youngster

Tie clips aren't too in right now. Cuffs links might go OK though. Maybe a couple of three blade props as the design?

Not sure if I should admit it, but I'm a political staffer for a federal MP. Also deliver catalogues on the weekend to pay for flying lessons.

I'm with you on this one, a re-write is needed. My reading of the draft rule 91.567 is that you must explain to your passengers that whatever compilation of sticks, glue, and tablecloths they are about to take off in may not have all the same safety features of an RPT aircraft. Just another example of the nanny state if you ask me. I'm pretty sure that any mildly intelligent person about to go up in an ultralight does not expect oxygen masks in the ceiling and a line of lights on the cabin floor to direct you to the nearest exit!

Surely there must be some sort of system at Airservices Australia which sets off sirens and blaring alarms when it senses an imminent collision? Flying Dog, The report did indicate that there are still problems managing aircraft flying at non-standard operating levels. Apparently the Virgin 737 climbed to FL370 to avoid mild turbulence earlier in the flight, all with the blessing of Airservices, obviously not enough was done to manage what happened next.

Perhaps Rex? But then all the profits head straight to Singapore!

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-incidents/jet-halts-takeoff-in-close-call-at-kennedy-airport-20110623-1gg1d.html

It was also leaking "aircraft fluid". What exactly would that be?

I've read a build log the other day where a bloke built a single seat something-or-other from scratch, and managed to destroy it before even its first official flight. He was just doing some high speed taxiing because the weather wasn't great for test flying, he hit a bump, went airborne, didn't have enough space to bring it down and come to a stop, so he tried to power up and do a circuit, but didn't clear the trees, and turned his new baby into a pile of kindling. Twas a sad and abrupt end to his build log, but fortunately not his life.

I'll see you in your magnificent machine soaring above Coffs before you know it!

The new 20-20 form of cricket moves at a pretty quick pace and you will see a heap of action in 3 hours. Around here, you can't go past the seafood. It's all super fresh and tasty. We also get great bananas, blueberries, and lots of good locally grown produce. The truth is, you will get great food in Sydney too.

Melbourne is fine - its the Victorians you have to watch out for! You definitely need to get out to a cricket match at either the Melbourne or Sydney Cricket Grounds. Personally, I would suggest Coffs Harbour as a great base for relaxing, but I'm biased! The beaches are uncrowded, there is world heritage rainforest an hour away, we have regular commercial flights to Sydney and Brisbane, plus the train passes through twice a day. The fishing is good, the weather is perfect (according to the UN we have the best climate in the world), and the local food is fresh and delicious!

From my (very) limited flying experience, I had formed the opinion that there was just some magic capability conveyed upon experienced pilots to be able to understand mumbled radio calls, a but like Auctioneers! But it does appear that some people just need diction lessons.

I guess there won't be a "Youngster Flying Practice" line item in the budget tomorrow night! Thanks for nothing Swanny!

I kinda figured that would be the case. I was just wondering if maybe the situation I described is a bit of an anomaly.

Is reimbursment by your employer for a flight considered unacceptable for a recreational pilot? My reason for asking is that my Government job requires occasional travel, for which I can be reimbursed at the applicable motor vehicle allowance rate. If I could negotiate to have motor vehicle allowance also paid for an aircraft which does the same trip, would that be unacceptable? I've looked in the CAOs and manuals and can't seem to find a clear answer.

Having read the new regs, I am surprised that anyone can make head or tail of any of it. There are so many references to other regulations and legislation that you would need to have 15 windows open on your desktop in order to understand any of it. I work for an MP and deal with this sort of stuff all the time, and these regs take the cake for complexity. I thought rec aviation was about reducing red tape and complexity? One query some of you experts may be able to answer: As a non-flyer (this situation is soon to be rectified), I do wonder why the stall speeds in the regulations are specified at MTOW, when it would be impossible to actually put the aircraft in a stall at MTOW as you would burn at least some fuel getting off the ground and thus be below MTOW by the time you are in the air. I'm happy to be corrected if I've missed something.

Travel insurance is usually the same way, ie, your travel insurer will not cover you for health care needed as the result of an accident involving private aviation

Here in Coffs Harbour walking to work without getting drenched is hard enough, let alone taking to the skies. I'm still trying to take a trial flight, and it's either been poor visibility or high winds or both. Fingers crossed for Saturday!

I'm not sure if there is an aviation equivalent, but blinker fluid seems to be requested of automotive apprentices fairly often.

My thought is that I need to get the best teaching, and then I can get certified on other aircraft later.

Thanks for the post Jake, saves me shopping around. I got the impression the CH Aviation Centre staff are rather thorough and fastidious, which, seeing as my backside will be on the line, are admirable and entirely desirable qualities!

Most of these reporters from local papers are overworked and underpaid, and would probably appreciate a free ride in an aeroplane (on company time too!)!

It's a great idea to take a local journo for a fly - perhaps sell the angle about recreational aviation being a growing and enjoyable activity which is more accessible than traditionally thought. Particularly in country areas, journos have some slow news days and need a few non-time sensitive stories to use as fill material. You do need to have a "story" for the journo to cover - maybe a fly-in with some unusual planes, or the youngest or oldest pilot ever to graduate from your flight school, etc. This would also have the added benefit of creating a local media contact who may ask you for comment on future aviation related stories. Another story could be to take your local state or federal MP or mayor on a joy-flight to highlight the importance of recreational aviation, airstrip retention/maintenance, etc.

I'm looking at the Aviation Centre at the moment. I booked a TIF for Tuesday.

Welcome Jake, I'm in the same boat, although a few years ahead of you - I'm looking to start training in Coffs sometime soon as well. I just need to save a bit of cash and convince the missus it's a good idea! You have the advantage of having no missus to convince!