Another Conversion Query

[Roy Wales]

I see plenty of threads surrounding conversion queries, both RA to GA PPL & GA PPL to RA. None that I have read seem to provide an answer to my specific query.

 

From what I can understand having completed a RA BAK does not suffice when converting to GA PPL. A student still needs to complete the GA BAK theory exam. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Keeping it to the point, my specific query is if one has already completed the GA BAK, is he/she required to complete the RA BAK as part of the GA PPL conversion to RA? Readings suggest they would not.

 

I am a long time (10yrs) non-current holder of a GA PPL and VERY keen to get back up in the skies in the much more affordable world of RA (not discounting to getting my GA PPL current in the future). Flying experience was in C152, C172 & PA-28 out of Canberra. I have recently joined Tumut Aero Club to commence training/conversion in a Jabiru J170 and assume this will put me in the HP class of RA-Aus registered aircraft . Great rates and I live about 6km from the aerodrome.

 

Having my first ride in our Jab yesterday (as a passenger filling a seat) to Ausfly and back, reminded me very much of the C152 days and hope that actual airtime can be kept to a minimum during conversion.

 

I will happily and actually intend to brush up on air law, radio use, BAK and navs through theory material. Is it up to the SFI (of which we only have one, Graham) or CFI (Guy, less frequently available) to determine whether I sit the RA BAK, hypothetically assuming the GA BAK will suffice? How much descression comes into play?

 

I look forward to anyone's thoughts/experiences.

 

Cheers

 

Roy

 

 

[dazza 38]

RAA BAK is not sufficent.GA BAK is more indept and has weight and Balance computations. I had to do a GA BAK test after already completeing my RAA/AUF Cert (This was 1998).

 

If you have a GA BAK test pass, you will not have to do a RAA one.

 

 

[Roy Wales]

No.

Thanks dazza

 

 

[dazza 38]

Thanks dazza

I added more Roy, I accidently hit the launch button too early.

 

 

[facthunter]

Your GA exp already gives you HP. Your radio and anything else you have completed will come over too. IF you had a tailwheel endo ( which you don't) it would theoretically cover you also, but you have not covered LP or TS (Two Stroke). I would only do these if you think they are appropriate to your operation because there is some( rightfully so) question of currency. Some T/W U/L's are pretty tricky so recency is relevent. There is no specific endorsement required for a type but most want you to demonstrate competency, on a plane when you go somewhere new. You might consider doing a T/W endo, but if you are not going to use it, wait till you do. You ask about discretion in what is required. I don't believe there needs to be any but the interpretation can be a bit elastic at times, just as it is when you move to a new school regarding Nav, exp. Good luck, Roy... Nev

 

 

[Roy Wales]

Thanks Nev, good feedback so far.

 

Our instructor has unfortunately had a setback, only weeks before I joined the club and flying anytime soon looks doubtfull. Any spare seat rides, a few pre-flight checks, good presence at the club & involvement is about the best I can do for the time being until I can officially get into some training/conversion. T/W LP & two stoke endos are something that is not of serious concern to me yet. I am focussed on converting in the Jab and looking forward to getting back to a few local cross country trips. Anything is possible down the track and even with all the Jab work, bringing my PPL currency is something I might look at into the future depending on access/time for schools/aircraft

 

 

[dodo]

I think you will also have to do Human Factors (a good idea, badly executed). I would suggest you run through the RA tests (they cost nothing), just as a refresher.

 

dodo

 

 

[Roy Wales]

I think you will also have to do Human Factors (a good idea, badly executed). I would suggest you run through the RA tests (they cost nothing), just as a refresher.dodo

Thanks dodo, wise line of thought and the "cost nothing" is an incentive

 

 

[dodo]

Graham may be a bit bored, so might be happy to run you through the tests? As it may be a few months before we have an instructor again, you could consider getting the PPL up to date - I think there is a school at Wagga - but that is a fair financial commitment, as you are then up for the medicals and GA BFRs, before you even play with RA aircraft. A couple of hundred here, couple of hunded there, and it adds up.

 

dodo

 

 

[Roy Wales]

Yep, Tumut is sooo convenient and cheapest I have seen. Combined with the cost initiative of RA, has helped get it across the line with the minister for war & finance. I have made preliminary enquiries with DAME's in Wagga for Class 2 medical renewal but will take this opportunity when I have a work engagement in Wagga. That will be just to have it ready if/when I restart my PPL currency. I could, however either start off with Peter Wilson (might be a club conflict??) or at a pinch, RA in Wagga while mum & the tribe spend the day at the shops (not sure what would be the more expensive there?? )

 

I am looking forward to catching up and meeting Graham. It might just be that it will be best for me to spend the ground time and see if I can still work with him on that until he is ready. I believe Simon is looking into getting Graham approved for ground instructions through RA-Aus until he is fit to return to the skies. I'm not sure of all the technicalities and requirements and wouldn't want to be quoted on any of this but does make good sense.

 

 

[nong]

Roy,

 

Hopefully you can progress with the club or Pete Wilson, as they both sound like your best options.

 

Regarding the lesser option of Wagga, we have two RAAus schools, these being Wagga Bike Tyres (me) and Wagga Air Centre.

 

I use a J160 @ $170 per hr. for training. For more info. go to www.waggabiketyres.com

 

The Wagga Air Centre uses a high wing Tecnam but I don't know their rates. www.waggaaircentre.com.au

 

As Wagga (Forest Hill) aerodrome is a busy commercial hub with a diverse traffic mix at times, there is possibly greater emphasis on traffic flow and radio communication subtleties than might be required at Tumut.

 

Feel free to contact me any time. My number is on the website.

 

Cheers Fred

 

 

[Roy Wales]

Thanks for your input Fred,

 

I guess time will be the biggest factor. I am still yet to actually meet Graham and look forward to discussion surrounding a suitable pathway.