dunlopdangler

Sorry Ozzie, yes it is the EAA in the USA and not AOPA and as you rightly point out a very successful program. As for the modus operadai of the RAA, I would maintain that the RAA should represent and govern recreational flying in any one/two seat piston powered VFR (by day) aircraft OCTA, regardless of the certification level. afterall CASA still "big-brothers" the RAA operations as they do other stakeholders in aviation:stirring pot:.

I flew in to Dalby yesterday after a few days interstate and was pleasantly surprised with the amount of activity that was happening. In the circuit area there was a couple hang gliders, several gliders in the air launched from Jondaryn, a couple of dragonflys and drifters, Cessna, Piper and Cirrus. We all worked together in sorting out who was doing what and it was a pleasure to be part it.

I agree Maj..AOPA in the USA has been sponsoring the "Young Eagles" program for decades now, whereas I really don't know what the Aussie version really stands for, I was a member once and became quite disallusioned with the way it was run. Enough of that though. Locally, Airservices Australia hands out the odd sponsorship here and there as well as the Womens Pilots Association (great bunch of "Birds") and of course individual aeroclubs around the country. It would be a great thng to see the aviation community get together, especially the RAA getting behind such a program to encourage young people into aviation. I hope Lee is reading this and remember our discussions about this very thing when he was working with Howie many moons ago.:raise_eyebrow:

I'm flabagasted....All the Gear and No Idea!!...idiot should go to jail!! nice air to air shots of the L-39 though.

:csm: = bars on shirts (unless you drive a cab or bus/airbus):big_grin:

Welcome Mhz, regardless of which way you go (RAA, GA or GFA) it is all about the journey in the learning process so enjoy the ride and along the way you will meet some interesting characters

Getting there!! We now need to work with all stakeholders including CASA to get the 760KG matching the criteria of CS-JAR as I pointed out earlier for further choices of aircraft to be available for RAA flyers.

Guys..guys don't jump on the negative outcome too early, as Cloudsuck rightly pointed out, CASA has merely closed the examination of granting the weight increase application and in their reasoning have no problems in granting the increase....as they state in their release Quote: "The current requirements for operating aircraft under CAO 95.55 restrict the MTOW to 544 kg for most certificated aircraft and 600 kg for light sport aircraft (LSA). Currently, the design standard for CS VLA (formerly known as JAR VLA) allows aircraft to be designed up to a MTOW of 750 kg. This design standard is acceptable under CAO 95.55 provided the weight does not exceed 544 kg or 600 kg depending on the aircraft category. CASA believes that there would be no adverse safety impact by operating these aircraft with increased weight provided the aircraft are certificated to a suitable standard that allows up to 750 kg (such as CS VLA). However, it is expected that the increase in the MTOW for RAAus operations may be controversial for other sectors of the aviation community and CASA needs to undertake a broad and proper consultative process through this project." So they are looking at the overall methods involved in how to impliment regulatory and administrative issues with all stakeholders..It will take a while and I would imagine this time next year at the earliest (at a guess) And for those who aren't aware of the new JAR standard: (compliments of wikipedia, hence all the "W's") EASA CS-VLA is the European Aviation Safety Agency Certification Specification for Very Light Aircraft. The Very Light Aircraft or VLA aircraft certification category introduced in 2003 by the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) is intended to make it easier and less costly to get full European certification of a general aviation aircraft. The somewhat relaxed certification procedure is available for aircraft satisfying the following criteria: A single engine with spark or compression ignition (i.e. no jets). One or two seats. Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of not more than 750 kg. Stall speed in the landing configuration (VS0) of no more 83 km/h (45 knots). A CS-VLA aircraft is not certified for aerobatics and may be flown under daylight visual flight rules only. so hang in there and make sure you and your aircraft are correctly licenced and enjoy what we currently have.

Best bit of formation "flying" I've seen in a long long time!!

Well from one poppy to another Alf, congradulations mate, I have two grand-daughters, oldest one is only 4.5 and loves her poppy (or is it the planes) that is all she talks about when one flies overhead or when she gets to see me:gerg:

If you really want to impress the misses, how about the Seychelles...somewhere in the Indian Ocean far enough away from Indonesia that any quake generated waves won't be an issue and some of the best secluded beaches :FeelGood:and diving sights on the planet (apart from ours of course)

yep, sure is, crappy photos though (having too much fun driving) we will probably see you over at Oakey at the weekend, I'll be taking the 52 and Barney will be taking his 55M.:)

another day of excitement

Good video Tomo...looks like Cubby:big_grin:

Talk to the Marree pub people, they might be able to drum your fuel if you give them enough notice, pricing is all over the place out there, for instance $2.50 at some places and $1.95 at Windorah, fuel might have dropped down in price at Birdsville now that normality has returned also..go figure:censored: enjoy your flight:big_grin:

Hilary Swank has an uncanny likeness to Amelia and her acting ability should give the role justice....If the movie ends up crap at least I will enjoy watching the Electra aerial shots...and did you know that there is a plaque dedicated to Amelia Earhart and the service of women pilots in the front of the old terminal at Dalby aerodrome:big_grin:

I reckon city folk would hardly notice. Go shopping at Coles or Woolies and try to shop aussie made...it's a real test!! even the "fresh" produce is either second grade or imported.

Try the local flying schools there, they would have the tower number....good luck though, these numbers are unlisted for a reason. You could also just call airservices and ask to be put through..

When I started flying, we had the environment known as Secondary control zones which were much like the class D of now. GAAP was introduced to streamline procedures at these aerodromes which were predomately very busy training centres (not like now). As an example, Archerfield had 3 by 3 runway systems (runways left, centre and right) everyone was in the same circuit and pilots called base with intention (whether it was for a touch and go or full stop) and the controller would then give clearance to land on the nominated runway. GAAP and the change to contra-rotating runways eased the congestion and simplified these procedures, but became a uniquely australian thing which had not been adopted elsewhere. The introduction of the ABC airspace as well as compliance to ICAO modelling put GAAP on borrowed time.

Me, enjoyed a leasurely flight back from the Birdsville races, had a delightful and meaningful conversation with our friends from CASA at Charleville, topping it all off with a great fathers day gift of a LCD/DVD-TV from the misses and kids to put in the boat to be entertained when the fish aren't biting....can't get any beter than that:clap:

Jaba, I don't think your question was too difficult, get hold of a VFG and read through operations in controlled airspace and Class D is covered there as well as examples of radio calls etc...as far as hours of operation are concerned, I don't think they will extend hours of operation as that costs money so you should be safe in assuming you will get some uncontrolled flying outside tower hours as you do now...:cool_shades:

That's currently only in GAAPs Ozzie and they also want start clearances at Archerfield now as well!! As far as the TV show is concerned, the ads for the show were enough for me NOT to watch and also underlined my continued support of QANTAS every time I fly..their worst day would be better than Tigers best!!

We are planning to fly to Birdsville this year and someone decided it would be a good idea to have a look at lake eyre while we a reasonably close. At this stage we have a couple of 172s and an piper arrow going, so if anyone is interested in flying their aircraft out with us as well, then more than welcome. We will be departing Dalby wednesday or thursday, so if anyone is interested?:big_grin:

Gidday Allan, You should just confirm with your flying school that the aircraft you are flying is comprehensively insured. Usually you will find that the aircraft, each seat and public liability is covered. non-owner pilot insurance is an american product which would be an expensive alternative here so wouldn't even look at it personally. When you have finished your training and go into private hire, you should ask about any premiums or access you are liable for in relation to any claim that may eventuate in the case of a mishap. Other than that...happy flying:chuffed:

Welcome to the forums there Reg, Hope you get as much enjoyment of participating as I do :thumb_up: