Bidgee

Sure online copies are more easily updatable but that's pointless if nobody actually uses the document. If 98% of the content stays the same arent we better having hard copy and printing off the changes? Selectively printing pages is OK until you're away from home and need to info. I also doubt whether everybody is as keen to print the doc at home as you are. I got offered double what I paid for my out of date VFG recently. Why not have the option?

CASA in its wisdom has decided not to provide printed copies of the VFG anymore. Some BS about it being easily updatable. The VFG is a great publication but its not very useful stuck on the computer. If you have five minutes visit he CASA page and send them some feedback so we cn get it back into publication - Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Visual flight guide

Temora Areo Club - Tecnam Sierra $115/hr wet, C172N $175/hr wet. Must be a club member to use.

Tomo What's your goal here? Get that sorted first. Are you doing it as an investment or for pleasure? If you say both, then they will both suffer which is OK as long as its understood and factored in. Once you get that straight in your head do some research and analysis. Compare it to returns you can acheive with alternate uses of the money. If you are not familiar with this get somebody who is to provide some advice. This will be money well spent. I dont know your personal circumstances but remember that most young blokes need $ like oxygen especially if they are feeding a family or running a business so an asset that is not yielding well and/or not easily liquidated can be a problem. Not suggesting that this is the case with the airpark. I fly out of Temora but know nothing about the airpark. For all I know it may be a great investment. Just make an informed decision. Good luck. Be interested to know what you decide. Scott

Good accomodation at Khancoban can be had at Queens Cottage. It has comfortable rooms and the owner Andrew Laycock is a pilot. He flies a C210 out fo Khancoban and can give you info on the strip.There is also an outdoot spa that overlooks Khancoban Pondage. Great view. Contact him on (02) 6076-9033. Scott

Both - CAR 5.63 Here's the requirements http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/fcl/download/frto.pdf

I also have 2 kids under 5 and I self studied PPL theory. You can do it if you are disciplined and are familiar with studying. Scott

If you can answer the sample questions in the back of Bob Tait's BAK and PPL books you will breeze through it, but might need a bit more work on HF. If you think you will do a PPL do the CASA theory (rather than RAA theory) now or you will be doing it again. Scott

Anybody familiar with Euroa? I need to be there this week and was wondering if its an alternative to Benalla or Shepparton? Thanks Scott

I fly a Tecnam Sierra a bit and it has the fixed trim tab. When there's two up the plane flies S&L. Mostly when I fly it's on longer XC by myself and it wants to roll left all day which is PITA. This can be helped a bit by cargo and fuel distribution.

The 172 wont cause you any problems but why not fly something cheaper like an RAA AC? You can always go back to the 172 or Piper later in your training and save a packet in the meantime. AFAIK oval cts tend to be taught by instructors with military background. Most RAA and GA are taught rectangular cts. Not a big deal but the rectangular cts will give you a better feel for where other AC are in the cts and what the wind is doing.

All they need to do is the theory and pass the exam. If you want the details go here - CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS 1988 - REG 5.61 What are the qualifications for a flight radiotelephone operator licence?

Only if you hold a flight radio licence.

That may help. Make sure the aerial matches the wavelength eg a UHF aerial wont help. Buy a quality brand too. Have a look here - Untitled Document. These guys do a good product and are an Aussie company. All you'll ever want to know about antennas. Scott

Does RAA have a towing endo? Perhaps you could tow to pay for gliding! I think you might need a PPL though.

Ditto what others have said although I generally dont make the downwind call having joined mid xwind as AC is not at the "turning downwind" position.

Good idea. I try to do a bit too. On his website http://overtheairwaves.com./ Bob Miller has a Back to Basics section which shows different maneuvers you can practice to keep up your flying skills - I use these a bit. I'm also trying to keep the training going - next step is night VFR. Try to fly once or twice a month. Scott

Good point. I think those not wanting the expense would be better off mustering the troops within RAA and taking a unified voice to the exec. Splintering off would be a good first step to marginalisation.

If we dont want more regs and expense why do we keep asking for more privileges? They go hand in hand. Want a weight increase then put up with the regs, want to fly above 5,000ft then dont complain when you need a radio. Got to agree about the mag. Good for about 1 throne sitting. I also learnt in a Tecnam - $160 dual, $115 solo. Scott

Second that! Not very pretty but a helluva lot of fun.

What did your ground speed do?

This is quite common. I had exactly the same thing happen - couldn't judge base turns, crappy airspeeds and attitudes on final, lazy feet and generally sloppy flying - not by choice, I just couldnt get it together. Dont worry, you will come out the other side of it. Best thing I found was to relax. Not easy I know. Before you turn base consciously relax your grip and take a few calming breaths. I also made sure I had the next leg of the circuit planned in my head before I got there rather than reacting to what occurred. And if the CTS aren't working go and do some air work. Good luck Scott

I'm not. We've all been there and for me it wasnt that long ago. In fact I reckon I go out of my way to help less experienced pilots. But seriously, do you think entering the runway while a plane is on final then launching like nothing happened and not using the radio at any stage is an acceptable standard for a solo pilot?

I had exactly this happen at Ballarat the other day. I was on final in a busy circuit with two 172 from the local training org (STATA) waiting to backtrack 18. I was more than a little surprised to see the lead AC enter and begin backtracking. I got on the radio and advised where I was, no response. Started getting a little irate and asked the AC intentions, no response. Landing light on, strobe on, another call - still no reply. I suggested the pilot open their @*#^ eyes a bit and just then it lines up and blasts off, no call. Next thing one of the instructors gets on the radio and tells the student to get on the deck ASAP and report to HQ for reaming. I got down without drama and plenty of margin but in hindsight I probably should have gone around but at the time I thought the safest place was behind the student than beside or in front of them. Incidentally one of the school managers appeared when I was tying down and apologised which was unnecessary but good to see they keep and eye on things. Scott

Ha ha ......and tosser