Country Flyer

From NTSB - Not a lot know at this stage

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/appin-plane-crash-press-conference-december-17-2022-illawarra-mercury/vi-AA15Ha53?ocid=winp1taskbar

6 hours ago, fineline said:

Interesting, thanks CountryFlyer. Since OzRunways (or AvPlan) seems to be the choice for planning, I'm wondering what value putting it all into Garmin Pilot and adding waypoints in Pilot en route has over putting these directly into the gear in the plane? I'm not keen on having two separate EFB subscriptions, especially on top of the big ticket Garmin databases.

Good question…. Pilot talks directly to the navigator/autopilot so the planning and more importantly the finer details can be done at home and simply upload at the plane.  Also I can do it on an iPad….greater screen size rather then the smaller navigator screen.

I Would rather one..most probably pilot due to the ease of sending but Oz has some great features…like next frequency, NAIPS submission and now coded airport metars…as well… yes it adds up especially the Garmin databases but between pilot/Oz it’s an extra $200?????? Per year.

1 hour ago, APenNameAndThatA said:

Bit off topic. I find submitting a sartime with the naips app quicker than submitting a flight plan with ozrunways even if I have already done the flightplan with ozrunways for fuel and etc. Im a noob. To not answer your question, Id use both for a time and see. I assume you have adsb on the garmin? Nice profile plane, btw.  

Thanks a pen….. I continued to use both and bought both…. The ease of changes and sending plans and waypoints to the garmin  gear is so easy… so it’s worth it.  I use Oz as my primary planner and then copy it to pilot.  I don’t use pilot for w&b or fuel…. Just steering the plane basically.

4 hours ago, fineline said:

I am also looking to pick an EFB. I have G3X and GTN, so Garmin integration would be good. But missing some Australia-focussed features from OzRunways like filing with NAIPS.

 

Is there a way for OzRunways to upload a flight plan to G3X? CountryFlyer, are you still using Pilot, and have there been any significant updates?

Hi….  I’ve been using both…. Pilot works so well and easy with upload and changes on the fly…. Picks up waypoints so I just bit the bullet and do all my planning in OzRunways, submission, height, maps etc and then just duplicate it in pilot10.  It probably takes me an extra 5 or 10 mins max… any change in flight I do in pilot but other wise it’s pretty easy and quick.  The only thing is that pilot won’t send heights to the g3x… but that’s fine. And also you can’t seem to send the information to a printer…. Another plus for OzRunways.  OzRunways has just done an upgrade and it has some great vfr/ information included..

I know you can send files from OzRunways onto a usb and then upload… but really. …toooo much mucking around

it means two costs but in the scheme of things it’s only once a year.

the link between pilot and Garmin products is seamless…. Simple as click and send

the image was from  Taree down to Newcastle and back to Maitland along the coast…. Pretty specific on heights and waypoints have to be spot on…. Turned when it had too and I got to have a look at the scenery ….within reason 🙂

On 3/6/2022 at 12:10 PM, onetrack said:

Here's a fairly identical compact fire extinguisher product located in Australia. The FAQ's are useful. If you wait for a minute while on the site, an extra $15 discount offer pops up. Of course, that involves signing up to marketing emails.

 

https://assentpro.com.au/products/fire-stryker?variant=40055831396546

 

The worst part about fire extinguishers is you usually empty them on some strangers fire, and get no thanks, or replacement for it. If you use it to save a mate, that's the price of mateship.

Many a firefighting attempt is bungled with trying to determine if the fire extinguisher is suitable for the fire, extinguishers not checked and pressurisation depleted, and fumbles and struggles with locking mechanisms, due to unfamiliarity. 

Looks to cover electrical up to 100000 volts  if needed as well…. Great

4 hours ago, onetrack said:

Some good reading in the link below. To eliminate confusion between "BCF" in extinguishers, and "BCF" as in the retailer (because BCF sell marine extinguishers that are dry powder), BCF extinguishers are more often known as Halon extinguishers.

Halon gas is used where expensive components can be damaged by other types of extinguishers.

 

They're commonly used in confined, enclosed areas, where opening up that area to access for a firefighting stream, can cause a flashover (i.e. - a major thermal runaway event when areas in a fire zone are at a high temperature, but not actually burning, and the opening up of the area creates an inrush of oxygen-laden air which results in an immediate, major upsurge in the fire event).

 

Halon is quite toxic as regards inhalation (as well as damaging to the environment), and smoke hoods are recommended when using Halon in confined areas such as cabins. However, in a cockpit, you simply need to be aware of the breathing toxicity.

 

https://skybrary.aero/articles/halon-fire-extinguishers

 

Thankyou one track.  Makes for an interesting read.  I’ll do a ‘bit’ of chatting with a few flight schools and trading units and see what they suggest as well.

On 30/5/2022 at 9:44 PM, 440032 said:

Take a look at AWB 26-002 Issue 3 – 11 January 2018
Selection and Installation of Handheld Portable Fire Extinguishers

I have had a read of the above and thank you…... I’m leaning to a co2 for electrical fires inside the cabin, as the 182 has a full upgrade and of course all electrical… but what about an engine fire after you land, or take off… is there a best of two worlds?  Do you need to carry two or will a co2 do the engine fire as well ?  I don’t know enough about them to make an informed decision….. but learning 🙂

I would like to install a fire extinguisher into a c182.  Looking for suggestions and brands/ models from Australian suppliers ( I assume this is best)… so size and weight is important, CO2  for electrical fire, best location to install….. any other criteria I need to look at ?…. Do you have one on board ?  Thanks in anticipation.

Adsb in and out was never a ‘maybe’ when I did the upgrade a year ago.  As a low hour pilot and flying into non towered airports with RFDS and knowing where they are plus other aircrafts so equiped is worth every cent…. Sure expensive but if it helps me be safe and others know where I am then yes worth it….  We spend thousands on services, fuel, coffee !! 🙂 so spend some on safety so it may help you get home at night……. It’s helped me a couple of times already….. and less stress….  Sure what you buy today is out of date tomorrow…but you have to start somewhere…… I’m in support 100%

21 hours ago, waraton said:

Does your airfield waive landing fees for recreational aircraft and how is this done?

Do landing fees impact on your flight planning?

 

I know landing fee discussions are done to death but my aero club (Broken Hill) is looking at putting a proposal to council to waive these costs for recreational flights. We believe the city loses traffic due to the charges but evidence in anecdotal. Some airfields offer exemption by application/registration and some just don't charge. Any information you provide which supports our proposal can be incorporated into a proposal. 

 

I had to stop in Gunnedah NSW for fuel and found out the visit charge was the most expensive one I have received Vs eg Merimbula NSW (Chalk and Cheese)... so Gunnedah is off my list of stops for fuel. I know in the total scheme of things not a lot to stop. Buy fuel, no fees... good idea.   

I like the idea of under 1500Kg FOC BUT make it easy for aircrafts to make a donation PAYPAL ? Airports aren't cheap to maintain and look after,  so making donations to even free ones would be on my books..... as long as its easy to do and don't have to go looking for the bank account details, paypal names etc etc. MAKE IT EASY FOR people to do :) then drop AVDATA  Councils Im sure would be happier with more money in their accounts (As long as people were honest and/or donated ??? )... well thats my 5c worth :)  BTW Broken Hill is on my flight list when your RFDS opens back up....

16 hours ago, Blueadventures said:

An airfield up my way has landing fees; and these are reasonable. In recent years they waive the landing fee if you purchase fuel or have a feed at the cafe on the field.  This is great, as we semi regularly go there and have brecky or visit the town for the day as there is a bus service.  Very pro aviation.  Something like that may work at Broken Hill.

What airfield is this ??

Hi Jack,

Stefan DRURY did a review in the last week or so  I use the version 5 with cell and been very happy with it... does everything i need it to do (Use it with OzRwy and Garmin Pilot) plus a few other flight apps

I use a Telstra SIM (12 months data use) only use 5 GB  but gives a great coverage at height.

I also use a "active cooling case for an ipad"  as well.... worth it especially in summer runs well by battery

Latest release vs Last years model... 

Hi From Albury.... did 92 hours over the last 12 months... some longer trips to Ballina , Port Maq, Maitland.  The weather man slowed things down over the last 8 weeks... rain rain and more rain ... All private.

23 hours ago, Garfly said:

 

I'm all for compliance with the science (and with the ones saddled with setting the rules) but to me, such strict interpretations of "proper quarantine"  just give ammunition to those who think it's all ridiculous and would pressure the pollies to give it away altogether.

 

Let's say you live in regional NSW near where your aircraft's kept and you go up alone to fly circuits to keep your skills sharp; how is that "exporting our germs" when driving into town to stock up at Woolies - rule wise - isn't, so much? 

 

 

I do that every week(NSW)... fly circuits and gets the plane out and about... health and safety... my mental health/safety and the safety of the aircraft that its being operated and engine run...

On 23/06/2021 at 11:18 AM, facthunter said:

Cover still on should show on the take-off roll. You could say everyone should be trained to cope. Extra speed margin required. A "good" pilot should cope. For the others, prevention is better than cure. Wasps can block the pitot with mud pretty fast  too. 

This happened with me a few months ago.... onto the runway, accelerate "Speed is ALIVE?? Nope Dead as a doornail !! ..... I aborted the take off and returned to the hangar... "Wasp Mud" in the pitot.  Anyway a few dollars later it was fixed.  It seems the pitot had not been removed in a long time so screws had to be drilled and we put in a connection so it can be easily accessed in the future.....  I lent the plane to a guy who had just come back from Louth... not sure if he had the cover on.

if you have 5 to complete.... (No I’m not part of CASA 🙂 )
 

We want to understand what communication and surveillance equipment you use when you fly under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions so we know how potential future airspace changes may impact you.

If you don’t have any surveillance and communication equipment, we’d still like to hear from you to understand what may be preventing you from installing equipment. This consultation is open to all pilots and aircraft operators who fly VFR, you do not need to have a VH tail to complete the consultation.

The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Your feedback will be anonymous and used in accordance with our privacy policy.

https://consultation.casa.gov.au/stakeholder-engagement-group/vfr-equipment/

On 30/04/2021 at 8:09 PM, APenNameAndThatA said:

Wow. Is the plane lighter now? Do the planes with the yokes like that have more room under the yoke for your knees? 

18 kg lighter all up..... so more 'fuel"   it was mainly taking out the old lumes of wiring, HF radio cables, vacuum pumps, and the "Six Pack" plus old radios, autopilot and old servos.  we were all amazed how much it saved when they did the final calculations

On 30/04/2021 at 2:44 PM, Ironpot said:

By having IFR/Charter on the MR you will definitely have boosted the valuation.  (You might want to make sure the insurance has the increased value covered too).

 

You have a very useful aircraft there mate. Well done.

Thanks for the comments.... yes the insurance has been increased  as well.

27 minutes ago, onetrack said:

Wow, that is one impressive setup, and the professionalism shows in spades. But I hate to think of the size of the final bill.

Your right.....  i get told its overcapitalising.. but i did it to enjoy the flying more and for the long term safety side as well...  i dont begrudge the final costs... i simply like to drain my sorrows hahahaha.    Would i do it again... yes 🙂

Rob Gray Avionics in Wagga, did the upgrade mainly works out of Albury.  Fantastic job was meticulous  and worried about the finer details.  Highly  recommend  him and his work.

A few shots of the finished product... been great... Ill explain a little more.  I love having the ADSB available... they can see me and I can see them... I think the sooner this is compulsory for everyone the better for safety... and I know this will be an emotive topic... but I like knowing when someone is close or heading my way..

Ive found less stree with last minute ATC changes...

Its got me out of trouble recently travelling to Port Maquarie...clouds dropping and terrain not moving !!  decision do 180 and return to Mudgee.... press and "direct... by the time i had done this i was about to enter cloud... yes on now we shouldnt but at 140 knots it comes up very quick... and no panic...watched the screens and headed back...

there has been a couple of times near Wagga and planes have been sneaking up on me, espcially the training ones !! and Melb Centre has seen and announced

Flight Following across the mountains has been nice and maybe easier as well....  For a low hour pilot ..me !!! just the safety side has made it worth while..

50 minutes ago, Student Pilot said:

Flying powerlines has been done for many years. I would consider an Ag rating the minimum training. Was this an RAA aircraft? 
 

Tom was the observer..it was vh registered. Pilot was commercial... both great young men.

I did my flying with young Tom (18)  he was the observer on the plane having just been  certified for it and he was so excited to get a "start".. Both Hayden and Tom were excellent pilots.  Tom and I had just been to Temora airshow and I always felt safe and confident in his ability even for a person so young.. He wanted to  do AG Flying and was trying to talk his brother and dad into buying a plane ...

Lovely family from Corryong... sadly missed all ready.

Just now, SplitS said:

Did not even know Garmin was doing an app looks good. The integration with the rest of your systems is a plus but does not look like it talks the SkyEcho which is a minus, it also look like it is limited in Australia compared to USA and Europe.

You can try it for 30 days for fee and let us know what you think.

I have been flying with it for a few months now... it has some great features but it falls down on simple things like printing flight plan, submission to NAIPS (painful), sectional flight heights and just simple things like 'flow' but working on it.    Has some great features like easy access to ERSA, weather, winds aloft (not sure if its better then windy??) Notams, airspace warnings .... maybe ozrunways could take note and build on their product.   I bit the bullet and purchased for 12 montsh to get a good feel and do a bit of flying with it....

Good evening,

Im installing new Garmin hardware and of course it runs well with Garmin Pilot V10  Im currently using OzRunways and Im happy with this product.  Has anyone had mush experience with the Garmin Pilot10 software and can compare it to Oz?  From my dealings with it so far... it has some great features...but so does OzRunways.  Im not super keen on having two Flight bags

Any feedback from anyone who has used it for a while and can compare would be very welcome

Thanks again

Apologies if this topic is somewhere else on the site