bushpilot

Hi Ryan,

We have put total 550 hours on 2 of these props - and they are v good; makes for smoother running and about 3 - 5 knot gain.. More resilient to rain and wont take up moisture in humid conditions..

Cheers

Chris

Ref the above post - this sounds slightly more positive than CASA’s original decree. I will be writing another response covering the specific issues requested here – i.e. operational limitations impacting flying schools. All owners out there should be doing their own submissions stating their own views and reasons (if wanting to propose modification to the restrictions) :-

CONSULTATION DRAFT: OPERATING LIMITATIONS ON JABIRU POWERED AIRCRAFT CD 1425SS

(Extract)

CASA acknowledges that Jabiru has enjoyed a good reputation for manufacturing safe and reliable engines, and that most Jabiru-manufactured engines continue to operate safely and reliably, in Australia and abroad. None of the issues that have given rise to current concerns about Jabiru engines has anything to do with the safety and reliability of Jabiru aircraft, the integrity of which continues to enjoy CASA’s full regulatory confidence.

To Jabiru’s credit, they have acknowledged that a problem of some kind does exist with at least some of its engines—which, as said, may be the consequence of mechanical, operational and/or maintenance-related factors—and that appropriate operational limitations should properly be introduced pending a determination of the cause of that problem and its rectification.

* No operational limitations of any kind have been imposed at this point

* No action has been taken by CASA at this point to impose any operational limitations, other than to publish notice of the limitations CASA proposes, and to invite public comment on those limitations.

* No action will be taken by CASA to impose any operational limitations until after relevant responses to the invitation for comment have been considered, in conjunction with reports and other relevant information CASA has available to it—including submissions and advice received from Jabiru, with whom CASA is conferring, and will continue to confer until optimal and appropriate safety outcomes have been achieved.

While responsive comments of any kind may certainly be submitted, the most helpful and relevant responses will relate to the nature and scope of the proposed operational limitations, and such alternative operational limitations as might arguably be more suitable in all the circumstances. In making such alternative proposals, it will be useful if clear reasons for those alternatives are provided.

CASA and Jabiru recognise that any operational limitations will be inconvenient, and it will be in everyone’s interest to identify the cause(s) of, and to rectify, the problems involved as quickly as possible. In the meantime, general assertions to the effect that most Jabiru engines operate safely and reliably, or particular claims that a specific Jabiru-powered aircraft has enjoyed many hours of safe and reliable performance, do not address the safety issues immediately to hand.

Extension of consultation period. In the consultation notice published by CASA on 13 November 2014, responsive comments were sought by close of business on Thursday, 20 November 2014.

Having clarified aspects of this matter about which there appears to have been some misunderstanding, CASA has decided to extend the consultation period by an additional 7 days.

Comments may now be submitted to CASA at [email protected] until the close of business on Thursday 27 November 2014.

Tried to restrain myself on topic but in the end failed in that resolve... I'm not going to write an essay but here are some of my thoughts and observations:

• CASA saw a need to do something about the 'problem' because it was put to them by RAA that they needed to do something, as the RAA didn't have the power to do anything in their own right.
   
   
  
• CASA did something - but they have hit a mosquito with a double-barrel shotgun.
   
   
  
• Even the RAA Board and executive had no idea that the draft restrictions were going to be this harsh. They were not consulted before CASA went public, even though Ungermann was with the RAA heads and a group of 90 odd CFIs in Dubbo, 3 hours before he released his document.
   
   
  
• What CASA has done, in the way that they handled the matter, has caused irreparable damage, not just to Jabiru but to the whole RAA sector, by putting doubt in the minds of current student pilots and pilots (and their passengers) that operate their own Jabirus or hire Jabirus, and the generally public - our future members. Sure the proposal is at this point a draft for industry comment, but this slur on our segment of aviation will stick for a long time to come. It will also have a flow-on affect to GA, with a fair percentage of PC holders going on to GA RPL or PPL, or beyond.
   
   
  
• Despite a willingness to work with CASA and the RAA, Jabiru may not have the financial resources to survive this whole review and remedial exercise. Let's all hope they do...
   
   
  

I am certainly not a fan of Jabiru, however I have just submitted an email to Lee Ungermann requesting that experimental aircraft powered by Jabs be exempt from this due to the fact that it conflicts with the experimental regs which are designed to allow those freedoms regardless of what engine. I hope others will do the same and send in an email before the 20th to highlight this issue.

 

I agree, if Jab fix the problems, then this could very well become a massive gain for them. There are already some Jabs out there with factory installed Rotax engines, all 24 and legit (I believe one is based at Caboolture and is available for flight training).

On topic -

Plane Crash Barossa Valley 26/6..

..So that I don't have to read all 7 pages here - is the summary of relevant the observations that it was loss of control in cloud? I have a student coming to Bathurst today to fly her Tecnam and she is bound to ask. (I know its all subject to the investigation, etc... but Im just asking about opinions).

Oil pressure fluctuations most likely to be the sender unit; they often go a bit erratic over time. VDO p/n 360.001 from Repco or similar (non VDO) from Jabiru.

Are you sure the correct ring size was used?

We put about 900 hours a year on our 3 Jabs and have had sticking rings only once in 5 years - on a 3300 engine. Sometimes the ring gaps line up for a time and give lower comps, but then they move and comps go back to normal. We use USA made Philips 20W50 oil all year round, Avgas 100% of the time, and run them at 2850 - 2900 rpm. Jab motors like revs. Like you, we also see very low CHTs - barely in the green on 2200 motors - and low EGTs on the 3300s, where we monitor CHTs and EGTs on all 6 cylinders on Dynon Skyview panel.

I'm coming in late here - But what is not immediately apparent in considering the cost of instruction / private hire, is the schools overheads costs. They vary a lot depending on the bigger ticket items like rent - but for us include (rounded):

• Rent $300 month
   
   
  
• Power $180 month
   
   
  
• Hangarage $400 month (5 aircraft)
   
   
  
• Internet $60 month
   
   
  
• Phones (landline / mobile) $180 month
   
   
  

So the trick is to get the right balance in charges setting, to cover the fixed costs but not get so expensive that the volume drops off. We review every 12 months, with the main increases coming from Avgas increases.

As for aircraft operating costs, we try to provide a $25 an hour margin as the aircraft contribution to overheads (3 Jabirus and Cessna 152). Our latest aircraft - BRM Bristell (Jab 3300 powered) is for private hire only (no training, other than conversion) and we make $30 an hour margin on it.

Cheers,

Chris

An update on our PPL intensive course for those that I have not been in contact with:

The good news is that with the numbers committed we have been able to get the pricing down to well under the ‘commercial’ rate for these courses – so it will now be $260 inc GST for one weekend – $480 inc GST for both weekends. Remember, to be ready to sit the CASA exam, you will be best placed if you have attended both weekends.

If you have current charts, ERSA and the CASA VFG booklet, bring them, otherwise we will have extras on hand. A general PPL booklet is included in the fee and lunch will be provided on all days.

Limited accommodation is still available for out of towners. Venue is the Bathurst Aero Club. Start time on both the Saturdays will be 1000 and the Sundays 0900.

If interested, contact us ASAP.

Regards,

Chris Stott

[email protected]

www.centralwestflying.com

PJ Moodie Memorial Dr

BATHURST AIRPORT NSW 2795

Ph: 02 6337 3945

Mob: 0418 223 694

Fax: 02 6337 3945

A division of Central West Recreational Flying School Pty Ltd,

ACN: 131 541 403

(Post pre-approved by I Baker.)

Hi All,

Central West Flying at Bathurst is running a PPL theory course over 2 weekends for anyone interested in gaining a Private Pilots licence. The only requirement is that you have passed at least the RA BAK exam, or the GA BAK exam. Dates are: 15 & 16 June, then 22 & 23 June. If you are able to do both these weekends you will be fully prepared for the CASA BAK or PPL exam; if you can only do one of the weekends, you will need do additional work privately, or with our GA theory trainer, to be ready.

Cost is $550 inc GST for the 4 days or $300 inc GST for 2 days. Limited accommodation is available in a shared house and a courtesy car for anyone flying in – click on ‘Accommodation’ at www.centralwestflying.com

To register you interest or enquire further, email us at [email protected]

Regards,

Chris Stott

[email protected]

www.centralwestflying.com

PJ Moodie Memorial Dr

BATHURST AIRPORT NSW 2795

Ph: 02 6337 3945

Mob: 0418 223 694

Fax: 02 6337 3945

A division of Central West Recreational Flying School Pty Ltd,

ACN: 131 541 403

I never said do it yourself... but it may be difficult to find an instructor that is happy in the LH seat.. I know lots that can only fly comfortably in the RH seat even tho all the fly dials are LH seat.Surely even "effects of controls" for your wife/pax builds in a level of safety for aircrew as well as civilians on the ground if there is an issue??

Get her an instructor. Or better still, encourage your school or aero club to run a program for several partners.

Thanks for compiling and posting this Dave. I'm just back from China today, so catching up on emails and this forum.. Made me seedy just watching this; worse then the real thing! :-)

Cheers

Chris

Anyone know what this is all about? (Apologies if there is a thread on this already - I dont have time this morning to check back):

From RAAus:

November 9, 2012 | opsassist

Following a CASA Directive RA-Aus is unable to process aircraft registrations, including renewals until further notice.

RA-Aus regrets this inconvenience and the board and staff are working closely with CASA to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

This notice will be updated by close of business Monday 12 November 2012, or earlier if there is any change.

The schools vary a lot in their approach.. and required time (in their training syllabus) to switch over.

We start almost everyone in RA aircraft (except where the student wants only Tail-wheel instruction) and run them right through to attainment of their PC and X-country endorsement. Then we stick them in a GA aircraft (Cessna 152 or 172) and do what is effectively a type endorsement - with some basic instrument flying and controlled airspace - and finally a NavEx. This can add another 6 - 10 hours, or longer, depending on the individual. We also teach the GA BAK and PPL theory - usually in group workshops - but also one on one, if required.

The benefit of this approach is reduced cost overall (compared to doing all training from scatch on a GA a/c) and, on completion, the pilot can hire and fly either RA or GA a/c - usually determined by how many passengers that want to carry on a given day.

In answer to the cost question - it's $200 covering the 2 day PMI course..

Central West Flying, together with Orange Flight Training, is running an intensive block training program (flying and theory) for PC holders becoming RA Instructors, commencing first week of November. This program is full, but during the course we have Dr Carol Richards from Temora coming to Bathurst to run her well known and regarded “Principle Methods of Instruction” (PMI) program, over 2 successive days - and this is open to more attendees.

.

The PMI workshop guides participants through the important skill-set of dealing with people and various teaching situations. It also shortens the required theory training hours for instructors by 15 hours.

If anyone out there is considering becoming an instructor in the future, doing the PMI now will give you a real head start. 8 of our people have already completed Carol’s program – so we know it well and we employ what it taught us, every single day.

.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor and are available to participate in this program on Saturday afternoon, 10 November and Sunday 11 - in Bathurst - please let me know by PM, or email: [email protected] ASAP for further details.

Hi Ian - Can u clarify what the 'thead url' field is for? I've added our aero club here - is that the sort of thing you are suggesting we add? What else? http://www.recreationalflying.com/hotspots/ybth.121/

Our 3300 motors are more prone to icing than our 2200s. Most instances to date have been straight and level at relatively high altitudes (7K or above) and cleared within seconds of applying carby heat. The trick is to recognise it - and respond quickly..

I am very happy with oz runways so not worth the cost/effort for me

Katoomba is still open - and there are some privately owned a/c there - including a really nice J230. I think Rod Hayes is closed temporarily - but call him and ask.

Bathurst is another option for RA training... About 1/3rd of our current students travel up from Sydney - do 2 sessions in a day typically. Generally better weather than the coast and enough aircraft for private hire once students have their Pilot Certificate...

It's a VERY tight strip, with approach from the North over tall trees.. As an alternative you could fly into Bathurst and drive the 40 mins East to Lithgow..

Let me know if any of those guys want work down Goulburn way (if you haven't already got them booked out)! All our instructors have other sources of income also - it seems to be a very good balance for the guys doing it for the love of it. With the GA bookings we have at the moment in Goulburn/Canberra there's more than enough for a full-timer to make a good go at things though and earn a comfortable income (not far off your average Dash-8 pilot anyway).

Don't most RAA students want to fly on the weekend?

On the question of making a living out of it - all instructors have additional sources of income - so they are all part-time. But that provides a lot of flexibility, which seems to suit us all. In November we are running an intensive Instructor training program for 6 PC holders - so after that there are going to be a few more RA instructors around!

The aviation fraternity needs more people like Carol Richards.. Even with her 'MSA', she was still not too proud to be sitting on a quad-bike for hours doing duty at AusFly - whilst most of the rest of us just sit back and enjoy the event/s.

I wonder if the site shouldnt be more member focussed - so that we dont have people snooping in the shadows, watching, but not joining...

Maybe more restrictions on access to pages without signing up. Like allow visability to visitors on the initial post of any new thread, but after that they need to sign up to view subsequent posts..

Or is that overly restrictive? Views?