Tarmac Topics Magazine Feb/Mar 2022

PRESIDENTS REPORT

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT

03

04

AROUND THE CLUB

YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM

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18

by Ray Challen

by Vaughan Emery

by Mick Harcourt

by Taylor King

FEBRUARY-MARCH 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 Matthew Osullivan Will Owen Bryn Weir

COMMITTEE

Micheal Braybrook

Ray Challen

James Feakes

President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au

Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130

Michelle Yeates Brent Livesey Alison Glew Andy Carson Paul Gilbey Charles De Beer Geoffrey Lockwood

rathbone@iinet.net.au

Cormac Tingay

Jim di Menna Treasurer

Ryan Sanders

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

John Sing

Mick Harcourt

Christopher Mengersen

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 Sanderson Travis Powell Marcell Szikszai Praveen Revi Chandran Jonathan Heron Andrew Fan

PRESIDENTS REPORT Written by Ray Challen

get involved in the Club and extend your circle of aviation mates. If you can help out, just talk to Mick Harcourt any Friday afternoon at the Bar.

After the very hot start to the year we are now well into Autumn and flying conditions are much improved especial-

On matters of club business, most of you will already be

ly as the early rains cut short the burn-off period in the

aware that our CEO David Currey has resigned after over 10

wheatbelt that usually fills the air with smoke during March

years in the role. David took on the role of CEO at a difficult

and April.

commercial time for the Club and has successfully bought us

We had a great start to aviation events with the fly-in to

to the current position of being financially strong and able

Augusta in January and Northam in March, both with large

to look forward to a period of investment and expansion in

numbers of participating aircraft, club members, associates

the Club and flying training. David intends to leave the role

and passengers. Many thanks to the Augusta Aero Club and

of CEO in early July and we will have an event close to this

the Northam Aero club for helping with these events.

time to express our gratitude.

And the flying events will continue through 2022. Your Flying

The Committee commenced a search for a new CEO in early

Committee is busy researching locations and event themes,

March with a view to identifying and attracting a new CEO

and putting together a calendar – keep your eye out for this

that has both the capability and personal drive to capture

on the notice board and in Tarmac Topics. There is a lot of

the opportunities to expand our Club, improve services to

reason and opportunity to get excited and go flying!

members and further grow our flying training. I am very pleased to be able to report at this time that we have had a

Riding (flying?) on the success of the Derby flight in 2021,

level of interest much greater than expected and with sev-

a highlight of the 2022 events calendar will be a long-haul

eral very strong candidates. The Committee looks forward

fly away to Kangaroo Island, departing Jandakot on 5 Sep-

to being able to announce an appointment soon.

tember. This is your chance to participate in a flight across

Happy and safe flying.

the Nullarbor in company with a supportive group of Club aircraft and crews. Experience the overnight stop at historical Forrest Airport and the spectacular aerial views of the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. Registrations for this event are still open, although numbers are likely to become constrained by availability of accommodation on Kangaroo Island. So, if you think you might like to join in this event, I suggest you might want to register and get your accommodation booked. For information on registration, please see the weekly Tarmac Topics newsletters.

All of the Club flying events from Sunday morning competitions to the multi-day fly-aways are organised by club members on a volunteer basis and the Flying Committee would love to have your help. If all of us assisted in organising

Aircraft involved in Augusta Fly-In

and running even a single event each year, we would have a very full flying calendar. This is also a fantastic way to

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT Written by Mick Harcourt

sheet would appear on the Events Board in the entry to the Club requesting Name, Contact, A/c type and Reg as well as extra information depending on what the event was.

WILD APRICOT! Sounds ominous but wait…….it is turning out to be the missing link between members wanting to

Through Wild Apricot, I receive an email telling me who

book a place in an event and the information actually getting

is coming to which event and so I make a note of it in a

through to be processed and added to the actual event.

separate file, but I also need more information for catering

That is not to say that reception doesn’t pass messages on,

, transport, landing fee waivers etc, so it’s worth remem-

but they really have other duties to attend to and this way,

bering that the more information you give when register-

as ‘chief organiser’ of an event, I can get the information

ing, the more chance that you’ll have of getting a lift from

directly – the only shortfall is that I don’t always get the full

the airstrip, or being included in a meal and so on and

information – for example:

while most are providing this information, some are a bit lacking……..and it’s not too difficult to fix. However, if you

In the good old days, all that would announce a Club Event,

are sure that you are providing all the information and

would be an advert in Tarmac Topics and a notice/sign-up

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

4

it’s not getting through, then we need to “Tweak” the sys-

The month of May will see the start of the Night Competi-

tem to show more info. Member feedback is a sometimes

tions – these are a once-a-month event on the first Wednes-

untapped, valuable asset.

day of the month and are open to all members. There are two categories: Night Rated and Non-rated. To help things

Despite restrictions that have been placed on our envi-

along, Muzz Buzz will be open for meals from 4:30pm, just

ronment, due to COVID, we are still maintaining a healthy

in case you are rushing from work and need a bite to eat

Club Spirit, with increasing numbers in both Murrayfield

before the Comp! Sign-in for the Comp will be in the Club

and Jandakot monthly competitions. The breakfast at

foyer from 4pm and the briefing from 5:15pm. The first

Murrayfield is a popular get together for members and

Comp is Wednesday 4th May ( for the Star Wars fans – May

continues throughout the year, with a slightly later change

the forth be with you!)

in time over winter.

May will also have a couple of fly aways: Sunday 1st May a

The last Jandakot pre-comp breakfast for this season will

one-day event to Nungarin – landing at Kunnoppin and bus

be held until the April Comp with a break over the winter

to Nungarin for their market day and a visit to the museum.

months.

Mid-month a Fly-in to Jurien Bay on Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th. Your own accommodation arrangements should be made if you are planning on coming along. Transport to and from the airstrip is being negotiated as well as a communal meal in the evening. There are a host of activities to do in the town, or just simply walk, swim or relax!

Later in the year, the Kangaroo Island run is gathering momentum with up to 25 aircraft expected to attend in September. This will be a fantastic trip away for all concerned, however, I’m told that accommodation at K.I. is at a premium and bookings should be made as soon as possible. Contact Russell Philip or Ray Challen for more information, or to be put on their “Information bulletin” list.

Safe flying, Mick Harcourt

Club Captain - YMUL Competition participants

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

CONDUCT OF THE GO AROUND

Written by David Royans

Then, when conducting an after-take-off check raise the last stage of flap. Any manoeuvring of the aircraft comes sec-

As every pilot knows, the go around is a manoeuvre that

ondary to the above procedures. During all of this, it is para-

is always available to us on an approach to land, or if a

mount to keep the aircraft straight with rudder – remember,

“bounce” occurs on landing. A good approach will generally

you will likely be close to the ground at a low airspeed! A

result in a good landing; a bad approach will always result

stall with the aircraft yawing may result in a spin. A spin

in a bad landing.

close to the ground will be unrecoverable before impact.

You should decide whether a go around is warranted early

When conducting a go around, airspeed and the correct

in the approach if it looks bad however, it is never too late to

attitude, using rudder for direction, will mean the difference

initiate a go around if you are not satisfied with the way the

between success and failure.

approach is going. RACWA’s stabilised approach criteria are

This is not designed to frighten anyone. As previously

– airspeed correct, approach looks stable, and wings level.

stated, the go around – along with many things we do in

If any one of these three criteria are not met by 300’AGL

aviation – is intrinsically demanding. Never assume that

you should initiate a go around. Don’t let pride overcome

every approach will result in a landing – be prepared to go

discipline at this point.

around. There are two ways to conduct a go around, the

Whatever the reason, the go around must be correctly initi-

correct way or the incorrect way. You will find the correct

ated and carried out. It is not commonly understood that,

way in the manuals.

although a go around will get you out of a sticky situation,

I implore all RACWA pilots to refresh themselves on the con-

if not handled correctly it could be dangerous. The reasons

duct of a go around.

for this are that you are usually – not always, but usually – close to the ground and at a low airspeed.

1.

Full power

When conducting the go around the three most important

2.

Fly level – allow airspeed to increase, control direction with rudder!

factors to get correct are – airspeed, altitude, and rudder.

The next most important consideration is, do not initially

3.

1st stage of flap up

raise the nose above the straight and level attitude. Full

4.

Nose on the horizon establish + rate of climb - keep

power in our light aircraft is essential in the go around, but

straight with rudder!

there is just not enough power to increase the airspeed with a high nose attitude, particularly if you have flap deployed – which you generally will have when initiating a go around.

At this stage, the next thing you should do is raise one stage of flap. Only now should you initiate a climb, if you have

6.

Nose on the horizon + rate of climb – keep straight with

7.

3rd stage of flap up

8.

Manoeuvre aircraft according to aerodrome in use (live/ dead side etc) again – rudder!

sufficient airspeed. Once you have initiated a climb at the

9.

correct climb speed, you can raise the next stage of flap.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

2nd stage of flap up rudder!

Do not attempt to initiate a rate of climb without airspeed.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF

5.

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Communicate

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

FIRST SOLO

Brent Livesey - First Solo - February

Connor Lock - First Solo - February

Cooper Sutton - First Solo - February

Daniel Izonrintie - First Solo - March

Daniel Wilcox - First Solo - February.

Danielle Wright - First Solo - March

Dinesh Silwal - First Solo - March

Evan Brown - First Solo - February

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

Melissa Wallis - First Solo - February

Riley Wallace - First Solo - March

Rory Colquhoun - First Solo - February

Beau Outridge - RPL - March

Daniel Cox - RPL - February

Daniel Wilcox - RPL - March

Evan Brown - RPL - March

Greg Williams - RPL - February

Joshua Vlahos - RPL - February

Lachlan Cable - RPL - March

Lorenzo Tarquinio - RPL - February

RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Matthew Sewell - RPL - March

Molly Blumears - RPL - March

Paul Ware - RPL - February

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

Rory Colquhoun - RPL - March

Siva Muniandy - RPL - February

Chin Ming (Kenny) Chan - PPL - February

Laurent Rivalin - PPL - February

Timmy Naylor - PPL - March

Andrew Korol - CPL - March

Aryan Patwardhan - CPL - March

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

Ashil Royal - CPL - February

Caroline Watson - CPL - March

Jackson Lui - CPL - March

GRADE 3 INSTRUCTOR RATING

Roneesha James - CPL - March

Sonam Dorji - CPL - March

Matthew Sollart Grade 3 Instructor Rating - March

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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WAAC FEBRUARY AND MARCH UPDATE Written by Jerry Woong

approaching, I hope they use all the knowledge they have learnt so far to make safe decisions whilst flying.

February and March have been very productive months

The A22 class have all passed their RPL theory exams,

for the students at WAAC. The majority of the A21 class

all of them achieving a good score and moving on

students have completed their CPL flight tests and have

with their flying. Moving into February and March

either started working with flying companies or will be

most of them have completed their RPL flight tests

getting their instructor ratings moving forward. Well

and are well into their theory block for their PPL the-

done to all that have completed their CPL flight tests

ory exams. Once their PPL exams are complete they

recently and I wish them all the very best.

will move onto the PPL flying syllabus where they’ll

B21 had their first theory block completed and did

finally be able to venture outside of what they are

some flying prior to the second block commencing,

currently comfortable with. Weather again being the

with some students having all their hour building fly-

main cause of cancellations of flights, the students

ing completed. Once they have passed all of their CPL

will have to be quite vigilant in order to stay safe and

exams, they will be moving onto the CPL flying syllabus

on track with their training.

all the way to their flight tests. With autumn and winter

Class B22 Mitchel Lawson & Darcy Twentyman

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien

He returned to flying towards the end of 2020 and was able to achieve his first solo flight on the 26th March

The hot summer days have given way to the cooler

2021. Just under a year later and he is now a fully qual-

autumn temperatures and with it has come some beau-

ified recreational pilot.

tiful flying weather. Calm winds mean this is the best

Beau Outridge is our most recent student to achieve

time to fly so grab your headsets and get flying!

his RPL on the 6th March and all at the age of 19. That

We have had four students achieve their RPL over the

is a big achievement Beau, you should be very proud.

last 2 months. We begin with Paul Ware and Siva Muni-

Well done!

andy both on the 8th February. Both Paul and Siva

With so many students passing their RPL’s lately, we

showed great determination and enthusiasm through-

suddenly have a lot of free time to fill with more flight

out their flight training, and it finally paid off on that

training. If you have ever looked to the sky and won-

lovely Tuesday morning.

dered what it might be like to fly then give us a call or

Next was Greg Williams on the 18th February. Greg

come see us in person and we can let you know what

originally began flying around 13 years ago almost

it is all about. Now is the perfect time to get started.

making it to first solo.

Murrayfield

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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AIRMANSHIP – IN TODAY’S DAY & AGE Written by Tim Berryman

training, instructors will allow students to make mistakes to allow them to recognise and manage the errors and learn

When I was asked to write an article on Airmanship I

from the experience (with the safety of the instructor able

thought, no problem, pilots already know what it is. Just

to intervene and recover the situation if required). In oth-

stick in a definition, a bit on aviette, navigate communicate

er circumstances, judgement is developed from our own

and some comments about attitude. Job done. However,

unique experiences.

when I told someone I was writing about airmanship I had

Attitudes however are harder to teach. While instructors or

to duck to avoid the smashed avo on artisanal sourdough

other club members can advise and counsel on acceptable

being spat at me as they demanded “Airmanship - you can’t

behaviours, it is up to the individual pilot as to whether

use that term!” My Google history now includes the search

their attitude is one of reluctant compliance or a more pro-

“What is the gender-neutral term for airmanship?”. For the

active approach to seek ways to enhance their knowledge

record Google didn’t know. How about Airpersonship? Pilot-

and skills to enhance the likelihood of a successful, safe

ship? Aviatorship?

outcome to each and every flight. With a good attitude a

The CASA Flight Examiner Handbook (FEH) refers to airman-

pilot is more likely to be receptive and willing to build the

ship noting “Traditionally, such skills as the consistent use

other elements necessary for airmanship.

of good judgement and flight discipline, as well as a high

So, is the term airmanship outdated and in need of a

state of situational awareness, have been associated with

refresh? Maybe. Are the concepts and principles still rele-

good airmanship.” The FEH links airmanship to Threat and

vant to ensuring the safety of flight. Definitely.

Error Management and Human Factors as a way to measure whether flight test candidates demonstrate sound judgement during flight tests and notes “It is not practical to give a comprehensive list of airmanship considerations, however the main principle is to look for signs that the applicant is effectively dealing with present or evolving flight conditions.”

The ICAO Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training also defines airmanship, noting it is “The consistent use of good judgement and well-developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to accomplish flight objectives.”

So how do we develop airmanship? Theory classes can help develop knowledge and the various exams pilots are required to sit during their training provide an objective measure of whether the pilot’s knowledge is developed to an appropriate level prior to obtaining a qualification. The flying training syllabus is structured to develop the skills identified in the performance criteria of the Manual of Standards. Good judgement can also be developed – during

Tim Berryman

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

WET WEATHER AND THE FUEL SYSTEM Written by Gig Papa-Adams As autumn progresses and creeps into winter we will naturally have more rainy days. Unfortunately, this will also increase the possibility of you finding water in the fuel system during your pre-flight inspection.

Water will most often enter the fuel system from a contaminated supply, for example the fuel bowser/truck or drum stocks, condensation from within the aircrafts fuel tank or from a leak in the fuel cap.

ANY water found in the fuel drains requires you to take additional action prior to flight.

Water in the system will gravitate to the lowest point in the tank/system. This is where the drain points are

Refueling

located. Draining ALL the points, wing and fuselage, will remove the water if the aircraft is parked on level ground.

If the aircraft is parked on a slope you will have to move it to ensure ALL water is removed.

Rocking the wings up and down and pushing down on the tail can encourage the water to the drain points.

The flight manual of the aircraft may give additional information on water draining.

The main things to remember are that no water remaining in the system is acceptable for flight.

If there is more than a small amount and/or if it spread throughout the system i.e. wing and fuselage drain points, do not fly and report it as a defect via the M/R. Refueling

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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AROUND THE CLUB Written by Vaughan Emery

Members’ Lounge Redevelopment Plans are well in hand to refurbish the Members’ Lounge

The Members’ Lounge has been kept increasingly busy

to make it an increasingly attractive as a place to relax

recently with a variety of member events and private hire.

and meet by day as well for member events and private

Club instructor, Michael Sonnerman, recently married his

occasions after hours. Visitors new to the Club regularly

fiancée Megan with the beautiful wedding ceremony con-

remark how impressed they are with the views from the

ducted on the Club’s viewing deck. The perfect early eve-

lounge and the upper deck. Going forward the Club wants

ning sky created a spectacular backdrop to the formalities.

to capitalise on this unique asset and actively promote the

After the ceremony guests descended to the Members’

venue as an attraction to bring more people into the Club.

Lounge for the wedding reception which had been elegant-

An underlying objective is to introduce a new cohort who

ly transformed for the occasion. With the bridal table set

may go on to develop an interest in aviation, learning to

against the floor to ceiling windows, as the bright runway

fly and become club members too.

lights came to life outside it created the perfect fairytale backdrop for the happy couple who both work in aviation.

As a coincidence, John Douglas, Mick Harcourt and Vaughan Emery all share a March 18th birthday. This year the 18th fell on a Friday creating a splendid excuse to create a “Thank God it’s Friday” sundowner. Decoration, catering, lights and music saw a crowd of over 65 RACWA friends and invited guests join in the enjoyable celebrations.

Alywyn Adkins late mother Shirley Adkins OAM was an inspirational RACWA Club President and Life Member. Shirley shared an 18th March birthday too and as a tribute,

Club Instructor, Michael Sonneman’s Wedding

Alywyn was invited on stage to join in the cake cutting in memory of his mother.

The Old Fliers Group monthly lunches, managed by Steve Rogers, continue to attract big attendances. Steve’s capacity to identify interesting presenters to speak and share their unique aviation experiences ensures each month’s luncheon is filled to capacity. Keep a lookout in Tarmac Topics for details of the next OFG event!

RACWA Life Member Rod Garnaut’s successful new tourism business, Rods Tours, recently combined lunch and a Tiger Moth inspection as part of Rod’s escorted HMAS Stirling Naval Base tour itinerary. Enthusiastic feedback

Birthday celebrations with Vaughan Emery, Mick Harcourt, Alwyn Adkins & John Douglas

from the 35 guests regarding their experience at RACWA has ensured selected future tour itineraries will all incorporate a visit to RACWA.

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

NEW WEBSITE AND MEMBERS PORTAL Written by Kristin Moriarty

membership this year, you will now have access to login to the Members Portal from the website homepage. In the

I am excited to announce the launch of our new website

portal, after creating your password, you will find access to

for the Royal Aero Club of WA. Longer than I had hoped in

Flight Training Guides, Aircraft Guides and Tarmac Topics. As

the making, we now have a site that is lighter, brighter, and

well as the ability to register for an event, request an aircraft

easier to navigate, bringing our core offerings of Flight Train-

or aircraft maintenance all from one easy to use interface.

ing, Flight Experiences, Aircraft Hire, Aircraft Maintenance,

There is also the ability to manage your membership. The

Memberships, and the Shop to the forefront.

self-service portal means you no longer have to call opera-

We have structured the site to maintain our No 1 search

tions to update your personal details or manage your mem-

ratings on Google, removed all of the old content, updat-

bership. When you first login, please check and update your

ed the new content, and modernised the look and feel to

personal details, to ensure we have the most recent infor-

represent the future of the Club and attract new students

mation for your membership. Next year, memberships will

and members.

be able to be renewed solely though the portal.

We have also updated the Shop to make it easier for cus-

Both the new website and the new members portal have

tomers to transact online.

been significant investments for the Club to help grow and

Incorporated into the new design is access to our new mem-

add value to our members.

ber portal, Wild Apricot. Over the past few months, we have

We hope that you enjoy the new experience, if you have any

introduced the ability to renew your membership online,

challenges accessing Wild Apricot, please email marketing@

and to register for Club events. If you have renewed your

royalaeroclubwa.com.au and we will do our best to help you.

New RACWA Home Page Wild Apricot Members Portal

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY Written by Glenda Dyke Females in Aviation, what a wonderful concept! These days it is less of a surprise to find the Captain of an A320 is female, working alongside her male counterpart, well deserved of the role she is responsible for.

I am very privileged to be a part of that association where we join our fellow Aviators, whether in my role as Train the Trainer, or someone like my daughter as Captain on the A320 out of Perth.

I get to observe both men and women as they strive to obtain (what I deem to be), the amazing role of an Instructor and take on the enormous responsibility of teaching people to fly and whether they are female or male, I find my pride in their final achievement to be most rewarding – every time.

As in life itself, both female and male pilots bring an individual skill set to the table. What is pleasing to see, is the outcome is the same as each “Pilot” delivers their individual dedication to the task at hand which, at the end of the day is to pilot an aircraft in command – safely.

The Aviation industry is still recognised as more male dominated however, in my 30 years in Aviation, the “Peppering” of female pilots has definitely increased and I daresay added

Glenda Dyke

a difference that is more than acceptable.

Students, Caroline Watson & Avneet Gill

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

LUNCH AT NORTHAM Written by Mark and Louise Kemp

Our thanks go to Haydn Vernon and Mick Harcourt for organising another great fly-in and Northam Aero Club for their

On 5th March 2022, “Norm” along with pilots and passen-

welcome and support.

gers from the Royal Aero Club, Serpentine and others flew to

Norm thoroughly enjoyed the day and is looking forward

Northam to visit the Northam Aero Club and view the static

to his next trip!

display which had been laid on. We then took a short ride in the organised bus to the new Dome Café in Northam for lunch.

It was a perfect day for flying, a nice leisurely lunch with good company, then time to explore Northam and have a stroll along the Avon River before heading back to the airfield with another opportunity to check out the various warbirds and other aircraft on display at the field.

Northam Fly-In, Louise and Mark Kemp

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM Written by Taylor King

However, we did not let this stop us, our club spirit came together and we organised other fun and informative

We had a full program for our February 2022 class, 20

outings for the Young Eagles. Highlights of the program

participants aged between 8 and 14 years old spent the

were; our visit to WARMS, Bullcreek Aviation Museum,

next 5 weekends in a row taking part in la variety of avi-

Heliwest, Flight City Simulator, and Club Instructor, Michael

ation activities. We had to do things a little different this

Sonneman showing us his Model Aircraft.

time as a few businesses ended up enforcing stricter Covid

If you are interested in helping out with our next program,

restrictions just before our visits.

please reach out to marketing@royalaeroclubwa.com.au

Michael Sonneman showing Young Eagles his model aircraft

Our February Young Eagles participants

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TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

WAAC STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Written by Caroline Watson

Written by Aryan Patwardhan

How do I keep the most exciting 6 months of my life down

I began my aviation journey at the age of 12 when I joined

to a paragraph? I started at the Club in 2016 flying part-

the Aviation Specialist Program at Kent St SHS. Throughout

time and have loved every minute of it! When I got offered

my years there I was mentored and taught by Kevin Ben-

a position in the full time WAAC course I knew it would be

nett and John McKenzie, two amazing teachers and pilots

an exciting change. It has been the most challenging and

who imparted a great amount of aviation knowledge upon

rewarding experience of my life. Being surrounded by like-

me. I commenced flying training at Kent St and was offered

minded people every day, all working towards the same goal,

many opportunities such as jump-seating in Virgin Australia

I thought it would be more competitive, more cut throat,

Fokker F100 aircraft and taking part in an aviation tour of

but instead it’s been incredibly supportive. Nothing beats

the USA.

having your classmates rally around you after a great flight,

I went first solo in April 2019 through the Australian Air Force

or even more importantly a tough one.

Cadets. After graduating Kent St in 2020 I obtained my RPL

Working towards my commercial licence saw a lot to tears and

privately in April of 2021 and joined the Western Australian

stress but it saw a lot more laughter and success. I can’t even

Aviation College to resume with my flying training. Under

begin to pinpoint a highlight, travelling around the wheatbelt

the guidance of my amazing instructors Fransua, Jerry, Her-

with some of my classmates for 3 days and visiting Kalgoorlie,

man and Cam, I achieved my Commercial Pilots License in

Esperance and Albany, or maybe the classroom antics, trying

March 2022. Flight training through the Club allowed me to

to find ways to remember the difference between slip and

visit some amazing places such as Esperance, Kalgoorlie and

skid with Herman’s dance moves or his constant “Am I tall or

Albany. Now, holding a CPL, I have commenced working for

short?” question, which taught us all about needing perspec-

an aerial survey company out of Jandakot.

tive. Some of my classmates are excited they’re finished and can apply for jobs and join the “real world” and I am as well, but a part of me would love to do it all over again.

Aryan Patwardhan

Caroline Watson

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

20

ROD’S TOURS Written by Rod Garnaut

So, the amended plan was to still have morning tea at Wells Park Kwinana Beach enroute, do the tour of the base, then

As you may know, Club member Rod Garnaut conducts day

make their way to Jandakot for a late lunch. Rod called RACWA

and extended day tours in WA and around Perth.

Club Captain Mick Harcourt at 10.30pm and asked if he could arrange for the Tiger Moth to be on display and for him to give

One such Perth day tour was planned for 1st February to

a talk, which he kindly agreed to.

take a full coach load of people to HMAS Stirling Naval Base Garden Island for a tour of the facilities and to have lunch at

To take the pressure off Muzz Buzz, having 38 people arriv-

the Base canteen. All was organised and pre-paid so, what

ing at the same time for lunch, the group was split in two

could possibly go wrong?

groups with half viewing the Tiger Moth while the other half had lunch.

At 10pm, the night before, Rod received a call from Stirling advising that there had been a fire in their canteen kitchen

The end result was that the tour ended up being much bet-

and that they could no longer accommodate the group of 38

ter than that was originally planned and the Tiger Moth and

people, some of which included members from the Old Fliers

hangar tour was an absolute added bonus which everyone

Group, thanks to Stephen Rogers. The problem Rod faced

loved. Thank you Chaza and Mick for coming to the rescue and

was how to arranged lunch at 10pm at night for 38 people

giving “ROD’S DAY TOURS” 38 guests a fantastic experience.

the night before the tour. Rod phoned several cafes within

Thank you also to Stephen Rogers from promoting the tour

the Rockingham area but all were closed.

to the OFG.

Fortunately, Rod had the afterhours mobile number of Chaza,

Upcoming tour Schedule: September 2022 - Wildflower Fes-

owner of Muzz Buzz at the Royal Aero Club, called her at 10.15pm

tival Kings Park tour including lunch

and explained his predicament. Chaza had planned to have the following day off but offered to come to the rescue by arranging lunch at the last minute for the entire group, what a woman!

Rod’s tours

Naval Base tour

21

TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To pilot, Dan and engineer, Andrew,

My First Club Comp

I would like to say a big thank you for going way above and

On 13 February I entered my first aeronautical competition,

beyond yesterday for John Sloan and his party’s joy flight.

HMAS Murrayfield. It consisted of a short field take-off and

I loved that you accommodated John’s determination to go

landing on the hypothetical aircraft carrier. Points were scored

flying, Dan. Your suggestions finally paying off with taking

not only on the accuracy of the landing but also on the accu-

the door off so John could slide his bottom onto the seat. I

racy of approach speeds and other aspects of quality air-

know how much he was looking forward to this flight, which

manship.

was confirmed with his dedication and determination to give

Before signing up I was a bit concerned about the uncontrolled

each suggestion a good hot go, challenges, and all. I loved that

aerodrome procedures and the gravel runway, however, after

Andrew just got in and took the door off then put it back on

discussing this with the air judge they were happy to talk me

without preamble or time wasting. You both demonstrated

through or take over the radio calls if I made too many mis-

excellent customer service that you personalised to accom-

takes. As it turned out these were not an issue, but it was good

modate John. Thank you again, they loved their fantastic flight

to know that I had a safety net.

with Royal Aero Club.

All in all, it was a great day out, I learnt so much from others

Kerri

who were more than happy to share their knowledge and

Ivanhoe Rocky Bay

experiences. I look forward to the next one!

Tom Paynter *Tom gained his RPL in January and was straight out looking for opportunities to fly. Seems he met with some success.

YMUL HMAS Murrayfield Competitors

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

22

STAFF AND MEMBERS NEWS Frank Southwell I would like to share the sad news of the passing of my father, Mr Frank Southwell who has been a longtime member of the Royal Aero Club of WA. At the age of 17, my father was nominated as a social member of the Royal Aero Club of WA (member #62) by Jim and Mollie Woods. A year later at the age of 18, Frank upgraded his membership to Flying member.

Frank obtained his Private Pilot’s Licence and much later his Commercial Pilot’s Licence and accepted a position with the RAC of WA as a Flying Instructor.

Frank continued his flying career by accepting a job as pilot with Muir Aviation in Darwin flying DH 84 Dragon Aircraft over the north of Australia. He later accepted a position with the flight staff of East West Airlines whom he was employed for over 30 years. His strong affiliation with his birthplace of aviation remained till the time of his passing.

Kind regards, James Southwell

Hugh Sterle We were saddened by the news of the passing of Hugh Sterle in an aviation accident.

Hugh attended Kent Street Senior High School and went onto Edith Cowan University graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor Degree of Aviation/Graduate Diploma of Flying. He received his Instructor rating at RACWA in the same year and commenced work with us as a casual G3 Flying Instructor in 2016.

He resigned 2017 to take up full-time work as a removalist, to save up for his upcoming European trip.

Hugh is remembered as a quite achiever, passionate about flying and a great Instructor. Our sympathies go out to his family on his early passing.

Hugh Sterle

23

TARMAC TOPICS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022

Aerial view of Optus Stadium and the Swan River

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