Kaz

Haha, I thought my theory about being above the wings was a bit strange! At least in a Cirrus you are there quicker so the bumps go past faster... :;)4: ??

I had a listen but I think they are ok now... what seemed to be the problem?

Hi Kerry, welcome to the forum! I can't believe how many non pilot fliers have come to join us, it's great!;) Hope to be able to meet up with you (and Chris) soon. Cheers, Kaz

Hey Jabgrl, Welcome! When my husband, Matt, first started flying (in a Gazelle and Point Cook) I was quite hesitant, but I've found over the years that you don't have to know how to fly, but if you understand what everything does and means then you can understand what's happening in turbulance and it's not as scary (most of the time, sometimes I still wonder why the wings haven't fallen off yet...). If you get the chance, go for a fly in a low wing aircraft. Stupidly I have always enjoyed having the wings underneath me (like holding me up) instead of on top (makes me feel like I'm hanging)... a strange way to look at it but it works for me!!;) One area you can really benefit from if you start to enjoy flying more is food. If Matt wants to go flying, I'm happy as long as I get lunch somewhere along the way! Win Win!;)

Have you tried the RAA site http://www.auf.asn.au/accidentreports/index.html It hasn't been updated for a while but there are some interesting reports there.

Temora? No ASIC requirements, great museum, caravan park for camping... there is a great flying club, really nice people. I have no idea what other accommodation or food places there are though...

Hey Marilyn, Great to see you on the board. We are hoping to get back to The Oaks in the next few weeks (we owe Darren a long overdue fly in the Sportstar!) maybe we can organise a 'gathering' and catch up. Cheers, Kaz

We have subscriptions for : Australian Flying Australian Aviation GA Pilot Flight Safety (CASA) Recreational Avaition Australia (RAA) At work I get "Passenger Terminal" a very intriguing magazine that one, and a couple of US Air Traffic Control magazines

One thing you may want to check out is if the property you are looking at is in controlled airspace. The approach to Rwy 35 at Canberra is basically down the gully towards Cooma. There are a couple of airstrips around that area so there must be a way to make it work but I'm unsure of the procedures... Great idea, good luck!;)

Next time we'll go have lunch for 3 hours and leave Darren and Matt at the field! ;)

Hey Emma, welcome! It was great to meet you last weekend, hopefully we will get up to The Oaks again soon (or maybe meet in Wollongong for lunch again). I'm sure Matt will enjoy taking you up in the Sportstar, he might even bump Darren off the top of the list! Cheers, Kaz (I have changed my login name as it was too long and annoying.)

Hi Mike, I definitely agree that kids can accuratley tell things how they happened if given the chance. I just don't think it was the right situation, although it seems that the little girl may have got it right...

Does anyone else think that the news people reporting on the comments of a 9 year is a little irresponsible? :;)1:

I don't even have to turn the map upside down!!:big_grin:

Chris, the MOST important thing about being a good passenger is Jelly Beans. They are essential on long trips! Secondary to that I spend most of my time looking for good places to land (just in case), watching the instruments on my side of the dash, following where we are on the map (even though we have a GPS and moving map system, it's challenging to do it with the map only), watching out for other planes, frequency changes and general amusement duties. Singing, jokes, story telling, picking out strange things to see on the ground etc etc. When we hit bad air I generally try to not flail about or scream uncontrollably! What I like best about flying (aside from all the great people we meet) is the planning. Maps, route planning, frequency changes, ERSA, fuel consumption, flight plans... it's a logistic dream!!

Bob, I feel your pain! I work out at Canberra Airport and there is nothing more sad than beautiful weather, planes flying around, and me... at my desk watching out the window wishing for the weekend!

Thanks guys! I hope I can contribute some great photos as that is my main past time while in the air. We try and take photos everywhere we go... so many great trips and wonderful people to meet!!;)

Okay, so I'm not a pilot... and to be honest I'm not likely to become one due to my lack of spatial awareness and lopsided centre of gravity. But I have over 300 hours being the number one passenger, with my husband in charge of flying and me in charge of navigating, radio frequencies, photography and of course, in flight entertainment! I love the forum as there are many great threads that do not specifically relate to being a pilot. Does anyone mind me being here?;) Are there others out there that have a love of flying as a passenger only? Cheers, Kaz