zedman

Thanks for the kind words. He will certainly need our support - for a long time. I'm also concerned for his family, as he's self employed - but it's too early to understand the full impact of this incident, and all the implications. No, he's not on the forums, although there are a few others from YKAT that are. FYI, here's a photo of a SuperCat i've just found, and a link with info: http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft6/60.htm Thanks again Ian. As more news arrives, i'll pass it on. James

Here's the update: A friend of mine, Andrew, was taking off 06 at YKAT at around 5pm yesterday, in his recently purchased SuperCat (single seat, two stroke). At about 100-150 feet the engine has failed, and the aircraft has crashed in scrub about 100 metres from the end of the runway (24 end). It took about 45 minutes to find him. Rescue helicopter flew him to Nepean Hospital. He has severe head injuries. Initial surgery last night lasted 5 hours, and they put him in an induced coma, which he is still in now. Although the injuries are very bad, and he will be in hospital and rehab for months, at least he is alive. Further updates as they come to hand. James

Sunrise, the news show on Channel 7, is showing a pull-through saying: "pilot suffers minor injuries in plane crash in Blue Mountains". Does anyone have any info - as no other news is available yet. Thanks, James

And to that end, any for hire in the Sydney area (Bankstown or Hoxton Park)? Or any other aircraft for that matter?

Wouldn't Hoxton Park be closer for you?

I've just added the CAAP relating to "Carriage and restraint of small children in aircraft" to the downloads area.

And further to that, i was training last year in a Cessna 152 at Bathurst for $160/h. So that school charging $160 for a jab seems a wee bit expensive.

go for the Jab. But i must say that $160 / h is a little over the top. I did my training in a jab for $120/h, and solo work at $95. And i know of other schools with similar costs.

I'm in the same "boat", so to speak. What finance mobs, or options, are out there, other than traditional banks.

Hey, just got this info: ===============start quote Hi James, They start in the low $130k bracket not dissimilar to a Tecnam or Sportstar, but like all other aircraft the price can and will vary heaps depending on fit out. The demonstrator was delivered on Wednesday, had the wings fitted today. Only a few jobs left to do and some paperwork and she will be ready to fly. Her public debut will be at Bundaberg airshow next weekend. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Cheers Mick Ryan =====================end quote

That's an interesting comment Chris, what would you consider to be more reasonable for landing fees? What seems to be the average landing fees to airfields around our nation? What's your view if the landing fee is the only income for the operator - for non council/government owners?

Repeat after me, "Computers are Evil" !

Great shot YKAT. For those not familiar with Katoomba airfield, here is some more detail. Remember, everyone is always welcome, either by car, or aircraft - some come visit some time. James

The RAA register shows only 4 aircraft as of June 2006. Surely there are more than that now? Are there any in the Sydney basin? Anyone, anyone?

Ok guys, dumb question of the day... Who are the manufactures of the Gazelle, and do they have a website? I've tried searching everywhere and can't find one.

Nope. No trikes. But down near Blackheath/Mount Victoria there are a few guys who paraglide. And down at Hartley there's a guy with a Sinus (or with Sinus !). And every now and then a Piper Arrow spends a few days at the field.

Yes it is. From memory, it's owned by the guy who owns the Katoomba and Bowral (or is it Mittagong) NRMA agency. At the moment there is a Jab 160, Cessna 180, Sportcat, and a yellow thing i forgotten the name of. Plus various itinerant aircraft from time to time. The Sportcat is a new acquisition. Single seat, tail dragger, removable wings, fits into a trailer. It was being LAME checked on Saturday for the new owner, so the RAA papers are up to date. It looks very curious. I should have taken a photo - doh!

Very funny. Yes i saw that. The poor guy needs to ring the NRMA and get a jump start.:big_grin:

Hi everyone, I’m on the bludge – and sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but… Does anyone know of any aircraft for hire or loan in the Sydney area – Bankstown/Hoxton/Camden/The Oaks/St Marys/Wedderburn/Katoomba/Other. I am an RAA licensed pilot (PRXT), and my wife and I are keen to fly our great state, and nation, on a semi regular basis (say every 2nd or 3rd weekend). This is in anticipation of buying our own in the next year or two, but in the mean time want to fly regularly. I am looking for some kind soul who owns an aircraft, whom I can develop beneficial/financial/happy relationship with, in return for use of their aircraft. I can offer all sorts of incentives – cash / beer / wine / bananas / bad jokes / a smile !! Whatever will get the deal over the line. I’m sure there are people out there that don’t get to fly as often as they want, and their poor little aircraft sits lonely in the hangar wanting to be set free more often than it is now. I am endorsed both on the Jabiru, and the Fly Synthesis Texan TC, but am willing to consider other aircraft types, just as long as it’s got 2 seats, and is suitable for cross-country trips. Please either respond to this posting, or email me directly on [email protected] Thanks James

Hey everyone. Just thought i'd say g'day. My home base is good old Katoomba Airfield. I noticed there's a few of the other YKAT crew on this site - howdy. For those who haven't had the please of visiting our fine little strip, please make some time next you're in the air - we love to have visitors - and the strip is NOT as bad as people say, just use your rudder. Anyways, here's some more pics.