Come Fly With Us! - Australian Piper Society
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Come Fly With Us!
‘Bucketeers’
‘Bucketeers’on
on Big
Big Red,
Red,west
west of
of Birdsville,
Birdsville NSW
Dave Ind and a fleet of Piper aircraft at Forsayth, Qld
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE October 2017
AUSTRALIAN PIPER SOCIETY INC
PO BOX 31 ROMA 4455, INC 9880292 NSW
NEW
MEMBERS President’s Report
For Vicki and myself the Your commi ee has discussed methods of returning
Australian Piper Society value to members that are consistent with the con‐
has certainly been part of s tu on. The commi ee has approved that for ex‐
our life over the past 6‐8 years. I have served as is ng and current members a ending a PPP the
both commi ee member and President during ground component will be free of charge. This ap‐
that period, have flown many thousands of nau‐ proach will be for the next 3 PPPs and reviewed
cal miles, and made numerous friendships a er 12 months. The only fees payable at the next 3
while engaging in Society ac vi es. We look PPPs, therefore, will be $100.00 for the flying com‐
forward with your commi ee to introducing ponent. It must be noted that this is only for mem‐
some new direc ons for the Society and exci ng bers but includes family members that are pro‐rata
new events for members over the next 12 according to membership category. As well as being
TOTAL MEMBERS: months. of benefit to members, I hope this ini a ve will also
101 I must thank Sco Lewis and his commi ee for encourage more members to come along and upskill
carrying the APS through some difficult mes, their flying as well as having a fun weekend. I have
I’d like to welcome our and at the same me keeping APS flying by cre‐ done the course many mes and always walk away
newest member: a ng opportuni es for members to fly and build richer in knowledge and with improved flying skills.
new friendships. You have done a wonderful This is a new innova on to a terrific program the
Garry Phelps job. In moving forward, the commi ee and I are Society offers members, and I look forward to you
commi ed to crea ng a rac ve flyways and taking it up at the coming PPPs.
Garry is a farmer from events for members. Our cons tu on is now approximately 14 years old
Wee Waa, Nsw, and I am proposing an ‘Event Calendar’ that carries and the commi ee intends to review it over the
proud owner of a PA24- Society ac vi es right through to 2020. As well next 12 months. The inten on is to modernise,
400 and a PA18-150. as the tradi onal PPPs and Flyways, I am plan‐ check compliance, and a er taking advice, simplify if
We look forward to meet- ning to include some addi onal ideas into the appropriate. However, the commi ee does not
ing him in person at fu- Society’s program. These could include: want this to overshadow the new direc ons and
ture APS events. 1. Warbirds over Wanaka, ideas for the Society in 2017/2018 and we will come
2. Fly & Walk Weekends, back to members on comple on of our inves ga‐
Janine Milton 3. Progressive Dinner flyaway weekends, ons.
Committee Member 4. Oshkosh/Piper Factory Tour, And lastly, another major change discussed at the
Membership 5. AGM mee ngs that will include an op onal Commi ee mee ng on 13th September was to
3‐4 day flyaway (2018 at Longreach). change the name of ‘Australian Piper Society’ to
The overseas events of Warbirds over Wanaka ‘Australian Piper AircraŌ Society’. This will be the
and Oshkosh are with the idea that some of our subject of a member’s email poll and require 75%
members leave as a group and extend their holidays in New Zealand and USA approval for the commi ee to act. The reason for
a er the events have completed. Placing these events on the calendar now this name change is the confusion that many event
gives us plenty of me to organise and plan. Could I please ask for your feed‐ organisers have experienced over the years with
back if you are interested so the commi ee can proceed with the important Pipers being associated with a Bag Pipe Band. I my‐
planning required? self have been told that we cannot prac ce the bag
With the next AGM in Longreach I really want members to rally and get be‐ pipes at the motel when making a booking.
hind the new changes and direc on. It would be great to have a huge gather‐ By changing our name, it gives greater clarity to the
ing of Piper aircra at the home of Qantas and hold our AGM in the museum Society’s iden ty. For myself I think having the name
with as many members as possible. This would be a wonderful start to 4 days Australian Piper AircraŌ Society gives us greater
in Longreach. The Longreach experience includes river cruises, Stockman’s recogni on or pres ge for the hard work and train‐
Hall of Fame, sta on tours, a visit to Winton and the dinosaur excava ons, ing involved to become an aviator. This poll will be
and then finishing off with a day at the races to witness the running of the sent out a er you receive the newsle er and I hope
Longreach Cup ‐ a chance to ‘dress up to the nines’ as they say. I have put you take the opportunity to vote and be part of the
my hand up to organise this event, and once again I need some feedback so I new direc on.
can fly up to Longreach and confidently meet with organisa ons there, know‐ Your commi ee is commi ed to a new direc on and
ing approximate numbers expected for the Piper Aircra invasion of Lon‐ as President I ask all members to embrace the
greach. So please contact me with your interest in this AGM event as I really change, to join us on the planned events, and make
want as many members as possible there so as to meet new friends, welcome the AGM at Longreach a true gathering of Piper air‐
back old ones and demonstrate the strength of the Piper Aircra Movement cra , aviators and friends. You will see Vicki and
in Australia. myself at as many events as possible during my peri‐
This will be a great AGM and I would love to hear your interest in coming to it, od as President.
and indeed any other Society ma er you would like to discuss. We look forward to catching up with everybody.
My contacts are Mobile : 0417 887010 Email : signman@skylinensw.com.au
David Ind
President
Bucket List Flyaway Bucket List Flyaway
2017
Dave Laughton
You’ve probably heard about FIKI (Flight Into Known Ice), but on day one we discovered DIKI
(Driving Into Known Ice), at least that’s what it felt like as we drove the Arkaroola Ridge Top
Tour. Never been so happy to get into a warm bar, despite the spectacular scenery and
camaraderie the a ernoon of Day 1 provided.
Sadly two of our number had failed to show. Col & Brita were hoping to catch up in a few
days a er Brita’s recovery from a tummy wog, as were Leigh & Tracy who had landed in the
middle of nowhere on a sta on strip between Mildura and Arkaroola with issues (not of a
personal nature). Not quite according to plan, but not the end of the world, yet.
In the lead up to the trip some irreverent individuals conspired to nominate a
nickname for each crew. The eleven starters were:
John & Jan Pullen PA‐28‐181 Archer “Airbus”
Geoff & Gayle Beutel PA‐28‐180 Cherokee
Ian Tucker and Vicky Giles PA‐28R‐200 Arrow “Snowbirds”
Dave & Vicki Ind PA‐32R‐301T Saratoga “Sparky”
Steve Mathers and Sharon Maloney PA‐34‐200 Seneca
Barry & Susan McCabe PA‐28‐235 Pathfinder “Ice Man”
Dave Long & Cath Lincoln PA‐28‐180 Archer “Doc”
Greg & Toni Morris PA‐32R‐300 Lance “Clown”
Colin & Brita Bruce PA‐28‐181 Archer “Dreamliner” The Bucketeers, Arkaroola
Leigh & Tracy Barling PA‐28R‐301T Arrow “Maverick”
Dave Laughton & Rae Percival PA‐46R‐350T Matrix “Skipper”
Geoff & Gayle and Steve & Sharon, being flyaway virgins, missed out on being nicknamed,
but they won’t get away with it next me.
Day 2, all thawed out and off in various direc ons to a common des na on, William Creek.
Some went north over yesterday’s DIKI country, others to Leigh Creek for fuel and the rest
direct to the newly refreshed ‘Marree Man’ which proved to be no challenge to find, unlike
the recent past when nature had reclaimed him.
Not the most pleasant of flying days with the strong winds and bumpy ride persis ng down
low. From the ‘Man’ the old Ghan railway was evident, heading west through some low
country with numerous long trestle bridges s ll standing, as were remnants of Curdimurka,
one of the old railway towns replete with the original water tower. Not hard to see why the
Ghan closed for months a er heavy rain back in the good old days. Doc, using his acute Maree Man, SE of William Creek
vision, was able to clearly iden fy Black Swans and specific markings from 500’.
Truly amazing.
The Painted Hills were next to appear, an extensive area of heavily eroded and remarkably
coloured country, situated on Anna Creek Sta on, the largest in the world, and inaccessible
to everyone except by air. Ain’t we lucky!
William Creek offered a challenging crosswind landing, unless you were smart enough to
use the undocumented dirt strip on the other side of the road, as many did. The rest of us
were glad no‐one was close enough to score our landings, but at least no maintenance was
required.
A Piper on final for 21 on the
other side of the highway,
William Creek
‘Cool’ Bucketeers on the Ridgetop Tour, Arkaroola The Painted Hills, SW of William Creek
Being close to Woomera Rocket Range has enabled a collec on of ‘Space Junk’ to accumulate and
Bucket List Flyaway
take pride of place in the middle of town, a town which is now owned in its en rety by Trevor
2017 Wright who arrived to start an air charter opera on many years ago and progressively acquired
the camp ground and then the Pub by default. Apart from the Air Charter buildings there’s not
much else there.
One of the truly colourful characters of the Outback, Trev took great delight in delivering a pre‐
dinner chat about the history of the place and the nature of his extensive opera on. The following
morning he proudly showed off his new toy, a Cessna Caravan, before seeing us on our way north.
Mean me, no good news from our two delayed starters. Dreamliner (Col this me) went down
on Saturday night as they were packing but hoped to catch up a couple of days on. Maverick
made it back to Broken Hill and was wai ng on parts, also expec ng to catch up in a day or two.
Day 3 over Lake Eyre, sadly without water but s ll a stunning sight and on up the
western side where the
Warburton Groove stands out vividly as it leads back to one of the main inflows to
the Lake, the Warburton River. There was s ll some water in the river and quite a lot
of bird life, principally Pelicans. It’s always amazed me as to how they come to be
si ng around down Adelaide way and one day decide to head off into the desert
hoping to find water. It con nues to amaze me, given they are so smart, why they
hang on as the water all around dries up. One can only hope they feed well as fish
are concentrated into smaller and smaller pools before finally making a sprint back to
the sea.
Finally we’re over Channel Country, and not disappointed as many channels s ll hold
Up past the Warburton Groove water and the extent of Goyder Lagoon is apparent by the rela vely green expanse
nestled in the drier desert dunes to the west and the stonier Strzelecki Desert to the
east. This is where the Diaman na River, which starts its journey to the NW of Win‐
ton before creeping down over many months, ends, occasionally reaching Lake Eyre
before drying up, an epic journey and an epic sight if you ever get the opportunity to
see it.
Red sand hills appear to our le as we approach Birdsville, the Eastern reaches of the
Simpson Desert in this area, and the loca on of our sunset gathering on Big Red, one
of the longest sandhills in the Simpson. As always, Kylie from Desert Edge Tours put
on a good ou ng with a short tour of the town combined with a bit of its history be‐
fore heading west in me for drinks and nibbles on top of Big Red to watch another
wonderful day come to a close. But of course the day couldn’t finish before the man‐
datory drink in the bar of the Birdsville Hotel, so it didn’t.
‘Bucketeers’, Birdsville
The two recalcitrants had no good news for us, but both s ll held the fading hope of catching up.
Fingers crossed. They were being missed.
Day 4 and a late change of plan. The wonders of Facebook resulted in Sharon discovering that a
friend of hers who has a mobile pizza truck, a ending all of the rodeos and picnic races in western
Queensland over a 3 month period each year, just happened to be in Boulia today and with a bit
of arm twis ng agreed to fire up the oven and feed us all lunch. Worked a treat with everyone
si ng on the grass under the trees on the main street planta on, being gawked at by the occa‐
sional passing caravanner. Doesn’t get much be er than that, especially as we’d all just enjoyed
the Min Min Light Experience, le a few dollars in town and prepared to move on a er visi ng the
excellent Stone House local museum.
Soon a er leaving Boulia the country starts to change quite markedly as we headed out over the
eastern reaches of the Barkly Tableland and its numerous small mines before arriving at Cloncurry
for the evening, and a superb meal at our motel.
Day 5 and half decided to head off for Adel’s Grove early whilst the rest did a quick trip to Bucket List Flyaway
the John Flynn Museum, all aiming in to get to Adel’s Grove in me for an early a ernoon 2017
trip to Lawn Hill Gorge. The smart ones elected to tour the gorge on a small boat, whilst
the others took to the two man canoes. Boa es saw a croc. Paddlers are glad they didn’t,
especially the Snowbirds who ably demonstrated why they should s ck to flying by exhib-
i ng a classic slaps ck manoeuvre which unfolded in slow mo on and ended up with both
in the drink. Lucky it wasn’t cold or deep, and a miracle that neither phone nor camera
ended up as wet as the crew. Curiously all observers and players had a differing view of
the sequence of events, but all agreed it was bloody funny!
Again no good news from the absentees. Col was s ll crook and the catching up ge ng so
hard as to make it not worthwhile, so they scratched. Maverick’s part hadn’t arrived, and
The Snowbirds pretending to be ducks
no-one could say where it was. Ge ng desperate.
Day 6 and a leisurely start for our short run up to the Gulf of Carpentaria near Burketown
then across the bo om of the Gulf to Karumba. Great plan, but the usual amazing vista of
the many rivers snaking their way across salt pan country to the ultra shallow edge of the
Gulf was somewhat tarnished by the strong wind taking advantage of the dry condi ons
and whipping up a cloud of salty dust which looked a lot like sea mist as we approached.
Upon closer inspec on it turned out to be both as the dust merged into the over water
mist, all in all presen ng the country in a lesser state than is normal. Pity, but s ll pre y
impressive.
The a ernoon was dominated by Sparky’s horse running in some flash race down south. The Gulf, with dust and sea haze
A brace of wannabe punters descended on the pub, home of the TAB in Karumba. Bets
were duly placed and incredibly the nag got up. Naturally this was cause for celebra on,
and with wallets bulging that’s what happened, and kept on happening. The reason given
by the celebrants is that they took so much money out of the TAB ll they virtually broke
it, and the only way to save the whole opera on was by re-inves ng the winnings in alco-
hol. Seems they were en rely successful.
Maverick re red hurt and rightly p****ed off about the whole exercise, exacerbated by
having to spend 5 nights in Broken Hill, four more than any reasonable person should have
to endure (make that 5 if you’ve been before, which they had).
Day 7 and a call to the refueller in Normanton to arrange a Saturday callout resulted in
advice that delays should be expected due to an air-sea search which was in progress, a
number of aircra with priority being involved. Despite low expecta ons the refueller
busted a gut and juggled his me to keep everyone pre y happy. While wai ng their turn Happy punters, Karumba
several of our crews were treated to an on board tour of the Government Emergency Ser-
vices Challenger jet.
Sadly I wasn’t one of them but by all accounts it was an impressive bit of kit - our taxes at
work. Good news is that, despite the person being searched for being extremely overdue
when he was located, it all resulted in a happy ending. Quite a good outcome given they
were expec ng to find a body.
Finally we all arrived at Forsayth, the nearest airport to Cobbold Gorge, our home for the
next two nights and located about 45 km away. Unbeknown to us, the Forsayth pub had
been
recently refurbished and provided a great loca on for a very nice lunch while we waited
for our pickup bus. Parking at Forsayth airstrip was at a premium as the photo shows, and Enjoying a sunset dinner, Karumba
whilst being a thorough gentleman and offering to close the gate a er the bus had exited
the airport, expec ng the bus to then stop and pick him up, Clown was le gazing
a er the receding visage of the bus as it went on its merry way. Thankfully there
was a second pickup planned and needless to say Greg was a li le re cent about
offering his gate closing services second me around without establishing his
expecta ons quite clearly. Bus driver proved to be a quick learner.
The Pipers at Forsayth airstrip
Se led into our accommoda on by mid-a ernoon. It was me to chill out and what a great
Bucket List Flyaway
place to do just that. An infinity pool with a dam and natural bushland as a backdrop, a bar in
2017 the opposite direc on together with beau fully warm weather made for a leisurely a ernoon
leading into the evening meal enjoyed by all.
Day 8 allowed a morning free to explore the environs with several self guided
walks on offer, the majority taking advantage of them to get a bit of exercise be-
fore heading off on the Gorge tour in the a ernoon. Difficult to effec vely de-
scribe the Gorge, but suffice to say that it’s so narrow that they’ve had to have
special narrow electric powered punts made to sneak along the narrow chasm.
Well worth a couple of days if ever you’re up that way.
Day 9 and our shortest flight lay ahead, only 64 nm to Undara. A few elected an
early start in order to do a bit of extra-curricular near daybreak flying in a chopper
over this unforgiving but striking landscape; another great way to waste some
money.
Infinity pool above the river, Cobbold Gorge
Preparing to leave Forsayth we saw a T-tail Lance land, and to some of the longer
serving Bucketeers the colour scheme looked familiar. Lo and behold up rolls
Cheryl Arentz doing a charter (as she o en does), amazed to see the normally
deserted airstrip awash with Pipers. Our encounter was brief as she had paying
passengers to look a er and we had flying to be done, having to get to Undara in
me for lunch and an early a ernoon Lava Tube tour, all of which was achieved in
a mely manner.
One of the highlights of Undara is the accommoda on we’d booked, a string of
old QLD Rail carriages aligned like a train along an old wagon track and refur-
bished to provide very roomy and comfortable en suite room. Quite nostalgic to
the old farts who clearly remember these relics being the norm for rail travel in
their youth.
Above Cobbold Gorge
I won’t a empt to describe the tube tour or their history, but can highly recom-
mend this quite unique geographic feature as worth a visit. Unfortunately there
were too many in our party to be able to join the sunset tour which culminates a
bit a er dark by visi ng one of the huge caves, home to untold numbers of bats,
to witness their mass departure whilst running the wai ng gauntlet of snakes try-
ing, and o en succeeding, to take them mid flight as a dietary supplement.
Day 10 was an early start for a bush breakfast, each of us si ng on a stump with a
taller stump as our personal table. Wood fire BBQ bacon and eggs, Billy tea, toast
being self made using a toas ng fork over the embers of a fire all made for a good
brekky, except for Vicki Ind bunging on a turn both because of the unnaturally
early start (for her) and the discovery of bits of the bush in her tea.
Touring through the Cobbold Gorge
Entertainment was provided watching some of the other guests trying to figure
out the toas ng process which was proving quite a challenge un l the subtle es
were politely explained by some of our motley crew.
Back to the airstrip and off to Shute Harbour, some going via Ingham for fuel and
others with longer range going via Charters Towers. The Ingham mob tracked
fairly well directly over Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single drop falls at 879
. Sadly there was a bit of cloud around so the view was not as good as hoped,
but s ll impressive for those lucky enough to be close enough.
Ingham refueller wasn’t expec ng to be available due to urgent business off site,
so decided we sounded trustworthy and told us where to find a key for the bow-
ser, asking if we’d leave details of who took what so she could invoice us later.
Real country hospitality, something the whole country could benefit from having a
bit more of. It all proved unnecessary as she found someone to stand in, but very
A Piper prac sing a precau onary search, Undara nice just the same.
On down the coast, some direct over Townsville and others out over the North of Magne c
Island due to traffic, but all interes ng to see. From there down the coast to the Whitsundays Bucket
where the Charters Towers mob rejoined the entourage and some of us did a lap out around List Fly-
the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman and Hook Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island etc and
on into the unusually situated Shute Harbour airport with interes ng circuit joining procedures
and approaches.
Two surprises awaited us on arrival. First was the level of service. Seems new owners took
over a couple of months ago and boy, have they got things right. Four ground staff arrived in
mini bus, ute and golf buggy to guide us to parking, help to push planes back, carry our bags to
the vehicle and transport us back up to the terminal and airport cafe for lunch.
The second and bigger surprise was to see Maverick himself standing there grinning from ear to
ear and welcoming us. Having missed the whole trip Leigh & Tracy decided to rescue some-
thing from the ashes and flew up commercially to join us for the last two nights. That was fan-
tas c.
Day 11 and a complete change of transport mode and pace. A chance comment whilst talking
to a couple of sailing friends a few months ago resulted in them offering to take all of us out for
a day’s sailing on their 60’ catamaran, their home for the past nine years. Co-pilots rallied and
stocked up on food and drinks and by 0900 all 20 of us were boarding the boat. Hard to believe
that a yacht with two residents could accommodate 22 people, and with space to spare at that.
Martyn & Jude were fantas c hosts giving us the run of their yacht for the day as we headed off
under sail for Black Island, just south of Hayman. Anchored up for lunch. Swimming, ea ng,
drinking, and sunning all were carried on with enthusiasm un l me to head for home under a Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Island
steady but increasing beam wind which carried us along at nearly 10 knots. At least Doc was no
longer the slowest means of transport for the trip.
Reluctantly the sailing day came to a close in the late a ernoon as Jude skilfully ma-
noeuvred the 26 tonne boat into its berth with 20 other pairs of eyes watching for the
slightest slip, something akin to greasing a landing in front of a cri cal crowd of on-
lookers.
Finally the day, and flyaway, drew to a close with our last dinner together where pla -
tudes etc abounded, as did our usual raucous presence delivered in every venue we
visited. A special vote of thanks to Marty & Jude, our dinner guests for the evening,
was humbly accepted. Whitehave Beach, Whitsunday Island
Day 12, and a few things to dy up before Sparky, Doc and Skip headed north to the
Torres Strait and the rest planned their various routes and departures for home, all of
us wishing there were a few more days s ll to go, having had such a great me.
The dying up involved taking Leigh & Tracy and Marty & Jude for a quick lap of the
islands, a small reward to each couple for their respec ve efforts, and what a great day
for it it proved to be.
And un l the next trip, that’s it!
Finally, if anyone is curious as to specifics of strips, fuel, accommoda on, track, geo-
Bucketeers getting some sun aboard the Cat
graphic features, a rac ons or any other insight into the region feel free to call and
we’d be
happy to share whatever knowledge we have. It’s a wonderful part of our vast country
and a must for any aviator to visit at least once before hanging up the goggles.
A sincere thanks from Rae and I to all ‘Bucketeers’ for going with the flow and making
the task of organising and running the trip a very enjoyable one. We’d happily do it all
again with the same crew, or a completely new batch.
Rae & Dave (Skipper)
0429 923 003
raedave42@gmail.com
The Gathering of Piper Aircraft 2018
Australian Piper Society AGM
Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach QLD
Next year the APS will be holding the AGM at the home of Australian Aviation in Longreach QLD and the birth-
place of Qantas Airways. The destination is a great place to fly our aircraft to as we will cross the colours of
channel country, grazing land, and crop plains that make this country great.
I ask all members to make the effort to come along and enjoy Australian aviation history and the places of
interest that surround the Longreach area and also to attend the AGM to place your vote towards making a
better Society. I really want this AGM to be a ‘Gathering of Piper Aircraft’ and a place of aviation
friendship for the days that we are attending.
We could all arrive in Longreach on Wednesday the 19th of September by 2pm so that we can be comfortably
settled into our accommodation during the afternoon. This will be followed by the AGM at 5.30pm at the
Qantas Founders Museum then drinks and din-
ner in the main exhibition hall. What a wonder-
ful way to start our stay.
I propose that all attendees take up the Gold
Tourism Pass that includes the following
attractions:
1. Drovers Sunset Cruise
2. Strathmore Sta on and Smoko
3. Stockman’s Hall of Fame entry
4. Stockman’s Hall Outback show
5. Qantas Founders Museum
6. Jet Tour
Your second day, Thursday 20th September, will be taken up with the Strathmore Station tour and Smoko in
the morning and in the afternoon you can explore the township of Longreach before getting ready for the
Drover’s Sunset River cruise to finish your day.
The following day, Friday, will be allocated for a visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and perhaps the Stage
Coach Experience with morning tea. Others might like to take the day trip to Winton or explore the Longreach
township as an option and then get ready for ‘Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show’ on the banks of the
meandering Thomson River as the sun sets.
Saturday is morning tea in town and last chance to buy some clothes for the races in the afternoon. At midday
we head out to experience the best of country racing and hospitality at the Longreach racetrack for
The Longreach Cup. Let’s make an effort to dress up and see if we can win the ‘Fashion in the Fields’.
Saturday night dinner may see us return to the Qantas Founders Museum for a BBQ as it would be fitting for
our last night to be in the surrounds of the aviation environment. On Sunday it will be time to leave and I sug-
gest that you do not take the direct route home but meander home and enjoy the beautiful country we live in.
Head north, south or west and find new places. I also suggest that you talk to other members, join forces and
fly to Longreach together and home. Vicki and myself are willing to do the hard yards and fly to Longreach to
step through the events and attractions. I think it will be a fantastic flyaway AGM where friendships will be
made, old friendships rekindled and aviation is the winner.
As President I am calling on everybody to join me and get lost in the colours of the Channel Country and the
environment of aviation at our national carrier’s birthplace. Email me at signman@skylinensw.com.au with
your expression of interest so I can take the next stage of the journey for the ‘Gathering of Piper Aircraft’.
Place this date in your calendar and join Vicki and myself on this fantastic
five days of flying and fun.
President
David Ind
signman@skylinensw.com.au
First IFR flight in IMC - my experience Leigh Barling The Forecast:` CLOUD: ISOL CB/TCU 5000/40000 MAINLY LAND BKN ST 0300/3000 IN PRECIPITATION BKN CU/SC 2000/7000 WEATHER: TSRA, SHRA, RA, FU TURB: SEV IN CB/TCU MOD IN CU ISOL MOD THERMALS LAND BLW 6000' BALLARAT: 09007KT 9999 LIGHT RAIN BKN010 BKN025 TEMPO 3000 SHOWERS OF MODERATE RAIN BKN006 PROB30 TEMPO 2000 THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN BKN008 SCT050CB AVALON: 120010KT 9999 LIGHT RAIN FEW020 BKN040 INTER 3000 SHOWERS OF MODERATE RAIN BKN008 PROB30 TEMPO 2000 THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN BKN008 SCT050CB Having checked the forecast, I assumed our booked training flight would be cancelled but my instructor assured me it would be good experience as up to now all my IFR training had been done in VMC condi ons. With my IFR flight lodged via NAIP’s I was all set to go but was then delayed due to my instructor being late as he had trouble ge ng back into YLIL on a previous lesson. We eventually departed YLIL for YBLT via ML climbing to 6000', and were vectored by ML CTR a long way north via Mt Disappointment. The cloud forma ons we passed through were both spectacular and imposing with the sky filled with a mixture of ST, CU, SC and CB. Eventually we were nearing ESDIG to start a sector entry and hold before proceeding with the RNAV approach for RWY36 at YBLT. At our TOD, however, the radio was clogged and we were unable to squeeze a word in for several minutes due to many RPTs reques ng track devia ons, changes to approaches, and not being unable to comply with instruc ons etc. The cloud we were in became steadily darker and it was now raining with zero visibility. We had already begun the sector entry before we were able to get traffic for our descent and provide air work details through to ML CTR. The rain had increased in severity like I’d never seen and the noise on the airframe and windscreen was incredibly loud, even drowning out the engine. The turbulence had also become severe with strong updra s which would have made it a challenge just to fly straight and level, but we were there to do a tear drop entry and descend into a holding pa ern. The condi ons led to sensory overload and flying the entry pa ern while staying airborne was now my total focus. The next priority as mental power became available was trying to achieve a stable descent rate as the VSI was happily jumping from ‐500 to +1500fpm.
First Flight into IMC
Comple ng the entry and star ng the holding pa ern we were s ll at 5000' when ML CTR
politely called to verify our air‐working height of 4000'. I sheepishly confirmed 4000' and
star ng the outbound leg with wings now level, I quickly descended and levelled off at
4000'. The rain had now eased a bit as we completed the hold and started our approach
s ll in turbulence and cloud. The approach was not one I'm proud of with lateral oscilla on
and varying descent rates which both at mes bordered on the limits. But at the MDA
(1910’ or 457’AGL) we levelled off and a few seconds later broke out of the cloud into bliss‐
fully stable air with the runway threshold in front of us. (A er what I had just experienced, I
could think of nothing be er than landing and re ring to the pub for the a ernoon).
The rain had ceased and we had a few moments of peace and tranquillity before star ng
our missed approach and climbing back up into the washing machine. We finished the
missed approach procedure and departed YBLT for YMAV and as the storm cell had now
passed to the south we were in and out of BKN cloud.
Arriving at YMAV we performed a straight‐in sector entry and hold in BKN cloud. The ap‐
proach was done in full cloud but this me without the rain and only light turbulence and I
was able to be right on the numbers, breaking out of the cloud at about 300' above the
MDA and with a great view of a very wet Avalon airport.
We then did an approach at YMMB, but had to break off at 1500' and join downwind for
RWY 17 due to an incoming IFR Charter flight from King Island, and a clearance to depart
was not available and we had to land. We departed special VFR for YLIL, but were unable to
get close due to a new storm cell with heavy rain and had to return to YMMB and wait it out
for an hour before being able to return to YLIL. Upon arriving and tying down the aircra , it
came as quite a shock to find the paint had been stripped off the leading edges of both
wings and further paint damage on most other leading edges around the plane.
Lilydale instructors like to provide ‘real world’ condi ons during training and this was a
flight where I am glad I had an experienced instructor in the RH seat (Clayton), but also one
that I don't intend on repea ng soon. It has given me new respect for the tough li le
planes we fly as well as the charter pilots that have to fly in not so perfect condi ons.
YTA’s leading edgeTech Talkback with Rod Shearer Leaning the Engine A common question posed to me is about engine operation and more specifically the best 'Leaning' procedure. As we are all aware, Leaning is the reduction in fuel in the fuel/air mix by the use of the 'Mixture' control (the big red knob). We do this to extend range by saving fuel. There is always a balance to be struck. It is possible to reduce power so much that the drop in airspeed almost negates the point of leaning the mixture! We are all operating Lycoming engines in our Pipers (certain Senecas excepted of course), so all the info in this article relates to these. There are no real differences between the different engines or even between the Carby and Injected or Fixed Pitch Prop or Constant Speed (Turbocharged engines do differ, so they aren't covered here). Lycoming have a Service Instruction (SI 1094D) which details their recommendations. Your aircraft Flight Manual will also have pages of info relating to this. There is also a large amount of other info available from various authors which all of you have no doubt seen. Lyco always have to give general conservative advice which ensures that you can't mess it up and damage your engine. Many of the other sources of opinion decry this stance and claim that 'their' method is best. In practice, they are all correct to some degree. First let’s discuss some terms. 'Peak' in regards to engine leaning refers to the Exhaust Gas Tempera- ture (EGT) when it is at the hottest (Peak). As the mixture is leaned the EGT will increase, obviously the highest temp reached is the 'Peak'. The majority of the argument revolves around being either 'Rich' or 'Lean' of 'Peak' (ROP & LOP). ROP is simply the mixture control being pushed in a touch rich after peak EGT is reached. LOP is the reverse: the mixture control is pulled out a touch when peak EGT is reached. The argument that rages is that can you operate Lean of Peak? If you operate at high power settings with the mixture too lean, severe engine damage can occur. This is why Lyco recommends Rich of Peak ops. What is being missed in the discussion is that to use the supposed benefits of LOP ops it is essential that the machine has a full and accurate engine monitoring instrument. That means you need to have an EGT and CHT reading on every cylinder. If LOP ops are attempted without this then you are a fool. A single point EGT will only measure the temp from one cylinder (just like the name says!). This is simply not accurate enough for LOP ops and is not to be attempted. Read all the info, note the history/background of the author and make up your own mind. If you need a copy of SI1094D (and you can't find it via Google), email me for a copy. Engine Longevity It's pretty basic stuff. Operate the engine within the design limits (yes, really). For normally aspirated engines in Continu- ous Cruise Operation it is generally 65% power or less, CHT 400 degrees F or below & Oil Temp 165-220 degrees F. Have a 'Spin-on Oil Filter'. If you still have the old Oil Screen then shame on you. Use a good Engine Oil. I rec- ommend a multi-grade semi-synthetic type these days.Keep the external corrosion treated. Operate the en- gine on a regular basis (at least once a fortnight and that means flying, not engine running). Change the oil at rec- ommended intervals or least every 6 months if you don't do a lot of hours. This will help prevent internal corrosion. Do not run the engine at idle. Use 1000 rpm for all ground operation. Remember to push the mixture full rich before applying throttle. Lock the Primer properly after use. An unlocked Primer will allow fuel to siphon through it and re- sult in a very rich mixture (particularly at low power settings). Brake system leaks If you have a brake reservoir that always seems to require topping up then a leak from one of the cylinders is the likely culprit. Have a feel under the park Brake Cylinder. If there is a drip of red fluid there then it needs fixing. A small leak from the Park Brake has 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to slowly drip away all the fluid in the reservoir. Cherokee 'Hat section' stiffeners Next time you are under your machine take a look at the long stiffeners that run along the bottom of it. These stiffeners have drain holes at the ends. Make sure that these holes are open (use a blast of compressed air if you have it). The drain holes block up and the stiffeners can fill with water and corrode badly. Whilst you are under the aircraft take the time to clean out all the drain holes you can find. They are all along the fuselage and even in the Stabilator. Sometimes when you unblock one it
Spa, Opals and Station Tour
9th– 15th June 2018
Come along and join in some great Channel Country flying. Starting in Lightning Ridge on Thursday after-
noon around 4pm, we will check into our accommodation and have sunset drinks at the ‘Lightning Ridge
castle’ followed by dinner at the local RSL.
The next day will commence by heading out to the mineral Hot Springs to soak away all the aches and
pains that we all seem to get as we get older, returning back for a walk around town, and then coffee/
morning tea. In the afteroon we will be taken on a Lightning Ridge tour of the mines and art galleries, then
dinner at Bruno’s Italian Restaurant in the main street of Lightning Ridge, just a walk away from our accom-
modation.
The next morning after a light breakfast we will head out to Rays Sta-
tion, a station owned by Mark and Sandra Tully which was estab-
lished by their great grandparents, Patsy and Sarah Tully in 1874.
Sarah’s brother was Patrick ‘Patsy’ Durack who came to Australia
from Ireland in 1853 and whose pioneering spirit was captured in the
biography ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ written by Mary Durack. The sta-
tion has always remained in the same family, so has a unique and
rich history. We will spend 2 days exploring the station and its country
side, enjoying bush dinners and lunches as well as a film night on the
history of the farm and surrounding areas. This will be a wonderful
experience for those who come along.
After Rays Station we will head to Comeroo Camel station, flying in to spend a lazy afternoon fishing in the
river followed by a bush dinner. The next day we will have a farm tour. There is a hot spring on the property
so we could jump in to warm the bones, and then do some more fishing (perhaps yabby fishing as well if it’s
not too cold). The following day we will head back home after 6
days of having enjoyed the delights of Lightning Ridge and stations
with rich history.
The dates may move slightly as I get sorted with the stations and
their capacity, but it will be ‘first in best dressed’ for this great
Channel Country flyaway.
Dave and Vicki Ind
Ray’s Station
Airstrip- 1.5km in length
S 26.04.465
E 143.44.451Extension Flyaway to the Tip
Dave Ind
Well what a wonderful fly away with Dave Laughton and the crew, a few weeks of
flying over deserts and Channel Country staying in interesting places and good
company to share a glass of wine over and a meal. You could not ask for more.
I was always going on the Bucket List Tour with the idea of heading to the tip again
and doing it a bit different, and I had recently received permission to fly into Coconut
Island to visit the school. Coconut is an island 1400m long and 900m wide at its widest
and 100km from the tip of Australia in the Torres Strait, so this was an added bonus.
Dave Long and Cath Lincoln as well as Dave Laughton and Rae Percival (yes, three
Dave’s on the trip) also decided to join us on the trip extension after the Bucket List
trip finished in Airlie beach and we headed out to Whitsundays Airport after our last
dinner with the crew the night before to head to Cooktown. Dave Long went coastal
and Dave Laughton and myself headed direct over the barrier reef approximately 40nm
to 55nm out to sea on a direct track for Cooktown. I flew at 2000ft and on the way
marvelled at the reef and the blue waters below. Vicki and myself both wore our life
jackets and prior to departing Bankstown we went through engine failure, remote
landing, and water ditching procedures. Why I have no idea, but it had been a long time
since we both had run the drill. Vicki said to me, “Why are practicing? Are we
expecting something?” I just said “Mate, just in case.” Funny why we do things
sometimes. But I might make a habit of it in the future.
The flight to Cooktown was in good conditions with the standard SE trade winds that
Over the Great Barrier Reef
slap you on your back to welcome you North in winter. On approach to Cooktown the
winds gave us a bone crushing ride once departing the water to the airfield. On turning
downwind the ground speed picked up 38kts and it was quite brutal with the bumps.
Left base and final became all one as the wind powered us downwind. We had to turn
early for base otherwise we’d miss it, and apply the power to straighten up on final
approach which was brutal with the wind 30 degrees off the nose and blowing in big
gusts. The trees caused wind shear but mother nature was better just above the runaway
and we landed without too much problems. I let the other two boys know what to
expect and they had no issues.
We hired a car in Cooktown and got out and about in the afternoon. Headed up Grassy
Hill Lookout above Cooktown and watched the sunset with a few drinks (blowing a
gale still) and then headed back to the Sovereign Motel where we stayed to have
dinner. Not a bad place to stay when in the area and the meals were good to boot.
Next day we headed to Bamaga. Once again Vicki and myself headed direct and the
Cooktown
other boys wandered around the coast. The weather was low cloud at 2000ft and winds
once again trade winds from the south east. The sky was misty and not good for
photographs and as we got closer to Bamaga the cloud and mist lowed itself down to
approximately 1000ft. I tracked straight coastal and made a left-hand turn at the river
mouth, headed straight to the airport, my inbound track would line me up to join
downwind for 14. As we got closer the cloud lifted slightly and exposed the strip with
a 25/35 kt wind from the 100 degrees. But it was not so bumpy today and we landed
followed by Dave and Rae and Speedy Gonzales coming in last in the Archer.
Northern Peninsula airport is a lonely old place as we waited for the hotel pickup to
come and get us. Once picked up we were taken to the Cape York Peninsula Lodge
where we have stayed before. It’s a comfortable place but seems to be struggling with
the times.
We explored the local area on foot, had lunch at the bakery down the road and an easy
Remains of DC3, Cape York
afternoon as the following day I had us booked on a day tour to the national park with
swimming holes for morning tea and lunch. Dinner that night at the lodge was terrific
and the accommodation was all you needed.
The next morning we headed out for the day with our guide Craig in a 4WD and drove
down the dirt road so many have travelled on to get to the Tip. The day was overcast
but warm with sunshine breaking in and out, and we stopped to view the wreck of the DC3
that crashed there in the 1940s. A haunting experience as you put yourself into the cockpit
for the lead up and ultimate crash of the aircraft - I could see all of us just
staring and having quiet thoughts.We moved on to Twin Bat Falls to find a beautiful rock pool formation and waterfalls
where we all stripped off and jumped in the rock pools … yes with swimmers on for
those thinking we had gone feral. The water temperature was warm and water clean.
We stayed there for an hour, followed by morning tea.
We then headed to the old telegraph track to watch a few 4WD go through some water
hazards. Bloody hell they are keen and hard on their vehicles. It was worth the watch
and they were only taking the ‘chicken track’. The real 4WD are MAD.
We headed back to the lodge but later drove on up to the Tip to get our photographs
taken and walk along the beaches. Then down to Seisia beach where we had a drink at Dave & Vicki Ind, Cape York
the great little beach bar and watched another sunset before finally heading back to the
lodge after a long day in the 4WD. After cleaning ourselves up we had another nice
dinner.
Next day we transferred back to the airport for the short hop to Horn Island. The
weather was fine, the wind was better than a couple days before, and there were no
issues landing at Horn Island, a very busy place with around 11,000 movements each
year transporting over a 100,000 people - more than YSBK - so there you go.
We stayed at the Wongai Hotel which is a great place. If you go there ask for rooms
20/21/20 as they are near the pool where green grass abounds. We spent the rest of the
4WD track through creek
day walking, exploring and swimming in the pool and it was a nice afternoon to relax.
Dinner at their pub was what you expect and plenty of it, followed by a few beers and
wines. It was a good night before flying out to Coconut Island the next day.
The next day brought fine weather with a broken cloud base at 2500ft and the standard
trade winds of about 20kts. We departed with myself first to check out the strip, (700m
we were told), and give a ground report. The flight out was beautiful and we tracked
direct passing Warraber Island and the endless blue water. The first I noticed as I
approached Coconut Island was how small it is. But after sweeping over the island I
could see no issues with the strip and headed out to sea to give myself a long final and
have a good look at the strip. It was just beautiful. Sweeping out to sea and turning on
final over the blue sea and boats to line up on 07, the trade winds faded as we ap- At the Tip—Dave x3, Vicki, Rae & Cath
proached and we landed easily and taxied back to the parking area. I gave the two
Daves the weather heads up and both landed with Dave in the Malibu taking up most of
the strip with roll out.
We were met at the terminal (yes terminal) by Nazareth, an island elder and naval pilot
who guides boats through the reefs. He asked if we could move the Saratoga and
Malibu back a bit and relocate the Archer as the RPT boys write letters to CASA if
aircraft are too close to them. Yes true. This is the point where my good day changed
to a not so good one. I walked up to IDN, grasped the prop and just gave it a small
heave and then felt the worst pain ever – more than Vicki’s credit card statement - and I
knew exactly what was happening as I heard the tendon snap. The pain became very Coconut Island, Torres Strait
ugly at this point and it was straight to the ground until the pain subsided enough for me
to get up. The island people offered a stretcher and I decided just bandages would do at
this stage as I collected my thoughts on the logistics of where I am.
Bandaged up, Nazareth took me on a town tour in a 4WD and then to the school where I
met Deborah Steele, the principal of the school. Would you believe her ankle was
wrapped up in bandages and I thought she had gone out in sympathy for me. But no, she
had ankle injuries that had not been sorted at the mainland hospital.
We were introduced to the class assembly and we supplied the school with fiction
books and some sports equipment for the children. I had the chance to talk to the
children and found out they LUV their Broncos footy team and the Cowboys. After the
assembly we visited all three class rooms and they even danced and sung us songs. By
this time my foot was the size of an elephant and my calf was switching colours, but I
did my best to look normal. We were supplied with cups of tea but it was really time to
get me off the island. So back to the airport we headed and put a plan of attack together.
With Deborah, PrincipalDave Laughton nominated himself to fly IDN in the L/H seat and me in the R/H
seat and after a brief instruction of do’s and don’ts, I started the aircraft and we
headed out to depart with Vicki in the back. Dave looked a bit anxious but I had
complete faith. One stage of flap, full power, hold on the keys, and let her go was
the motto. Away we went, rotated at the 600m mark and lifted off into the blue sky-
line. I proved to Dave I was the worse owner R/H pilot he would ever get, but the
flight back was easy and the landing no issue. By then I could see Dave wanted to
swap his Malibu for my Saratoga so as soon as I got out the aircraft I took the keys
off him.
In the meantime, Dave Long and Cath flew back to Horn Island. Dave picked Dave
Laughton up and flew him back to pick up SOG and Rae on Coconut. So Dave
Long did a few extra trips to help the logistics.
Once we were all back at Horn I headed with Dave Long to the medical centre
where people went out of their way to help me. Dave installed a half cast on my
ankle for support and I can only say many thanks to clinic nurse Cath and Marlo,
the doctor on day clinic, for their help.
After this it was straight to the bar and a few stiff drinks and organising a Qantas
Music and songs in class flight home for the next day. That night I must say was not one of my best - I was
sore, couldn’t fly, our aircraft left on Horn Island and not the way I wanted to go
home. But when I reflect, there are a few things that made me think differently -
firstly the support and warmth of the island people on Coconut Island and the staff
at Horn Island in a world where sometimes we question there are people that really
do care.
Dave Laughton and Rae flew direct home and Dave and Cath headed to Yarrawon-
ga via Sweers Island, Winton, and Tibooburra, and I hope to get IDN in about the
first week of October from Horn Island.
Vicki and myself wander around this country to remote places with landings by
ourselves many times. I think back that if I had not had the two Daves with me what
a mission it might have been and the pressure we would have been under. But in the
end it was a fantastic adventure (even though the injury was not part of the fantastic
bit) and it will be a great story to tell down the track. I might change the story to a
crocodile attack and I flew IDN out with one leg…maybe I will save the story for
the bar on a APS flyaway at about 10 O’clock at night and someone will listen.
See you at the next Fly away and PPP if I get my aircraft back.
Dave Ind
With the students, Coconut IslandRejuvenate Your PLB Cath and I recently celebrated the five‐year anniversary of a signifi‐ cant and life‐changing event: the purchase of our Archer I. Since then we’ve had the most amazing experiences flying the length and breadth of the country, and made some fantas c flying friend‐ ships. I have also come across a less‐significant, but s ll important anni‐ versary: the mandated 5‐year lifespan of the ba ery in the PLB I bought at the same me has come due. I previously bought an ACR ResQ‐Link 406MHz with GPS. When the 406 beacons first came out they were large with a price tag to match, but these are a ny unit that can fit in the pocket of your life‐jacket and have an in‐built GPS. I can’t imagine why anyone would buy one without the in‐built GPS. Crazy. What to do? The ba ery probably would last longer – but do I really want to find out in an emergency? Throw the unit away and buy a new one? A replacement is about $300. Or you can get the PLB serviced, which is what I elected to do. Red Baron ALSE at Yarrawonga is the Australian ACR dealer and servicer, and it involves a lot more than just replacing the welded‐ in ba ery. They check and clear the memory and test the radio and GPS beacons. The wa‐ terproof seal is also replaced. This is for $200, including GST and postage, although I paid a few dollars more for Express Post as I wanted the unit back quickly. The whole process only takes a couple of days, but it also depends on whether they have ba eries from the US in stock as they prefer to use fresh supplies. It’s s ll a significant propor on of the new cost, but it is a saving. They also have a great range of avia on safety products including wearable life jackets, fluorescein dye markers, and for those worried about their Bass Strait crossings they have immersion suits that they’re considering hiring out. David Long Tech Talkback with Rod Shearer Red Baron ALSE are offering APS members a 5% discount across most of their life vests and safety equipment until December 17. Use the discount code Piper17 Hangar 17, 27 John Duigan Drive Yarrawonga Airport, Vic
Calendar
27‐29 October 2017 March 2019
PPP Mildura ‐ Michael Holcro Fly and Walk Weekend
Murray River Walk, NSW, www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
Oct‐Dec 2017
May 2019
Mount Beauty Fly‐In — David Goode
PPP Clare Valley, SA ‐ Sco Lewis
David is looking for people interested. Go to
www.mountbeautyairpark.com.au for more details
Looks like a great few days. July 2019
Progressive Dinners Flyaways
21‐28 January 2018
Bass Strait Islands Flyaway ‐ Dave Long September 2019
King Is, Three Hummock Is, The Vale Aust Day BBQ, Flinders Is
AGM Kangaroo Island
16‐18 March 2018
November 2019
PPP Toowoomba ‐ Dave Laughton PPP Roma and Sale Yards Tour
9‐15 June 2018 (proposed) February 2020
Spa, Opals and Sta ons Flyaway ‐ Dave Ind Western Australia Flyaway
a) Lightning Ridge—tour and hot springs spa
www.lightningridgeinfo.com.au April 2020
b) Rays Sta on, Quilpie, 2‐day stay www.raysta on.com.au
c) Comeroo Camel Sta on www.comeroo.com Warbirds Over Wanaka
September 2018 July 2021
AGM Longreach and Flyaway Oshkosh/Piper Factory Visit
www.longreachtourism.com.au
November 2018
PPP LIlydale ‐ Dave Long & Leigh Barling
Topic: Flying With Al tudeAPS
M ANAGEMENT
C OMMITTEE
President
Red Baron ALSE are offering APS members a 5% discount across most of their life vests and safety
Dave Ind
equipment until December 17.
Mob 0417 887 010
Use the discount code Piper17
president@piper.org.au
Hangar 17, 27 John Duigan Drive Yarrawonga Airport, Vic
www.redbaronalse.com.au
Vice President Ph (03) 5744 2166
Jai Wright
Mob 0418 125 164
vicepresident@piper.org.au
Secretary
Barry McCabe
Ph 07 4622 6411
Mob 0409 226 411
secretary@piper.org.au
Treasurer
Douglas Johnson
Ph 03 9532 1171
Mob 0438 548 405
treasurer@piper.org.au
Membership
Janine Milton
Ph 03 8624 1555
Mob 0409 222 802
membership@piper.org.au
Committee
Alan Bradshaw
Ph 03 5441 6002
Mob 0418 500 368
committee@piper.org.au
Committee (Social)
David Goode
Ph 03 5443 7824
Mob 0428 842 344
social@piper.org.au
Newsletter
Scott Lewis
Mob 0428 454 337
newsletter@piper.org.au
Technical Advisor
Rod Shearer
Mob 0419 717 212Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Pilot Proficiency Program &
Partners in Flight Course
Mildura
27-29th October 2017
Come along and join us for a weekend of fun, flying and education. The PPP
‘Flying in Remote Areas and Landing on Bush Strips’ is new and should be useful
to us all.
The Partners in Flight is our highly regarded course designed for the right hand
seaters, covering radio protocol, basic flying skills and emergency procedures.
PROGRAM:
Fly in on Friday afternoon and the fun starts with an evening BBQ at the Aero
Club.
Sat: PPP and Partners Programs. Dinner Saturday night on the River Queen
cruise boat with roast meal and scenic cruise.
Sun: The program continues with the airborne component for those interested
and opportunity for aerobatics/spin training in a Decathalon or aerobatics/scenic
flight in a Tiger Moth.
VENUE:
Mildura Aero Club
social@piper.org.au or committee@piper.org.au
Final, Karumba, QLD
Coconut Island, Torres Strait
The Dig Tree airstrip
DISCLAIMER
Any advice contained in this newsle er has been prepared without taking into
account your specific circumstances, objec ves, or needs. Before ac ng on any
advice given the Australian Piper Society Inc recommends that you consider
whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.You can also read
