Jerry_Atrick

Many thanks gents... Unf I couldn't find the edit button on my phone when I spotted the error.. VTA should have been VTC... Will contact some "local" RAA Schools. Another question - I hear of some sort of security clearance/badge - will this be needed for any but airports with RPT? thanks again, JA

G'day all... I am planning a 2017 Birdsville + touring extravaganza. I will land in Melbourne as that's where my family are based and go from there. I have an Aussie GFPT and an EASA PPL; I tend to get my Aussie Medical at the same time as my EASA medical (we have an AME that is authorised to dispense medicals for almost every country under the sun), which is actually due, ahem, last week (but its winter here, now). So my questions are: Should I go for an Aussie PPL off the back of my EASA one (air law/procedures exam + flight test) or go for the temporary certificate of validation? Is there an RAA equivalent licence/temp certificate that can be awarded with a foreign PPL If I go for the conversion to an Aussie license, how does one take the exams these days? Is it online from home, designated test centre, school, etc.? Does anyone know the approx. costs? What RAA aircraft are generally around for hire - if I don't bring any pax, I don't need heavy lifting capability, and would prefer the speed/cost of RAA's v. CoA aircraft (in the UK, LAA types include pretty well much any 4 seater under I think 2400lb MTOW - but would have to check the regs to be sure). If I fly an RAA type, what restrictions other than Day VFR are there (besides those that apply to PPL/CoA aircraft)? Can one fly over a city, for example? What is the recommended flight planning software.. .There are a couple of decent ones here, though the one I used dropped the Aussie charts from their offering as I presume the cost to run them versus the market was too high. I tried Oz Runways - are there any others - especially any where you can plan on a desktop and stick the plan on a tablet/phone? Are Electronic flight bags/planning tools OK by themselves or is there a legal requirement to carry paper maps (the distance will use significantly more maps than I am used to)? When is the best time to buy VTA and WACs (i.e. what month are they usually published)? Other than that, I presume not much has changed in.. ahem.. 20 years... Thanks in advance for any advice - and of course, any stick as well.. Rgds, JA

Of course, if you can get your hands on old copies of Planetalk (RVAC), there were many a gem of articles to Carruthers! G'Day Dick - how goes it? Long time no speak, but hopefully will be renting a plane out of YCEM mid 2017. Rgds, Lance

That is one slick looking aircraft! May have to speak to the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) here to see what would it take to get one on the register...

I have seen a lot of the reports of flooding down there.. I did a short stint in Bendigo quite a few years ago; one minute you could drive a 4x4 through Lake Eppaloch, the next they were virtually erecting flood barriers... Still, a loverly part of the world around there. Holcombe is not too far away at all; and there are many more usable strips around there, too.. Actually heading not too far from there soon to watch the lad play some Rugby (not that I can help him with that at all being an old codger from Melbourne)...

G'day Marty.. Welcome back to flying. I had a 15 year hiatus from flying... wished I never did! I am too new to these parts to welcome you to the forum, but so far, its a great place to hang out...

Nice bird!

I would also consider a stop at Lightning Ridge; Depends on whether you need to get there poste haste...

Thanks for the welcome.. A quick tour of the forums and I now know who you're talking about... Nope, no the same.. not related... but probably as vocal..

Hi Neil, I am in West Monkton - between Taunton and Bridgewater.. Dunkeswell (in Devon) is the closest major airfield. There are a couple of farm strips nearby. If you're in town, be good to catch up. Let me know when you're in town and if I am in currency and the weather plays ball, we'll go for a flight... I am currently renting out of Dunks... and it has a microlight school as well.. but will probably move base to Bristol which is a little further and has massive landing fees, but the aircraft on offer are a little more affordable. I did a couple of lesson many years ago at Romsey; one man band - can't recall his name; Williams, I think. Loverly part of the world (and my wife and I often visit realestate.com.au to check out properties at Kyneton)

Many thanks for the welcomes... I did not know about the Austin Somerset; Handy for the next aviation trivia night, no doubt...

Hi there, from the "sunny" skies of the UK. I am an Aussie currently living in the UK (and have, admittedly, for a long time) and have been looking for a good Aussie flying forum to participate with, of which this a great one. Although, I have to admit, I don't fly RAA types, I hope you don't mind me frequenting these pastures. I like RAA types (I am a member of the LAA in the UK, which is a similar organisation), I don't have time to build anything and the likes of Bristells, Sportcruisers, Vans, etc.. are soooo much more expensive to buy into and there are none for private rental. So, I had a share of a PA28 for a few years; moved relatively recently and am plane-less, so rely on the local flying school for the odd rental while I wait for something decent to come up. There is a microlight school nearby, but they use their fleet almost exclusively for training.. So, why an Aussie forum while I am in the UK? It's nice to hear the accent when talking flying.. but also, I intend to make more frequent trips to Aus and integrate flying into them. I trained @ YMMB and YCEM too many years ago to contemplate (or admit). Also, I am planning for Birdsville 2017 (or if I am too late, 2018) having received tacit approval from SWMBO, so may post in the general discussion questions on things about Aussie aviation such as enhanced security requirements, is there a private rental market out there, do airfields charge landing fees, etc. Of course, it goes without saying, if you're planning a trip this way, drop me a line with any questions about flying here... Happy to help. Jerry (real name, Lance)

It came out well, thanks.. Mid way through reading it... J.

Many thanks, Franco, Jerry...

Hi Frank, I am new to this site, but if you can email be a copy, I would appreciate it. Thanks.. [email protected]