted and at the moment have no wish to move into fixed wing. I want my flying to be pure fun, I found it with the Aerochute. Flying can be cheap (relatively), uncomplicated and fun with RAAus. Kev :thumb_up:

Once had a bank CREDIT my account for about $600. Being the honest type that i am, rang the bank and suggested they may have made a mistake and put someone elses money in my account. "We'll fix it" they say but the ammount still shows up netx statement. Another phonecall with the same same "We'll fix it" attitude. Still shows up next month. This happened again the next month. We finally decide to spend the money and see if they pick it up as the money goes out of the account. They didnt. That was about 6-7 years ago and they have never done anything. Feel sorry for the people who banked the money and it disappeared. Kev

Hi, Just found this website from Pacific Flier. Great site. After about 20 years of dreaming and lack of time and finance i have finally begun the dream to fly. I have purchased a new aerochute (which should arrive in about another week) and have clocked up 14 hours with my instructor. (i still can't believe he sits on the ground and watches whilst i have his aircraft?) I live on our farm near Gingin, north of Perth and will mostly fly from here. Unfortunately I have to share the airspace with the RAAF who have it Mon-Fri so can only fly weekends. If anyone is flying north of Gingin and sees a yellow/blue canopy aerochute, and the pilot has a giant grin on his face, it could be me. Cheers, Kevin