rescue

Congratulations John - well done. It's a great feeling which lasts for a while and a moment you can allways be proud of.... wishing you fair winds and clear skies so that you can get more solo hours up... Greg

I am not sure if this has been posted before - I enjoyed it Kulula is an Airline with head office situated in Johannesburg . The Kulula airline attendants make an effort to make the in-fligh"safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported: (see below) -------------------------------------------------------------------- On a Kulula flight, (there is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard timechoosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!" On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants." On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings.. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have." "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane." "Thank you for flying Kulula. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride." As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Durban Airport , a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!" After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in the Karoo , a flight attendant on a flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted." From a Kulula employee: " Welcome aboard Kulula 271 to Port Elizabeth. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised." "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child travelling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are travelling with more than one small child, pick your favourite." Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Kulula Airlines." "Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments." "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.." And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Kulula Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!" Heard on Kulula 255 just after a very hard landing in Cape Town : The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt." Overheard on a Kulula flight into Cape Town , on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain really had to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Mother City. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!" Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal." After a real crusher of a landing in Johannesburg , the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we will open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal.." Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today.. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of Kulula Airways." Heard on a Kulula flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing.. If you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em." An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline. He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Why, no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"

Well done Gazelle - fantastic feeling. Great to see the first entry in the logbook as PIC ....

Happy to stand corrected - Thanks Nev..

A few thoughts <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> ATSB investigation of Hamilton Island Incident led to finding that Fatigue, Illicit drugs and Alcohol contributed to the accident. Recommended CASA implement programs to address these problems in the industry. Visible outcome was Human Factors and Drug and Alcohol Testing Most focus as an industry wide approach has been on Drug and Alcohol Human Factors is apparently limited to flight crew <o:p></o:p> As indicated in the forum the application of testing is seen as beneficial and necessary component of the regulatory mechanism. The use of contractors to perform testing has led to some issues with ‘attitude’ of the testers and this needs to be monitored and problems rectified. An incident register/tool could be developed by CASA to facilitate reporting and follow up on these problems. From comments it would appear that RA-Aus//GA Pilots and Students do not resent or object to the testing for Drugs and Alcohol. They accept this as the required self discipline to enhance their skills and abilities. <o:p></o:p> In my humble opinion the legislation is about right the only issue I see is that there appears to be a requirement to increase the education and visibility of these topics. Indeed there would appear to be a greater need to provide the necessary guidance to enhance self discipline rather than to widen or increase testing activities. <o:p></o:p> Unfortunately substance abuse is on the increase in our society and we can expect this to be reflected in the aviation environment. A focus on developing the correct culture with a firm but ‘complimentary’ testing regime would appear to provide the greatest benefit. <o:p></o:p> Lets make it so that people are proud to be compliant and present a positive attitude to their peers. <o:p></o:p> Sorry for all the words…

G'day Check-in I am not a lawyer, however, I found this which I believe is the correct reference with regard to the flight check - A call to RA-Aus could provide any further guidance required.... RA-Aus OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION 2.07 FLIGHT CREW CERTIFICATE – PILOT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A VALID PILOTS CERTIFICATE 5. In order for a Pilot Certificate holder to exercise the privileges of a valid Flight Crew Certificate the (RA-Aus) member shall :- i - If a certificate holder has within a period of two years immediately preceding the flight, has passed a flight check for the renewal or initial issue of a CASA approved pilots license, then the pilot is take to have sufficiently completed a flight review on high performance aircraft only. This will be accepted only upon receipt of a copy of the logbook entry validated by an instructor

Congrats Dave - did mine a few weeks ago and still smiling. Flew solo circuits today and I know I was talking to myself ...:ah_oh: Once again well done and I hope the weather holds up so you can get some more flying in ....

Onya John! Great clip... Looks like it was an exciting session

First solo today .... Was going through PFL and a few practice circuits when my instructor said OK I am getting out and you can do a lap by yourself... Funny thing is I had been well prepared and was not nervous. I can say, however, that I have a grin from ear to ear. now the training continues......

From the RAA Tutorials To operate in Class C and D control zones, the ultralight aircraft and the engine must either be certificated to the design standards specified in CAO 101.55 para 6.1 or meet criteria specified elsewhere (see paragraph 5.2 in both CAO 95.32 and CAO 95.55); be fitted with a certificated or CASA-approved engine and CASA-approved (rather than ACMA-approved) radio equipment; and the pilot in command must hold a valid Pilot Licence ( i.e. Private Pilot Licence — PPL, Commercial Pilot Licence — CPL, Air Transport Pilot Licence — ATPL) in addition to the Pilot Certificate. From the AIP 'All aircraft must be fitted with an operable Mode A and Mode C, or Mode S, SSR transponder for operations within classes A, B and C airspace and any class of airspace at or above 10,000FT AMSL.' Therefore a transponder is not mandatory in Class D airspace Hope this helps:)

G'Day Rob Geehi - had big mobs of roos (50+ ) camped under the trees on the river side of the strip two weeks ago. Looked like they had moved in for the winter. Even if you need to use it as a last resort it may pay to consider a bull bar ( please note I was in a 4wd not flying in )

Not sure Ozzie - the schools operating at these aerodromes had to comply with the equipment/aircraft and PPL requirements for instructors in order to conduct training when GAAP rules applied anyway ( when towers were operating ) Good point though - I reckon anything to do with 'compliance' always has both up front and hidden costs. Both Bankstown and Camden airport infrastructure are owned by the same company, and their focus would be on profit so I assume operating costs for the schools are already high

G'Day -from my understanding ( and please bear with me as I am still a student in this arena ) Camden will be Class D SFC to 1500ft during tower hours. TWR HRS are now extended to 7 days a week - Monday to Sunday 2200UTC (0800 EST ) to 0800UTC (1800 EST ). This will effectively prevent an RAA Student from participating in Solo Flying Training at Camden and as already pointed out, anywhere in the Sydney basin - bar Wedderburn or The OAKS - I am sure both are excellent establishments. Unfortunately with traffic is it is at the moment travel does become a consideration OK - So the Sydney Based RAA Flying Schools at Camden and Bankstown can apply for an exemption of compliance to some provisions of CAR1988. Precedence has been set with similar exemptions being granted for operators at Launceston, Cambridge and Parafield ( CASA EX08/10, CASA EX07/10, CASA EX06/10 ) are examples I have found. There are specific criteria which seem reasonable ( my summary ) The aircraft Must be RAA registered, carry a serviceable VHF radio, have a serviceable transponder if it is requirement of the aerodrome from which it will operate, meet other criteria re engine, maintenance, etc The student ( to fly solo ) Must have at least a current Class 2 medical, a valid flight Radio operator licence or RAA radio operator endorsement. must not fly over a built up area at a height from which the aircraft cannot glide clear of dewllings, etc. Fly only in daylight under VMC or Special VFR, etc. The Instructor(s) must hold valid flight instructor rating issued by RAA and a CASA PPL endorsed for the category of airspace, authorise first solo flights. enter airspace certification in student log books CFI must be approved by CASA Operator may use RAA syllabus for instructing students, must ensure first solos are authorised by a senior RAA flight instructor who holds a CASA PPL endorsed for the Cat. of airspace, use the CASA Day VFR Syllabus for controlled airspace elements To me this would seem like an advantage to a school in a Class D area ( Bankstown, Camden , etc.) and a basic criteria for RAA Controlled Airspace Endorsement ( if it ever gets a leg up ) Appreciate any corrections, comments or general advice on my observations as it seems like a 'viable' route to prevent discrimination against schools and students based on geography PS. I am sure it would have a small positive impact on the GA / RAA perceived skills disputes and any well disciplined training with an opportunity to practice/develop skills will be of benefit to learners.

G'day Ultralights... I like the LSA/55 as well Still think the main reason it is hard to start now is because of the attachment point of the earth lead on the starter motor. Jabiru have indicated an fix which overcomes resistance throught the starter motor. Looking at the arc burns on the old starter I reckon the current is trying to find a new way to complete the circuit. I do think 55's do teach you a few 'lessons' about flying that you may not gain from newer Jabs Reckon you are correct about retiring it as well - still has a big heart ( even if due for a transplant :big_grin:) PS. Is the booking system broken and has the web site collapsed ?

Ditto on the 170 Flap Switch Have to say I feel the same way about the 170 Flap Switch. Found the older lever type on the 55 a lot easier to locate and operate when doing touch and go than finding and operating the switch on the 170. I also find it easier to know how much flap is deployed through 'feel' because the two simple detents of the lever ( 1st & 2nd stage ) than looking at the guage on the 170. Guess I will get used to it ... 0940 is a pretty hardy aircraft but problems with starting have led to me flying the 170 more often lately. I hope to get in the air during the week...