Jerry_Atrick

From the 'net (my highlighting) .....Yep, sounds like the recipe for total and complete success, without a doubt!

The odds are against him, but isn't it the human spirit that often defies the odds? He may well fail, but the slither of chance he may succeed is worth celebrating. After all, if we look at the stats, the odds of success of starting a small business don't look great at all, but people do and their businesses thrive.

He's a software guy - he'll be used to projects taking a lot longer than planned with many unforeseen challenges..

Hmmm.. Have long lost rellies in Bowen... Navigation shouldn't be too hard - on the way up, keep the blue stuff to your right and on the way back, keep it to your left.. Job done!

This has the hallmarks of the Eclipse Jet's first attempt, which turned out to be fraus, I understand. Still, for a USD$2K deposit, may be worth a punt as one would have to wait past 1100 airframes to be built - which would give enough lead time for the early adopters to work out the snags of the design, engine, etc.

1100 orders ahead (if true) gets me wondering if I put a deposit down, my airframe would be ready before I had to hang up the headsets...

Tocumwal, Deniliquin or similar in the region might not be a bad option - almost equidistant between Melb and Syd, and not much further for Adelaide, too.. These towns usually have good accommodation options (if camping isn't allowed on the airfield, there is usually something suitable close by). Although I haven't been to Deniliquin for decades, it seems to have a welcoming aeroclub as well.. And I would doubt either would require an ASIC.

Condolences to family and those affected. Bot a very good week for GA and Cessna 210s in particular. Hope its the last fatality we hear for a long while.

Condolences to the families and those affected.

I personally don't have an issue with discussion on possible/probable causes.. they help drive out potential issues I am not too familiar with and incorporate habits that increase my safety (learn from others, but I do sometimes verify with an examiner before). It also helps reinforce or bring to the fore those things that were learned many years ago but have somehow been cast to the deeper annals of the grey matter and not regularly thought of/practised.

However, I would think jumping to any conclusions, no matter how obvious they may seem, is dangerous until the publication of the report by the ATSB. But even then, sometimes it doesn't really explain things. For example, one thing we all know is that if we fly into IMC (as VFR pilots), our life expectancy materially diminishes quite rapidly. Yet it still happens with alarming frequency; usually minor breaches, but all too often, major breaches that result in the usually inevitable. In fact, yours truly fortunately (from my perspective, anyway) had the presence of mind to turn around while there was still some visibility but still sandwiched in between two thick layers of stratus cloud and options rapidly diminishing. What made me do it in the first place, knowing full well the likely consequences and after many times previously abandoning plans with less marginal forecasts? Combination of frustration for not being able to fly for quite some time, "needing" to get to where I was going and a wing-and-a-prayer that the marginal forecast was overly pessimistic (in the UK? yeah, right!). If I had of met my maker on that flight that AAIB report undoubtedly would have read a non-IFR qualified pilot continuing to fly into IMC, followed by loss of visual cues leading to spatial disorientation resulting in a graveyard spin/spiral dive, but it still doesn't explain why..

In this sad tragedy, I am not sure what likely or probable cause there is. Could be anything from sudden pilot incapacitation to a wing break up in flight or anything in between. Regardless, the aviation community has suffered another loss and we should be respectful to those affected and reflect as well, as what we can constructively discuss should help us in being safer.

Safe flying!

@SGIAN DUBH - I am registering interest as well; Though I will be hiring rather than buying an a/c if admitted; can't help thinking buying an a/c may yield problems (hiring can, too) and can't be faffed with offloading it after the race. I'll be starting in Melb though as I know a couple of operators that will hire me an a/c for the period and use the flight up to acquaint myself with Aussie procedures (which have changed markedly since I left Aus in the late 90's).

Also, CASA has some great videos called out-n-back; suggest you take a look at them (if you haven't already); although they include a bit of tourism in their videos. They are on the CASA web site and youtoob.

The other thing to think about is that if you fly a VH registered a/c you will probably have to get a temp certificate of validation or your Aussie licence (not sure as the CASA web site is a little confusing); and there will be a requirement to have at least applied for an ASIC or AVID (I think).

Does anyone know if we ride with a US licence in a N reg whether we need an ASIC/AVID?

In my early solo days, I was on late final coming into 17L at YMMB on a calm sunny day. Over Kingston reserve (I think it is still Kingston reserve), I was admiring the view and then it occurred to me that I seemed to have a long time to admire it. Glanced down at the ASI and it was nudging south of 40kts (in either a C150 or 152 - can't recall). That was a ILAFFT (I learned about flying from that) moment... Still have to look outside when I am landing, but my internal scan all perked up from that moment.

Really sad.. Condolences to everyone affected.

No nicks on that blade...

back to the pictures - he flies like a dog....

To bring some spirituality to aviation:

Realistically, if you are a person of interest to the police/intelligence agencies, they will certainly know you fly as well as whatever you may do. They may be observing you while they wait for you to led them to others or make a mistake to reel you in, so to speak. If you are a person of interest and you don't yet fly, would they really want you to be tipped off you're a person of interest when you submit your ASIC application once you a ready to go flying? Doubtful.. so anything that comes up will be relatively petty - maybe along the lines of known non-terrorist criminal behaviour or some form of mental illness in which they think you may post a risk while in command of a rotating knife-blade. This has nothing to do with terrorism, but is a way to extract money from mere mortals to keep those that should be unemployed from being on the scrap-heap...

Is there not a petitions site the Aus government provides to allow disaffected subjects to submit? There is one in the UK and I think if they get 10,000 signatures the relevant department has to provide a written response (in digital form); if there is I think over 100k signatures, they have to table and debate it in parliament.

If there isn't an Aussie equivalent, I am happy to draft a petition, distilling the reasons to out on a petition site, though I think it should formally be submitted by an Aussie resident.

A work colleague is staying at our place at the moment (it's a long weekend). He has an Aussie PPL (he lived in Aus for a couple of years ago). We were discussing overseas flying and he had stated that since the ASIC/AVID, he had stopped visiting Aus altogether - usually goes to the US (Florida) or Canada now. Although he does intend to go to NZ shortly to fly.

Another great score fo pollies/civil servants - inward looking - make a bi of money at the longer term cost to the industry.

Airbus aren't the only ones (although these guys will do a hybrid if battery tech doesn't move as quick as expected):

easyJet backs Wright Electric's electric airliner - FLYER

Ironically, my parents separating got me into flying. I can't recall even knowing what aircraft were (well, not true; my brother used to assemble airfix models, but has graduated to become a white-knuckled flyer) before they were separated. When my parents separated, it wasn't easy for me, so my mother shipped me from Tulla to my grandmother's place in Bowen. I was about 9 years old. From memory, it was a TAA 727 and I recall the wonder of being thrust back into the seat and the view of the ground falling away - I was hooked. Then a visit to the cockpit with all the steam dials sealed the deal (I don't fly EFIS as I prefer analogue). The ride from Brisbane to Proserpine was, I recall, in a Fokker Friendship and I loved that even more - closer to the ground and a little more intimate. When I returned 2 weeks later, all I could blab on about was the flight and the aircraft, so my mother took me to the Aussie Air League; Every Monday night, I would eagerly anticipate going and it was great fun. The drill was a little boring, but the theory lessons and activites were good fun. We had a great squadron leader, Ricki Yousef, whose parents also owned a milk-bar - living the dream!. I digress.

My first flight was in a Cessna 172 at some outing with the AAL - It was the most memorable flight I have ever had (except I can't recall its rego). Anyway, I was going to be a pilot. Unf, things deteriorated and I had to move to my father's place, who was encouraging with most things, but hated any idea of flying. He wouldn't let me join the local AAL squadron and eventually, the spark faded. As I entered adulthood, I had all but forgotten about aviation until about the age of 25 or so, where I met who was to become my fiancée. Her younger brother (about 14) was big into aviation and asked if we could take him to YMMB to look at the aircraft. We did and walked into the RVAC (there was Shutts, Peter Bini, Civil and quite a few others at the time, but I figured a club would be more accommodating).

My then girlfriend declined to come into the building with us, preferring to watch the planes from near the tower. I was surprised at how accommodating they were, and an instructor took us out to look at VH-LBL. On seeing it, I was hooked again and when the instructor suggested a TIF at around $20, I sort of took a little less than 0.1 of a picosecond to say yes. My girlfriend was less than impressed as I found out upon telling her she has a real phobia of flying and thought I was going to crash and die (Aussie media does sensationalise a lot of light a/c accidents, after all). Anyway, I went and that was it. I was going to learn to fly.

However, my girlfriend and I were at this stage living together (so we must have been engaged, thinking about it), and she was less than supportive. I selected an instructor on recommendation (never again, because who may be a good instructor for one person may not be quite right for another). Eventually, after an incident in which the instructor said, "That's a lesson in how not to do it", I decided time to change instructors. By this stage, RVAC had acquired a couple of 150s (1 or 2 aerobats, too). I decided to ask for the instructor who had the vintage plane - turned out to be Dick Gower. In our first lesson, he decided an aerobat would be a better choice than a PA28. We did some upper air work for him to assess where I was at, and it culminated in a barrel roll (to my surprise, with Dick having a laugh). I was hooked.

So much so, I got the GFPT and did aeros; after which I moved to the UK, but with a job that had me in many parts of the country, I would take instructor-assisted flights now and then. Finally, I got a job that had me in one place, the company had a "flying club" and one flyout I joined, was to meet up at Le Touquet in France. I elected to fly with a pilot from the closest airfield, in a PA28 Warrior. It was in good nick and the flight, although amongst some clag, the flight was amazing and we were within the hour, seated at a fancy restaurant eating nice food and I got to enjoy a glass of red. I immediately inquired if a share of the a/c was for sale - it was, so I bought it... then submitted my log book to the CAA who said, just get your theory done and when your school thinks your ready, take the flight test - no min hours to convert, even though I probably had 3 hours of Nav training at best...

Long story, but JAA license has just lapsed and waiting for an EASA replacement; moved from London and waiting to look at a 172 share down in Devon...

Too much at stake to build a railway, too many rorts going on in the Govt & big business run the country anyway!The biggest issue though is not the money to build it or the million years it would take union run Co's it's the infrastructure that is needed to support a rail link. Lets look at an Eg. You live in one of the Ghetto's that have sprung up in SE Melb (there's plenty to choose form) & you want to get to Tulla for yr 2 hr flight to the Gold Coast for a 2 week holiday departing at 8am. You need to be at the airport an hour before at least. That's 7am arrive at the drome. You need to work backwards from the rail station at Tulla to figure out when to leave home. Taking into account you have to get to the nearest railway station either by taxi, friend or take yr own car & find parking for 2 weeks. Load all yr luggage on-board a packed commuter train (sounds like fun...NOT!) Then catch the train (assuming it's not cancelled or late good luck there!) into Melb CBD & connect with the train that runs out to the airport all the time lugging yr luggage around & possibly a couple of young kids. You finally get on the airport train which is running late or you missed the one you had panned t catch as you where late getting in from the Ghetto. When you get to Tulla drag yr luggage to the check in counter along with hundreds of others all at the same time.................oh sorry you booked with Tigers (Silly you) & you are 3 mins late before the fight closes...........welcome to Melb's airport rail link completed in 2030!

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Products like Sidchrome tools and PBR brakes are just a memory.

 

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Looks like I'll have to make do or find specialty retailers that do good stuff

Hang on - are you telling me the south-eastern freeway (or Monash Freeway or whatever) is now a toll road? Blimey!

And what about the Wells Rd freeway (the one that runs from Springvale-ish to Frankston) - is that also a toll road?

Planning a trip to Aus - Usually land in Tulla and stay for 1/2 day at the Hilton to refresh, then pick up a pre-booked hire car (web is giving some amazing deals) for the drive to Canterbury where my bruv lives. Last time I took a taxi to his house, which at the time was about 3ks off the Toorak Rd exit near Tooronga, it was, from memory, about $70 - so shudder to think of what it costs now.So taxi and car rental companies probably lobby a bit, too..

Not having a decent rail link is a pain - but also, I think it hampers growth a bit; Business people (especially employees rather than those who have to pay for it) don't care too much, but tourists do and when planning where they go do take into account the convenience and cost of a place - Australia is not the only country that has unique tourist attractions. So since Aus is, from a US/European perspective, already at a disadvantage in terms of distance, attracting those that want to go somewhere different but not really specifically one country or another, Aus has to offer something to counter the distance to attract $ - and there is still a lot of $ in that cateory.

I wonder what training is required for a CFI to become an agent for verifying docs and, importantly, identifying forgeries? Doesn't seem like the sort of things a CFI would have as their main skill set.

As an aside, say one wants to go to Mildura, Merimbula or Birdsville on their AVID, can they but avoid the arestha supports the heavy RPT traffic areas or the field?