RARE BIRDS LAND AT CLIFTON - NEW MAINTENANCE MANUAL ON THE WAY - Australian Sport Pilot Magazine
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RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA / APRIL 2016 VOL 56 [4]
RARE BIRDS
LAND AT CLIFTON
RRP $8.80 inc GST
NEW MAINTENANCE MANUAL ON THE WAY STORM SMASHES THE OAKS LAND THE DAMNED PLANE
REGULARS FEATURE STORIES
7 President’s report 16 Face to face
8 Calendar of events MI C H A EL M O N C K
11 Letters to the Editor A ND MI C H A EL L INKE
66 Happy Landings 18 Help protect our heritage
19 Building a better RAAus
COLUMNISTS MI C H A EL L INKE C E O
39 Editor’s Choice 26 Storm smashes The Oaks
B RI A N B I G G DA MI A N S KEEL E S
45 Pilot Talk 40 A Predator lurks
T HE O P S T E A M E VA N H A R T
46 Design Notes
DAV E DA NIEL MAINTENANCE
50 Seaplane stories 28 New Manual on the way
Super Petrels can land just
about anywhere. This one landed
VAU N M O N C U R 30 Maintainer of the Year award
at Clifton for the fly-in. 56 Home Builder 30 Our maintainers – Chad Summers
Photo: Alan Betteridge DAV E ED M U ND S 31 Our maintainers – Andrew Ralston
59 Professor Avius 32 Jabiru’s smooth operator
S U E WO O D S
ON THE COVER NEWS 34 Murphy again
Clifton fly-in
20 14 Amnesty a success A L A N B E T T ERID G E
Wind, weather O P S D EPA R T MEN T
and wonderful
A L A N B E T T ERID G E
14 Win a GoPro EXTRAS
14 Rans lunches a new raven 37 Viewpoint – Pointing the finger
“There is something for
15 Merlin now flying 54 Flying taught me this today
everybody, whether you are 15 Pilot avoids manslaughter RO B KNI G H T
just getting into aviation, conviction 55 Instructing
an active pilot or someone 36 Members lost in crashes B RI A N B I G G
who just loves to reminisce” 61 RAAus at a glance
READER STORIES 62 Members’ market
24 Call in at Gloucester 64 Where is CAGIT?
RO N WE ST 65 Off the shelf
42 Marvelous Mansfield
M A RG A RE T M O O RE
Sport Pilot Magazine is an official
publication of Recreational Aviation
Australia Inc. and is published twelve
times a year by Stampils Publishing.
EDITOR
Brian Bigg
editor@sportpilot.net.au 26
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3 / S PORT PI LOT
HEAD OFFICE ENQUIRIES
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ACT 2609 Australia admin@raa.asn.au
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(6 ISSUES) (12 ISSUES) (24 ISSUES) Email: admin@raa.asn.au
www.raa.asn.au EXECUTIVE
Member (flying) $50 $90 $160 Michael Monck (President)
NATIONAL FINANCE AND 0419 244 794
Member (non-flying) $50 $90 $160 ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Michael.Monck@raa.asn.au
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$60 $110 $220
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Prices include GST. Michael Linke 0418 257 793
Email RAAus headquarters at admin@raa.asn.au. ceo@raa.asn.au Don.Ramsay@raa.asn.au
NATIONAL RAAUS BOARD MEMBERS
OPERATIONS MANAGER Eugene Reid
Jill Bailey 0428 824 700
RECRE ATIONAL
AVIATION AUSTR
ALIA / APRIL 2016
VOL 56 [4] ops@raa.asn.au Eugene.Reid@raa.asn.au
0400 280 087 Michael Apps
R A R E B IR D S
0412 435 198
ASSISTANT Michael.Apps@raa.asn.au
ON
LAND AT CLIFT
OPERATIONS MANAGER Mark Christie
Neil Schaefer 0412 345 111
ops@raa.asn.au Mark.Christie@raa.asn.au
0428 282 870 Barry Windle
0408 842 308
NATIONAL
Barry.Windle@raa.asn.au
TECHNICAL MANAGER
iPad
Trevor Bange
Darren Barnfield
0429 378 370
techmgr@raa.asn.au
Trevor.Bange@raa.asn.au
0417 942 977
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA
/ APRIL 2016 VOL 56 [4]
Mike Smith
RA RE BIRD S
RRP $8.80 inc GST
ASSISTANT 0418 735 785
LAND ATLANDCLI TECHNICAL MANAGER Mike.Smith@raa.asn.au
THE DAMNED PLANE
NEW MAINTENANCE
MANUAL ON THE WAY
STORM SMASHES
THE OAKS
FTON
Jared Smith Rod Birrell
jared.smith@raa.asn.au (03) 9744 1305
0418 125 393 Rod.Birrell@raa.asn.au
Teresa Avila
NATIONAL SAFETY, RISK AND 0410 410 185
RECCOMPLIANCE
REATIONAL AVIMANAGER Teresa.Avila@raa.asn.au
ATION AUS TRALIA / FEB RUARY 2016 VOL 54 [2]
Katie Jenkins Ed Smith
RRP $8.80 inc GST
safety@raa.asn.au 0409 962 050
NEW MAINTENANCE MANUAL ON
THE WAY STORM SMASHES THE OAKS
0418 445 652 Ed.Smith@raa.asn.au
LAND THE DAMNED PLANE
FIND YOUR NEAREST FLIGHT SCHOOL OR CLUB
www.raa.asn.au/schools
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4 / SPORT PILOT 5 / S PORT PI LOT
P RESI DENT’S REP ORT
The finer points
BY MIC HAEL MONC K
I
N the previous two editions I wrote about the new constitu- qualified and equipped to represent the interests of members,
tion and the headline changes contained within it. With the are appointed to do just that.
time to vote on the proposed changes fast approaching, it’s Using a model based on people with the ability to properly gov-
probably worth a quick recap and discussion on a couple of the ern RAAus regardless of where they live, and who are appointed
finer points. by the whole membership rather than just those who live nearby,
The first point to review is the legal structure. At the moment will provide a layer of protection to members not previously af-
we have a structure which requires reporting at the state level as forded. Moreover, it ensures every single member can exercise
well as federal. We have a convoluted structure which sees us their right to express a view on board composition regardless
incorporated in the ACT but operating across all states and ter- of whether or not there is someone in their own region who has
ritories, requiring recognition at a higher level. We achieve this by nominated. This contrasts with the current system where some
being a registrable Australian body, but this classification brings members are effectively gagged when no one in their region con-
with it additional administrative burdens. tests the seat.
From the routine to the not-so-routine, there are matters Having said this, though, we need to reinforce the principles
where this structure forces us to duplicate work. Matters rang- upon which we were founded and ensure all members have clear
ing from financial reports to changes in key personnel have to communication channels and a voice. While many issues about
be reported to two separate bodies, which obviously increases airspace, access to airports and so forth, affect us all, it is always
our administrative workload. Worse still, as I reported before, we important to canvas the views of all members and gain as much
can’t simply submit the same piece of paper to both bodies. They insight as possible into the challenges they face.
want us to give them the same information carved up in slightly To address this we have listened, first hand, to the opinions of
different ways. members from around the country for the past 12 months. The
If we alter our structure to a company limited by guarantee, general consensus seems to be that most would be comfortable
we halve this workload and no longer have to submit paperwork with a local person from their own ranks who they would trust to
to the ACT government body responsible for incorporated asso- ensure the board heard their message.
ciations. Instead, we just report to ASIC. Once. This will I have recommended two volunteers per state take
make life a lot simpler. on the role. These people would not be formally
More importantly, we are a much larger or- elected, but instead would be entrusted by their
ganisation today than we were when we first communities to act on their behalf. This would
incorporated and so we owe a higher degree avoid the current problem of calling for nomi-
iEFIS Lite
of due diligence to our members and other
stakeholders. Moving to the federal system
“Take the time nations, holding expensive elections, and
then repeating the process in the event a
A comprehensive flight, engine & navigation instrument designed for
Experimental & LSA aircraft utilising a custom developed, pressure
will place more rigorous requirements on
directors and management to govern the or- to express an board member had to step down.
Members in any area would simply select
interest”
sensitive, sunlight readable touch screen. The iEFIS Lite combines the
undeniable advantages of simplified operation of a touch screen with rich, ganisation. But it means members would have people of their own choosing to act in the role
traditional controls which are equally indispensable in the cockpit environment. a higher degree of assurance things are being and then inform who they are. If that person
The pressure sensitive touch screen operates like a tactile button preventing run appropriately. ASIC applies a higher degree
false activation when touching the screen in turbulent conditions.
steps down for any reason or isn’t performing.
A simple and highly effective solution in 7", 8.5" & 10.4" displays. of scrutiny when they are the sole regulator. the local community would be free to choose
Following on from this I raised the issue of a someone else more appropriate.
Complete iEFIS Lite system from
The XTreme Mini EFIS reduction in the size of the board. Under the current And in the instance that a new critical mass of mem-
$6,000 A 4.3” colour display, multifunction EFIS with
remarkable functionality at a remarkable price.
structure of 13 board members, it often costs us in the or-
der of $1,000 per board member to hold a meeting and we do
bers formed in a new location (say a new airfield, school or
club) this process would allow us the freedom to have a person
Including all the features of the preceding Odyssey series systems the 'touch & press' screen modular iEFIS Lite continues the MGL tradition of All Flight and Engine functions*; Integrated GPS & this twice a year. That’s $26,000 every year to discuss matters represent that location without the long winded constitutional
leading the industry in features, flexibility & innovation. encoder; Navigation; Flight path (GPS based flight
path/‘attitude’ indication); Artificial horizon.* related to the organisation. While the current constitution states change which takes months, if not years, to implement.
Auto pilot* coming soon (free software upgrade); that the Executive shall manage the affairs of the organisation in RAAus would then consult with these representatives for opin-
TC-3 (12 Channel EGT & CHT display) - Ideal for Jab’s EFIS fits into std 3.5” instrument cut-out! between meetings, the reality is that this sub group of the board ions on operational matters, technical matters, safety issues
The TC-3 display unit can be configured to monitor and show up to 12 channels (6 EGT and/or 6 CHT) in an easy to see *Requires additional equipment.
has full time commitments outside of RAAus and as such, del- and so forth and ensure the diverse views of the membership
and understand bar graph format. The unit has an individually programmable EGT and CHT alarm with an output that can
trigger an external warning such as a lamp. Maximum temperature for each CHT and EGT is recorded and stored in XTreme Mini EFIS systems starts at egates most of its responsibilities to the CEO and the manage- were catered for as best we can.
ment team. We’re now entering the time where members will be called on
$1,430
permanent mermory which is also indicatored by the appearance of a solid line above the bar graph. The TC-3 also has
engine leaning facility and more. Designed for a 3.125” hole. This model, where the Executive is responsible for the affairs to vote on the changes. It is critical you take the time to vote on
The TC-3 System starts at
$395 of RAAus, was borne out of the roots of the ultralight movement
where the small size allowed such a system to work effectively.
the resolutions, whether by proxy or in person, at the AGM.
Most of us simply want to go flying, but we must still take the
Nowadays this is not the case. Formal recognition of a more ap- time to express an interest in the future of RAAus, because if we
Complete range of light, accurate,
multi-function, advanced
Delta VHF Antennas MGL VHF COM Radio propriate way to run RAAus needs to be embodied in the consti- don’t we may find it heads in a direction we won’t like.
instruments. Straight swap out Exclusive Australasian distributer for tution to protect the interests of all members. So if you are interested in helping RAAus move into the next
the highly regarded Delta Pop Aviation New advanced features & design - 2.5”,
for standard 2.25” & 3.125”
large display, 230 grams. FCC appro ved.
For these reasons we have proposed a new board structure phase of its existence and structuring it to better represent your
instruments with brilliant one range of VHF and transponder antennas.
which consists of people with the skills, knowledge and experi- interests, grab a proxy form from the website, your club or your
$1,460
button interface & even more
innovative features. ence required to run an organisation of our size and breadth. No flying school when the resolutions are published and let us know
longer do we need to appoint people based on their postcode how you want to vote. As they say, vote often and vote early. Or in
and popularity. We need a structure, where the people who are our case, just vote!
For more infromation on products and pricing visit us at www.lightflying.com.au or Call Us on (02) 6238 3665 or 0419 423 286
7 / S PORT PI LOT
CA LEN D AR OF EVEN TS CAL ENDAR OF EVENTS
H. 8 MAY
GATTON AIRPARK BREAKFAST FLY-IN
Enjoy a hot breakfast and cappuccino
with friends and a stroll around Australia’s
most popular residential airpark. J
See classic and modern aeroplanes and
classic cars. From 0730. Details in ERSA F B
H K
or Martin 0419 368 696.
L
I G
A. 15 APRIL D
A E C
AAAA NATIONAL FLY-IN
The national fly-in at Echuca is the premier
event for the Antique Aeroplane Association
of Australia. More than 100 beautifully
restored and cared for aircraft expected to
Picture: Damien Freiberg
be on hand to be admired.
Food and drink available. For more
information, www.antique-aeroplane.com.au.
I. 14 MAY
RAAUS GENERAL MEETING
To be held at RAAus HQ this time - 3/1 Pirie
St, Fyshwick ACT.
Details of special resolutions will be
circulated to all members through Sport J. 27-29 MAY
OLD STATION FLY-IN
D. 23 APRIL Pilot, electronic newsletter and be posted on
the RAAus website. AND HERITAGE SHOW
DENILIQUIN ANZAC WEEKEND FLY-IN
The Deniliquin Aero Club will celebrate the dinner about his Around-the-World Aviators and campers are welcome from
achievement of local people in aviation, adventure at 80kts in a SeaRey (See his Friday afternoon. Truck show, joy flights,
B. 17 APRIL World War II, agricultural aviation and the blog at http://www.southernsun.voyage). vintage tractor pulls, heritage machinery,
children’s entertainment, fashion parade,
HECK FIELD FLY-IN long standing contribution of Macknight Deniliquin Airport has plenty of tie-down
airlines. air display including Matt Hall and fireworks.
space. Avgas and transport will be
Come along and take a look at one of Licenced bar, food, drinks and lots more.
Field Air will demonstrate fire bombing organised for the day. Breakfast available
the best recreational airfields on the east Weekend camping no bookings needed.
and low level spraying with its Ag planes Sunday morning. For more information,
coast. Joy flights, displays, food and drink Proceeds to the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue
and aerobatics in a Pitts Special. Special www.deniliquinaeroclub.com or Ian
available. For more information, Ric 0412 Service. For more information, leonie@
guest Michael Smith will speak at the 0418 452 521.
959 575. creedgrazing.com.au, (07) 4934 6562 or
aviation inquiries Ron 0408 346 536.
E. 22-24 APRIL G. 30 APRIL-1 MAY
MEMORIAL FLY-IN WINGS OVER ILLAWARRA
K. 29 MAY
The Seaplane Pilots Association event at Lake Big crowds attend this show, primarily CASINO BEEF WEEK MUSTER
Boga in Victoria will be held in memory of one because of the big noisy jets. See
of their most ardent and dedicated seaplane aerobatics, warbirds, vintage aircraft, jets A highlight of the Casino Beef Week
pilots, Ross Vining, lost in an accident in 2012. and formation flying. Festival. All aviation businesses welcome.
A fun weekend for everyone, on and off
For more information Donna Handley For more information, www. the aerodrome. Saturday Beef Week
donnadqn@gmail.com or seaplanes.org.au. wingsoverillawarra.com.au.
C. 23 APRIL activities include street festival and
markets, main street parade, whip cracking
MERIMBULA RED BARON BALL demonstrations, car show, wood chopping
Gala Night. Oompahpah band, cabaret,
fancy dress, comedy, food. Other planned F. 23-24 APRIL
competition and rodeo.
L. 6-9 OCTOBER
Sunday is a Family Fun Day next to the AUSFLY
activities will be oyster tours, golf tours, TAVAS GREAT VINTAGE FLY-IN aerodrome. Amusement rides, market &
Eden whale museum tour and Bega Valley food stalls, adventure flights and aviation Australia’s recreational and sport
cheese tour. There’s also a fly-in at Frogs At Caboolture. Featuring the only collection of chat all weekend. All amenities at the aviators return to Narromine for another
Hollow planned on Sunday. Big ANZAC flying WW1 aircraft in Australia, large contingent aerodrome. For more information, big weekend. Workshops, seminars, air
activity at the Merimbula RSL on Monday. of WW2 aircraft flying and more. Full details at www.casinobeefweek.com.au, Russell displays, entertainment and more. For more
For more information, (02) 6495 1306. www.vintagefly-in.com. 0427 627 477 or Debbie 0438 627 607. information www.saaa.com.
8 / SPORT PILOT 9 / S PORT PI LOT
L ETTERS TO THE EDI TOR
Aviation Insurance
SQUARELY AND FAIRLY VOTE OR ELSE!
E DI TO R ’ S CHO I CE
There and back again
BY BRIAN BIGG
From the most recent annual report, 25% of Attention all RAAus members! The association
Save Money, Save Time, Go Online
FOR MANY YEARS IT HAS IRRITATED ME THAT THE CLEVER PEOPLE WHO WORK OUT THE AIRSPACE
Hull &
OVER AUSTRALIA HAVE COMPLETELY IGNORED THE REALITIES OF FLYING.
A
LONG the coast there are unlimited numbers of emer- ask permission from Brisbane to transit through Coolangatta air-
needs your help. Soon you will be asked
gency landing places and the air, for the most part, is space, (I have a PPL too).
members do not renew. At the expiry of my
smooth and manageable. Either way it’s usually best I plan for an early morning flight,
Liability,
The airspace people, in their wisdom, have reserved this glorious before the wind makes up its mind.
airspace for the airlines, which use aircraft with two engines. The On this particular day, there was a slight north wester blowing.
airlines never need an emergency landing place and they don’t The forecast was otherwise good. I had put off the trip three or
care how bumpy the air might be. four times already because of the wind. And the week before I had
But those same airspace people force those of us who fly air- given myself and my niece a scare when we got stuck trying to land
membership, I will likely be one of these. Why? to vote to adopt a new constitution. It is
craft with only one engine to travel over, around and beside moun- in a stiff crosswind (Editor’s Choice Sport Pilot December 2015).
Great
tain ranges, ridges and valleys inland where there are no obvious But this day I felt the wind was now within my cowardly limits.
places to land and the air is invariably turbulent. I took off at sea level and began a slow climb to 6,000ft. The
With Full Broking Service Support
Some of the VFR corridors in this country are just plain dan- Zephyr climbs like a dream (on a cold morning I can get 1,800ft
gerous and I won’t fly through them. But in some places OCTA is per minute) and I never have any problems with heat build-up, but
unavoidable. I like to take my time with everything I do when flying and that in-
Coverage important that every member votes!
Such is the case when I have to fly from Ballina to Heck Field on cludes climbing to altitude.
the Gold Coast. Being a good RAAus citizen, I avoid going through As I approached the entrance to the valley, I began paying par-
Look at the numbers. There are an estimated
controlled airspace by taking the back way through the Numinbah ticular attention to the wind. The sky was completely cloudless and
“I like to take my time with
Valley which skirts Mount Warning and leads from Nimbin in north- a mild breeze wafted from the north-west. It was just enough to
ern NSW through to the Hinze Dam in southern Queensland. rob 5kts from the ground speed, but brought with it nary a bump.
everything I do when flying”
Along the edges of the valley the ground level in places gets to These lovely conditions persisted all the way through until I
& Rates
4,500ft. The bottom of the controlled airspace is 6,000ft so it’s popped out of the valley at Hinze Dam and began my descent into
only a narrow funnel through which to transit. Heck Field.
As a past board member, I am fully aware
It means I have to pay particular attention to the weather, spe- Three hours later, my business completed, I turned my head to
10,000 members and 3,500 aircraft. Two
cifically the wind direction. When it blows from the north-west the home. The weather, it appeared to me, had not budged from the I took off and aimed towards Hinze Dam at the northern end wards disaster. Close to the ground, the wind lifted me again.
turbulence in the valley can get so bad that my cowardly gene earlier version I had flown through. Clear and blue from horizon to of the valley, where I would begin my climb up to 6,000ft for the I still had very little say in it.
expresses itself and I either cancel the trip or I chicken out and horizon. transit southbound. As I moved towards the dam, it appeared my So I did the only thing I could do. As you have to in this airspace, I
observations were correct. monitor Brisbane on 119.5. As my aircraft climbed, I hit the transmit
There was still a mild north wester wafting me along, but that was button. “Brisbane, this is Zephyr 4227.”
Back came the reply, “4227 go-ahead.”
that most of you just want to fly. You are not
it. There still wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
thirds of members do not own an aircraft. Yet
Up to 6,000ft I went and into the valley. The bumps began just “Brisbane, 4227, I’m in severe turbulence and I require immedi-
after I passed the threshold and grew progressively worse. I knew it ate clearance into controlled airspace. Can I please have 8,000ft?”
Get a quote today at
was the north wester hitting the ridges beside me and curling over I used the word ‘require’ rather than ‘request’ because I knew it
gave him no choice but to approve me.
and down into the valley.
Back came the reply, “4227, clearance to climb immediately to
I moved further to the right, closer to the ridge, in the hope I could
8,000ft. Report established at that altitude.”
surf the updraft as it came up over the mountains. It didn’t help.
most of the sagas with RAAus recently have interested in politics, CASA, AirServices or
Fortunately (or unfortunately), I was in an uncontrolled climb at
So I adjusted further to the left in the hope I could stay wide of the
that point of the conversation so I applied full power and shot up
downdraught after the air came down the other side. to 8,000ft in a matter of seconds. Brilliantly at that altitude, the air
Nothing worked, but by now I was deep into the valley and to turn was as smooth as silk. Crisis averted. My death grip on the joystick
around and go back seemed to me to be just as stupid as continu- loosened and the seat cushion unpuckered.
ing. I reported to Brisbane I was safe at 8,000ft and he approved
I usually pride myself on making good decisions but, just as I was me to continue at that altitude for as long as I needed. At the end
involved problems with aircraft, not problems what is occurring at the RAAus office, unless it
weighing up my options, severe turbulence hit me full blast. of the valley I requested and was given approval to descend into
One minute I was flying along in bumps, the next I was heading uncontrolled airspace and thanked him profusely for his help. The
towards the ground at 1,000ft per minute. I was only 1,500ft above controller was wonderful.
ground level, so I had no room to play with. Never be afraid to ask them to help. He certainly made my flight
Before I could react I found myself climbing, one wing high, at easier and safer for me. Unlike the geniuses who make us ultralight
1,500ft per minute. Then the other wing shot up and I found myself pilots fly over some of the worst country in the world, just so the jet
directly affects you. Well I want you to change
descending again, pretty much out of control. This was heading to- jockeys don’t spill their martinis.
with membership. 42 / SPORT PILOT 43 / SPORT PILOT
It appears that non-owner members are cross- to verify I had understood, the controller your ways for this one very important issue.
WWW.PSBGROUP.COM.AU Available With
subsidising owner members. This is especially must have sensed the difficulty in my voice A large amount of work has been completed
true of not-for-profit flying clubs where twenty and proceeded to ask if I was transponder by the current (and past) board members
MONTHLY or thirty members might own two aircraft equipped? When I replied “Negative and office staff to develop, design and write
PAYMENTS between them. transponder”, the controller reinforced a new constitution. This document has the
For aviation broking advice, call us on “Maintain C Class clearance”. I had given my ability to bring RAAus into the 21st century
Non-owner members can vote with their feet
(08) 8271 9677 ke N position, track, height and intentions in the and allow the organisation to grow and
- S tro Di o Cl
and apparently are. They can either move to
event I did receive a clearance, so they knew prosper. It will save plenty of money (your
o if t sco aim the GA sector, or stop flying altogether. Owner
Subject to acceptable underwriting criteria - AFS241402 Tw Sh un B exactly where I was. Reason to be denied? money) and modernise how our association
d es ight t O on members cannot. This is borne by the financial
lu e pti us, works. It will also encourage a more business-
Inc & W on data, where membership income is decreasing Today I received February Issue and read
like governance model which will allow us to
s and registration income is static. your remarks on page 11 in response to Bart
Edward’s letter. I quote your remarks “ATC will change with the world and the aviation sector
A revenue neutral increase in registration fees, in a dynamic way.
coupled with a decrease in membership costs, help you. They have to help you”. I read this
would entice new students, encourage current with much frustration. No they don’t! I don’t The good news is you don’t have to attend the
members to renew and place the costs on have PPL or transponder and they were not AGM yourself. You can vote by proxy. But if, as
the organisation most squarely and fairly on keen to assist. I get the need for a transponder in the past, most members choose not to vote,
those who benefit most from the organisation - and, in the future, would be keen to install the new constitution might not be adopted. In
aircraft owners. such a device for my own safety and other fact even worse for us would be for you not to
aircraft. But PPL style endorsement? I sense vote and allow a small group of members who
ADA LIM might be against the changes to block them
a big money grab again like the ASIC card
Horsham Aviation Services
ABN 65 007 339 451 FLATLY DENIED
system. Most pilots are intelligent enough to
communicate with ATC and a transponder
and trap us in the outdated constitution. The
old constitution has too many representatives.
It costs money to fly them around the country to
Australian Agents Ph: 03 5381 1727 I read the article ‘There and Back Again’ (Sport
Pilot January 2016) with interest, as it related
would identify and locate us in the event we
entered controlled airspace after receiving a
clearance. What else do we need?
visit airfields and attend meetings, adding little
value, but costing thousands of dollars every
to the type of area I often fly. I make a regular year.
flight from the Lockyer Valley south overflying Most of us chose to fly RAAus and not PPL for
a very good reason. Price and freedom. Please With this in mind, I urge you in the strongest
Gatton Air Park and pass directly over possible way to vote for the changes. Attend
Maryvale township, situated a few miles west keep it that way.
if you can or appoint a proxy to vote on your
of Cunningham’s Gap. LEIGH GRAYSON behalf. The President, Michael Monck, tells me
EuroFox During my most recent return trip, tracking FROM THE ED / Your frustration is palpable. he will happily volunteer to be your proxy. This
back north to home, I was on descent near So I would make two observations about it. is a once in a lifetime change. Have your say.
. Folding wings
Maryvale from smooth air, just above scattered The first is that when I spoke to the controller, I JIM TATLOCK
. Unparalleled
visibility
clouds to pass under Amberley airspace and told him I “required” the immediate clearance,
. Rotax 912 ULS met a stiff easterly of 15/20kts@4,500ft I didn’t say “requested’. Requested gives him
engine (600- 800ft AGL). Once reaching clearance a choice to deny me. Required means he THE 500FT RULE
. Tricycle or tail altitude at 4,500ft and getting over some not has to act. Secondly as pilot-in-command,
CASA enforces an unusual rule which prohibits
dragger so friendly terrain (which is normally a fine trip regardless of the airspace, the law clearly says
flying below 500ft over any terrain, anywhere.
. 3 Blade prop with landing options to the west) I experienced I am first and last responsible for the safety of
. Great STOLL Equivalent countries like the UK, the US and
mountain turbulence which was horrific. the flight, including my own survival, not the
and cruise Canada allow such flights whenever humans or
Because I regularly fly in this area, I know controller, who is sitting somewhere safely on structures are absent.
performance
. Strong chrome Dynon the procedures and airspace requirements the ground. I considered my life was in danger,
The UK allows low level flight as long as the
and constantly monitor Brisbane Centre and so I was climbing, regardless of what he might
moly fuselage EFIS-D10A, EMS-D10 or might not approve me to do. He would have aircraft does not fly vertically or diagonally
frame Amberley when it’s active. With the article
& SkyView fresh in mind, I requested Amberley clearance moved everyone out of my way if necessary. nearer than 500ft to any person, building or
(all sealed) vessel.
. Full featured flight or engine I just have to be ready to justify my behaviour
. Stunning glider for a height of 5,500ft until Gatton Air Park
monitoring instruments US minimum altitudes are found in the FARs
tow & training which would have allowed me to descend later to the committee of geniuses armed with
. Solid State electronics for the US and the CARs for Canada.
aircraft
. Configurable alarms into clear air and continue north home safely. forms for me to fill out, so you never want to
. Can tow up Clearance was flatly denied. The air I had do it frivolously. But you must always act as FAR (US), Part 91.119 states in reference
. Battery backup
to a 750Kg glider descended into not only shocked me, but was pilot-in-command and, so as long as you are to minimum altitudes: “Over other than
. Can be fitted to GA aircraft
with CASA21M approval so rough it was hard to read back the message serious about it and act professionally, they congested areas. An altitude of 500ft above
to Amberley Clearance. They asked me several will get over it. And frankly a grilling by the pen the surface, except over open water or sparsely
www.horshamaviation.com.au Email: info@horshamaviation.com.au times had I understood them and to read back pushers is always going to feel better than populated areas. In these cases, the aircraft
the message. After I read back the message drilling a hole in a mountain. may not be operated closer than 500ft to any
11 / S PORT PI LOT
L ETTERS TO THE EDI TOR
Pioneer 200 Hawk - 300 Hawk - 300 Kite - 400
‘a delight to fly with nippy performance person, vessel, vehicle or structure.” under that altitude? To this day, pilots marvel at
and stylish Italian lines” the absurdity of the ruling.
The UK and US thus sensibly realise there is
‘Fast, comfortable and economical,
Australian Flying, May - June 2013
no need for a minimum altitude in “sparsely
WRITE IN:
it looks great - and actually flies as
In the matter of the present CASA sharp EDITOR@SPORTPILOT.NET.AU
nicely as it looks’ populated areas” and instead require a 500ft cut-off of legality at 500ft above ground
Pilot, November 2011 separation from human activity. Canada comes level, it should be noted that CASA’s sister The state of the organisation is
to a similar conclusion. organisation, AirServices, which runs the
reflected in the Letters to the Editor
columns. The more letters – the
Even in Australia there are exceptions to the Air Traffic Control system, recognises the
healthier the organisation.
500ft rule. Gliders, which are controlled by difficulties in determining exact altitudes by
So don’t just sit there – get involved.
the Gliding Federation of Australia under CASA allowing a 200ft vertical leeway in position. Your contributions are always
supervision, have no 500ft restriction. The The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority pioneered welcome, even if no one else agrees
rule is: “When engaged in ridge or hill soaring, aviation regulation. The US FAA successfully with your opinion.
a sailplane shall not be flown at a height lower manages the world’s biggest aviation industry. The Editor makes every effort to run
than 100ft while it is within 100m of any Canada is recognised as having one of the all letters, even if the queue gets
person, dwelling or public road.” At any other safest civil aviation programs in the world. long at certain times of the year.
time, the minimum height is at the discretion CASA’s rigid 500ft rule is out of step with these (By the way – the Editor reserves
of the pilot (from the Gliding Federation of the right to edit Letters to the Editor
other, far more experienced aviation regulators.
Australia, Operational Regulations, issue 6). to shorten them to fit the space
NORM SANDERS
Not only is CASA out of step with major aviation available, to improve the clarity of
regulators, it has actually been out of step FROM THE OPS DEPT / Any flight conducted the letter or to prevent libel. The
with itself in the past. CASA’s predecessor, below 500ft AGL carries an increased risk opinions and views expressed in the
the Department of Transport, officially due to hazards such as power lines, birds, Letters to the Editor are those of the
violated the 500ft rule in October, 1976, micrometeorology and drones, which were individual writer and neither RA-Aus
Alpine when the Department of Transport issued an
Air Navigation Order, ANO 95.10 (Later CAO
never an issue previously but have become so
with the enhanced speed and performance of
or Sport Pilot magazine endorses
or supports the views expressed
Aircraft Sales www.alpineaircraft.com.au 95.10.) which required ultralight aircraft to fly
BELOW 300ft. In 1985 the ceiling was raised
our newer aircraft. Pilots can easily avoid these
hazards by remaining above 500ft AGL and low
within them).
Michael Pendergast Jim Rodgers Bob Keen
0418 521 534 0457 054 123 0429 639 770 to 500ft. If flying below 500ft is so dangerous, level training will assist pilots to understand and
michael@alpineaircraft.com.au jimrodgers01@gmail.com smokeysmail@bigpond.com
Western Australia Northern NSW, Qld, NT
why did the regulator demand that aircraft stay manage these additional hazards.
Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen
www.foxbat.com.au
SO YOU’VE HAD
A CLOSE CALL?
Why not share your story so that others can learn
from it too? If we publish it, we’ll give you $500.
Email us at fsa@casa.gov.au
Articles should be between 450 and 1000 words.
If preferred, your identity will be kept confidential.
If you have video footage, feel free to submit this
with your close call.
Cruise 115+ knots
Stall 27 knots
Carry 210+ kgs after full fuel
Average under 20 litres an hour Please do not submit articles regarding events that are the subject of a current official investigation.
Search for Aeroprakt A32 Believe it! Submissions may be edited for clarity, length and reader focus.
13 / S PORT PI LOT
IN TH E N EW S I N THE NEWS
AMNESTY A SUCCESS BY THE OP S DEPARTMENT
T
HE recent amnesty period for lapsed taken regarding members who returned to An amnesty of this scope is not likely
members and those flying non-com- RAAus during the amnesty period. to be repeated any time again in the near
pliantly was a tremendous success. In summary, we renewed 27 members future. However RAAus always encourages
The amnesty ran from December 1, who had been lapsed for between 6-12 former and cancelled members to contact
2015 to February 29 and encouraged months and 82 others who had been out of Operations and Technical managers at any
members to renew memberships, com- the system for 12 months or more. time for assistance. We realise that some-
plete BFRs and re-register aircraft without And we welcomed back some aircraft times reminder notices are misplaced or
fear of punitive or disciplinary action by too. Three which had been unregistered for forgotten or BFR dates slip past. We are
RAAus or CASA. 6-12 months and 17 which had been can- committed to reminding members who
We are happy to advise no action was celled for 12 months or more. have genuinely let something slip.
WIN!
WIN A GOPRO
AS part of its new deal with GoPro,
RAAus is offering the chance for two
people to win one of these fantastic
cameras.
Last month it was announced
RAAus had forged a deal with the
Australian GoPro distributor to allow
financial members to purchase its
equipment at wholesale prices.
MERLIN NOW FLYING
The cameras are small, easy to in-
stall and provide a great new way or
recording your flights (don’t forget to
get someone qualified to install it if
you plan to fit it outside your aircraft). AS forecast in Sport Pilot (February 2016) the was seeing cruise speeds over 100 mph and TruTrack ECO autopilot, for a total cost of
The cameras can prove useful Merlin PSA has flown for the first time. climb rates of 1,400 fpm,” said Chip. around USD$50,000.
tools in the event of an accident or “The acceleration and climb rate are ex- The Merlin PSA (Personal Sport Aircraft) The factory says the all-aluminum aircraft
dispute. You can also install them in hilarating,” said pilot Chip Erwin after the first is an Experimental – Amateur-Built class air- is available as a quick-build E-AB (Experimen-
your car or on your bike helmet. flight in Florida in February. craft which can be flown under LSA rules. tal Amateur-Built, 51% Rule) aircraft. They
The ordering process and prices “Flight conditions were less than ideal, with A complete kit, including the builder’s also say its CAD/CAM design means build
are available on request from RAAus gusty winds and choppy turbulence but the assist program, is quoted at USD$34,900. time can be measured in days rather than
headquarters. Merlin handled the conditions perfectly. The The demo aircraft was equipped with a months or years. The aircraft can also be
During April and June, anyone who pilot sits right on the longitudinal axis and the glass panel, 2 x GPS, transceiver, an ADS- flown as a taildragger or as an amphibian.
RANS LAUNCHES A NEW RAVEN
subscribes to Sport Pilot will go into wing loading is higher than the average LSA, B out-equipped Mode S transponder, BRS For more information, www.aeromarine-
the draw to win a GoPro. There will be so it is quite comfortable flying all day long. I parachute system, electric trim and the new lsa.com.
one person drawn each month and
the winners will be notified by email RANS Designs has launched a ready-to- Designer and President of RANS, Ran-
and listed in Sport Pilot magazine in
PILOT AVOIDS MANSLAUGHTER CONVICTION PHOTO CREDIT
fly factory version of its new aircraft, the dy Schlitter said the company had worked
August. Raven. hard to bring the S-20LS Raven into its
For more information on the prod- The Experimental version, launched in line of SLSA offerings. SPORT Pilot March 2016 edition. A credit
uct range, www.gopro.com. 2014, has been selling well according to “The Raven expands the RANS lineup A NSW pilot who hit powerlines, killing his ton was found not guilty of manslaughter
should have been listed for Hamish
To subscribe to Sport Pilot, Austral- RANS. into the fast-growing market for light passenger, has been found not guilty of but guilty of two counts of reckless flying
Golden for the photograph of Drifter 27-
ia’s best aviation publication, www. The factory built sport version, the S- sport STOL planes.” manslaughter but guilty of reckless flying. endangering a life. The 11-member jury
0790 on page 42.
raa.asn.au and follow the prompts. 20LS, will be suitable for engines from RANS currently delivers seven kit de- Eleven year old Kayla Whitten and her took two days to reach the verdict. Sentenc-
80 to 180hp. Panels include traditional signs; the S-20LS Raven joins the ready- father David, were on a joy flight with pilot, ing will take place on April 28. The court
analog, Dynon and Garmin components; to-fly S-6LS Coyote II, the S-7LS Courier, John Crumpton when the aircraft they were was told the pilot flew low enough to disturb
engine choices include Lycoming 0-233, and the low-wing S-19LS Venterra. in hit powerlines and dropped into the Clar- birds.
Titan 0-340 the Rotax 912ULS, 912iS, It won’t be cheap. The Raven will start ence River at Ewingar, in northern NSW in It was also told that between 1999 and
914 and the 915, as soon as it’s avail- at USD$119,000. April 2014. Crumpton and Mr Whitten sur- 2008, there had been at least six fatal ac-
able. For more information, www.rans.com. vived but the child could not be rescued. cidents associated with unauthorised or
In the district court, 55 year old Crump- unnecessary low flying.
14 / SPORT PILOT 15 / S PORT PI LOT
IN TH E N EW S I N THE NEWS
Face TO face
BY MIC HAEL MONC K AND MIC HAEL LINKE
I
N 2015 RAAus recognised it needed to improve the way the or-
ganisation communicated with members.
A range of strategies was adopted, including more input into
Sport Pilot, more timely electronic communications and a completely
reworked website. As a result of these strategies we have made sig-
nificant inroads already and hope to further develop and deepen our
Sunsets are better in the west
relationship with everyone.
None of this, however, works as well as face-to-face discussions.
With this in mind we took the decision to come to you, meet you in your
own backyards and have conversations with you about the things you
want to talk about.
Over the past twelve months we have made a big effort to reach out.
We have attended local fly-ins and air shows in most states, and hosted
member forums. To keep costs down, these forums have largely been
held in conjunction with other events but have proven to be very suc-
cessful. Your feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and you have
invited us to hold more.
The hectic schedule has been wearing on the President and CEO, but
the plan is for us to maintain the momentum throughout 2016.
“We hope
Our travels have seen us traverse the country from Queensland - to
events such as the Old Station Fly-In - all the way to Western Australia,
All sorts of aviators Outback WA Classy motels
to cross paths
where Mick Monck was formally invited to launch the Busselton Aerofest
event. Occasions like these present RAAus with a unique opportunity to
engage not only with members, but also aviators from other organisa-
with you in the
Aerofest
tions, as well as other non-aviation locals. In this latter group, we have
spoken to prospective members, councils and airport owners, giving us
the opportunity to reinforce the benefits of aviation to their communities.
In between the extremes of WA and Queensland, we have visited
near future”
Evans Head, Narromine, Holbrook, Loxton, Tooradin, Lethbridge and a
host of other local aviation hotbeds along the way. In keeping with our
intention to meet with as many members as possible, we’ll be riding on
the coattails of the upcoming Pilot Examiner Professional Development
Workshops in South Australia and holding more member forums there in
May. For those who have yet to make it to any of these events, we hope
to cross paths with you in the near future.
To give you an idea of the flavour of the discussions, consider our re-
cent trip to WA and the chats we had along the way.
It may be a long way to Tipperary, but it isn’t quite as far as the distance
between Australia’s east and west coasts. It’s a pity really, because the
aviators in the west are no different to those in the east and we all share
the same concerns - access to airports, access to airspace, struggles re-
lating to fuel availability, security hassles and so on.
It was enlightening and frustrating to hear about the western specific
issues from the first conversations we had at Busselton, through to the
last ones we had in Perth, but it is also refreshing to know the causes
for which RAAus is fighting across the country are the correct ones. In
between Busselton and Perth we visited locations, from the simple but in-
credibly active airfield at Serpentine, through to the expansive and some-
what more commercial Jandakot. And during the entire journey we found
ourselves talking about the same topics which had been raised in the fo-
rums. It didn’t seem to matter where we went, the issues were the same.
Questions are always raised about Jabiru (at the time of writing, RAAus to them (see the President’s column this edition for more) and how this some of them might even be able to improve conditions for all members. long as it is done constructively) the conversations were instructional.
had been asked to attend a meeting between Jabiru, CASA and several gov- would be more flexible than the rigid voting mechanisms embodied in These conversations always throw up new ideas – from requirements Of course such an ambitious and wide reaching agenda as this, takes
ernment senators). The difficulties still exist and we are hoping CASA and the current constitution. for powered parachutes through to changes in our member mailing lists. commitment – and time. RAAus always asks a lot from its volunteer board
Jabiru can resolve the technical aspects of the problem soon so owners And on top of this, we spoke to aviators representing weight shift and All good stuff. members and professional office staff, but we both agree that when we
and operators of Jabiru powered aircraft can return to normal operations. powered parachute pilots, a smaller proportion of our total membership, The trip to the west took over a week of our time (more than 24 hours meet members and get fresh perspectives on things, it can also be in-
Questions have been asked about the constitution, the changes to equally important but often neglected or overlooked in the past. of it stuck in a plane seat or cheap rental car) to travel between locations credibly rewarding.
the current board structure and how we will ensure members receive While none of the issues we have come across so far are exclusive there to meet members. And we stayed in some pretty average motels So keep an eye out for any opportunities to share your thoughts with
local representation on issues which affect them (although we’re yet to any particular region, we have found it extraordinarily helpful to talk to along the way. Despite this we’ve learned a lot and will be using this, at us in the coming months and help RAAus to improve even more. A hand-
to discover any issue unique to any particular region). We outlined one people in different places. It has helped us uncover a number of issues we strategic and operational levels, to shape the organisation going forward. shake, cup of coffee and a biscuit will be a great way to start the conver-
proposed method of ensuring everyone has a voice on matters relevant had not previously considered and it turns out that with the right changes, Even when members levelled criticism at us (and we never mind this, as sation, because nothing beats face-to-face.
16 / SPORT PILOT 17 / S PORT PI LOT
IN TH E N EW S FROM THE CEO
HELP PROTECT OUR PAST
National Safety Month launch at
Canberra Airport (left to right, RAAus
President Michael Monck, Director of
Air Safety CASA Mark Skidmore, RAAus
CEO Michael Linke and Matt Hall.
R
AAUS has made it easy for members to help protect our particu- The distribution criteria for the fund is still being established, but
lar part of aviation history by establishing its first Heritage Fund. the fund itself is now open for your support.
The board made the decision last year when AUF/RAAus We hope you will take part by making a small donation when you
turned 30. It has now seeded the fund with $20,000 from reserves, renew your membership or registration. When you click on the site,
as a gesture and a tool by which members can do their part. you will see an option there to support the fund. 100% of the money
Projects such as restoring heritage aircraft, curating museums you donate will be allocated to heritage-based projects.
dedicated to light aircraft and the Australian ultralight movement, If you’re not due to renew your membership or registration, or if
and other heritage based projects, will be able to be supported by you aren’t a member but would still like to contribute, phone the of-
money from the fund from July 1. fice (02) 6280 4700 and our staff will help you.
Building a better RAAus
BY MIC HAEL LINKE C EO
E
IGHTEEN months ago I walked in the We needed to balance our heritage with innova- excess baggage, no preconceptions, no axe to
front doors of RAAus. I discovered an tion and ensure they could co-exist in a modern grind and no vested interests to defend. It has
organisation bursting at the seams. RAAus. allowed a clear focus to emerge on how we could
An organisation bursting with ideas for a I needed to explore all the good ideas and im- develop a plan for a better RAAus.
brighter future. An organisation bursting plement the ones that were feasible, achievable So after 18 months, how has does that plan
with enthusiasm. and added value to our broader membership. look?
But also an organisation struggling with its And let me tell you there were literally hundreds First and foremost we solved the aircraft
own growth. of ideas, some of them way out there. registration delay. We revised our Operations
Ideas abounded. Air shows with Drifter and Early on I was told I should explore buying an Manual. We digitised Sport Pilot. We improved
Thruster races, an event as big as Oshkosh, dig- airpark: Temora or Evans Head. I was told to buy our insurance coverage. We improved mem-
itisation of all of our records, one million pieces an ailing aircraft manufacturer. I was urged to ar- ber interaction. We created transparent lines of
of paper, a new constitution, new premises, new range Oshkosh – or an event as big as Oshkosh. I communication. We engaged with stakeholders.
endorsements, electric engines. The list went on. was told to move our office out of Canberra. We’ve dramatically improved safety, reporting,
The enthusiasm was electrifying. I was also advised: Trust this person, but not operations and maintenance. Sure, we’ve got a
But our explosive growth was holding us back that person. Visit that school, but not this school. way to go. But the signs are good.
in some places. We were an organisation of Employ more staff. Get rid of staff. Hate CASA. We’ve created a digital ecosystem for mem-
10,000 but some of our number wanted to oper- Love CASA. Fly in that plane, but not this one, un- bers which will continue to grow with us. This
ate as we had in 1983. I was pushed to enact less she was your pilot. Visit that flying school, ecosystem is perhaps the brightest shining light
change quickly, damn the consequences. but steer clear of him. in the past 18 months. It has said to members
Instead I had to temper the excitement. To A person could have gone mad with all the and our CFIs, “we trust you, this is your data.”
remind everyone it wasn’t 1983 anymore. The advice. Today we stand on the verge of the next big
regulator was nervous about our recent safety I was pulled, pushed, abused and thanked. thing. A new constitution. Read the President’s
record, the Forsyth Review questioned our gov- My first 18 months have been a grueling yet in- column for a detailed assessment of the impor-
ernance and we suffered from frequent staffing credibly rewarding time. tance of this project. It is, quite simply, the single
and board member changes, which meant our Recently I told my staff that, in my opinion, we most important project RAAus needs to deliver.
corporate memory was lacking. We needed to had been operating at VNE for a long time. If we I’ve loved my time so far. I’ve loved meeting
get our house in order before great change could didn’t throttle back we were going to explode. our members. I’ve loved the feedback, good
come our way. They looked at me and told me “Wow Mi- and bad.
As well, many among us had joined in recent chael, we have done a lot, but look at how much Now it’s time to get back to it. There is so
times and flew the so called plastic fantastics. you’ve learned about aviation.” much more to do. I’ve spent much of March get-
Our average member stays with RAAus for seven As you know, I came into RAAus with no avia- ting out into airports and schools engaging with
years. I thought about that as I pondered our tion experience at all. This hasn’t hindered me members and I have a huge new crop of ideas to
Bill Dinsmore, Ian Young priorities. We’ve been around for 30 years but at all, it’s actually helped. It has allowed me to filter, develop and implement. Stay tuned. Our
and John Haggedoorn 80% of our members had joined in the past ten. look at RAAus through clear glasses and with no best days are still ahead of us.
18 / SPORT PILOT 19 / S PORT PI LOTFLY -IN S FL Y-I NS
“The weather over the ranges made
the going difficult for any
ing had a
Hughes LightW
lour scheme
striking co
pilot planning to fly in from the coast”
Savannah departs for a local
flight over Clifton
Water or land, now
let’s see where
do I want to put it
down? Super Petrel
was popular among
the spectators
WIND, WEATHER
& WONDERFULSTORY AND PIC S BY AL AN BE T TERIDGE
a
RV7 was one of
Pretty looking in attendance
of the type
number
T
HOSE are the three words which from the coast. “That was due to a very localised thunder- “It was a decision not taken lightly,” Tre- stalls and a variety of cars from Minis to 60hp, and is finished in the livery of the Amer-
best describe this year’s Clifton Although 120 or so aircraft had been ex- storm which dropped a large amount of rain vor added. MGs were all there. But with all of that, it is ican Indian Squadron which flew during the
Fly-In. pected to arrive, the weather drastically re- directly over the airstrip,” said CFI and airfield I have been coming to this event since the aircraft which are the main attraction for First World War,” said Ian.
A strong south easterly breeze bringing duced this number to just over 80. owner Trevor Bange. 2007 and consider it one of the most well most people. “The thinking was that they were indians,
showers and cloud over the coastal ranges The biggest change this year was the num- “While I knew local pilots would have no organised and family friendly events on the Making an appearance for the first time so why not give them a go and see just how
had been affecting Queensland in the weeks ber of people who visited by car, up from 60 problems knowing just where the soft patch- Queensland aviation calendar and wouldn’t was Ian Comley’s replica Nieport 17. brave they were,” he said with a wry grin.
leading up to this much anticipated event. last year to over 200. es would be, we considered it just too danger- miss it. Ian had taken delivery of the aircraft on As far as Ian is aware there are only 325
While, for the better part of the week- Clifton’s Bange Field, home to the Lone ous for others flying in. This year was no exception and, as at each the Saturday and, although it did not fly dur- Nieuport 17s of this type in the world and he
end, the weather at Clifton remained good, Eagle Flying School, has been holding an an- “We pride ourselves on safety and for that event, it had been expanded to add further in- ing the weekend, it still attracted a lot of at- is very proud of his.
the weather over the ranges made the go- nual fly-in since 1982 and has only ever had reason the decision was taken to cancel it,” terest and enticements to draw in the crowds. tention. “I just can’t wait to fly it again,” he said.
ing difficult for any pilot planning to fly in to cancel once. he said. A jumping castle for the kids, market “It is powered by a 1700cc VW engine of Another war, another classic - this time a
20 / SPORT PILOT 21 / S PORT PI LOTYou can also read
