PRESIDENTS REPORT
MURRAYFIELD MATTERS
03
05
SAFETY MANAGERS REPORT
LONGREACH QUEENSLAND FLYAWAY 13
by Ray Challen
by John Snare 10
by Harrison O’Brien
JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
Tarmac Topics
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
PATRON His Excellence the Honourable Chris Dawson Governor of Western Australia
Welcome to our new club members Lloyd Ryan
Hana Moosajee
Louis Schwerdt
Mitchell Irwin
Peerasin Promsawangsin
John Stratton
Dion D’Olieslagers
Amrit Kandola
Ewan Elliot
Chris Hill
Harrison Murrie
Brandon Le Chat
Jasmine Kaur
Xavier Grocott
Haidar Hussayn
Joshua Kyffin
Harrison Treleaven
Boyd Bayley
Bhushan Ramchurn
Jackson Palandri
Marvelous Phiri
Stephen McGhee
Jaiden di Lanzo
Vshal Singh
Paul Atkinson
Joshua Smogavec
Mason Cilia
Marc Reynolds
Grant Ingvarson
Jack Seton
Harry Stowe
Caitlin Hanlon
Bevan Lester
Paul Smithson
Benjamin Carlisle
Victor Geczko
Keith Lockitt
Joseph McCann
Liam Rice
Matthew Hill
Henry Martella-Goodsell
Simon Mateljan
Jerome Hugonot
Daniel Whibley
Damien Synot
Aryaman Rathore
Scott Irvine
Stan Meyer
Colin Rice
Nick Hussey
Corrinna Rice
Robyn Lourens
Kumar Sandeep
Peter Signorile
Gary Anderson
Lachlan Pratt
Lucas Caccamo
Duncan Watkinson
Michelle Yeates Committee Member michellekyeates@yahoo.com.au
Tate McCarthy
Glen Sparks
Paul Anketell-Jones
Paul Crowe
Paul Southwick
Adam Cummings
Marty Evans
Matt Guetlich
Alison Glew Committee Member alison@alisonglew.com
Andrew Edwards
COMMITTEE Ray Challen President ray@challen.com.au Stephen Pearce Vice President spearce@outlook.com.au Jim di Menna Treasurer Jim.diMenna@zetta.com.au Haydn Vernon Club Captain Haydn.vernon@gemcorail.com.au Russell Philip Committee Member raphilip@westnet.com.au Vaughan Emery Committee Member vaughanemery@bigpond.com
Louise Kemp Committee Member lekemp40@gmail.com
Yohan Lee Declhan Lee Rob Climo Chris Cooper Tim Brown Andre Ripley Jonathan Macmillan
PRESIDENTS REPORT Written by Ray Challen
this facility reinvigorating the club and providing a venue for the Jandakot aviation community to come together.
Hello Members
The renovation project was completed only marginally over
As I write this column, we are approaching the sum-
budget, which is quite an achievement in any construction
mer months after a warm and dry spring that has
project and a credit to all the staff and members that contrib-
involved the usual bug covered wind screens and flights
uted their time and expertise to make the project a success.
around the smoke of forest burn offs. Time to be get-
The members’ lounge is available for hire as an attrac-
ting out for early morning or late afternoon flights.
tive events venue and is expected to bring in reve-
Looking back on 2023, I am very pleased as president
nues that will return the cost of the refurbishment and
that we have moved forward in improving our club.
then fund further improvements to member services.
Perhaps the most immediately visible change is the renova-
In
tion of the café, bar and members’ lounge. We now have an
order
lounge
attractive meeting place with a high-quality service offering
has
that we can be proud to bring our families and friends into
is also
not
to
hired been
disadvantage out
for
members
events,
refurbished
if
the
the
pilots
bar
and
reopened.
The Committee was very pleased to name this bar the
our aviation world. The committee is looking forward to
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
Adrian Thomas Pilots Bar in memory of Adrian who was
perfect flying weather – tail winds almost the whole
tragically lost in an accident just over a year ago along
way there and back.
with fellow club Simon Dec.
ing a great time.
Adrian exemplified the
All participants reported hav-
We are already planning the next
qualities we most value as a pilot and club member.
long-haul event for October 2024, so start planning!
At the recent RACWA annual general meeting, I was
We also have a steadily filling calendar of flying events for
pleased to report that the 2022/23 financial year
2024 with one of the first events being the fly-in to Jurien and
marked a turnaround from a significant loss in 21/22
annual Pilots and Partners Dinner. So I encourage you all to
to a modest operating surplus. In 22/23 we are look-
get out and enjoy any days of great winter flying weather.
ing to further improve financial outcomes as we move towards the important long-term financial commitment of fleet renewal.
RACWA has now received tenders
from the major manufacturers of training aircraft and we are now in the consideration and decision making. Turning to flying, we had a very successful long-haul flyaway event to Longreach in September with almost
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
4
MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien Greetings from Murrayfield, The aerodrome is buzzing with activity as we bid farewell to winter and embrace the vibrant spirit of spring. John, Tim, and Tony are working tirelessly to keep the airfield in top-notch condition, ensuring that the lush grass does not hinder the smooth flow of aviation activities. In the realm of student achievements, we extend a hearty congratulations to Amanda Bonebreak for reaching a significant milestone in her aviation journey. On the 30th
Amanda Bonebreak Achieves her First Solo
of August, Amanda achieved her first solo flight, marking a
For those considering a flight review, Murrayfield stands out
memorable moment in her pursuit of mastering the skies.
as a cost-effective alternative to larger airfields like Jandakot.
In response to changes in our operational landscape, we
With the absence of landing fees and shorter wait times
would like to inform our community that, for the month
on the ground, conducting reviews here not only saves
of November, BOF will find a temporary home at Jandakot.
money but also provides a more streamlined and efficient
This move is aimed at covering the loss of EEN.
experience.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during
Fly high and stay tuned for more exciting updates from the
this period of adjustment.
heart of our aviation community!
I have recently upgraded to a grade 2 instructional license allowing me to conduct flight reviews and RPL endorsement training.
Murrayfield At Sunset
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
ACHIEVERS
FIRST SOLO
Congratulations to all of our achievers for the months of July, August and September. We are very proud to see so many people reaching new heights in their flight training with us.
Amrit Kandola - First Solo - August
Arabella Ashton - First Solo - September
Bhushan Ramchurn - First Solo - August
Elijah Dizon - First Solo - August
Ethan O’Hayon - First Solo - July
Gabriel Calupig - First Solo - July
Grant Ingvarson - First Solo - August
Inderjit Kumar - First Solo - July
Jasmine Kaur - First Solo - August
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Jason Body - First Solo - August
Joel Baldwin - First Solo - July
Marvelous Phiri - First Solo - August
Mason Cilia - First Solo - August
Maximilano Laffont - First Solo - August
Medhansh Agarwal - First Solo - July
Noor Butler - First Solo - July
Tim Broun - First Solo - August
Tom Goldie - First Solo - July
Aaryan Kapila - RPL - July
Any Vo - RPL - September
RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)
7
TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
Bhushan Ramchurn - RPL - September
Bianca Willis-Milne - RPL - July
Darcy Buckley - RPL - September
Emily Grace - RPL - July
Emma Downsborough - RPL - September
Lahni Williamson - RPL - August
Liam Comer - RPL - August
Tyson Attwood - RPL - August
Zack Wong - RPL - August
Daniel Matuszkiewicz - PPL - August
Jake Webb - PPL - July
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Jeremy Hill - PPL - August
Lorenzo Tarquinio - PPL - July
Ramond Yardley - PPL - July
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)
Ryan Sanders - PPL - July
Anthony Buckley - CPL - September
GRADE 3 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR & INSTRUMENT IFR
Daniel Izonritei - CPL - September
Jake Doyle - CPL - August
Shane Cheah - Grade 3 Instructor - August
Will Evans - Grade 3 Instructor - August
9
Boy Watcharakeat Watcharamon Instrument IFR - September
TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
SAFETY MANAGERS REPORT Written by John Snare
going to do is not believe that this has happened, after a few seconds reality will strike and adrenalin will start flowing to help or hinder you in handling this very much unwanted
SHOULD YOU DARE TO ACCEPT A CHALLENGE!
scenario. My belief- to survive this awful inconvenience:
For those who read my weekly Tarmac Topics update, some-
1. Set up the correct nose attitude for the best glide speed
times I feel like I am the purveyor of gloom and doom, often
and TRIM!
referring to the nasties of aviation- crashes and all that stuff. This edition of Tarmac Topics I have set about to issue 2
2. Determine the direction that you are going to land based
challenges.
upon your latest knowledge of surface wind- landing into
CHALLENGE 1
wind is important except for very light winds in hilly terrain or possibly a ditching in heavy swells. A discussion
To prove how safe flying is (following an engine failure)
on headwind is to follow.
in particular, in relatively low performance single engine
You have now pretty well guaranteed you and your pax sur-
aircraft.
vival, let’s now minimise damage to the aeroplane with the
I have vowed during my association with aviation that the
following steps.
secret to surviving an engine failure in a single engine aero-
1. Restart checks- the engine failure may be able to be cor-
plane- is control. This week my aim is to use my grade 12
rected, i.e. carby heat, mixture, fuel tank, fuel pump or
physics (learnt some 44 years ago) combined with a little
magneto (especially for a very rough running engine).
help from Google, to prove my point, hopefully without
2. Choose a forced landing area and plan how you are going
sending you all to sleep.
to “enter” a gliding circuit and conduct a glide approach.
First off- the engine goes “BANG” (probably not however
AGAIN- UNLESS YOU ARE OVER HILLY TERRAIN WITH
things will get considerably quieter), the first thing you’re
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
10
LIGHT WINDS- LANDING INTO WIND IS IMPORTANT. Hilly
or reducing the speed at that point of impact.
terrain is a problem, landing on a steep downhill slope will
NOW- CONTROL
be problematic, and again, in light winds, an uphill slope
Let’s say “we lose it” and at 100 feet AGL (30ish meters) we
may be preferable.
stall and enter an incipient spin. Forward velocity is convert-
3. Do all those other things that you were trained for, I don’t
ed into downward velocity and gravity accelerates us from
want to discuss these, I’m too excited with on getting on
45 kts (stall speed) to 80Kts. The ground is unforgiving and
with my science.
does not bend however our aeroplane crumples and we
SO WHY IS WIND AND CONTROL IMPORTANT.
decelerate over 1 meter. We now have an impact of 79.5 G
First up WIND
over a period of 52 milliseconds. If the boffins are correct, we are now cactus! - I rest my case!
Lets say our best glide speed is 70 Knots and we plan to reduce this speed to 60 knots with full flap once we are
Finally regarding aeroplane crumple and two trees. My cal-
guaranteed of making our chosen forced landing area, we
culation above relies upon the aircraft crumpling by a meter,
have a wind of 10 kts.
pictures taken from accident sites show this is reasonable. The problem is, this crumpling moves the engine towards
Landing into wind we will have a groundspeed of 50 Kts, with
the tail, in a C172 it will finish near row 2, in a C152 near or
a tailwind, 70 Kts. Now my grade 12 physics and google (see
in the baggage compartment. I recently read an ATSB report
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/car-crash-force#-
that stated along the lines that “the survivable space was
force-of-impact-definition-impact-force-equation). Assume
compromised”, indeed we are in even more serious trou-
the worst case scenario, it all goes badly- we are going to hit
ble. My scenario regarding leaving the wings at the point
trees, if we can go between trees, we will lose our wings and
of impact, as I mentioned, not ideal but will also protect
some possibility of a fire but looking at accident stats, fire
this survivable space, better off than having a tree trunk
is not that likely in a single with the fuel in those wings. The
“breaking and entering” into the cabin.
trees will slow us down and let’s say we stop in 5 meters. These figures are from the website above, I just mentioned
CHALLENGE 2
my year 12 physics to impress.
To disprove my theory
With a headwind, our deceleration will be a mere 6.7 G
I have studied many single engine aeroplane accidents
With a tailwind, this will increase to 13.1 G
following a forced landing, I cannot recall just one where fatalities occurred when the aeroplane was under control
An increase of 96%
at the time of impact- fatalities invariable are a result of loss
Now that website states that “experts” have calculated that
of control either through pilot actions or by hitting things
to survive a car accident (biology doesn’t know if we are in
such as power lines whilst airborne. Please correct me if I
a car or aeroplane), we have to be less than 60G for periods
am wrong, your comments or evidence to the contrary all
longer than 3 milliseconds- even with a tailwind- unlikely to
too welcome, my email is jsnare@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
depart our mortal existence.
Engine failures in twins are a little bit different and a bit
Before I finish up discussing the importance of a headwind,
more to think about- maybe another article for the future.
as mentioned above, this is the worst case scenario when
Thanks for reading this and regarding my mention of my
trees or objects cannot be avoided, obviously avoiding them
year 12 physics, the hardest 4 years of my life were grade 7.
is a good thing and an ATSB report stating “I had an engine failure so I aimed between two trees” would raise eyebrows.
Until next time
Headwind is important as it also decreases the length of
Smooth Landings
paddock length required, and will drastically increase the
John.
effectiveness of wheel braking, lower kinetic energy for the brakes to absorb and more braking time for a given distance. Similarly a downslope will also increase distance required therefore speed at the end of a forced landing paddock. This will result in not hitting our two trees or other objects
11
TARMAC TOPICS JUNE - JULY 2022
THE SKILLS WEST EXPO 2023 Written by Caroline Watson
Trent and I approach these engagements with enthusiasm,
The annual Skills Expo hosted by the WA Aviation College is
with children, albeit entertaining, presents its own set of
a significant event that Trent Donovan and I attend annu-
challenges, particularly when their attention may be fixed
ally, this year running from the 27th to 29th July. We are
on complimentary treats rather than gaining knowledge
joined by numerous volunteers, including both students
about aviation! Nevertheless, we consistently encounter
and instructors, who actively contribute to its success. This
a group of individuals, particularly during weekends, who
year’s three-day event witnessed a diverse array of interest-
pose insightful questions and display genuine fascination
ed individuals, spanning various age groups, eager to inquire
with the full-time course.
about prospective training and embarking on a journey to
Aside from the WAAC course there is also ample opportunity
seeking to maximize the enjoyment for all involved. Engaging
become pilots.
to actively advertise the club’s Young Eagles Program as
Frequently, queries revolved not only around the cost but
there are regularly parents with children of different ages
also the duration and prerequisites, leaving students and
which is an excellent way for kids to get their foot in the door.
parents pleasantly surprised by the attainable pathway
Our ongoing objective each year is to enhance the overall
available for aspiring aviators. Notably, we observed a nota-
experience of the Expo, presenting aviation as an achievable
ble influx of interest from both genders, as well as mature
and thrilling pursuit for individuals of all ages.
individuals seeking a career transition.
Bianca Willis-Milne and College Principal Trent Donovan at the Skills Expo
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
12
LONGREACH QUEENSLAND FLYAWAY – SEPTEMBER 2023 16 aircraft and 30 people participated in the flyaway to
After watching the sun go down and enjoying a fine meal, it
Longreach Queensland home to the Qantas Founder’s Muse-
was off to Coober Pedy, the next overnight stay and the Opal
um. The group travelled approximately 3500 nautical miles
capital of the world! Coober Pedy is a quirky underground
over a 9-day period through central Australia and over some
town in the heart of the desert and renowned for its below-
of the most remote country on the planet to many iconic
ground dwellings, called “dugouts”, which are built in this
locations.
fashion to avoid the scorching daytime heat. Many of the hotel rooms are under ground in old opal mines.
Most commenced their journey on the first weekend in September with an advanced party leaving a day before due to
It was then off to Birdsville with many opting to tour Lake Eyre
the restricted accommodation at Forrest. Weather conditions
and to fly over the Marre Man. Water has been flowing all
for the Jandakot departures proved challenging but most of
the way down to the most southern region of Lake Eyre due
the main group made it safely to Forrest (the first overnight
to the Queensland flooding of the Eyre Creek and Georgina
stop) but were greeted with very strong winds.
regions several months before.
Forrest, which has a special connection with RACWA, had not
The Marree Man is a modern geoglyph discovered in 1998
had so many visitors on a single day in a very long time with
by a charter pilot flying between Marree and Coober Pedy.
accommodation at max capacity!
It appears to depict an Indigenous Australian man hunting with a boomerang or stick. The figure is 2.7 km tall with a
Forrest is located near the WA/SA border in the Nullarbor and
perimeter of 28 km, extending over an area of about 2.5 km2.
was named after the first Premier of WA, Sir John Forrest. It
The photo below was taken from 5,500 feet.
is one of the last surviving railway townships on the ribbon of steel that is the Transcontinental Railway. The airport at
The icon town of Birdsville was the next overnight stop. Birds-
Forrest was developed in 1929 as a refueling/rest stop for
ville is situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Des-
Sir Norman Brearley’s West Australian Airways when a con-
ert, the vast gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to the south
tract was won by Brearley to take the royal mail, freight, and
and rich Channel Country to the north. Once a notorious place
passengers from Perth to Adelaide and return. Sir Norman
through which cattle drovers moved their stock, Birdsville
Brearley is of course, RACWA’s founding president.
is a thriving community which hosts the world-renowned Birdsville Races and the Birdsville Big Red bash.
13
TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
The airport is right next to the Birdsville hotel – out the plane
The visit to the Qantas Founders Museum was very enjoy-
into the Hotel for a beer!
able and insightful with many exhibitions and aircraft that chronicle the history of our national carrier. We enjoyed an
Birds are a particular hazard for aircraft at Birdsville – par-
informative guided tour of the Boeing 707, Boeing 747, Super
ticularly the black kites (hawk like birds) which do not seem
Constellation and DC-3 in the Museum’s Airpark Enclosure.
afraid of airplanes.
After the museum tour, most of our group visited the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Center. This is another world class facility in Longreach that pays tribute to the unsung heroes of remote Australia – the stockman. Through the many interactive exhibits, we learned about Australia’s heritage, explored stories of the nation’s past, and gained an insight into the culture and people of the land. That evening we had a formal group dinner that was also attended by the CEO of the Shire. Now it was onto the outback town of Boulia located on the edge of the Simpson desert and at the crossroads of several outback routes. Boulia is in the Channel Country. All watercourses in this area are part of the Lake Eyre drainage basin,
Our tour group at the steps of the Boeing 747
and most dry up before their water reaches Lake Eyre.
Next stop was Longreach located in outback Queensland and
Next stop, Alice Springs for fuel and Kings Cross Station for
home to the Qantas Founder’s Museum.
a night’s stopover. The next day, most of the group took the opportunity to fly the scenic route around Uluru (Ayres Rock)
Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (QAN-
and the Olgas. There is a special procedure found in the ERSA
TAS) was initially formed at Winton, Queensland in Novem-
that defines the route etc. Nothing too complicated and stun-
ber 1920 with two aircraft primarily used for joy flights and
ning views of “the rock” and the Olgas.
charter work. Operations soon moved to Longreach in 1921 and Qantas built a hangar that still exists today and that was
Our last overnight stop was Leonora for a meal and some
visited by our group. The first Qantas aircraft was an Avro
rest before returning to Jandakot the next day.
504K built in Sydney.
The trip to Longreach and back was a great success. All thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the feedback has been very positive. Time to start planning next year’s adventure to Temora in NSW!
Our tour group in front of one of the engines
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
14
BATTLE OF BRITAIN 83RD ANNIVERSARY THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CONTRIBUTION
Weather delayed engines start until 0650hrs. SPITFIRE Flight
Written by Squadron Leader Paul Falconer-West RAAF Ret’d( deHMC 1337)
the aircraft and crew compositions)
was the first to depart, closely followed by HURRICANE Flight and then the Singles.(see the accompanying photograph for
Every year the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia commemorates and honours the memory of the actions and sacrifices of the Battle of Britain Air Crew by having a Dawn Patrol across the City of Perth and over the Kings Park War Memorial. On Saturday 16 September 2023 the Western Australian contribution to the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Britain was
Hurricane Flight Leader moving to RWY06L
carried out from Jandakot in two major phases. The first was a Battle of Britain Commemorative Dawn Patrol over Perth
The Flights scrambled at 0710hrs from Jandakot RWY06L,
followed by the second which was at the Royal Aero Club of
Temperature 15C, clouds scattered at 800ft and broken at
Western Australia(RACWA) club rooms.
1500ft, and occasional showers. The route flown, which was dictated by the weather was: Jandakot RWY06L to 1500ft –
There were a total of 9 aircraft divided into two flights plus
Yangebup Lake – Thomsons Lake – Woodman Point – Freman-
three singles, depending on aircraft type and performance.
tle – Observation City(1000ft) – Fremantle – Powerhouse
Briefing was held before dawn at 0520hrs in the RACWA Han-
– Adventure World – Overhead join for Jandakot RWY06L.
gar. The weather forecast was cloudy and possible fog for departures from Jandakot which were to be in the SPITFIRE and HURRICANE Flights. RACWA”s DH82A Tiger Moth VH-CKF(A17-421) was the only de Havilland participation came in the HURRICANE Flight. This was flown by RACWA Flight Instructor Tim Berryman and Ryllie Mack. The weather was cold, cloudy and random showers. Pilots and passengers gathered for a briefing from Haydn Vernon, RACWA Club Captain and Ray Challen. Haydn thanked SQNLDR Paul Falconer-West RAAF Ret’d for the RAAF connection and had allocated Paul to fly with Bruce Rathbone in Cessna C152A VH-UWC, in HURRICANE Flight. Individual Flight Briefings took place after the main briefing.
HURRICANE Flight No 2 Keeping Station
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
A RACWA mess breakfast was held at the club rooms. Haydn
It had been a moving commemoration. The de Havilland
invited Paul to deliver a short Battle of Britain address after
name is alive and flourishing in Western Australia. Many
the breakfast. . If it had not been for the Few, including 35
World War II aircrew trained on Tiger Moths before proceed-
Australians, who had defeated the Luftwaffe in the skies of
ing onto advanced training and then operations.
Britain, we would not be commemorating the sacrifices and
Many thanks to Hadyn Vernon for including one RAAF Veter-
achievements of these FEW men at today’s Dawn Patrol. One
an – SQNLDR Paul Falconer-West Ret’d, ENGARM(also a Tiger
of the 13 Australians Killed In Action was Dick Glyde from
Moth Pilot trained by a WWII RAF veteran and Queen’s Flight
Perth. Lest we Forget!
Examining Captain) in today’s Commemoration Dawn Patrol.
Approaching Adventure World
Perth CBD shrouded in clouds and showers
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
16
WAAC UPDATE Written by Trent Donovan
Additionally, we’ve added new casual Ground Instructors: Lochlan Cable, Matt Cox, and Shane Cheah, bringing fresh
This quarter, the Western Australian Aviation College has
perspectives to our team.
seen remarkable growth and outreach. We participated in various school career expos and the Skills West Expo,
A special welcome to our new classes, D23 and E23. Their
connecting with aspiring aviators and showcasing our
enthusiasm and dedication are commendable, and we’re
programs.
dedicated to guiding them towards their aviation goals.
We’re excited to welcome Stan Meyer as our new Ground
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to providing
School Manager and Will Evans as a Ground Instructor.
top-notch flight training and preparing our students for
Their expertise is already enhancing our training quality.
successful aviation careers.
D23 Class
E23 Class
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Written by Emily Grace
My aspirations in aviation and my lifelong dream is to join the Royal Australian Air Force. The prospect of piloting a
I am a passionate and determined college student pilot
fixed-wing aircraft and training in the esteemed PC-21 fills
and have recently embarked on my journey into the world
me with excitement. I have just one interview remaining
of aviation and am currently working towards my Private
before I cross my fingers for a letter of offer from the
Pilot Licence.
Defence Force upon completing my Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
I fondly recall the thrill of achieving my Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and the unforgettable memory of my first
I am a very determined student and have a wealth of
solo flight. I enjoy witnessing my friends reach their own
enthusiasm for aviation, and I believe this will make me
milestones and celebrating their achievements, symbol-
an inspiring individual who is sure to leave a mark on the
ized by the resonant ring of the bell. Looking back at the
skies and beyond.
beginning of the course, I am astounded by the progress my classmates and I have made, a testament to our dedication and growth.
Emily Grace in a Cessna 152
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT WAAC Past Student Catchup Written by Caroline Watson Catching up with Jordan Grover, who was a WAAC student in class C18 who graduated with a Commercial Pilots Licence in July 2019. In September Jordan was a Captain at Casair, operating from Jandakot airport, where he enjoyed the thrill of flying solo in the Metro II. His days are were a mix of scheduled FIFO flights and exciting adhoc freight flights. From Darwin, Cairns, Karratha and Broome, the list goes on. The Metro’s cockpit is where Jordan is able to navigate high performance, single-pilot, multi-engine, turbine-powered IFR flights, to short 1200m dirt strips which always keeps things interesting. Jordan credits WAAC for his solid foundation, notably mentors within the college like Jarod Rowe and David Schneiker, who remain influential in his training to this day. With 1900 hours total and 1500 of those multi IFR, Jordan’s ready for a new chapter. He has recently embarked on his professional career with Virgin, at the helm of a Virgin Australia 737, a dream unfolding faster than expected. Here’s to the journey ahead. Congratulations to all you’ve achieved so far and all that is sure to come!
Jordan Grover with the Casair Metro
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
OLD FLIERS GROUP Bulletin 201 July 2023 Written by Stephen Rogers
work in WW1, as a secret agent, submariner, pilot, naturalist,
This was the last time that the Old Fliers met for lunch in
Wilkins work in the Artic and Antarctic resulted in King
geographer, and climatologist. George knighting him for services. Peter gave a good ren-
the “old” club rooms. Also the last time that Muzz Buzz
dition of the aircraft that Wilkins used in his Polar work.
catered for us. In the next two months the lounge will
He rated the Lockheed Vega, introduced in 1927, as one of
be renovated. The OFG have donated $6,950 towards buying a new Epson EB-2265U projector and a recessed
the best.
Grandview screen. During the renovation the OFG will
The legacy of Wilkins are the naming of Wilkins Sound,
relocate to RAAFA Bullcreek.
Wilkins Ice Shelf and Wilkins Arctic test chamber. Next
Tony Atkinson was our guest speaker today. He had
month we will return to RAAFA Cafe.
a story of a larger than life pilot (figuratively!) named
Bulletin No 203 September 2023 Written by Stephen Rogers
Captain James B. McGovern. His nickname was “Earthquake McGoon”. A man who played hard and lived hard.
A most enjoyable luncheon held at RAAFA Function room.
He flew in WW2, the conflict in China with Claire Chenault,
Richard Ewing told us how his VW powered Sonex home built aircraft suffered engine failure on take-off at Jandakot. He
the Korean War and the French Indochina War. Alas, it
remembered the advice to shove the nose forward as the
came undone in Ban So in Laos, his last words being “well, it looks like this is it boys”.
Sonex has little inertia.
Tony’s description of the politics behind these conflicts
He was at 300’ as he departed runway 24R. A left turn brought him to the threshold of runway 12 and a safe land-
and the personalities involved made the story of McGovern even more interesting.
ing. His experience as a pilot flying parachute drops helped.
Bulletin No 202 August 2023 Written by Stephen Rogers
It was determined that fuel boost at full throttle had flooded
That involved many take offs and landings. the engine. Richard has now replaced the trouble prone VW
100 members and their guests met for lunch at RAAFA Cafe.
engine with a Rotax.
The lounge at Racwa is being refurbished and RAAFA will be
Milly Formby, recently returned from an around Australia
our home whilst this is happening. I thanked Kay Barker and
coastal flight, in an Airborne Trike gave a talk about the
Janice Bowra for recommending Peter Alcock as a speaker.
plight of Shore Birds.
Peter and I last met in High School 65 years ago! Peter’s
Their coastal habitats are reducing through reclamation. Mil-
subjects were the Polar explorers, Douglas Mawson and
ly has spoken to children from 105 primary schools during
George (Hubert) Wilkins. Douglas graduated as a professor
her journey.
of geology and the glacial rocks in South Australia led to
Milly had quality video from her high perch in the clouds as
a fascination with Antarctica. On the other hand, George
well as photos and artwork detailing how these Shore Birds
Wilkins was “life educated”. He believed proposed Antarctic
fly such long and arduous trips in annual search for food.
weather stations could help to predict future weather such
Although some birds are quite tiny, they fatten up to double
as the “Federation drought”
their size. These fat reserves power their long flight over
that led to his family abandoning farming in South Australia.
oceans. Milly received a long ovation for her professional
Wilkins work as a photographer led to war correspondence
presentation.
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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FAREWELL’S Herman and Jerry bid farewell to the West Australian Aviation College, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence in both flying and ground school. Their passion for teaching has propelled numerous students from Recreational to Commercial success, evident in commendable exam pass rates. As they venture into new horizons, the college extends best wishes, confident that the skies will echo with their continued impact. Herman and Jerry’s departure marks a poignant moment, but their influence on aspiring aviators will resonate, thank you for your time at the club and college. Herman Tsang
Jerry Woong
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TARMAC TOPICS JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2023
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