AmphibianDreamer

After 370 hours experience flying the Super Petrel LS here in Australia, i think i some knowledge into the nuiances of seaplane flying. First up,it would be generally agreed that the skill level of flying any sort of seaplane is far greater than any other aircraft including multi engined. The fact that your aircraft becomes a hi speed boat on touchdown means that a new set of skills have to be learnt and practiced, apart from just remembering to "gear up on water". However my point is, that after training 4 students on the super petrel for their waterhull endorsements, i have come to the conclusion that seaplanes arent for rank amatuers, in fact i will only take on students with at least 200 hours and good landing techniques. Moving on, I am dismayed as to the number incidents and accidents inlcuding the three deaths in recent months, which leads me to the conclusion that the level of training is far below that required. i regret now not bringing my students well above the minimum standard, however all are still alive, just. The disturbing fact is that these guys were well experiennced, but in my opinion pushed the boundaries and perhaps complacency may have crept in. Its not for the lack of skill, or the quality of aircraft the takes the pilots life, its how much he cuts his margins......

"Twas I" in 24-7997 We had departed from Jacobs well at 8 am and landed at southern end of Bribie Island for a Breakfast at a liitle Cafe ( Blue Anchorage " right on the beach. Then we headed off to Tin Can Bay by way of Double Island point and a touch and go off the liitle lagoon near the headland. At Tincan we landed near the the Yacht club and anchored just off the VMR station before wandering into town for a bite to eat. Heading home another touch and go at that little lagoon then an ice cream stop over at Mooloolaba and we were back at Jacobs Well in a little over 1.5 hours later in the afternoon. Most surprising was transiting the CTA at Maroochydore which was an excellent leg coastal at 500' then on the way back a diversion through CTA by the tower to fly right over the top of the tower without transponder. All in all a pleasant day out.

Explain Donuts please, is that just round and around in circleson the step? OK My next big trip is Gold Coast - lake Eyre - Adeaide - Strahan (Tasmania ) Melbourne - Sydney - Gold Coast. , over two weeks starting day after boxing day 2010. till looking for a suitable passenger ( victim to share cost and put up with me for two weeks. I have a only a few contacts and places to stay Adelaide but I do need some places to stay in Hobart and other places around Tassie if possible if you know of anyone. Also is there anyone in Melbourne or in Victoria or Sydney interested in putting us ( 2 ) up. We can recriprocate on the Gold Coast if any ones is planning a flying trip up this way.

Super Petrel LS on the Gold Coast Hello all, after picking up 24-7997 from Peter on the 17th September I have clocked around 42 hours and some 52 water landings on lakes rivers bays and dams throughout Qld and NSW. So far we have visited TinCan Bay near Fraser Island Bribie Island and Rathmines on Lake MacQuarie Only A couple of minor issues with the aircraft loose wire and a fault gauge but all easily fixed within 10 minutes. Apart from that the aircraft is superb and and is all that aI wished for. Longest hop was 2.75 hours solid and very comfortable and we would have hopped out earlier if it wasnt for a howling 25 Knots over Ballina that stopped us landing on the river near town. At the moment we are exploring the Qld coast for any cafes and resturants on the water were we can pull into beach the plane and walk in for breaky over looking the water. So far 4 places have come in trumps, and we would have more if not for the crappy weather. Photos of some of our adventuresin the last month ( Oct / Nov ) are attached. The last pic is the aircraft parked in a car park near the boat ramp in the middle of Port Macquarie behind the shopping center ( Bi Lo) just over the tail is the fish and chip shop where we had lunch. The boat ramp is just 15 metres in front of the aircraft nose. My instructors rating is just a week away and any interest for a TIF is welcome. Rohan