Tarmac Topics Magazine Mar/Apr 2022

CEO FOREWORD

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT

03

04

ANZAC DAY

OPEN DAY 2022

16

18

by David Currey

by Tom Keamy

by Mick Harcourt

by Taylor King

APRIL-MAY 2022

Tarmac Topics

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

PATRON Kim Beazley, AC Governor of Western Australia

Welcome to our new club members Liam Brown Matthew Gabriele Daniel Wallace

COMMITTEE

Ashley Rice

Ray Challen

Peter Hill SNR

President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au

Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130

Robert Dicey Jonathan Pinardi Julie Emery Craig Sargeant D’Arcy Holman Paul Hill Rohan Miles

rathbone@iinet.net.au

Darren Heath

Jim di Menna Treasurer

Lachlan Gooding

0419 434 283 Jim.diMenna@zetta.com.au

Mitchell D’Esterre

Mick Harcourt

Christopher Barnes

Club Captain 0402 800 862 mickh@iprimus.net.au

Andrew Eldridge Committee Member 0438 220 703 andrew.eldridge@bigpond.com

Russell Philip Committee Member 0427 999 261 raphilip@westnet.com.au

Stephen Pearce Committee Member spearce@outlook.com.au

Vaughan Emery Committee Member 0412 923 494 vaughanemery@bigpond.com

Haydn Vernon Committee Member haydn.vernon@gemcorail.com.au

Samuel Farrand David Link Hasnain Bangash Marcus Bunn Shane Chea William Evans Matthew Joubert Rylan Joynes Nuruddin Mazard Hemarai Thanikachalam Riley White

CEO FOREWORD Written by David Currey

demonstrated the Club’s activities. Many, many thanks to all our members who helped on the day. Many members

This will be my last foreword as CEO of the Club, as I step

joining the Club cite attending one of the Club’s Open Days

down from this position on 13 June. The last eleven and a

as the reason they commenced training at the Club.

half years have certainly had some challenges, especially in

I would like to thank all members of staff for their hard work,

the early years of my tenure. Thanks to the support of our

many of whom go way beyond what is expected of them. In

members, staff and committee, the Club has weathered

addition, I would like to thank committee for their guidance,

these challenges and emerged with a stronger balance sheet

especially Andrew Eldridge and Ray Challen. We are very

and replaced a number of aircraft in our fleet.

fortunate to have such a high degree of commitment from committee members.

The Club is very fortunate in securing the services of Alan Wilson to take on the mantle of Chief Executive Officer. Alan

I will be returning in mid-July to take on the part time role

has an impressive track record which will be called upon to

of Principal of the WA Aviation College and look forward to

steer the Club into the next chapter of its evolution.

participating in more club events with you all.

It has been a privilege watching members achieve their personal goals. Watching members ring the Achiever’s Bell to highlight an achievement will always put a smile on my face. It is equally heartening to see how other members in the operations area share in the euphoria of the achiever.

Aircraft don’t fly backwards, so there is no point in reminiscing about the past. Let’s look to the future. There is general consensus that there is going to be a severe shortage of commercial pilots in the very near future. This bodes well for the flying training industry, but we need to accept that there will probably be a higher turnover of flight instructors as the airline industry enters a recruitment phase.

Unfortunately, we have been hit hard by sharply increasing costs. Avgas has rocketed up 87 cents in the last year, equating to an extra $33 an hour in a C172. Some spares are proving to be extremely difficult to source, even at hugely inflated prices. An example being a C152 fuel sender which cost $2,014 in February is now being quoted at ‘over $4,000 when available’. As with many other commodities, freight costs and delivery times are often very unpredictable. Having our own maintenance facility certainly helps to control these costs wherever possible.

The Club’s greatest asset is the strength of our membership.

This was very apparent at our recent Open Day where we

David Currey

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT Written by Mick Harcourt

The future – What does it hold? Well, with aviation fuel prices on the up and up the simplest way to maintain

Well into the year now and as I write, last evening we com-

currency and get a “Couple of laps in” is to partake in the

pleted the second Night Flying Competition of the year,

monthly Comps both at Jandakot and Murrayfield which

with 26 pilots, including a few getting night experience

will guarantee you remain ‘legal’, however, that doesn’t

for the first time and with help from five instructors, had

hone your navigation skills. This is why we arrange fly-

the deal done by 8:45pm! The final in the trilogy of night

aways and fly-ins to various place around the state, not

comps will be in early July and overall winners will be

massive interstate fly-ins (although the Kangaroo Island

announced, however, I believe everyone is a winner not

flight this coming September is an exception), but fun

only because of the excitement of flying at night for the

flights of a couple of hours or so.

first time, but also the challenge against yourself to ‘do it

We try to pick places where fuel is available so that you

right’ and fly in a totally different environment that you

can load up with bodies and still be legal and within

may be used to.

weight limits. This way you can cost share in a C172 three

Of course, safety is of paramount importance, and every-

or four ways and still enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded

one flies with an Instructor, whether they are Rated or not!

people, without feeling that you need a few weeks ‘down

Koorda Show, view from the Sling

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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the salt mines’ to recover financially! Plus, it is also a great

Adam Bettles has done a lot of work in organizing a fly-in

way of retaining weight and balance skills that sometimes

to the north eastern wheatbelt town of Koorda. The dates

go by the wayside when only flying solo or just with your

will be Sat/Sun 1st and 2nd October and whilst it is a mere

partner or mate on board.

112nm from Jandakot, there will be a host of activities and accommodation available. But that is October and more

Which brings me to the safety aspect of Club Flying. We

details will be forthcoming.

are, after all, left to our own devices once we leave the bosom of our home base and venture out into the world,

Speaking of Koorda, their Agricultural Show will be taking

be it 50 or 500 miles from ‘home’ and I have to say that in

place on Saturday 3rd September and RACWA will be

recent years I have been so pleased as to the standard of

represented with not only the Sling being present for joy

flying safety that we achieve on these events, that makes

flights, but a few of us will be flying out in C152s to join in

my job as “leader’ (for want of a better word) so much

the fun.

more relaxing.

The Battle of Britain Dawn Patrol, this year on Saturday

Up and coming events contain fly-ins, comps and tradi-

17th September is a traditional flight that we undertake in

tional flights:

memory of “The Few” that fought for Air Supremacy over the skies of Britain in 1940.

Whilst there are several Formation Flights taking part, it is not a pre-requisite to be formation endorsed to take part and on completion we meet up in the members lounge for a well-earned traditional breakfast.

You know, as time goes by, we look at what we’re doing in our lives and how we go about things and sometimes a change is needed to ‘re-invent’ oneself or just seek a rest from the day-to-day hubbub…. so, I have decided that the time has come for me to retire from the RACWA Club Captaincy. It is a decision that has taken me over a year to come to grips with and as I’ve gotten older my enthusiasm has not waned, but maybe my ability to perform all my duties satisfactorily I feel, is becoming jaded.

I feel I’ve done my bit and to be honest, the “job” needs new blood to inject a perhaps more modern outlook on the future of Club Flying.

Mick Harcourt, Life Member Club Captain, RACWA

Perth City - Night Flying

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Written by Jarod Rowe

set me on my journey. I was made redundant after nearly three years there but as they say “life’s a funny little thing”

Some of you may know me at the Club and some of you may

by moving back to Perth it gave me time with my father for

not, for those of you who don’t my name’s Jarod and I’ve

his last few good months before dementia took over and

been at RACWA now for coming on nine years. I’ve recently

sadly took him away from us.

had the honour of being appointed the head of operations

Since then, after being given a start by Trevor Jones with the

and head of flying operations (HOO/HOFO) of the Club. I

Aero Club I’ve done some work for charter operators CASAIR

thought I’d use my first article to tell you a little about me

and STAR to help compliment my skillset at the Aero Club

and my background in aviation.

progressing from a casual G2 to where I sit now.

Long before I was a twinkle in my father’s eye aviation was

Outside of aviation I survive by my wife Sydney and our

in my blood, he himself was a naval aviator flying Fairey

daughter Harriet who at nearly three keeps us on our toes.

Gannets off the HMAS Melbourne and including one sortie

As animal lovers we have two sausage dogs, Dallas and Dax,

through the atomic clouds at the Montebello Islands. If this

two rescue cats, Viva and Peanut and a large collection of

wasn’t enough to set me on my journey, club legend Rod

fish that for anybody who know me has now spilled into my

Garnaut is also my cousin, but both were unknown to me

office too. I follow a few sporting teams (none of which I’m

at the time of starting my journey.

willing to name currently!) and wind down working on my car, mowing stripes in my lawn or playing a game or two.

Fast forward a few years to a toddler growing up in Geraldton after a move from Perth and being obsessed with the

I’m looking forward to the challenge of running the largest

traffic overhead to far north WA or Asia. “Vapour trails!” I

training organisation in Western Australia and am grateful

used to say all the time and point to the sky, I still have family

for being bestowed the prestige of that title. With a new

friends that use this for banter, from there I was just two

CEO also on the way I’m hoping to be able to work closely

years old and I wanted to be a pilot.

with him to help shape the future of the Club and college for

Jump forward again and I travelled to an out of zone high

many years to come. If you’re at the Club come say hi and

school to attend the Greenwood SHS aeronautics program,

introduce yourself if I don’t know you, I’m always interested

I then went onto ECU to study my Bachelor of Science in

in a good aviation story and hopefully next season I’ll be able

Aviation. With no fee help it was a slow grind taking me

to start enjoying talking about football again too. Until my

seven years to complete my CPL and working a dozen or so

next article, safe flying.

different jobs to help fund my way. I completed my training down the road at the now defunct aeroplane company and not long after passed my instructor rating.

With the GFC in full swing it took nine months to find a job down at the Bunbury Aero Club, I spent nearly three years down there and still stay in contact with my former CFI Leith Wilson, from down there who gave me my first job and help

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ACHIEVERS Congratulations to all of our achievers for the months of April and May. We are very proud to see so many people reaching new heights in their flight training with us.

FIRST SOLO

Craig Sargeant - First Solo - April

Kaya Farrell - First Solo - April

Kohl Branch - First Solo - April

Kyle Birch - First Solo - May

Marcus Bunn - First Solo - May

Matthew Gabriele - First Solo - April

Mohamedamin Nour - First Solo - April

Riley White - First Solo - May

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

Rylan Joynes - First Solo - May

Samuel Farrand - First Solo - May

Shane Chea - First Solo - May

Shawn Taylor - First Solo - April

Tariq Hartley Turner - First Solo - April

Tom Watts - First Solo - April

RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

Zaymin Chapman-Ryan - First Solo - April

Danielle Wright - RPL - May

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Cooper Sutton - RPL - May

Jett Colletti - RPL - May

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Raizagul Qurbani - RPL - May

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

Riley Wallace RPL - May

Will Taylor - PPL - May

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)

Adam Bettles - CPL - April

Liam Kirk - CPL - April

Mitchell D’Esterre - CPL - April

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

WAAC APRIL AND MAY UPDATE Written by Jerry Woong

PPL navigation training. I am sure seeing the wheatbelt region is something quite refreshing for them and the

April and May have been busy months students and

extra space in the cockpit must be nice too. They start

staff at WAAC, but the same could be said for every

their first CPL theory subject at the beginning of June

other month. The B21 class have now completed their

and will be flying in between whenever possible.

classes for their CPL theory exams and the ones that

The end of April also saw a new class starting, B22. They

have passed all seven papers will now progress into

have since attended the three initial weeks of theory

their hour building flying and some commencing the

for their RPL exams and have achieved good scores

CPL flying syllabus. Seeing as they will spend a little

across the board. Most of them have completed their

less time in the classrooms, I wish them the best in

first solo flight and have moved onto their first area

their flying.

solo training syllabus. I wish them the very best in the

The A22 class passed their PPL theory exams and have

remainder of their training and to the ones that have

commenced their training on the Cessna C172 as well as

gone first solo, congratulations.

WAAC Class B22

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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CAREERS EXPO Written by Trent Donovan

In the past, we have seen many students who had previously spoken to us at the expo when they were

The Western Australian Aviation College was present

in year 9 or 10 enrol and complete the College’s Diplo-

again at the 2022 Careers Expo held at the Perth Con-

ma course once they finished school. This means the

vention and Exhibition Centre. Running Thursday to

lead time between the College attending an Expo and

Sunday, the first two days of the expo see over 3000

seeing those students enrol can be between 3 and 4

school students a day attend to find out information

years! We hope to have another successful Careers

about future careers. A recent investment in a new

Expo next year.

Xbox based simulator was a huge drawcard to pique

Congratulations to Fred Harris, who entered our com-

both students’, and the general publics, interest in

petition at the Careers Expo and won his first flying

aviation. A huge amount of interest was shown with

lesson!

a surprising number of enquiries about private flight training shown by parents (and even other exhibitors) on the weekend.

Careers Expo Competition Winner - Fred Harris and Family

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien

Private student, Craig Sargeant achieved his First Solo on the 29th of April. After multiple paperwork and

The Tiger is coming! Have you ever wondered what it

weather delays, Craig thought he might never go solo.

would be like to fly in a vintage DH-82A Tiger Moth?

Luckily, after multiple weeks of being grounded, the

How about flying out of Murrayfield when you do it?

weather cleared up, the winds died down and he was

The Tiger Moth Vintage Flights will soon be available

off. At the time of writing this, Craig is almost at the

down in Murrayfield once a month. Grab a 30-minute

end of his RPL training and is looking to go onto PPL.

flight for a quick spin over Mandurah or a 45 or 60-min-

Even though winter has set in it does not mean good

ute flight to see the estuaries and beaches. Stay tuned

flying weather is gone. Many mornings, though a little

for updates in either the weekly email or social media

cold, are calm and clear. So, make the most of it while

for when it will become available.

you can!

Happy flying!

View of Mandurah from a Murrayfield Trial Flight

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WHAT A LOAD OF POTENTIAL FOD! Written by Reece Bateson

An ink pen lodged beneath the rudder bar - jamming it. And a “glass jar” was found beneath the front seat, next to the

It is amazing how often we go to pre-flight and are disap-

forward control stick, with new dents in the lid.

pointed to find an aircraft with empty oil bottles, rags, and

The pen and the jar caused an accident that seriously

rubbish (including used tissues and food scraps) left in the

injured one and, luckily, left the other occupant uninjured.

cockpit or glovebox.

But it could have been much worse.

Not taking away from the fact that the hygiene issue this

So next time you go flying, before leaving the aircraft, do

poses for ourselves and not forgetting our friendly main-

a once over and think “would I be happy to receive the air-

tenance team who get lumped with discarding this rubbish

craft in this condition if I was the next pilot” and if not either

when the aircraft comes in for inspections. But there is also

fix the issue, if possible, or report it when you return the

a major aviation safety issue with leaving these things in

aircraft book to operations.

the cabin.

Demonstrate good airmanship by not being the one that

You secure everything in your cabin, right? I mean every-

leaves an aircraft untidy for the next pilot.

thing - pencils, pens, that plastic bottle you use when the flight’s too long and the bathroom’s too far - everything.

We’ve all heard the dangers of FOD on the runway, and you probably check the cabin for an out of place tool before you take off. If you don’t, you should. I’ve heard stories of tools being left under seats and on cockpit dashboards that were discovered on pre-flight, which had potential to add excitement to the sorties.

How about in the cockpit? Do you strap down all the luggage? How about your flight bag and your EFB? A quick survey of NTSB reports picked up a great example of what can go wrong when even little items are out-ofplace. A pen and a “relief jar” came loose during the take-off roll in a Vans RV-8.

What’s the worst that could happen?

At rotation, the airplane pulled “hard” to the left, and pitched up “more aggressively” than a standard take-off.

The pilot applied full down elevator, “but the nose would not come down.” The airplane then pitched nose down, the pilot applied full up elevator, and the airplane attained a level pitch attitude prior to ground contact. (NTSB Report IAD05LA072)

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

MAINTENANCE MATTERS Written by Gig Papa-Adams

condense into solid fuel which is less likely to provide a combustible mixture. To compensate for this the pilot can

Recent cold weather has highlighted the need to revis-

add more prime fuel than is usually required and reduce

it some starting issues in these conditions. Some issues

the time between priming and cranking the engine to a

are beyond the control of the pilot but if we know about

minimum. Less than 5 seconds is good.

them, we can revise our starting methods to accommo-

The viscosity of the oil in the engine changes with tem-

date them.

perature. As it becomes` thicker’ in cold temps it increas-

The capacity of the aircraft’s battery to crank the engine

es the friction inside the engine and makes it more dif-

decreases with the decrease in temperature. This is due

ficult for the starter to turn it over. In some cases, the

to the internal chemistry in lead/acid battery we use.

`thick’ oil can prevent the magneto impulse coupling from

As pilots we can ensure that we have as much cranking

operating and stop it from `flicking over’ the magneto to

power as possible by reducing the electrical loss from the

give a good spark at cranking RPM. Oil issues are beyond

battery before and during cranking. During the pre-flight

control of the pilot during starting but it is worth noting

inspection when checking any electrical service make sure

that the speed of rotation is not important as long as the

that ALL other services are turned off and keep the time

engine is turning over and the impulse coupling is oper-

the master switch is ON to a minimum. When cranking

ating with an audible `click’.

the engine ensure that ALL other non-essential services

Once the engine has started, the cold dense air and the

are turned OFF.

lack of good atomisation will make the idle mixture a little

The atomisation of the fuel during priming is reduced in

leaner than usual and therefore the engine may not idle

low temperatures. The priming system usually delivers

with the throttle fully closed for a couple of minutes until

the fuel into the engine’s induction manifold as a fine

the engine has warmed up.

spray. In cold temperatures the fuel droplets quickly

Cessna 152 in the Hangar

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ROTTO BUN RUN Written by Tom Paynter Club Member 11729 This year I was fortunate enough to go on the famous RACWA Rotto Bun Run, the yearly tradition of flying out to Rottnest Island to buy Hot Cross buns on Good Friday as a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I had flown to Rotto before, and flown with passengers before, but I had never flown with so many other aircraft in a club event, this was going to be something new and different.

The morning of the event I sat down and pre-planned the flight as much as I could, checked the weather and tried to mentally prepare and rehearse as much as possible. This proved quite helpful because by the time it came to the club briefing, I realised that it was actually a simple flight and not half as complex and I had led myself to believe!

The flight out to the island was very enjoyable, however, there was a lot of traffic; nothing unmanageable, but it certainly was busy. The upside to this was that it is quite surreal to see so many other aircraft from the sky. I’m certain I’ll give formation flying a go in the near future.

If I thought the CTAF was busy, I was in for a surprise when I saw the parking. I have never seen so many aircraft in one small space before. It was a great feeling to know that the keys to one of the aircraft was actually in my own pocket.

After parking we all walked into the bakery for a late breakfast. We spent the rest of the morning exploring the island, visiting many lovely beaches and lakes. Of course, we found some very friendly and curious Quokkas who were as photogenic as expected.

For the flight home we chose to go the long way back to Jandakot, via Mullaloo Point and a nice trip down the coast through to Rockingham. This was a peaceful way to finish a great day of aviation.

I thought the trip would be far more stressful, however the support and assistance I had from the Club and other members was amazing and was most appreciated. I strongly encourage other members to go to these events,

View of Rottnest Island from a Cessna

you learn so much and it is a great way to spend a day out.

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

ANZAC DAY Written by Tom Keamy

From the air you could see the mass of the crowds for the dawn service and the small glow of the eternal flame.

ANZAC Day 2022 saw our club members and associates

On completion of our overfly we then tracked coastal

embark on our annual dawn patrol formation flight.

towards Fremantle then south to the Power House where

The flight consisted of three DH82 Tiger Moths and a Fock-

the formation split in half, two returned to Jandakot while

wulf FW-44J organised by Werner Bulman and Mick Har-

the other two continued onto Serpentine.

court. Departing Jandakot at 6am we were greeted by an

The ongoing tradition of this flight is a gesture of remem-

incredible sunrise. A brilliant red, yellow and pink warmed

brance for those who gave all for the lives of others.

the early dawn as we flew direct to Perth City.

Lest we forget.

Our track was to take us for an orbit of Kings Park and overfly of the war memorial. Calm winds and a high cloud layer that sensationalised the sunrise made for incredibly picturesque conditions.

ANZAC Day Dawn Flight

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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JURIEN BAY FLY-IN Written by Mark Kemp

The trip was a great incentive to get some flying in, an opportunity to catch up with other club members to share flying

On 14 May 2022 “Norm” and a group of pilots from the Royal

stories and to socialise over good food and drinks.

Aero Club and their passengers flew to Jurien Bay for an

On Sunday morning Holly and Simon departed to continue

overnight stay.

their adventure northwards in the Victa Airtourer whilst BOF

The group departed Jandakot ahead of impending inclement

and the Sling returned to Jandakot. Sue and Adrian were

weather, which prevented some day visit pilots from joining

lucky to stay a little longer.

the group for lunch, as the weather conditions were forecast

It was a very enjoyable trip and always a great experience

to worsen for their return in the afternoon.

flying over the beautiful WA coast.

The remaining group had good flying conditions and arrived

Thanks to Mick Harcourt for organising the trip and to Ian

to pleasant weather in Jurien.

for kindly providing transport to and from Jurien airstrip.

After time to explore the pier, shops and cafes the group gathered at the local hotel to discuss the evening plans since the hotel restaurant was closed due to COVID-19 staffing issues. Sue and Adrian volunteered to host a BBQ, which was cooked to perfection by Simon, Justin and Anthony and enjoyed by all.

Club Members ‘The Harvard’

Norm in Jurien Bay

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

OPEN DAY 2022 Written by Taylor King

We hosted two learn to fly seminars and sold just over 20 scenic and trial flights taken on the day.

This year’s Open Day was, without a doubt, the best Open

For the kids, we had a kid’s zone at the back of the Club,

Day the Club has ever held. We could not have asked for

which had a face painter, a few lawn games, and a Mr Whippy

better weather, which we used to our advantage, and held

ice-cream van.

the sausage sizzle on the rooftop.

The Open Day cannot happen without the hard work and

We were supported by stallholders including the Air Force

support of our staff and members. Thank you to all involved,

Cadets, Australian Women Pilots’ Association, Flight City

from the preparation of the event to the running of the

Simulator, WA Aviation College, WA Radio Modellers and

day, we are very proud of the way we all came together to

Jandakot Instruments & Avionics.

showcase our Club.

As well as our fleet, we had a Cirrus, Tecnam, Extra Ng, Penjet’s Beech 1900 and Citation on display on the apron.

Open Day - Aircraft Display

Open Day Formation

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Open Day - Club Members’ Cirrus on Display

Club Stand at the Open Day, supported by our Club Committee

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TARMAC TOPICS APRIL - MAY 2022

WAAC STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Written by Allan Moi

Written by Matthew Cox journey

Since I can remember I’ve

began at the Morley

always been fascinated

Senior High School. The

with aviation. Still to this

aviation program ran by

day, I find it mind blowing

Bridget Tait propelled me

how it’s evolved over the

towards the discovery of

many decades.

one’s potential and abili-

The technology utilised in

ty. Hence why, I decide to

the different areas of an

pursue a career in aviation to challenge myself and influence

aircraft, from the airframe’s structure to the cockpit can

change in my social circle.

be seen as newer aircraft emerge. We are very fortunate

My

aviation

that we can use the Clubs well-kept aircraft, and progress

After high school I decide to study a Bachelor of Aviation at

through from the simple to the more complex aircraft as

Edith Cowan University. Prior to the completion the degree,

our training progresses. The simple well-built Cessna 152

an opportunity to become a pilot presented itself under

provides everything we need to use in-order to build the

the VSL program at the Western Australia Aviation College

basics of our flight training, we then progress to the Cessna

(WAAC). I took the opportunity with both hands to fulfill my

172’s that allow us to fly further and complete more in-depth

dream of becoming a pilot.

training. Before eventually finishing up our CPL training on

As a student at WAAC, I receive a lot of support from the

the Mooney’s with a retractable undercarriage.

instructors and staff who have created an environment

What makes our aviation journey at the Club even more

which enables oneself to succeed. The ground school

enjoyable is the people around the place. From the staff at

instructors Herman, Jerry and Palak adopt multiple teaching

the front desk, to the fantastic instructors that are always

styles to accommodate students who have different learning

there to offer their assistance, as well as the mechanics who

styles. They ensure that all every student understands and is

maintain the great aircraft and the students who share a

satisfied with the teaching material. In class, despite study-

bond as we advance together in our training. No matter who

ing to pass exams, the theory also exemplified transferable

you speak with there are always words of encouragement

skills to be applied towards flying and improving safety.

and support, making you feel welcome and at home. That

Currently, I am a PPL holder, but I am working towards

environment really helps in achieving in our little goals that

obtaining a CPL. I am very grateful for the staff, instructors,

then grow to bigger ones.

and facilities at WAAC.

The Aero Club has a fleet of many different aircraft that members can utilise through private hiring. As a student it allows me to polish up certain aspects that I may need to improve upon, but it also allows us to share our passion and love of aviation with our families and friends. I have been on adventures with fellow students to Rottnest and was even able to take my Dad for his first flight in a light aircraft. Being able to share these experiences with those around me is incredible and reminds me about how blessed we are, not only in the country we live in but for our families and friends that we can share our experiences with.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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THE OLD FLIERS GROUP Bulletin No 187 February 2022 Written by Stephen Rogers

Bulletin No 188 March 2022 Written by Stephen Rogers

This month we met at RAAFA Estate.86 members came for

Rebecca Maddern was invited to talk to us about the Royal

lunch and to hear our two presenters. The meals prepared

Flying Doctor Service. I asked her to elaborate on the day-to-

for us were delicious.

day activities.

Don Gordon spoke first. He has previously spoken of the Prone

It just so happened that the Federal Government have just

Meteor, RAF Cosford and the Fairey Delta 2.Today he spoke

announced a one-billion-dollar support package over ten

about the DH106 Comet 1 accidents. Specifically, how the

years. Rebecca told us what the RFDS had planned for this

aircraft had to be handled on take-off. Raising the nose above

typical day, what they have done this week and this month.

a modest climb could cause tail drag and failure to climb.

Keeping the RFDS promise: The furthest corner. The finest care. The OFG were pleased to donate to the work of the RFDS.

Don is coming back next month to continue the story of the Comet. I received favourable comments after the talk. After a ten-minute break we returned to hear from David Leith.

David was introduced to us by member Bevan Marshall.

David’s father was a Spitfire pilot during WW2.David has his father’s logbook and memorabilia. He read passages from

Rebecca then introduced Anthony Green, General Manager

contemporary accounts of the events after D Day when

Aviation.

their squadron had been moved to France. In fact, just

A lively and engaging speaker, Anthony told us about his great

behind the Normandy beaches.

crew and aircraft. The medical staff, pilots and engineers who make it all happen. The searching questions at the conclusion of his talk showed how interested our audience was.

Don Gordon then returned to present part two of the DeHavilland Comet-1 story. A story of three in-flight break-ups.

May 1953, January 1954, and April 1954. Exhaustive investigation revealed multiple design and structural flaws. Was the cause the square windows? No. Other aircraft had those. Was it weather related or sabotage?

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Explosive decompression was the culprit. Metal fatigue, cabin

What could be simpler. Take two Tiger Moths, land in the park,

pressure differential and the flimsiness of the skin and struc-

hear some speeches then return to Jandakot. Not so. Mick

tural elements were to blame. Competitors such as Boeing

became engaged with bureaucracy.

were highly interested.

City of Perth, WA Police, Insurance cover, CASA, etc. Will another fly-in to Langley Park take place?

Bulletin No 189 April 2022 Written by Stephen Rogers Jim Dowell flies a Cessna 340. He and his family live in WA

Bulletin No 190 May 2022 Written by Stephen Rogers

where the highest mountain is 4,098’.

Retired Engineer Jack Apgar told us that there were three major inventions that helped win WW2 for the Allies. These were radar, proximity fuses and nuclear weapons. It was ‘Deak” Parsons that had a hand in two of these. It was proximity fused flak that brought down V1 Doodlebugs aimed for London and Antwerp and Kamikaze pilots in the Pacific theatre.

He brought his expertise to the Manhattan project, working alongside Robert Oppenheimer.

Jack’s father was a B29 Captain.

Jack rated the F111 aircraft very highly, an ideal fighter /bomb-

He grew up and learnt to fly in Colorado where the tallest

er/ reconnaissance aircraft for Australia. We then broke for ten

mountain is 14,440’. In fact, there are 52 mountains over

minutes during which 85 thirsty people headed for the bar.

14,000’. He told us of the challenges of high altitude, ferocious

On return, Paul Williams rose to tell us of an upbringing in

wind, and poor visibility. Landing at an airport often involves

the UK where, as an Air Cadet he flew in a Piston Provost at

committing to descent into blind valleys. Excellent photos and

the age of 14. No wonder then that Paul joined the RAF as an

video accompanied Jim’s talk.

avionics technician. When volunteers were called for to work

Mick Harcourt was asked by the family of Sir Norman Brear-

in the Zambian Air Force, he applied.

ley if the Club could celebrate the 100th anniversary of the

Returning to the UK, he worked on the RAF Britannia and

establishment of an aerial service to the North-West.

third prototype Concorde before emigrating to Australia and

The Club invited pilots to fly together over the route.

obtaining his CPL.

In addition, it was proposed to conduct a fly-in to where it all

We have now 102 members for 2022. Our Old Fliers Group

began at: Langley Park.

channel has had 2,734,451 views. No wonder, with 686 talks to choose from!

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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STAFF NEWS Written by David Currey

this task, or purchased a generic version, David has largely single-handedly completed this task by himself.

David Royans has stepped down from the HoO and HoFO

We were very pleased to announce the promotion of

positions to commence the process to become a Flight

Jarod Rowe Head of Operations (HoO) and Head of Flying

Examiner for both Flight Instructor Rating and Low-Level

Operations (HoFO) and Jenny Schmidt to the role of Deputy

endorsements, in accordance with the Club’s succession plan.

HoO on May 30.

During his tenure as HoO and HoFO, David successfully saw

Congratulations to Jarod, Jenny and David, please give them all your support in their new roles.

the Club receiving its Part 142 accreditation. In addition, David continued to navigate the Club through the rest of the regulatory reform process that CASA has required (CASR 135 and 138), which remain on-going.

I would like to thank David for his efforts in ensuring that the Club met all deadlines imposed by CASA for the rewriting of all the Club’s exposition, manuals and guides.

Whilst other organisations have either employed a team for

NEW MEMBERS’ PORTAL Written by Kristin Moriarty

We are continuing to add content with the goal of providing our members with access to useful resources all

Coinciding with the launch of the new website in May we

in one place. If there is anything you would like to see

also launched our new members portal Wild Apricot.

in the future please let us know by emailing marketing@ royalaeroclubwa.com.au.

It is accessible from the front page of the website, the top left-hand corner has a light blue button, just click on Member Portal Login and it will take you through to a login page. If it is your first-time logging in, you will be asked to reset your password.

In there you can update your contact details, this ensures you are receiving the weekly emails, membership renewal reminders and invitations to special events.

You will also find training guides, aircraft guides, links to register for events. aircraft bookings, maintenance bookings and ideas for flights around our great state.

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Sunset over the Club captured by WAAC Student Will Evans

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