zedman

It's never been closed to anyone. Visitors are always welcome. Just check ERSA for current details.

And i hear rumours like this all the time, but they are always wrong. Sure YKAT is a dirt strip, and sometimes you need to concentrate because of the conditions, but it's never been closed in the 10 years i've been flying or visiting there.

So please come and visit.

As usual, the annual Australia Day BBQ was held yesterday at Katoomba Airfield (YKAT), so I thought I’d let you guys know that YKAT is still alive and kicking.

It was quite warm and sunny, so much fun was had by everyone. We didn’t play our traditional game of cricket today, although we brought the kit, but ended up playing bocce for hours.

The highlight of the day was when the NPWS (National Park and Wildlife Service) aircraft, VH-NPW, came to land at the airfield. The pilot had to pick up an Air Assault Specialist (a fire spotter) as there were reports of bush fires near Orange. They ended up flying as far north as Gosford, down to Cowra, then across to Mudgee – and then flew back to YKAT at about 6.30pm to drop off the spotter.

See The Zedman blog for more details, photos, and videos:http://zedman.org/general-news/australia-day-at-katoomba-airfield

As usual, the annual Australia Day BBQ was held yesterday at Katoomba Airfield (YKAT), so I thought I’d let you guys know that YKAT is still alive and kicking.

It was quite warm and sunny, so much fun was had by everyone. We didn’t play our traditional game of cricket today, although we brought the kit, but ended up playing bocce for hours.

The highlight of the day was when the NPWS (National Park and Wildlife Service) aircraft, VH-NPW, came to land at the airfield. The pilot had to pick up an Air Assault Specialist (a fire spotter) as there were reports of bush fires near Orange. They ended up flying as far north as Gosford, down to Cowra, then across to Mudgee – and then flew back to YKAT at about 6.30pm to drop off the spotter.

See The Zedman blog for more details, photos, and videos:http://zedman.org/general-news/australia-day-at-katoomba-airfield

Hey,

Has anybody any views, opinions, actual experience, in the either of the two builds of the Allegro?

Comments from both these forums, and elsewhere, are that the 2005 model is "twitchy in the air", "hard to land", "very bumpy in mild or more turbulance".

Is this true?

Also, is there any further comments on the "spin/stall" issue discussed in other threads of this forum?

Can someone add some value here, and provide some insight.

Z

Just select "expatriate" from the drop down list.

How about a decent cusion behind your back and a simple foot pedal extender. ;) I can remove mine in one minute.regards

Yep tried that too. Even various cusions didn't help - as this just exacebated the problem of trying to reach the throttle between the legs.

So surely there is something out there that will fit me better. As an aside, i've never had a problem with any other aircraft, just the jab. It's just not ergonomic for my frame.

Z

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Hey Terry,

Yep thought about that too. But it has been suggested by those more wise than I that a Gazelle would not be suitable. The primary reason was engine performance at altitude.

My home airfield is YKAT - Katoomba, NSW. Elevation 3280. So all of my inbound and outbound flying will be at that height and higher – we usually have to cruise 6,500 to 7,500 due to the big hills around here, not to mention the severe turbulence and wind shear we get occasionally. Good old tiger country.

It was suggested that a Gazelle would be an unwise choice – especially with 2 POB and full fuel, as would be on a cross-country.

YKAT has already had a recent incident due to poor performing engines at altitude. I don’t want to repeat that – especially with “her indoors” on board.

But like I say, it’s all a learning experience for me too – so bring on the comments guys.

Z.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, i had thought of the DIY option, but i know my limitations - my skills do not extend to the building of an aircraft.

Thanks again.

Hi Everyone,

Is there any aircraft type, other than Jabiru, available for hire, loan, borrow, or barter, in the Sydney basin?

And yes, I do know of the Hughes Lightwing at The Oaks, but I don’t have a tail dragger endorsement, nor is it suited to cross country travel.

All of my flying now is going cross-country with my wife – so decent speed, fuel capacity, and cockpit environment are very important.

To that end, are there any owners, again in the Sydney basin, whom own RAA aircraft, that are open to hiring, loaning, bartering, syndicating their aircraft?

Here’s my problem. I’m finding it incredibly difficult to find RAA aircraft to fly, and nearly 100% of the time they are Jabs – and although I solo’d, and have over 51 hrs, in Jabs (plus more hrs in other aircraft), I really don’t like flying them – with short legs, I’m constantly sliding back and forth in the seat – either trying to stretch to reach the rudder, or trying to reach the throttle between my legs – very un-ergonomic, and quite painful after an hours flight.

I know the solution is to buy my own, but the style I want – control stick between legs, throttle on panel, and adjustable seat, so I can reach the rudder – are $100K plus new, and nearly the same for second hand. Well over my available budget to buy.

I’m even considering going back to the dark side, and finishing off my PPL (just need to do the exam) – because then I could then buy a $40K-$50K Piper or Cessna – and can carry 4 POB. But I’d rather not go down that path, as GA is very expensive when I comes to servicing, 100 hourly’s, and engine/prop replacements.

Do you guys have any suggestions ?

Here's the photos I promised. Bigger versions with descriptions are in the gallery.

It was a good day for flying in the Blue Mountains yesterday afternoon, so I drove out to YKAT (Katoomba), fuelled up Jabiru 935 and sorted myself out for a nice afternoon airborne.

While planning my flight I remembered that a fellow forums member, Bushpilot, lives, and has his own strip, about 9nm NW of Oberon. And I thought it would be a good exercise to find it, and maybe drop in for a visit.

As Aussie Steve, another forums member here, was also at YKAT at the time, actually tidying up the runway, I thought he might like to join me, as we had previously mentioned we should go and find Bushpilots strip sometime.

So I knocked up a flight plan – all maps and prayer wheels – no GPS for us tough nuts at YKAT.

We took off 06, and as YKAT is very close to the APEC R903 zone, we rolled left for a left hand circuit (it’s usually right hand circuits on 06).

About 23 minutes into the flight (3.25pm’ish), after a little searching, we found Bushpilots strip, with a very clearly visible white windsock showing healthy wind right down his strip.

So I circled a bit, did a prec search, noticed that the strip was clear, and that the wind was straight down his strip, but wasn't game enough to drop in for a visit, as I wasn't sure if we'd get out, as the large clump of rocky hill behind his place put me off

As I was doing the flying, Steve was the designated photographer, but completely forgot to take a photo of your strip! Oh well. There’s always next time.

Not to waste the journey, I diverted over to YBTH (Bathurst), landing 26. Parked at the terminal, and Steve and I wandered over to the far side of the hangers to have a look at two new hangers a mate of ours, Doug, has just built. Doug is still waiting on Council to lay the taxi-way, but hopes the work to be finished by the end of September.

After a few photo opportunities, we hopped back in the Jab, taxied to 35, and took off for YKAT. Overflying YKAT, we found that the wind was still 06, so joined downwind, and landed with much aplomb.

Total flying time 1.5hrs.

I’m hoping to have the photos of the trip online later tonight, so check back then.

See ya,

Zedman

(aka James)

Hi guys,

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See the skill requirements below.

If you know someone who might be interested, then contact the name below, and mention you heard about it from me (James Robinson):

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Thanks,

Z

OK guys, from the horses mouth.

I just rang the Department of Defence on the number listed in the ADIZ (1800 562 222), and the officer on duty confirmed the following:

IF OUTSIDE THE 45 DME RADIUS OF SYDNEY (ie outside R902) - THEN NO FLIGHT PLANS NEEDED OR CHANGES TO USUAL PROCEDURES REQUIRED

So everyone stand down - issue closed.

The officer stated they just posted the ADIZ for informational purposes.

And by the way, if the weather is suitable, i will definatly be flying on the 7th (and 8th, and 9th) - from YKAT to west somewhere. YKAT is just outside the 45DME - so nice tight circuits inbound and outbound.

later,

Z

Howdy, and welcome.

You have several options - but first i'll put in a plug for the school at Katoomba Airfield (my home airfield).

There are schools are Camden, The Oaks, Goulburn, Jaspers Brush. But also see the RAA pages below:

http://www.raa.asn.au/schools/index.html

and

http://www.raa.asn.au/clubs/index.html

Mascot from another view:

Further to Van Nuys:

You may be thinking of Van Nuys in California.

Well, there was an "uncontrolled landing" there last week (i think), another "impossible turn" test if i heard correctly !

Negative. If you want to fly go to YKAT, as we are just outside the 45 DME.

Not sure, but from what the locals say, no more than any other airfield. It just has a bad rep because of the wind, turbulance and dirt strip.

Yes, i recall the crash about 2-3 years ago. I think it was a 172. The story goes that the pilot failed to use enough rudder on approach, and then lost it when a gust hit because he wasn't ready with the rudder. The story also goes that when he and his passengers got out of the aircraft, he said to the airfield operator, "well, looks like I f*&cked the landing then" !

With YKAT, you got to use your rudder actively, and have your hand on the throttle throughout the whole approach and landing, no room for slacking off. YOU have to fly the plane, not let the PLANE fly you.

James

I got thrown into the long stuff - 2.75hr+ flights - from the start.

Diversions will also be thrown in, so study up on those, and your map reading skills.

I found having a hand drawn mud map for every airfield i might visit along the way very valuable. One airfield per page, in an A5 spiral bound (at the top) notebook. Draw a representation of the airfield, where the windsock is, also include the CTAF, AWIS, Elevation, special airfield/runway rules (in point form).

Basically an easy to read single page on all the info you might need about that airfield. Underline "easy to read", because when you're flying the plane, and stressing about a field you've never been too, you don't want to be reading line after line of useless info - just simple point form, and in BIG writing !

James

Gday guys, hey James, without going into too much detail at this stage ( pending further investigations ) it appears he has tried to make it back to the strip and has failed to make "the impossible turn" ( NEVER TURN BACK ) It has taking the shine off a magnificant days flying (Mon) I actually succesfully completed my Flight Cert only 3 hrs before Andrew arrived, and another student (Roger) had a great session of circuits. Conditions were perfect.

 

We,re all in shock still. Thx everyone for your words of support for Andrew & his family.

Yes, on talking with Rod and Leo it appears Andrew attempted the Impossible Turn. I can only assume he felt he had no other alternative but to attempt it, because as you know, either end of each threshold is deep gorge - so i wonder what his fate would have been if he had lowered the nose, as we are tought. Maybe worse, maybe better.

And a further update for those following this thread: Andrew also has a broken forearm, broken wrist, broken leg (below the knee), and a dislocated neck - along with his other woes. He is very lucky to still be with us. Nepean Hospital list him as "serious, but stable".

Aside from that, mate, well done on the Pilot Certificate. It's a big day for you - albeit now a sad one. But either way, you can now progress onto your cross country endorsement, as you'll soon find your 25 mile radius limit very clostrophobic ! But at least you can fly down into the Sydney basin a little.

And in closing, I'm sure Andrew is very thankful for everyones kind thoughts and words while he goes through this ordeal. In fact, all of us from YKAT appreciate the support.

Thanks,

James

Further update:

Pilot: Still under induced coma. Will stay so for some time, as his head injuries are very serious. The expectation is he will need 4 to 6 reconstruction surgeries over the next 12-18 months to mend things. When they bring him out of the coma - hopefully next week - i'll update you guys. From what is understood, he smashed his face into the instrument panel/dash - shattering most of the bones and cartilage in his face and throat (broken jaw, check bones, nose, larynx etc) plus serious facial lacerations.

Aircraft: Complete right-off. He hit the ground at 85-90 degrees (right on the prop), then the aircraft bounced back 4-5 metres. Apparently the aircraft is a mess. The Police, and the airfield operator, have covered the wreckage with a tarp for further investigation.

Amendment: The crash site was not 100 metres from the 24 threshold, as first reported, but just 30-40 metres - but still in thick scrub, and not clearly visable from the runway.

More news as it comes to hand.

James