The Oaks (NSW) - Serpentine (WA)

[skippydiesel]

Forum News & Debate is a tad slow at the moment, so I thought I would offer this, as something many of you may like to get involved in.

 

For years I have wanted to fly from The Oaks to WA in a small aircraft - all sorts of hurdles have got in the way however the opportunity may now be close.

 

Forum News & Debate is a tad slow at the moment, so I thought I would offer this, as something many of you may like to get involved in.

 

I will be flying my Sonex Legacy, Rotax 912ULS, with just me on board.

 

Some necessary planning details;

 

• She carries an easy 95+ L usable fuel (preferably 98 RON)
• I usually flight plan at 130 knots True @ 15L/hr ,for 5.6 hrs duration and 40 + minutes reserve (10L) at same power setting.
• I would also prefer to land for refueling with 30+ L remaining (I am paranoid about running out of fuel)
• I would prefer not to fly for more than 3 hrs without a wee stop, say 2-3 hrs is perfect. 
• I will be carrying collapsible fuel bladders to facilitate fetching 95 RON (I will only corrupt her innards with AVGas if no reasonable alternative exists).
• I am in no particular hurry but fully aware that the more time I take, the more additional cost for sustenance & accommodation and the more potential for adverse weather to impede my progress..
• I am more than happy, within reason (?) to divert of the  most direct overland track, to visit fellow pilots &/or take in particular points of interest, that you may recomend. 
• I would like to follow the coastline but will avoid any significant overwater, other than a short dash over the northern part of the Spencer Gulf.
• I have some idea of returning via a more inland route.than the largely Coastal SA& WA section.
• I would be delighted to "fly in company" with another aircraft  for all or part of the trip.

 

At this stage I have not made contact with any one or airfield along the rout (?).

 

I am hoping that the woeful flying weather that the East of the country has been experiencing, may clear within the next month or so. I may be wrong however summer flying on this trip, seems to present additional challenges that may not be so pleasant for a recreational pilot.

 

Serpentine appears to be a reasonable destination - you may advise otherwise.

 

I await your council/recommendation with great interest.😈

 

[onetrack]

Skippy - Will Owen from the S.W. of W.A. owns one of your favourite ultralights, and has done a West-East-West trip in recent times. He posted some details of his trip on here, but I can't find it now.

 

He should be able to provide useful trip information, and he may even be keen to join you for at least part of your trip, and I'm sure he can get you up to speed on what's what in W.A. Unfortunately, I can't even recall what his username is on here, someone else may know.

He's a nice bloke, very helpful - I know him because my best friend worked on his farms, and I visited the main farm, and met Will, several years ago. He's leased out his farms, and I'm not sure what he does on a daily basis now, but I think he still flies regularly, however I'm not sure if he still instructs.

 

https://www.facebook.com/willflyhire.com.au/

 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by onetrack