NT5224

Hi Aldo Not disputing your account, but the information I have suggests the pilots injuries may be more serious and he is hospitalised. The picture of the wreck I saw was of a bad crash, wings off and whole fuselage badly compressed and twisted by vertical impact. I have heard more detailed information which out of respect for those involved will remain private for now until confirmed by media or official reports. The emergency services attended the scene.

My wings hold about 100 litres each. As a rule I never take off with less than half tanks (about 100 litres total). A great thing about the Rebel is instead of a fancy but complex fuel guage you get a simple section of transparent tubing on the inside of each wing tank, so you're actually seeing the level of juice present in the wings. I suppose in theory a bubble or block could form in the tubes to give a misleading reading, but I much prefer the simplicty of a direct reading. its like looking at the fuel sloshing around inside that plastic tank strapped on the back of a Drifter! Ive never understood the mentality of folks who fly aircraft (or drive cars) down to the last quarter of the tank. Quite apart from increasing the likelihood of running short of fuel, you increase the risk of accumulated dirt or rust particles from the bottom of the tank entering your fuel system and of condensation forming in the tank. This latter is a big issue up here in the north. I can appreciate flight schools and training facilities may want to fly light for economic or safety reasons, but like Mr BirdDog says, if you can't afford to top up your tanks, maybe you shouldnt be flying. Alan

G'Day Onetrack I wouldnt want to spread unsubstantiated rumours about air incidents. I experienced in one myself a couple of years ago, so would not post with out being fairly certain. I wouldnt just repeat heresay from non-aviators. I first heard about this incident from a senior flying instructor, saw a photo taken by another flight instructor who circled overhead the wreck and have just confirmed on the phone with a third independent source -another senior flying instructor. There is a wrecked Cessna about a mile short of the runway at Batchelor. Apparently it went in nose first (stall?) and the pic I saw showed a pretty bad wreck. Its a miracle it didnt burn. The pilot apparently sustained injuries and is in hospital.... Its the Sky Diving club Cessna. No idea why this story has not made the media which is why I asked in my first post. Perhaps there are circumstances we are not aware of? (Notifying the pilots family or something?) Lets just hope the pilot makes a full recovery.... there may be lessons to be learned, but they can come later. If this incident is reported by ATSB would be interested to see it. Alan

I heard (second hand) that a Cessna went down on Saturday at my former airfield, Batchelor NT. Thankfully no fatalities... I saw a photo of a crashed aircraft in the scrub. It looked quite a bad wreck. I was told it was the skydiving aircraft that operates there weekends. Pilot very luckily survived and is hospitalized. It was apparently returning from a drop so thankfully nobody else on board. The accident happened on approach... No news in the media yet. If this accident is confirmed I hope the pilot is well and will recover fully.... If this report is true it will be good to learn more about what happened. Alan

I remember traveling up that arctic coastline to Northcapp when I was a young bloke. Id forgotten all about it until I saw your map! Hadn't thought about it in years. Incredible place. It was midwinter, bitterly cold but the Northern Lights were on spectacular show. I recall the women of the far north also left a strong impression on me -as did the price of alcohol. Alan

Hi SplitS Thanks for your response. Out of curiosity, what aircraft do you do the BFR in? A VH registered aircraft that can also be registered with RAA such as a Jabiru or a Foxbat? Or on a larger, more stable aircraft that your RPL permits you to fly such as a C172, a PA 32 or a M20? Alan

Hey folks Another question from me. I think Ive seen this discussed previously but -Id like to raise the issue again for any fresh perspectives. For those holding pilots certificates under both RAAus (RAA cert) and CASA (RPL, PPL), does it matter which organisation you conduct BFRs with? Or do you need to do a BFR twice , once in each category of aircraft? I think I read RAA accept a CASA BFR. Seems reasonable. But how does that work? Does the instructor who does the check ride send in the paperwork to RAA on your behalf? Or only to CASA? And what about checking out on a RAA aircraft for a BFR for your RPL or PPL? Anybody done a BFR in a C172 to remain current in RAA? I appreciate in the longer term we might see a convergence in training and administrative streams but whats happening now? Anybody already navigating these murky waters who can explain what happens in practice? Cheers Alan

G'day Dean Welcome to the forum and thanks for that great story of progress. My wife went through her flight training last year aged 50, so I know its different from going through as a spring chook. But I think the maturity can make you a better aviator. One aspect of your story particularly interests me. You put in a strip and built a hangar at your block. I have been doing the same sorts of things for the last couple of years and am just starting work on my hangar. Could you tell me about your? Dimensions, How you built it and maybe share some pics? It might be best if you pm me unless you're happy to share publicly Cheers Alan

Hello Danny! I totally get this, it’s not hard to understand. LSA is a form of international standard, agreed worldwide. RAA can’t change any aspect of that standard - including MTOW. Back in the day when RAA was restricted to 560kg, the introduction of LSA meant aircraft produced to that standard and certified LSA could be a bit heavier than non LSA RAA register aircraft. So having aircraft registered to different MTOW under RAA is nothing new

BirdDog Yeah the loss of your home would be a a valid reason to back up logs online. But doesn't a LAME hold your maintenance logs? Or do you do all maintenance yourself? A related point, which was completely new to me. My LAME told me that its illegal to fly your aircraft with your maintenance log on board. One day I flew across to his airfield carrying it with me and he gave me a scolding. It makes sense when you think about it! So you have to keep aircraft and log separate. I think the new RAA maintenance logs are much better. AUF had just rebranded as RAA in 2005 and so I think my maintenance log is basically a rebranded AUF one. It looks the kind of thing you'd have for a Wheeler Scout! Alan

Im with you, BirdDog. I use a traditional hard cover pilots log in combination with self designed flight logs sheets which i keep in a folder in the aircraft. I wouldn't mind backing up my pilots log in electronic form, but at present Ive just photographed it page by page (still on first log book) as a backup. Im dubious about switching to a solely electronic log book. Log books have such significance in the aviation community. Ive seen my Dad's old log books from the 1940's, and they basically look identical to what my wife and I use today. Logs are a real institution. Some of the old hands on this site will have multiple log books that tell the whole story of their aviation career. Some of the best logs I have seen have little photographs of aircraft types as well as other quirky things entered in them. I always thought that a pilots log was an official document like a passport, which limited what you could legally enter in it, but apparently not. I love paper logs! I can understand why commercial pilots flying high hours might favour electronic logs for convenience, but I still enjoy making entries in my log by hand... My personal gripe is my aircraft maintenance log, which for some inexplicable reason was established in a tawdry RAA log booklet (circa 2005). Not only does it look cheap and nasty for RAA, but since we've re-registered VH its become particularly unsightly for GA. However, as my aircraft is heavily modified, I couldn't contemplate the hassle of trying to change or renew my maintenance logbooks. I would advise anybody bringing a new aircraft onto the RAA register to get a proper log book from the outset. Cheers Alan

EXACTLY! I see one of the main blokes who brokered the deal quite regularly when I head into Darwin. Immediately after the deal went public and attracted criticism, the gang of fat cat public servants involved all went to ground. Old mate I see around town retired on big payout with a fat cat pension and now spends his days towing an humongous top spec motor cruiser behind his brand new top spec 4WD visiting the best fishing spots. Conspicuous consumption? Other people involved in the deal melted away only to re-emerge in lucrative positions lobbying on behalf of the Chinese corporation behind the deal. The $500 million from the sale of such a strategic national asset has now apparently been absorbed into general government accounts (i.e. our $6 billion public debt) so except for old mates fancy boat, Australia has absolutely no benefit to show for the deal... What a national disaster! Anyway, back on topic. The failure of the London-Darwin 2019 AirRace, intended to showcase alternative energy powered aircraft, was a failure for some very simple reasons, mostly basic competency on the part of bureaucrats. Its really tragic as it would have been a much better investment than most of the stuff we throw money away on. Alan

Folks I appreciate the considered advice has gone into this thread, and that it re-emerged from the abyss of climate change standoffs. I never miss an opportunity to stick it to the Northern Territory Governments. Whether from Labour or Liberal, in recent years they have been the worst bunch of self serving, incompetent buffoons and have driven our Territory into the ground. But related to this thread, how many of you knew that the Territory Government announced it was hosting a 1919-2019 Centenary international air race, London to Darwin, utilising entirely electric and alternative energy source aircraft? Great idea. It would have been an amazing test bed for the efficiency and reliability of clean aviation, and put the Territory back centre-stage in global aviation and innovation. Like an aviation version of the popular Darwin to Adelaide Solar Challenge. Heres the background: https://www.katherinetimes.com.au/story/5303731/darwin-to-host-world-first-air-race-in-2019/ But then they stuffed it up. incompetence, mismanagement, and inability to sort out simple logistics. Typical for Territory Government. Heres the story: https://australianaviation.com.au/2019/04/great-air-race-2019-cancelled/ So, what do our political betters give us as an alternative to celebrate the centenary of this landmark aviation event that paved the way to a global aviation industry? Kiddies chucking paper aeroplanes! http://www.ntmajorevents.com.au/news/ntmec-secures-guinness-world-record-in-honour-of-great-air-race/ And that is apparently the best we can do 100 years after the first brave aviators touched down in Fanny bay. So much for progress and innovation! Rant over Alan

Awful news... This brave aircrew died in the service of their country, doing a challenging and dangerous job to protect others... My deepest condolences to their families... I'll be interested in the details of this incident and how it happened? Was the 130 actually on a bombing run when the accident occurred? As discussed in previous threads, there's been much faith put in water bombing as a quick-fix, politically expedient panacea for bushfires. Its even featured in recent political advertising... But of course its not the sons and daughters of the politicans flying the missions... Alan

Hi folks! A tough one here. Recent events have placed climate change concerns front and centre of the political agenda. As somebody who lives on the land, my observation of recent weather and climatic conditions in the far north has been cause for concern... Im no greenie, but I recognize the need to be more environmentally aware in our lives, if not for our sakes, then for future generations. And my wife and I have tried hard to translate intent into action. Im not going to list the things we do to try and reduce our environmental impacts, as am sure that most responsibly minded people do likewise... I guess the most gratuitous emissions we produce are from aviation. This is an unresolved question in our minds. Ive got no idea how emissions from a light aero engine compare with other emissions sources (can somebody here tell me?), but I suspect that as time passes private flying is not only going to be perceived as an expensive luxury but also an environmentally selfish one. For now the focus of Flygskam angst is commercial jet travel which obviously account for the bulk of aviation emissions. But sooner or later somebody is going to pick up on all the little Cessna's, Pipers and Jabirus buzzing around, and the dirty two-strokes screaming behind ultralights. How does flying in a light aircraft compare with emissions per capita/mile in a commercial aircraft? Im assuming even higher. Personally I'd love to have an electric aircraft. Since all my power is solar, it would be good and cheap to run although Im not sure how useful current models would be for bush flying... The range is a big concern. But other than putting the plane on bricks, growing a beard, wearing sandals and eating mung beans, is there anything we can actually do to make our passion more environmentally responsible? Gliding? Has anybody yet given this much thought? I guess its a personal accommodation we each need to make.... Alan

Interesting to read this... Thanks for sharing How does Open Airplane compare with services like Gobokko? If a business model where the company takes a share of the rental fee doesn't work because of econcomies of scale, has does a free service like Gobokko stay afloat? Advertising? I've only used it twice to book BFRs, but believe its still operating PS. Perhaps the title of this thread should be 'Closed Airplane' Alan

Thanks for clarifying that! Shame it doesnt seem to say any of that online on their webpages Alan

Hi folks just getting a CASA medical certificate for the first time and would appreciate some guidance. Im going for a basic medical that allows me more than 2 passengers in a light aircraft, non commercial. I’m guessing that’s basic class 2. From my understanding all I need to do for this category is download and fill in the form, get my quack to sign it. But then what happens? It says the form is retained by the GP. So how do CASA get it? None of this is clear from the CASA webpage or the form and I’ve already been on the phone with them on another matter... cheers Alan

Hi folks Just dropped off my IPad today for its hunderd hourly and oil change. Bloke told me there was insufficient available memory to do necessary updates... and that he needed to kill some programs to create space. He looked and found that OzRunways was the app using the most space ( all those maps loaded I guess). My subscription has expired and I need to renew. So I told him he could go ahead and wipe the app and associated files. Did I do wrong? If I resubscribe to OzRunways i download everything again, right? Please tell me I haven't stuffed up... Alan

This evolving story makes for fascinating reading Mr Neel's flight school and BHI are being investigated by AQSA, and have had RTO status revoked (which qualifies them for receipt of VET student loans). Perhaps there are some safety issues and aviation standards breaches that impact on its operation as a flight school, but is does it strike anybody else that Neel seems only interested in operating a school that receives VET loans? An alternative business model would be just to run a regular flight school like others where student pilots pay as they go from their own pockets. Perhaps SORE could offer PPL and RAA certificate courses to mature pilots? But as soon as the VET government dollars seem to be drying up, the proprietor is flogging off his fleet and shutting up shop. Is it cheeky to suggest be there's not enough money in 'honest' flight instruction? Alan

Im with Bruce. Why insure the hangar? If your aircraft are already comprehensively insured then all you are insuring is a steel shed, maybe some concrete poured on the ground and presumably any tools or bits and pieces within it. Unless you are worried about third party liability -and that is another story.... When I last re-insured my home I was asked if I had an airstrip? I was told (as Jaba-Who also found), that the insurer was concerned aircraft might 'crash into my house' on landing or takeoff, and that deserved a higher premium. My strip is a couple of kilometres from the house through thick woodlands so it would have to be a pretty disastrous landing at the strip to impact our home buildings... ? I won't bother insuring my hangar. As long as my aircraft is insured against fire, theft and accident, Im not too worried about what happens to $10,000 bucks worth of steel posts, cross members, sheeting and concrete. Having an aircraft hangared reduces the insurance premium on the aircraft, whether the hangar is insured or not. In fact, would hangar and contents insurance complicate an insurance claim for an aircraft damaged on the ground, for instance through a hangar fire? Alan Sorry Jaba-Who, this was written and posted before reading your response to Bruce

Been following this story with interest. It seems like some dreadful outcome for the poor young people who put their faith and dollars (their dollars? Our dollars?) into this Neel fella and his ‘business model’. At a time when we all agree we need to encourage more youngsters into aviation this kind of rort can’t be helping. Hopefully this with help deter further abuses. We can all learn lessons from this, including RAA! Alan

So is it true to say there is oversupply in hangar space at present? If so, has this been reflected in reduced hangar rents? Or do the perversities of the aviation economy strike yet again? Alan

Ive often thought hangars overpriced. Like everything aviation related, suppliers see flying as the reserve of the super wealthy and everything aviation related gets marked-up. You can throw up a perfectly adequate hangar for an aircraft for under $10,000 (materials). I watched a couple of blokes at local a flying club do exactly that, and aim to do the same myself. We recently hoisted a farm shed at my place that would accommodate a couple of light aircraft ( if it wasn't now filled with vehicles and equipment!) and my wife and I spent about $20,000 on it (with our own labour). Of course, I can't speak to the purchase or lease of the hangar site, utilities, or any other associated costs. But the basic structure wouldn't be expensive. Alan

This is awful! I sympathise. But surely there are ways around it? Cant you fly from a strip that doesn't have fees? I currently don't hold an ASIC (not through want of trying!) and have managed to pick my way across the country avoiding landing fields that require it. Surely the same must be possible to avoid high landing fees... perhaps somebody on here can collate a list of fee-free landing strips? I would be quite happy to have other aviators fly from and hangar at my own strip for minimal or no cost -as long as they did so at their own risk. I'd appreciate the company. But unfortunately Im too far away from anywhere for anybody else to want to base themselves here. Dont let the system get you down. Aviation is an extraordinary experience and priviledge, and aviators are extraordinary people. There seems to be growing awareness that GA is being weakened by the increasing associated costs and regulation, and so hopefully important decisions will be made to help re-stimulate the sector. And if grasping local councils and regulators become all too much for you, remember you can always spread your wings and fly north. You'll find a rather more benign aviation environment north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Alan