Jerry_Atrick

Far be it from me to incite people to commit a crime, however, civil disobedience is often a way to get rubbish laws changed. Try landing at a major airport without one is flirting with danger; but if you flew - I dunno, say Moree to Coonabarabran (assuming not overflying any military or government installations along the way), would anyone really care if you had either an ASIC or AVID? From what I hear on these forums, not having one doesn't seem to be an impediment to gaining access to an a/c most of the time, so not having one is not going to stop a nutter doing something stoopid under the watchful eyes of airport security. By all means - at the major airports and at major events, but anyone wanting to ambush a flight at Benalla is not going to use a light aircraft to do it.

Yeah - they did.. They still look good, though! Although, I read an article in Aus Flying from Jim Davis (Davies??) that when he was a nipper of an instructor, he complimented a Bonanza that landed and the CFI/proprietor (and Piper stalwart) of the school he worked for invited him to compare the useful load of the Bonanza v the Cub (prob. Super Cub) to see which had the higher useful load - and it apparently was the Cub (or Super Cub).

I've got the JAR licence (only got an Aussie GFPT before moving to Blighty of ol', but not a full Aussie PPL). Darned thing expired middle of last month and needed a current medical to convert to EASA (why, I have no idea as I can't fly without a medical, and it is really just a paperwork exercise). Had the medical booked for late-ish December and came down with the lurgy to end all lurgies.. then rebooked for early Jan - work decided, for the first time in about 5 years, I needed a Jolly... in Singas... Anyway, my concern is when I get my medical tomorrow (both EASA and Aussie for the planned trip later this year) and immediately submit for an EASA license (I have the Englursh L6), the CAA will say, because of some technicality, "Sorry mate, would like to help you but you don't actually have a JAA licence as it has expired - so you have nothing to "convert" from - so you will have to do it all again!" We'll see what happens! Blubby flu (though in fairness, I should really have not left it to the last minute). I fear this because, although for my last Single Engine Piston revalidation (sort of like a biennial in Aus), I had all the hours and the hour with the instructor before it expired - but didn't get the actual official reval paperwork until a day after expiry - too late even though I could evidence all was in order; Rules are rules and the paperwork has to be done before expiry!. Thankfully my instructor hour was with my examiner; so two rather rotund fellas took the pencil sharpener with wings (C150) for the reval flight test and thankfully it was bumpy and he was in a hurry - "orrrrr-roighhht...I've seen you do everything a couple of weeks ago.. let's get back to the field.". To be fair, the CAA are pretty good compared to a certain regulator around 11,000 miles sou' east of here. When I went to do my license here, they took a look at my log book, which had quite a few hours in it* They wrote back and said I didn't need to do any more official hours and as soon as the school was happy for me to take the test, do it. I did it under JAA even though I could have waited about 4 weeks and issued a license under EASA, but EASA, as you know Phil, has largely been a nightmare for CoA flying until recently when there was a change of guard.. I was advised by the CAA to do the JAA as EASA would only accept 10% of foreign hours... I didn't want to spend 30-odd hours at £205/hr dual/£185hr solo (Avgas as over £2/litre at the time) getting my license. * When I was doing my PPL in Aus, my "new" instructor got me hooked on aeros. I was out of Moorabbin at the time, with 700 sqkms of training area; when I got my GFPT, we moved to Coldstream, which has something like 2.5ksqkms of trainign area. As I was more into aeros than nava and there was enough to take pax up for a joyflight, I sort of forgot about the nav bit... Next thing you know, out of the blue, I was being transported to Blighty!

Nah, Yenn...Its Somerset that is back in the dark ages re fuel. Just put 1000l of kero in the tank after the ruddy thing almost ran dry! Uses more that a 747 with afterburners. Was up at B'ham yesterday to see the little-un in a concert.. Had a couple of hours spare, so ended up in the Walkabout sipping a can of VB - should have gone for a Crownie - actually - should have gone to a proper pub. As I was driving could only have one - but had the necessary taste of Aus. Next time Phil; Medical tomorrow; then application to transfer my now expired JAA to EASA PPL (as I missed my previous medical due to flu), so should soon have a reason to fly up. Though, the M5 was pretty clear both ways for me

OK - I'll bite... Please no longer hold your fear... Without a doubt, he'll soon be here... He has been working long and hard of late By now on his way to relatives for debate For the weekend, but they are over in Wales Where the broadband's almost as fast as snails So he may be hard pressed to find a slot in which he can tease, taunt and entertain us lot But he will be here soon, of that I know. There's now't much else to do, it's just started to snow!

From my post above, "and let Phil answer that one himself.." with the rolling laughter was meant to imply he had responded... This darned electronic communication... Anyway, he is well and good, just very busy with work.. Shows why he hangs out here (as do I); some of the forums wouldn't mention a regular failing to post for a bit...

er... hmmm... Phil? Was trying to meet up with him this weekend as I have to trot the young-un to a school musical show nearby... and would need some libation to survive it.... DId I get an answer? Will have to keep you in suspense and let Phil answer that one himself..

Thanks...

Dumb-@r$ed question - but how do you send a PM on this site or use it to send en email:splat:?

The first time I flew into the UK, I was here for a week (Aus summer of 1996). The flight back was heathrow --> Dubai --> Singapore --> Melb. When we landed at Melb, except for the fact I recognised the airport, the grass was that fine and golden yellow, I could have swore I got on the wrong flight and was back at Dubai! I had to look at the terminal building resplendent in Qantas and Ansett planes a few times to convince myself we were in Melbourne....

Send it anyway, I'll take it.. So cold this morning, the pitch of my voice went up an octave this morning.... I have to head his way on Saturday (slightly south - Birmingham) but have a few spare hours, so am popping him a PM to see if he is around for a swift 'arff... (once I get the actual timings of when I will have the spare time)...

I can just see it... "Sir (or Madam, to be PC), unfortunately your application for an ASIC has been rejected. You have just been stripped of your nationality. I believe Nauru has exemplary accommodation suitable for you. Thank you and have a good day"...

The ASIC is a bit OTT and unnecessarily targets people probably least likely to commit terrorism. I can understand the requirements at the large international airports as large domestic and international flights are usually the aviation targets (Trends in Aviation Terrorism). Somehow, I can't see real terrorists from organised cells wanting to faff about learning to fly when there are far simpler means of circumventing large airport security and doing some seriously spectacular damage. Even if they did want to use a plane, they would probably learn enough to almost go solo, shoot the instructor and comandeer the a/c, I believe all without the need for an ASIC or AVID. I also don't see the terrorist going for regional airports. Somehow, blowing up a SAAB 340 isn't going to be the headline grabber worldwide that blowing up an A380 is. OK, the lone wolf, or that madman at Mt Isa are probably an issue, but I'd wager anyone that security is easily circumvented or overcome, that the presence or not of an ASIC Card isn't really going to help. What I also know is that it is costing the GA economy export dollars (well, sales, but to foreign tourists, so it can count as export dollars). I have lost count on my fave UK forum how may times PPLs have asked about flying in Aus, When they find out the malarkee they have to go through (and although an ASIC isn't required, the regs seem to point at least requiring an AVID... and then somewhere else about not being allowed to fly unless one has submitted an application for either?!?!). Of course, there is confusion of whether, for a PPL, a temp Certificate of Validation or a conversion to an Aus PPL is required; the regs (or at least the CASA website) says a foreign PPL must convert to an Aussie PPL and Temp CoVs are for commercial pilots; but it seems a couple of EASA PPLs I know (well, they were JAA PPLs at the time) were able to get to Temp CoV... The thing is, for either, its an unnecessary bureaucratic burden and many people either satisfy themselves with an hour bimble with an instructor or don't bother at all. While it won't put much of a dent in the balance of trade's deficit, the number of those on the forums alone that are willing to jump through reasonable hoops numbers around 10 in the last 3 months; and from what trips we were discussing, there was probably an average of 10 - 15 hours flying they wanted to do.. Not much, but if GA in Aus is anything like GA in the UK (i.e. declining), the cash should be a welcome shot in the arm, especially given there willbe people not on those forums as well as the rest of Europe, USA, etc. . The local procedures could be shown to a competent pilot during a reasonable check flight. Most of those who are travelling to both NZ and Aus opt to do their flying in NZ. The UK plausibly has a higher terrorist threat than Aus; Like Aus, there are agencies that deal with it. Unlike Aus, despite some curbs on civil liberties (Terrorist Act or some such, that was actually used to freeze Icelandic banks money in the UK during the GFC),I guess the UK take a risk-based approach and don't see the risk of using light GA for terrorism as significantly high (except for the 2012 Olympics)

Only as a last resort, after going through the regulatory regulatory channels... Isn't that what the press is for?

I agree.. Although, to qualify, it may be the public forum is a place to come to for people with concerns and ask advice on what to do next (but beware the responses) To which the responses for what to do next have been eloquently summed up in the above post. Of course, if it the a/c is unairworthy, the operator is intentionally operating it as such and the [edit] collective [/edit] regulators turn a blind eye, the next point of escalation would be the press and they would have a field day with it.

I can't speak for RA Aus a/c, but there are some permit a/c in the UK that apparently suffer the same problem. A friend of mine is a LAA inspector and some a/c he has seen has made him shudder with fear (first at the thought of what may happen and then second at the thought of the response when he revokes the permit). But, I hasten to add, as a CoA flyer, there are a fair share of licensed engineering outfits that are no better. I wa never happy with the work done on my shareoplane and there was always something that had to bi fixed after it went in for its 50/100/annual, including a stuck flap cable when there was no problem with it before it went in. I also believe there was a recent fatal accident in the US in which the engineering firm fraudulently signed off work that hadn't been done which directly contributed to the accident. Let's hope it is in the minority.

Thanks, Scott.. Watched most of it - even the wife enjoyed them and she hates flying... Routes are planned (currently via Skyvector, so since they have Aussie airspace markings but not levels, etc, will need a map and/or OzRunways.. and find out if I actually have to get an Aussie PPL or can get a temp certificate of validity (regs seem to say TCoVs are only for commercial pilots but I am sure PPLs here have got them). And of course, there's the ASIC...

Actually, I was thinking of heading to the east coast for the return trip - but from memory there are a lot of prohibited or restricted areas anyway (Nowra, Sale and a couple of others)... So, looking at Google Maps (because my planning software stopped their Aussie maps subscription - too expensive for the number of subscribers, I suspect): Day 7 - 8: Birdsville --> Cooper Pedy (if doable - otherwsie will have to find a stop to lay over for the night) Day 9 (or 8 if Cooper Pedy is doable): Cooper Pedy --> Broken Hill Day 10: Broken Hill --> Parafield (and see f we can do a sneaky circumnavigation of Kangaroo Island) Day 11: Parafield --> Apollo Bay (I know it's a tough airstrip, but I have flown from dodgier ones here). Now comes the question - do I take the poms to King Island or Flinders Island, or to the Mornington Peninsula for day 12? Still deciding.... And for the whole route - f anyone can give me must-see's enroute, that would be much appreciated. BTW - not sure if I mentioned this previously - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Now, that last thing about "not for public viewing" has perked up the ol' curiosity gland... Looks like a great trip - will take a look at the sequences.... On average - how many hours flying did you do a day - and what would the typical cruise speed be (I was thinking of hiring PA28s/C172s as we are all PPLs and fly similar types here).. As long as each a/c can handle 2 up and reasonable baggage/emergency supplies would consider an LSA/VLA and RAA type.. though a Jab 2200 (I think) or Rotax 91x series engine up front would probably be a min requisite...

Hoping to take the family to Cooper Peedy this year... amongst other places - but that will be by car (partner hates flying - even in the big things - with a passion).Then back later for the Birdsville tour. Although I am happy to spend hours flying over desolate landscape to get to an isolated oasis/paradise/attraction, I am not sure that others from these parts are that willing; so looking at more frequent sights along the way.Of course, survival in the event of a mishap is a priority... Routing I am thinking of so far... Day 1 - See mum (Healesville); check rides at Coldstream ; four n twenty pie for lunch (how much are they these days and what are the chances of contracting some gastro bug? ) Take mum up for a joyride; Show poms some real Aussie wine (and cheese) Day 2 - Was thinking of going to Tyabb to take the poms to more wineries, but will have to cull that.. Was going to stop at Tocumwal, but will have to cull that too.. So, will go from Coldstream via Melbourne (see some coast, albert park lake, Shrine and MCG, plus a look a the city) to Temora (it was a toss up with Mungo as I haven't been to either - Termora won). Day 3 - Temora --> Lightening RIdge Day 4 - Lightening Ridge --> Birdsville - pushing it a bit, but with an early enough start, should be able to make it. Still thinking of a return route - bloomin big Country!... Will need a fast couple of planes...

Definitely going to go over Melbourne... Unf out here, there is a "land clear" rule which means singles can't go over London (plus the fact they don't allow VFR over London as is mostly covered by LHR and London City's CTR... [edit] LHR and City's zones were recently recalssified from Class A to Class D as EASA decided SVFR flight (which allowed operating at lower minimas for VFR along SVFR routes) was not appropriate. SVFR along prescribed routes was allowed in the UK. However, I am pretty sure one is still limited to the SVFR routes when crossing the Heathrow zone following VFR despite class D technically being open to VFR transits.

I read about Cameron corner in a 4x4 Australia magazine years ago.. was always on the list... Well, with the ability to park out front of the pub, it has to be on the list! (As long as I don't get done like the bloke in, I think it was North Qld who took his wings off)

Many thanks, all.. Keep 'em coming... @Nobody, I will take a look at your compilation tonight - work doesn't let me peruse google drive.. @spacesailor, not enough weeks! J

Thanks, One of my planned stops with them would be lightening ridge, for example; Opal mines and the dealers, some rather hot springs, etc... I was thinking Bourke as well (only because I haven't been there), but is there anything else there fore for non_Aussie initiated... Any other specific outback areas within a reasonable range greatly appreciated.

Hi All, I am planning my 2017 Birdsville trip, which will depart YCEM. I know the route I want to take, however, there are some work friends who are showing interest in coming along. My route is based on my bias, and some stop offs, I imagine, will have not much interest to foreign tourists (e.g. YTOC for a hopeful spot of gliding). So, for a real taste of Aussie culture, characters and scenery, where would you fly a foreign tourist flyer to within the eastern seaboard (can go a little off-piste) in a 2 week sojourn including Birdsville, and not too far north of it? Thanks in advance. J