Tarmac Topics Magazine Dec/Jan 2022

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT

CARRIAGE OF DOCUMENTS

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LANGLEY PARK FLY-IN

HAMBURGER CLUB

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by Mick Harcourt

by Ray Challen

by David Royans

by Eric R Hibbett

DECEMBER-JANUARY 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 Shalia Govender

Connor Lock

Jeremy Hill

William Ballington

Melissa Wallis

Zaymn Chapman-Ryan

COMMITTEE

Keith King

Brett Fox

Gregory Chatfield

Thomas Holt

Ray Challen

Dylan Drabsch

Danielle Wright

Nicholas Skilton

Craig Woodbridge

Margaret Kudla

Dinesh Silwal

Jason Davis

Binu Joseph

Xavier Camacho

Mark Wagenaar

Molly Blumears

Anthony Bell

President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au

Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130

Evan Brown

Kalan Bailey

rathbone@iinet.net.au

Lochlan Cable

Jamie Welch

Jim di Menna Treasurer

Rory Colquhoun

Sean Klamut

Daniel Izonritei

Matthew Glaus

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

Cooper Sutton

Bob Emery

Riley Wallace

Ean MacPherson

Mick Harcourt

Daniel Wilcox

William Ballington

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

John Cawt

CEO REPORT

Written by David Currey

The Club has commenced its very popular Young Eagles program in January. It is very important for the Club to fulfil

During the festive period, many members took advantage

its mandate of introducing aviation to the general public, and

of the landing fee concession for certain Club aircraft at

the Young Eagles program targets the youth. Taylor King is

Rottnest Island. There was scarcely a day when a Club air-

coordinating the program, with Club volunteers conducting

craft was not parked at YRTI. This concession for members

the events.

is used frequently as Rottnest Island is an excellent desti-

David Royans and his team will be converting our training

nation. Combined with a City and Beaches flight, members

manuals and exposition to comply with the new Part 91

can give their passengers a unique view of Perth at the same

standards. Since 2016, the Club had invested a significant

time as refreshing their controlled airspace skills. With a

amount of resources to keep up with the requirements of

flight or two with an instructor, members who have a RPL

CASA’s regulatory reform process. Any change also impacts

can take friends and family to Rottnest Island.

the College which has to amend presentations and notes to

CAR has been upgraded to a 180hp C172, similar to the rest

comply with the new regulations. The true cost to the Club

of the C172 fleet. Unfortunately RWT has been damaged

(and GA industry) of complying with the constant changes

beyond economical repair and has been written off. This

is staggering.

will place pressure on the C172 fleet, especially as WAAC

The WAAC January 2022 intake has commenced training

numbers are growing. Without WAAC, the Club would not

which will see the C152 fleet very busy for the next few

have the critical mass to pay the ever-increasing overheads.

months. The College has received increased Vet Student

At the same time, without members, the Club would cease

Loan funding from the Department of Education which will

to exit. The compromise is to give priority for the C172 fleet

see the College re-introducing a three intake program. This

to integrated training during the week, and members have

will translate to increased flying hours for the Club.

priority over the weekend.

Economists are predicting further increases in the price of

The last few months has seen a very active club. Congratu-

fuel. The Club keeps aircraft hire rates as low as possible

lations to Mick Harcourt for organising CKF and FAS to land

but will have to pass on any increase in the price of avgas.

at Langley Park to commemorate the actual commencement of the first flight of West Australian Airways, 100 years ago.

We have unfortunately had to delay the new New Members’

This event received good coverage in the local media.

Welcome in March due to Covid conditions, but we look forward to welcoming our new members to our club soon.

Many thanks to Taylor King and Vaughan Emery for organising the 2021 Christmas Party. Assisted by David O’Brien and

Autumn is the best time of the year to schedule a night rating.

Raelene, the event proved to be very popular with members.

If you would like to expand your aviation skills with a night

Taylor has also launched a Sunday Sundowner event, for

rating, speak to an instructor about what is required. There

members to come together once a month to socialise. The

is an active group of members who undertake a flight to a

inaugural sundowner was held in January and had approx-

wheat-belt town every month to retain night currency. Mem-

imately 30 members take part.

bers with a night rating are encouraged to join this group to experience the unique rural hospitality of WA towns.

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT Written by Mick Harcourt

In December of last year, John Douglas (JD) and I had the honour of landing two Tiger Moths on Langley Park, Perth to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sir Norman Brear-

Hello all and a belated “Happy New Year”

ley’s achievements in 1921. After nearly 6 months of negoti-

With a promise of milder weather to come and perfect flying

ations with many, many emails, phone calls and discussions,

conditions throughout the autumn months, rest assured

this event was allowed to go ahead and we thank the City

your Flying Committee will find activities to keep you inter-

of Perth for allowing this.

ested and busy with your flying.

The event was also made possible with the help of the MGTC,

But before we move forward, let’s review a little of what

MG Car Club and Mustang Car Owners’ Club of WA (MOCWA)

has been happening:

who acted as security in a very unique way by using their

Sadly we have lost a few members and friends in the last

cars as barriers to prevent any general public who might

year, who will be missed in our flying community. Members

have wandered across the park at an ‘inopportune’ moment!

who have been associated with RACWA for many decades as

Club members Gary Evans and Haydn Vernon led the RACWA

mentors, instructors and teachers to many of us throughout

Team of 20 volunteers in organising the final part of the

our flying.

safety program.

Mick Harcourt flying into Langley Park

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Also in December, The Lancaster Flight took place with a

The Rottnest Bun Run is not til mid-April this year, so plenty

briefing under the Lancaster at the Aviation Heritage Muse-

of time to sort out for that, but just in case….put 15th April

um, Bullcreek – with kind permission from museum man-

(Good Friday) in your diary!

agement – then after a quick look around at the multitude

So, at the risk of repeating myself, the monthly comps are

of aircraft and memorabilia we returned to Jandakot to fly

not ‘for sheep stations’; they are probably the best oppor-

the route across the dams in the Darling Escarpment to the

tunity you will get for gaining or maintaining currency, new

east and south of Perth.

skills, interesting programs and meeting new, likemind-

The Christmas “Two for One” comp held in mid-December

ed people. At Jandakot we are doing our best to keep the

was well patronised by the usual suspects as well as a couple

fixed price (in a C152) as low as possible – currently $70 – to

of new entrants. Rod Garnaut is not only a Club Champion,

encourage everyone to attend. Murrayfield is charged at

but is a name you will come across, especially as a new mem-

VDO of aircraft use.

ber, for someone to help mentor you through with infor-

Jandakot: Last Sunday of the Month. 0900 Sign up, 0915 Brief

mation regarding these competitions and social occasions.

Murrayfield: Second Sunday of the Month: 0830 Breakfast,

The members’ Christmas party followed the comp and was

0900 Sign up, 0915 Brief

a raging success, with Doug Brooks receiving his well-deserved Life Member Award and John Ridley finally receiving

There are some changes throughout the year to both dates

the Adkins Trophy earned by his participation in Club Comps.

and times, but generally this is how we roll.

In mid-January, Vaughan Emery and myself organised

Please feel free to contact me for more detail, by email,

the Augusta Fly-in and were pleased to see the number

text, or phone….or just stop me in the Club sometime….I’ll

of attendees for this event. Initially there were 28 aircraft

be happy to help.

booked to take part, however, in the fullness of time a few

Cheers

had to drop out for various reasons and we ended up with

Mick Harcourt, Club Captain.

23 aircraft departing from Jandakot, Serpentine and Murrayfield. The dinner on the Saturday evening had 60 people attending and Vaughan’s full report can be seen elsewhere in this edition.

Early March we will have a quick trip to Northam for brunch – this is still in the planning stage with Northam Aero Club (NAC) and more details will come to hand very soon, but for the moment let me just say that we will plan to eat “off airfield” – that is, bus into town and let someone else do the cooking!

Keeping an eye on your weekly update emails for details of up and coming events will help you plan out your flying program and I can’t stress enough as to how important they have become.

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

CARRIAGE OF DOCUMENTS

Written by David Royans

signed on multiple occasions. This happened previously with the rules being clear! Going further, one or more of the

Under regulations prior to Dec 02 2021, as well as any oper-

MR or POH will be lost - grounding the aircraft until the MR

ational documents required, the Pilot in Command (PIC) was

and/or POH can be replaced. At worst, the MR may be left

responsible for ensuring the following documents were car-

on the ground, and end up lost, then replaced, with a copy

ried on board the aircraft:

of the MR (at the time of issue) being used, and the aircraft flying with possible major defects.

• Flight Crew Licence (FCL), Medical Certificate and photo-

RACWA’s safety manager has carried out a risk assessment

graphic ID of flight crew.

on the risk and consequences of having the documents on

• Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)

board or not and, according to all historical evidence, the

• Maintenance Release (MR)

risk of losing documents, and the ensuing outcomes, is far

• Under the new Flight operations Regulations – in particular

greater than the risk of the documents becoming projectiles

CASR Part 91 - certain documents are not required to be

in the aircraft. So far, no damage has been caused to aircraft

on board the aircraft at certain times:

or occupants by documents becoming missiles. Damage has

• CARRIAGE OF DOCUMENTS

been caused by control locks, throttle locks and pilot’s body

• CASR 91.105 exempts the PIC and each flight crew member

parts. As a result of this risk assessment, RACWA is mandat-

from carrying

ing that the Pilot in Command of all RACWA flights (AOC, and Private hire) is to ensure the POH and MR are carried on ALL

• FCL, Medical, Photographic ID

flights. The carriage of FCL, Medical, and photographic ID

• Flight Manual/POH

remains at the discretion of of the PIC – provided no regula-

• if Aero’s will be conducted during the flight and carriage

tions are contravened. Remember you are responsible for

of these documents present a risk. It makes no mention

ensuring your knowledge of the regulations is sufficient. If

of the M/R, so it must be carried.

you have concerns, and the regulations allow, you may leave

• CASR 91.110 allows aircraft to fly within 50NM of the air-

any items on the ground, other than the MR and POH. Don’t

craft’s point of departure or within a training area without

leave items on the apron to become Foreign Object Damage

carrying:

(FOD) – leave them inside the building. If conducting Aeros

• M/R

in the C152s, the MR and POH should be secured in the red

• Aeronautical information (maps, charts, publications etc).

bag. The red bag is the issue here, not the carriage of the

These two reg’s combined would indicate that, within 50NM

documents. Check the red bag is in good condition and secured correctly. The engineering department can have

of the aerodrome of departure a M/R does not need to be carried, and if conducting Aeros the POH also doesn’t need to

them repaired/replaced quite quickly.

be carried. However, if not conducting Aeros, the FCL, Med-

Remember for a Pvt Hire you still need to present a valid

ical, photographic ID and POH must be carried. Confusing?

FCL and medical to hire a RACWA aircraft, even if the rules

If this sounds confusing, imagine what will eventually hap-

allow you not to carry it.

pen to the documents! At the very least, the MR will not be

This brings us to the question of digital FCLs. RACWA will

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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David Royans - Head of Operations

accept digital FCLs however, you should be aware of the

at home and present a digital licence before it has had time

limitations of the updating process of digital licences. The

to be updated by CASA, the instructor approving the hire

following is a scenario that could well occur.

of the aircraft must be guided by what he/she sees on the licence. If your new FR or design feature etc. has not been

When conducting a flight review (FR) you must present a

updated you will be disappointed.

paper FCL in its entirety to the instructor conducting the FR. This is because the instructor commits an offence if, on

You should be aware that a digital licence is not simply an

successful completion of the FR, he/she does not write it in

emailed paper licence or a photo of your licence on your

the pilot’s FCL. After this, the instructor has 14 days in which

phone. It is a digitally generated and CASA-issued licence,

to notify CASA of the successful outcome. This is done by

which can be updated by CASA without your input. Also,

the instructor electronically on the CASA site, or by sending

be aware the paper document does not rely upon a battery.

the FR form to CASA. Although you may now exercise the

Whilst I give no advice on whether you should carry a paper

privilege of the class rating or operational rating immedi-

or digital licence, you should be aware of the above limita-

ately, there will be a time lag between the notification and

tions.

when CASA updates your records. So far so good. You can present your paper FCL to hire an aircraft but if you leave it

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

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

FIRST SOLO

Brett Fox - First Solo - January

Emrik Graff - First Solo - January

Lachie Darrow - First Solo - January

Michael Hodgson - First Solo - December

Nathan Vitanza - First Solo - January

Quinton Roberts - First Solo - December

Sean Klamut - First Solo - January

Shalia Govender - First Solo - January

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

Tarek Elalkamy - First Solo - January

Travis Powell - First Solo - January

Alex Hicken - RPL - December

Andrew Mouncer - RPL - December

Geoff Chambers - RPL - December

Gov Van Ek - RPL - January

Jack Gilbert - RPL - January

Jan Deptula - RPL - January.JPG

Matthew Longworth - RPL - December

Naomi Scott - RPL - December

Paul Jewell - RPL - January

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

Rohan Badge - RPL - December

Thomas Paynter - RPL - January

Tom Watts - RPL - December

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

Xavier Camacho - RPL - January

Ching Ho (Vanessa) Mok - PPL - December

Daniel Kotronis - PPL - December

Jawid Dadarkar - PPL - December

Juan Trazona - PPL - December

Ka Ming Ku - PPL - December

Kim Halliday - PPL - December

Noah Humberstone - PPL - December

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Sean Martin - PPL - December

Shaun Heredia - PPL - January

Thomas Bickerdike PPL - December

Cody Roberts - CPL - December

Liam Brown - CPL - December

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)

Shelley Murray - CPL - January

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

WAAC DECEMBER AND JANUARY UPDATE Written Jerry Woong

ation industry went through a regulation change, creating ripple effects down to the students themselves.

December and January have been a busy two months

In January 2022 we welcomed a new class of students,

at WAAC, with the B21 class starting their first of seven

Class A22. By the end of January they have completed

CPL theory exams whilst the A21 class sat their final

all the classes required for their RPL theory exams.

exam. The other students were either flying or having

Thereafter they will move onto the flying phase, and

a well-deserved break for Christmas.

inching closer to their milestones, especially their first solos and obtaining their RPLs.

December also marks the month where the whole avi-

WAAC Students Class A22 L–R D.Wilcox, L.Cable, R.Colquhoun, R.Wallace, E.Brown, C.Lock, D.Izonritei, M.Blumears, R.Qurbani, C.Sutton

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien

2 years ago just as COVID lockdown began to hit Western Australia. Undeterred by this, he worked hard throughout

Greetings from Murrayfield!

his training and received his RPL licence on the 16th of December. Just in time for Christmas!

The New Year is here and it certainly has been an interesting start to the year for Murrayfield. The smell of burning

I would also like to congratulate Andrew Mouncer on

wood and ash still fills the area as I sit here writing this. I

achieving his RPL licence on the 22nd of December.

am pleased to say that while the flames did get close, there

Andrew’s determination meant he was able to achieve this

was no damage to the airfield thanks to the efforts of fire-

in a little over a year. This is not the end of his flight-training

fighters both on the ground and in the air.

journey as he is already looking to start on his PPL.

We have seen some students gain their RPL licences recently.

Happy Flying!

Congratulations to Alex Hicken on passing his RPL flight test. Alex started his flight-training journey a little under

The recent fires approaching the airfield

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

REMEMBER TO STAY HYDRATED Written by Reece Bateson

Do not hesitate to cancel or delay your plans until you feel up for flying.

Remember to stay hydrated!

Take water on every flight

Summer is here, bringing with it clear skies and hot days.

It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water (or a sports drink)

But summer is also the peak season for an often over-

in your flight bag to maintain hydration. Keep some water

looked but serious flight hazard: dehydration. Unfortunate-

bottles on board for your passengers as well. The amount

ly, many pilots are unaware of the symptoms of dehydra-

of water you need each day depends on individual factors.

tion and the dangers this condition can pose during flight.

Fly safely this summer and remember to stay hydrated!

Signs of dehydration Some of the warning signs of mild dehydration to look out for include headache, fatigue, dizziness, dry or sticky mouth, and of course, the sensation of thirst. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or one of your passengers, rehydrate right away and move to a cooler area, if possible.

MAINTENANCE REPORT Written by Gig Papa-Adams

Always refit the pitot cover after your flight as well as all the other things required to secure and tidy the aircraft. Good

With the warm weather comes bugs, not sick bugs, except

airmanship extends right the way through to parking and

for COVID, but insects. Now some of these little ba…critters

securing.

like to crawl into small places and either make a little nest

Please don’t try to clear it yourself, you either don’t want a

or get stuck and die.

mouth full of bugs, especially the stinging kind, or a busted

Pitot tubes are very nice little places where bugs like to stay

ASI due to abnormal loads by blowing on it.

and sometimes random and unnamed people forget to put

If you see a little bug in the pitot, write it up and bring it to

the pitot covers back on.

Engineering’s attention and we will sort it out.

Now we have a situation where the pitot looks normal but occasionally fails to give any airspeed indication and for the casual pilot usually happens about 20 feet off the ground.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY In early December, to show gratitude to our hard-working

A bus had brought the majority of our staff to the venue

staff, we organised a round of 9 holes of Supa Golf in the

and took them home again safely afterwards. It was a fun

beautiful Swan Valley for our Annual Staff Christmas Party.

day out celebrating the year with the 2021 RACWA Staff.

Our staff dressed up in their best-golfing attire ready to bring the competition.

Beforehand we gathered at Mash Brewery for a quick lunch before our 1 pm tee-off time. The day was wrapped up with a small awards presentation to the winning team, before heading back to the brewery for a few more celebratory drinks.

RACWA Staff

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

MEMBER’S CHRISTMAS PARTY The 2021 Member’s Christmas Party was a fun filled after-

Club Manager David O’Brien and Raelene helped ensure

noon with perfect weather. Thanks to a lot of work by Taylor

that everything went according to plan. Thanks also to Sarel

King and Vaughan Emery, the event was enjoyed by approx-

Breet for donating door prizes.

imately 80 members and their partners.

Top - Steve Pearce and Vaughan Emery Left - Caroline Watson Right - Jim Di Menna and Michael Stenson

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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LANGLEY PARK FLY-IN Written by Ray Challen

Unfortunately it was not possible to publicise the landing of the Tiger Moths before the event. It would have attract-

Looking back at the closing weeks of 2021, RACWA par-

ed a lot of public interest beyond the lucky passers-by that

ticipated in a fantastic Tiger Moth fly-in event at Langley

were enthusiastic spectators.

Park. This was the final event in the commemoration of

Stephen Rogers, with his usual technical excellence and

the 100 year anniversary of the first Scheduled Air Service

efficiency, made a video of the effort that he posted on

in Western Australia by Sir Norman Brearley’s Western

to the Old Fliers Group YouTube channel within 24 hours

Australian Airways.

of the event – worth a look if you haven’t seen this video

Aircraft landings at Langley Park are now uncommon and

already.

made perhaps a bit more difficult than they used to be

The Langley Park event bought to a conclusion the com-

by the high-rise developments at Elizabeth Quay. Nev-

memorative events for the 100 year anniversary that also

ertheless, our Club Captain Mick Harcourt managed with

included the Club flight to Derby in September. We at

admirable tenacity to tackle the approvals red tape and

RACWA are proud to have been associated with these

he and John Douglas bought the Tigers in to land at the

events and are grateful for the opportunity to work with

same location where the first flight of Western Australia

Sally and Simon Bennison (grandchildren of Sir Norman),

departed 100 years ago. Geoffrey Thomas (the well-known

and also Geoffrey Court (ex Ansett executive) who, from

aviation reporter for The West Australian) generously gave

his home in Melbourne, made an enormous contribution

his time to MC the event and we had some much appre-

to the commemorative events but was prevented from

ciated assistance from the MG and Mustang car clubs in

attending by COVID restrictions.

marshalling the landing strip and adding to the spectacle.

Ray Challen addressing the crowd with Geoffrey Thomas from The West Australian

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

HAMBURGER CLUB Written by Eric R Hibbett

We took off from Jandakot at around 1700 for a very pleasant trip up to Jurien Bay in formation with a Cessna 182,

When I joined the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia

VH-DOG - see picture below taken to the NE of Mindarie.

I never imagined being `taken out’ for dinner; but then

After a flight time of just over an hour and some 120 NM

I didn’t bargain for an invite to join a group for fish and

from Jandakot, we arrived at Jurien Bay airstrip (YJUR) to

chips. However, I never realised that the fish and chips

join and be joined by some other 4 or 5 aircraft. After a

invite would take me all the way to Jurien Bay courtesy of

short stroll into the town we all, about 24 persons in total,

the Club President as the PIC of Airvan VH-LHD our `steed’

enjoyed our fish ‘n chip dinner. During this time notice

for the evening.

was received that the military from Pearce airbase had

I met up in the Jandakot hangar area with an intrepid band

`commandeered’ part of our return southbound route

of flyers or pilots and would be pilots, including myself in

for training purposes and special dispensation would be

the latter category. Our aircraft complement was six POB

required to transit this area. This was duly acquired with

and one canine. The latter wore a special head `muff`

the instruction to return at about 6000 feet; the Flightra-

to minimise the aircraft noise which would, I imagine, be

dar24 screenshot shows the disposition of those aircraft.

potentially distressing to a dog’s much more sensitive

The sight of Perth, its suburbs, and Fremantle from rel-

hearing.

atively low altitude at night was an excellent memorable experience; in fact, the whole trip was just that. My thanks to Club President, Ray Challen, for the invitation and opportunity.

Our flight path

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

VH-DOG from the air

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YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM Written by Taylor King

This exclusive activities-based learning experience is a great first step for children if they are possibly interested

On January 30th, 2022, we commenced our first Young

in being a pilot in the future.

Eagles Program for the year. In this intake, we have 20

If you are interested in helping run the future programs,

participants between the ages of 8 and 14 years, who all

please contact Taylor at marketing@royalaeroclubwa.com.au

have a passion for aviation.

Over the next five weekends we will be hosting the participants at the Club and be showing them what it means to be a part of the aviation world.

Our January Young Eagles participants

Harrison O’Brien with one of our Young Eagles

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TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

NOW - THIS IS FLYING! THE AUGUSTA WEEKEND FLY-IN

Written by Vaughan Emery

Brearley who founded WA Airways and later in 1929, was the founding president of the Royal Aero Club of WA.

What a roll up! - 24 single-engine aircraft, 2 twins - and even a helicopter, all arriving at Augusta Airport for a super week-

After months of planning the Augusta weekend fly-in, Satur-

end of flying and fellowship among friends at the Royal Aero

day Jan 22 finally arrived with brilliant weather for undertaking

Club’s fly-in to Augusta.

the 141nm flight to Augusta.

Participation in the Augusta fly-in represented the biggest

Club Captain Mick Harcourt conducted the pre-flight briefing

flying activity at the Club in recent times completing a busy

in the Members’ Lounge bringing pilots in attendance up-to

12 month calendar of events which included the WA Airways

date with the latest enroute information and weather condi-

100th anniversary 5 day commemorative flight to Derby in

tions to expect in Augusta.

September.

With the generous support of the members of the Augusta

The RACWA Derby commemorative event involved 23 aircraft,

Aero Club, arrival into Augusta on the 1000m 17/35 sealed

later culminating in the landing on December 12 of the Club’s

runway was seamless with aircraft touching down a few min-

two Tiger Moths on Langley Park to celebrate the actual day

utes apart, all professionally directed by ground marshals to

WA Airways commenced Australia’s first air service in 1921. A

the pre-allocated parking areas. After the searing 40 degree

civic reception held on Langley Park with the two Tiger Moths

temperatures being experienced in Perth, the Augusta weath-

as the backdrop celebrated the life and work of Sir Norman

er was perfect with sunshine and a refreshing light breeze

Aviators’ Dinner guests ColourPatch Café

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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off the Southern Ocean keeping the temperatures down to

nied by his wife Grace. Allan is a former captain with Royal

mid- twenties - perfect for everyone to get together with

Brunei Airlines flying B767s and B787s long haul. Now back

the local aviators and enjoy the generous morning tea and

in Australia, Allan is in command of a Citation Ultra (C560) jet

refreshments provided by the Augusta Aero Club.

for AvCair based in Karratha.

An organised shuttle bus was on hand and kept busy trans-

Chatting with Tarmac Topics Magazine, Allan said that while

ferring pilots and their guests to the Augusta Hotel. After

the pilot briefing for Augusta was not compulsory he attended

checking into the accommodation an informal pub lunch was

paying the same attention to this C172 flight as he would mak-

enjoyed in Jimmy’s Bar – and another opportunity to share

ing a 15 hour flight from Brunei to Heathrow London. Allan

stories about the flight down while overlooking the Hardy

commented “it doesn’t make a difference if you’re at 4500ft

Inlet and the expansive views out to the Southern Ocean. With

or FL450 it is imperative you get it right, briefing and pre-plan-

the afternoon at leisure some chose to travel out to a local

ning every flight professionally”. N.B. Allan is an occasional

winery, visit Cape Leeuwin, wet a line or just simply enjoy a

lecturer at RACWA. Attendance at any of his presentations is

walk around this attractive town.

highly recommended.

That evening over 60 guests sat down at the “ Aviators’ Din-

Special thanks to:

ner” staged at the popular ColourPatch Café on the banks

• The Augusta Aero Club.

of the Hardy inlet. The 3-course menu especially prepared

• The ColourPatch Café Augusta.

for the occasion included choices of local delicacies with a

• Mick Harcourt - Club Captain.

good selection of local wines and beers to enjoy too. During

• Vaughan Emery - Committee Member

a great night of celebration and camaraderie, effervescent

• Brian Leyden - Club Member

Club Captain Mick used the opportunity to publicly thank the Augusta Aero Club for their amazing support and present a delighted Kevin Nash with a surprise donation of $600 all spontaneously raised from among the guests to support the Augusta Aero Club following the forced relocation of the club’s hangar.

Breakfast on Sunday was a choice from the local cafés before catching the shuttle bus transfer to the Augusta Airport in preparation for the flight home.

Typical for the far South coast, the weather had changed overnight with some coastal broken cloud patches down to VFR minimums. All pilots handled the conditions professionally with the coastal cloud burning off quickly as aircraft flew the track north inland and away from the maritime effects of the coast.

Approaching the Perth area temperatures were quickly back in the very high thirties – but after a great weekend it didn’t matter!

Pilot Take Homes.

Among pilots participating in the Augusta fly-in was Club member Allan Bradley flying Club C172 VH-EWC accompa-

Club Capt. Mick Harcourt presentation to Kevin Nash to support the August Aero Club

21

TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

AUSTRALIA DAY SKYSHOW Written by Tim Berryman The RACWA charter includes the promotion of aviation in Western Australia and what better way to do that than our pilots and aircraft participating before the crowd assembled for the Perth Skyshow on Australia Day. This year our aircraft were involved in three different formations with members, instructors and students all representing the Club.

Planning for the event started months ahead of time.

Applications for the

CASA approval process were submitted and an early booking made to block off all 9 C152s based at Jandakot for the Club formation. Closer to the event, as details began to firm up a review of the requirements identified that with up to 11 pilots applying to fly in the Club formation, we were probably going to need

“Ringmaster” Alastair Michell briefed

In addition to the Club formation, the

the participants. Procedures for the day

RACWA Tiger Moths CKF flown by Tim

were briefed, including safety consider-

Berryman and FAS with Mick Harcourt

ations such as the “Knock It Off” instruc-

at the controls were part of the 5-ship

tion in the event of deviation from the

biplane display earlier in the afternoon

planned sequence or reduction of safety

along with privately owned Tiger Moths

margins. The clear message from the

flown by Werner Buhlmann (DWD),

Ringmaster and reinforced by the CASA

Barry Markham (NOV) and Bill Dearle

attendees at the conclusion of the brief

(WFN). Unfortunately the plan to have

was to fly only the planned sequences

smoke trailing from FAS at the rear of

and no impromptu changes.

the formation didn’t pan out as the

Final numbers for the RACWA C152

smoke system misbehaved.

formation was confirmed at 8 with the

Werner also flew SPN in formation lat-

formation consisting of 2 x 4 ship dia-

er in the afternoon alongside a Texan,

monds. Gary Evans led the formation

Trojan and Nanchang. Whether the little

with Caroline Watson, Liz Garcia and

RACWA Mooney had delusions of gran-

Michael Stenson in the first diamond

deur or not is hard to say, but it didn’t

being followed by Mike Watts, Bruce

really look out of place climbing out in

Rathbone, Marco Surace and Haydn

the company of the warbirds.

Vernon.

additional aircraft!

The program included a wide variety of displays of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The new RFDS helicopter made its first Skyworks appearance.

DFES water bombers conducted water bombing demonstrations and the RAAF displayed the PC-21. Mixed in were several different aerobatics displays and various formation flypasts, punctuated by a helicopter slinging the Australian flag and a banner tow aircraft.

The brief was conducted at RACWA. Due to Covid travel restrictions the organisers were unable to attend in person but listened via electronic link while

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Australia Day Skyshow team

22

OLD FLIERS GROUP Bulletin No 186 January 2022 Written by Stephen Rogers We welcomed ninety guests for our first luncheon meeting for 2022. Some of the WA Women Pilots’ Association members joined us. Our first speaker was John Ridley, there to talk about legendary pilot, Jimmy Woods.

Captain Woods, as a young John called him, flew an Anson between Perth and Rottnest. John was aboard to wind up and then down, the landing gear. The flight was very short.

Jimmy Woods was born in Scotland and emigrated to New

Betty Foster has published a book of her photographs from

Zealand where he learnt to fly. Then back to the UK in 1918,

when she was an MMA Flight Attendant. Betty has a vivid

joining the RAF. Jimmy then emigrated to Western Austra-

memory of flying in the MMA DC3s above the Pilbara and

lia where he found work flying in the Northwest. Alas, the

Kimberley landscape. Knowing of her interest in photogra-

1946 crash of a Lockheed Electra near Broome saw a career

phy, her pilots would often point out interesting features

change and that is when he started Woods Airways using

and fly closer for that special shot. Mount Whaleback was

two Avro Ansons. In time these were deemed unairworthy

such a feature, remarkable for causing the DC3 compass to

and they were donated to farmers to the delight of their

wildly swing as they passed. Overnight stops in Derby, Port

children. Jimmy passed away in 1975. He left such a mark

Hedland, Meekatharra, and Wyndham saw crew accommo-

that we still speak of him today.

dated in conditions that wouldn’t be acceptable today. Visits to outlying stations were welcomed by the station women particularly as theirs was a lonely existence.

Betty’s book “A Bird’s eye view of Western Australia and the Northern Territory 60 years ago” was available to buy.

A yearly membership fee of $25 can be paid on the day.

The February meet-up will be at RAAFA Bullcreek.

Thank you.

Stephen Rogers

23

TARMAC TOPICS DECEMBER - JANUARY 2021

Mick Harcourt, John Douglas and Simon Saddick at the Langley Park Fly-in

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