Les

Congratulations.Your first solo will be something you will never forget!

Anyone going to Oshkosh this year? Are you going on an organised tour or doing your own thing (as I am).Its my third time,and it never dissapoints.Looking forward to it.

Bill, This has happened many times to me as well.Then I have to ring CASA and explain I was nowhere near the place I was billed for.Apparently the practice(of using a false call sign)is fairly common.For what its worth,some of the regional airports have a groundsman driving around noting rego numbers of parked aircraft,so beware!

For those who are worried about landing charges,some pilots will say for example"Cessna 172 on base"instead of giving their rego.Thats far safer than simply not making a call at all.None of us like landing charges,but safety is paramount.

Ctaf calls 100% correct.Remember though there are still a lot of pilots who dont make any calls when in a CTAF.Dangerous,to say the least.

There is an unlocked access gate on the GA apron.Also there is a BP 24hrs self serve bowser there so fuel would be no problem.

A good idea,hope it all works out guys.Canberra Airport dont want us with all their restrictions and ASIC etc etc.They can all go jump!

Well done JG3.A small correction though.Dont think Avgas is available at Lightning Ridge.There is an Avgas bowser at nearby Walgett.

Fuel cards Keith, What I did was contacted Skyfuel online.They give you all 3 Mobil,Shell and BP at no cost to you.You get one account monthly from them.Very convenient especially as there are so many self serve pumps nowdays.I'm sure there are other firms that issue cards as well.I've been happy with Skyfuel. regards, Les

Fuel prices Kieth, Avgas at YBKE $1.737 Shell self-serve.If no Shell Carnet,$40 callout fee for service. Les

Fuel prices Avgas at Bourke is $1.64 and Jet A1 $1.56 today 11/2/09

AVGAS PRICES its $1.57 at Bourke NSW

AVGAS PRICES OUTBACK The current price for Avgas in Bourke(far Western NSW)is $1.91 per litre.

There have been difficulties in the past for some in getting Avgas and Jet A1 at Bourke.The Shell agency has changed operators and unfortunately the contact number appearing in the ERSA is now out of date,and the new details wont appear until March 2009.Its self serve for Shell card holders,a callout fee of $40 for cash or credit card.The new phone number is 0448 821 146.

My Skipper is VH-UMX.Maybe thats the one you may have learned in.Its very simple to fly.The Piper Tomahawk and Skipper are very much alike in looks,but I think the Skipper is far better quality.Its the smallest and slowest plane I have owned,but enjoy it all the same,and its economical too!

Late last year,I ferried my newly purchased Beech Skipper from Jandacot to Bourke NSW.I tracked JKT to Southern Cross,where I poured in 30 litres from 2 jerrycans I carried,and continued on to Kalgoolie.Swipe bowser there.Next day to Forrest on the transcontinental railway via another stop halfway to pour in 20 litres.Good cottage accomodation available at Forrest,plus fuel and free hangarage.Very friendly managers there as well,who can supply meals.Next day heading SE to the Nullabor roadhouse on the highway,where there is a good dirt strip and fuel available,also motel rooms.Then crossed the edge of the Great Australian Bight and onto Ceduna for fuel.Tracked there to Port Augusta overnight and fuel.Next day tracked to Bourke via a fuel stop at Broken Hill.The only fuel agent that charged a call out fee was Ceduna. Self serve pumps are quite common nowdays.Naturally,fuel stops would be fewer in larger and faster aircraft,and it would not always be necessary to carry jerrycans.A very enjoyable trip all the same.

Avgas at Bourke NSW is $1.95 self serve bowser.Correct as at 13/8/08

Unsupervised Airspace Once again,the media have blown things out of all proportion.These heavies are all on clearances,have radio contact with the ground and other aircraft if necessary,have anti collision devices,in most cases they have other aircraft visual,are radar equipped,and yes,they may even have to navigate! Australian skies are not exactly overcrowded away from the major capital cities.Get over it!

Belmont Airport I hope Belmont continues as an Airport.Maitland is too far from town,Williamtown is out for lighties.Good on the local Council I say.The strip is fairly short,but would suit most light singles and sport aircraft.Lets hope it all happens!

Ewan, Thanks for the pedigree! I reckon the old biplane and my Skipper are similar in cruise speed too! 93 knots.Interesting pics though.

Yes,apparently it was a leftover from the British registrations.The 3rd last letter was always U.I think they used 4 or 5 letters in all,or probably still do.

No 1 I dont recognise.No 2 is definately Bourke,NSW.

Hi everyone, My name is Les.I am retired and live in Bourke,NSW.I purchased a Beech Skipper VH-UMX in September 2007 in Perth and flew it home.I gained my PPL in 1966 and have around 1600 hrs,all in single engine airplanes.Any other Skipper owners/pilots out there?Would like to hear from you.