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SGM

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Everything posted by SGM

  1. SGM
    It's probably more an observation (from FlightRadar) than a a suggestion. I know that people movements on roads are steadily increasing. Personally I would have hoped any activity that results in no human contact would become tacticly or implcitly permitted, given we are likely to be in some form of restrictions for the x months it takes to get to 70/80/90% vaccination levels.
  2. SGM
    OK so I am in Melbourne, in lockdown 6.0, and using Flightradar24 app I have observed various private aircraft flights around the state, typically without any regional landings. I have also observed [xxx] Aviation Academy flights. There are probably many more without ADS-B. So I am aksing if you have any "friends" (no names) who may be keeping their skills current, and what approach they may be taking. In my situation, it's my own aircraft, so zero other human contact would be required to fly it. I spoke to the nice lady on the Victorian COVID hotline, and she has approved with my travelling for more than 5km to undertake 'essential maintenance' on it. Clearly the Government can't make rules for every situation but has done in some situations.. eg Recreational fishing and boating this is permitted for up to two hours per day, within 5km of home and with only one other person (plus dependants if they cannot be left unattended). Face masks must be worn at all times unless a lawful exemption applies.
  3. SGM
    OAT - not sure to be honest, probably 0-ish. There is a cabin heater in the aircraft... but I encouraged my wife to wear warm socks. She also brought a big loose "throw around", which frankly I found a bit loose as it hung over the controls etc. But she was warm enough to fall asleep just after that photo.. it might have also had something to do with the wine she had at Milawa (YILA).
  4. SGM
    Thanks everyone.. flew back home over Mt Buller yesterday with no sign of icing. IMG_0746.MOV
  5. SGM
    Thats a shame.. only available to tour operators licenced with Parks Vic!
  6. SGM
    I did a volunteer drive today for Angel Flight (shameless plug for charity here = https://www.angelflight.org.au/). The person I had the privilege to transport had never flow to Melbourne before, but they had flown from Mallacoota to Gabo Island! "Gabo Island?" ... yep, he stayed in the assistant lightkeepers cottage which is heavily booked https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/bookings/place/gabo-island-lighthouse-reserve. As a non-pilot, he said the approach was very "interesting"...it felt like they were going to fly into the cliff - presumably 06. There is not much information on it on Avplan, and only a little bit on Airmate (below). My thoughts, as a low-hour pilot, is that it might be better as a spur-of-the-moment day trip on a calm day, rather than scheduled to match an accomodation booking. Anyone been there? BTW - always happy to hear of others "secret" weekend-away flying destinations, the degree of difficulty, accomodation etc.
  7. SGM
    This is something I either never learnt, or forgot, from my RAAus cross country.. so seeking your collective advice. I am contemplating a flight soon at 7500. The GAF has conditions per the below image. Aside from using the cabin heater, and not flying near any cloud, using carby heat on descent, is there anything else I should watchout for generally (eg icing on surfaces). The engine is a 912.
  8. SGM
    Telstra wholesales parts of it’s mobile network to Aldi and others, but the Boost brand, which is Telstra-run within Australia, has access to the larger Telstra coverage. This webpage has a comparative coverage map https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/Telstra-network-coverage-vs-ALDI-Woolworths-Belong-Boost
  9. SGM
  10. SGM
    I am by no means the expert, but I have found it handy to use a web tool https://www.geo-fs.com/ (with the 10 euro HD option) I'm not much of a gamer (hence no FS2020), so I mostly just use the "autopilot" to fly my proposed route, at the altitude I expect. This enables me to watch the satellite imagy and moving navigation map to get more familiar with the various landmarks and circuit on approach to unfamiliar airports.
  11. SGM
    ..and looking after the aircraft is an important consideration : )
  12. SGM
    Looking ok for weather
  13. SGM
    I'm not sure if it helps anyone here, but I enquired of SOAR directly in August 2020. Below is what I was told. Note: I thought they were over-priced and bought elsewhere.
  14. SGM
    Our Evektor Sportstar (and Birddogs presumably) is facory built LSA (specifically SLSA). Which, as I understand it, is an international standard.
  15. SGM
    I did look into whether 912's could be maintained per airswitched hours - the conclusion I arrived at, unfortunately, matches this view... https://foxbatpilot.com/2017/04/12/rotax-engines-4-scheduled-maintenance-update/ . Thanks to Peter Harlow who also corresponded with me via email. Key quote below. So – make no mistake, if you have a 912-series Rotax engined aircraft, scheduled maintenance must be carried out based on engine running hours, NOT flight times! On the topic of TBO, the advice was, from two sources, you must follow manufacturers rules to stay as LSA (either CASA or RAAus).. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/april/pilot/pe_savvy Key quote below. Here’s another oddity. Rotax also builds a certified 912S version for use in Normal-category airplanes such as the Liberty XL. When your certificated Rotax 912S reaches its 2,000-hour TBO, you can keep flying as long as the engine remains in airworthy condition, because TBOs are not compulsory for noncommercial operators of certificated aircraft. However, if you own a Van’s RV–12 SLSA powered by a Rotax 912ULS, you are required by regulation to overhaul it at the 2,000-hour mark—because that’s what Rotax says to do Note: RAAus conversion from LSA to ELSA at TBO does however remain an option.
  16. SGM
    A shame, maybe they can either watch from the vantage points or hitch a ride with their GA friends?
  17. SGM
    I saw Murray sporting a 100aeroplanes.org t-shirt out at Lilydale Flying school... so I had to look it up.. "The basic idea is to fly 100 aeroplanes over Point Cook, home of the RAAF, the Shrine of Remembrance, and over Melbourne. Technically, this will not be a formation of 100. In fact, we might not be able to find 100 formation-endorsed pilots and suitable aircraft. The event is best described as a Balbo, or an Air Armada. This means there will be multiple smaller formations working together to fly a large number of aircraft over Melbourne in the same timeframe. Route here.. https://www.100aeroplanes.org/flight-details/route Great idea I think.
  18. SGM
    The basic idea is to fly 100 aeroplanes over Point Cook, home of the RAAF, the Shrine of Remembrance, and over Melbourne. Technically, this will not be a formation of 100. In fact, we might not be able to find 100 formation-endorsed pilots and suitable aircraft. The event is best described as a Balbo, or an Air Armada. This means there will be multiple smaller formations working together to fly a large number of aircraft over Melbourne in the same timeframe. Refer https://www.100aeroplanes.org
  19. SGM
    A shame CASA isn't subsidising SkyEcho. Has anyone had any experience with PingUSB? Obviously it is ADSB-In only so you need to be looking at Avplan/Ozrunways on a tablet to make use of it, and of course you are not 'visible' to other aircraft.
  20. SGM
    I fly at Lilydale on the east of Melbourne... $120/hr midweek in a Jabiru. https://www.lilydaleairport.com.au/about-us/yarra-valley-aviation-our-fleet Best part is the friendly country feel.. chatting in the hangars, a few social activities, getting a free ride with someone who is doing a daytrip. They are also doing weekly online seminars (apparently recorded on their facebook channel - Lilydale Flying School)
  21. SGM
    Yes, my understanding is eall ndorsements on RPC carry forward to RPL. I am currently RPC, with PAX and working towards XCountry. The process convert to RPL (I'm told) is get an ASIC, a Basic Class 2 medical (up to 1 PAX) or Class 2 medical (2+ PAX), fill in a webform, and then when CASA issues a licence you do a type familiarisation flight test in a GA aircraft. I might go this path because the Jabirus I learnt in aren't available to rent for weekends away, and hence this it opens up more aircraft like a C150 or Tomahawk etc. !Looking to buy a good one if anyone knows of any!)
  22. SGM
    Hi Azna Currently we have two solid (and one potential) RPC syndicate members lined up from Melbournes eastern suburbs. We are willing to convert to RPL for the right aircraft. We are looking for something to purchase that is suitable for "mid-distance cross-country" trips (eg weekends) and also economical to operate. The ideal criteria is - Useful load of of 230kg+; - Well maintained, reliable engine, access to parts; - Fuel of 80L+, potentially MOGAS which will soon be available at our airfield; - Airframe suitable for tie-downs (unless we have enough members to defray expensive hangarage) We have looked at C150/C152, Tomahawk, Skippers, J170/J200.. and are keen to find the right one (If anyone has a good tip, let us know) If you want to know more, PM me and we can arrange a call. SGM
  23. SGM
    Reply from CASA today.. ” I have nothing further that I can advise you at this time in relation to timing. I can say that the project is certainly continuing to progress amongst the many other regulatory projects currently under way”
  24. SGM
    I have (again) emailed the CASA individual who gave me the last update... seeking news. The subject line of my email was the auto-generated "Query regarding DP 1912SS on the amendment of MTOW values that are specified in CAO 95.55, Part 149, Part 149 MOS, Part 103 and Part 103 MOS (Consultation related)". Initially my email went to [email protected] and was then passed to some named individuals, one of which replied. I won't list their names here, but feel free to email the mailbox above.
  25. SGM
    Interesting. I'm in Victoria and fly a J160. A few of us are considering a syndicate for weekends away etc. The J170 and J230 are under active consideration for their additional load potential... ie extra fuel. I'd like to fly a family location about 500km away without stopping, and also allowing for a potential for a headwind. As a low hour pilot I'd like something that handles well. Is the suggestion the J170 or the J230 is better behaved?
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