His Excellence the HonourableChris Dawson Governor of Western Australia
Hussain Watoot
Michael Whitehouse
DanielRistic
Wayne Fisher
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
Michelle Yeates Committee Member michellekyeates@yahoo.com.au
Alison Glew Committee Member alison@alisonglew.com
Louise Kemp Committee Member lekemp40@gmail.com
Rhys Barrick
Tyson Attwood
Darcy Buckley
Noor Butler
Jackson Fowke
Inderjit Kumar
Ethan O’Hayon
Vetrivel Ravichandar
Andy Vo
Lahni Williamson
Mohammed Huque
Lewis Bond
Alexander Hicken
Bradley Johnston
Ashton Williams
Aleix Walliss
Jack Forward
Lochlan Carr
Alex Bennett
Robin Scott
Michael Byers
Wee Loon Yong
Elijah Kelley
Harry Roberts
Luke Montenegro
Karl Leunig
Hi Fellow Aviators its Norm and your friendly club captain reporting in what has been an interesting two months spanning over May and June.
We kicked off with the first of the ever-popular night competitions on May 3rd with a total of 26 competitors participating in the Rated and Non-Rated events with the following results:
With an event like this there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as well as the volunteers that give up their free time to help out on the day. A massive big thanks must go out to all that contributed to the Open Day - a job well done.
Directly after the Open Day we held the Greg Hill memorial which consisted of three teams - students, instructors and members participating in a variety of flying challenges with the eventual winners being, to my disappointment, the instructors, who consisted of Caroline Watson, Anthony Barbaro & Gareth Lloyd. Congratulations team!
It was then fitting that the shield was presented to the winning team by Greg Hill’s brother Kevin, who was in attendance.
Well done to those place getters and a big thanks to all those who attended and to the air judges.
Now that we are moving into the winter months and experiencing some inclement weather patterns can I please encourage your decision making as pilots whether to take to the sky or not. Read and understand your forecasts comprehensively and if you are not sure go and ask one of the instructors or someone with experience, it is too late when you are up there and things turn for the worst.
As the old saying goes “it’s better to be wishing you were up there rather than up there wishing you were down here, “so be careful.
On the 18th May Russell Philips and I had the great pleasure of presenting a cheque for $1830 to Craig Beveridge, Vice President of Fremantle Sea Rescue. The donation was from the funds raised at our 2023 Bun Run. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.
The Murrayfield Open Day on the 27th May turned out to be a great success with our highest attendance yet from the general public and visiting aircraft along with the really good weather.
Well along came June and on the 3rd, it was off to Northam for the annual Dawn Raid which was run in conjunction with the Northam Aero Club.
We had seven planes attending the fly-in with 15 people sitting down for lunch at the newly renovated DOME Café, having had a sticky beak around the local market held on the adjacent park beforehand.
Thanks must go to flying committee member Brendon Cox for organising the event.
The 7th June saw the second of the night competitions take place with a total of 20 competitors taking to the night sky participating in the Rated and Non-Rated events with the following results.
So that’s about wrapped it up for the month of June with both regular Murrayfield and Jandakot comps being cancelled due to the marginal weather.
I will end this article with a plea. Over the past weeks there have been Busy Bees organised for members to help out around the Club with cleaning etc.
For those who attended I would like to thank you for your time, it is most appreciated, for those who couldn’t, I would plea if you can spare a small amount of your free time to come down when volunteers are asked for and help out, it would be greatly appreciated.
If we are to forge ahead to the future and enjoy the benefits the Club can offer, I do think we need to pull together to make it happen.
Signing
Autopilots are a game changer; they have the ability to make a pilot’s life easier but only when the pilot understands the correct operation of the autopilot. This requires thorough knowledge of the system; it’s testing and operating procedures and of course up in the air is not the place to learn that.
So many times. I’ve asked someone on the ground when they skip the autopilot step “Are you going to check that?” and more often than not it’s usually an answer of “I don’t know how to use it” or “I’m not planning on using it.” Remember it’s a case of be prepared, you may not plan on using it but then again you may need to use it whilst you deal with an ill passenger and ATC is giving you a list of instructions, better to be safe than sorry.
Step one is on the ground, knowing how to test it. Legally some of our aircraft require it to be tested, being in the Part 135 (old charter) category, and if they don’t work you can’t fly the plane, unless it also has an MEL that forbids it.
During the safety meeting this week we had a snag for an aircraft where the pilot said it wasn’t working. The pilot’s description and with what the engineers found simply showed it had been turned off after the test function. So, the moral here, get started on the ground, read the POH or the sup manuals for the autopilot system and how to fully test all functionality as well as the different ways to disconnect the system too, if there is an issue from there, you’ll know how to do a system test and how to tell if there’s an issue.
Once flying most systems are pretty simple, from pressing altitude and heading hold buttons once up in the cruise simply so you can catch up with a CLEAROFF check or reach back and grab your water bottle from the back, up to being able to descend at specific rates and then automatically level out at assigned altitudes too. There’s a wide variety of systems we have in our aircraft at the Club and the top tier GA autopilots are on par with the functionality that you’d see up the cockpit of a new jet rolling off the production line.
Whilst you still need to practice the old stick and rudder skills and not live on the things, their use in the cockpit is immense and I’d urge anybody who’s unsure, or just simply lacking confidence, to take up the chance to go for a quick buzz with an instructor and get them to show you how to setup and use the system and also the emergency procedures on how to disengage it if the need arises.
Until next time, safe flying.
Greetings from Murrayfield
Winter has officially arrived, bringing along with it rain showers and cooler temperatures. However, don’t let that dampen your spirits! This is the perfect time to make the most of those clear weather days when the winds are calm and smooth – ideal for maximum flying fun. So, gear up and get ready to soar to new heights!
Unfortunately, I must announce that the Murrayfield Aileron circuit competition, scheduled for July, has been cancelled. However, fret not, as there is still plenty to look forward to in the upcoming months. Mark your calendars for the next Murrayfield Night Comp in August, an event that promises excitement, thrills, and the burning question of who will clinch the overall title. Stay tuned as the competition unfolds!
Reflecting on the recent Murrayfield Open Day held on the 27th May, the event showcased a line-up of interesting aircraft and plenty of flying action. From an impressive flyby of the majestic Spitfire MK26, exuding the nostalgia of aviation history, to the sleek arrival of a PC-7 military trainer.
Adding to the excitement were the accomplishments of two
exceptional individuals who achieved their first solos in the past two months. First, congratulations to Jeremy Sims, who commenced flight training at Murrayfield at the beginning of the year. His determination led him to conquer the skies solo on the 2nd of June, an achievement to be forever cherished.
Additionally, I extend our warmest congratulations to Steven Hayes, whose passion for aviation has been evident from the very beginning. Always keeping up with the latest aviation videos and immersing himself in the world of flight, Steven demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his dreams. His solo flight on the 12th May marked the beginning of a remarkable journey toward even greater heights.
The winter season may bring rain and occasional challenges, but it also presents opportunities for soaring adventures and aviation accomplishments. As the showers continue, let us celebrate the clear weather days that grant us the freedom to explore the skies above. Winter at Murrayfield is a time to embrace the thrill of flying, nurture dreams, and showcase the true essence of aviation excellence. Congratulations once again to our exceptional achievers, may their flights continue to inspire and ignite the passion within us all.
Happy Flying!
Congratulations to all of our achievers for the months of May - June. We are very proud to see so many people reaching new heights in their flight training with us.
I finally found it, I’m not talking about something left in the aircraft, I’m talking about an accident that I was beginning to believe was an urban myth - here’s the details (more about things left in aircraft later).
Arthur Kell was an Australian born pilot who piloted Avro Lancasters in World War II. In 1943 he and his crew transferred to fill the losses after the Dambusters raid and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar for actions against the battleship Tirpitz. After the war he became a flying instructor with the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales.
On the 27th January 1968 he was unfortunately was killed in an accident whilst teaching spins in a DHC-1 Chipmunk. The cause of this accident was tragic, a 20-cent coin had slipped through a crack at the base of the control stick and jammed the controls, preventing the stick from moving forward and as a result, preventing recovery from the spin. (https://www. facebook.com/rafmuseum/posts/on-this-day-22-may-in1946-the-de-havilland-canada-chipmunk-made-its-firstfligh/10158283327407612/)
This accident demonstrates the potential danger of FOD and we are not immune. In March 2020 Tiger Moth VH-CKF had a FOD incident, an inspection mirror that had been left inside the aircraft moved during take-off and jammed the elevator. We were lucky that this occurred just after take-off and with sufficient runway remaining. The pilot skilfully managed to land the aircraft utilising power to control pitch and a severe accident was avoided.
So what is FOD? One definition is any object found in an inappropriate location that, as a result of being in that location, can damage equipment or injure personnel. There are various forms of FOD including;
Runway FOD - things that may have fallen off aircraft or equipment onto the runway. The most famous example being the Concorde accident in 2000, a metal strip forming part of an engine cowl on a DC-10 had fallen on to the runway. The Concorde ran over this FOD causing a tyre to explode and disintegrate, tyre fragments ruptured the fuel tank causing engine failure and engine fire with a resultant fatal crash, killing 109 people on board and 4 on the ground.
If ever you suspect that something has fallen off or out of your aircraft, please contact the owner ASAP so that can conduct a runway inspection.
Taxiway/Apron FOD - Not as dangerous but can be very expensive, impact can include damage to propellers, ingestion into the engine, particularly turbine engines and FOD being thrown into other aircraft people or equipment. If you see something on the apron that is not supposed to be there, if possible, remove it. If removing it is not possible or if you see something on a taxi way, advise the tower, they will contact someone from JAH to remove it.
Maintenance FOD - The Tiger Moth incident above demonstrates an example of maintenance FOD. Controls are used to account for tools and in fact, we are presently reviewing our controls, however, as we are aware from our Human Factors training, errors can occur. Please, when completing your pre-flight checks always look around the controls, in particular rudder pedals, for anything that isn’t supposed to be there.
Crew/Passenger FOD - Often overlooked and often small, a set of “wings”, a pen, a bull dog clip etc. etc. can all interfere with the controls, as with maintenance FOD, have a good look around during your pre-flight checks. Also, a request, how about conducting a post flight inspection looking for “stuff” you or your passengers may have left behind. This isn’t just limited to FOD but also tissues, lolly rappers etc. It would be great if we could all be committed to maintaining the tidiness of our aircraft.
Finally, I recently attended a flying committee meeting and when discussing our reporting system, got a few blank stares. At the front operations counter we have two reporting forms. One is for aviation accidents/incidents/near misses and is additional to the mandatory ATSB reports. Note, in this situation near miss does not relate to a close call with another aircraft, it relates to something “may have happened”, this type of reporting is forward looking as it examines what may occur rather than what has occurred. The other form is for non-aviation accidents/incidents/near misses and suggestions.
If you do complete a report, place it in the provided “letterbox”. If you can’t find a form, ask Operations. If you are unsure which form to use, please ask. But really, it doesn’t matter, I can always chase you up if required, and in reality, the fact that we have your input is the important thing. Reports can be submitted anonymously, just leave your personal details off the form, however it is preferable that you identify yourself so that we can follow up if required. In saying this, the Club has a just culture, this means that if
you report something you can be guaranteed that no action will be taken against you. Obviously, if we receive reports of negligent behaviour or deliberate flouting of legislation, policies or procedures, action may then be required, to put it simply, we all make mistakes and can learn from ours and others but we should never deliberately put safety at risk. Standby - next issue I will further explain of our just culture and provide a quick description of our procedures when we receive a report.
Every week I am now (workload permitting) providing safety “snippets” in our weekly emails. Just a chance to revisit some of the vast myriad of issues surrounding aviation safety. I’d suggest you all have a read, your input would be greatly appreciated, things that have happened to you, you have seen or you have heard about or read, my email is; jsnare@ royalaeroclubwa.com.au. If you’re not receiving our weekly emails, advise marketing@royalaeroclubwa.com and they will sort it out.
For now, smooth landings
The Monday before writing this article, at 8:00AM (Local) it was -0.9 degrees, listening to ABC news on line in my 50-minute 32km drive to work, the eastern states announcer was in disbelief - surely a mistake had been made, how could Perth be that cold? It was, and resulted in somewhat a flurry of activity before the morning flight programme got going.
1. De-icing - Ice and aeroplanes don’t mix. Ice can radically affect the airflow over the wings, vertical and horizontal stabilisers. If a person attempts to take-off with ice on these surfaces, they have just taken up a new role as test pilot, the handling and flight “envelope” of their aircraft is a complete unknown - a couple of minutes hosing down will prevent this from occurring. Please note however, if you do hose down an aeroplane, ensure that ice hasn’t reformed during taxi.
2. Speaking of taxing, carby ice is also a significant player, please be just a little more cautious both on the ground and in the air.
3. Also, whilst thinking about taxiing, visibility can be severely decreased due ice, frost or condensation, as the heater won’t work that well until airborne, it may be prudent to take a very, very clean and soft rag to wipe the inside of the windscreen.
4. Speaking of heaters, our heaters typically work by pulling heat from the engine compartment, any leak in the exhaust system could introduce CO (Carbon Monoxide) into the cabin. Carbon Monoxide can cause of sorts of issues whilst flying ranging from decreased concentration to death, death being natures ultimate way of telling you to slow down. Even long term, CO poisoning can have significant impact on your health for the rest of your life. Please monitor that CO detector spot on board your aircraft.
5. Speaking of exhaust, your engine won’t produce exhaust if it does not start. Starting is much more difficult on a cold morning - now I can become a little controversial. Discussing cold weather starting techniques with people having heaps and heaps of experience on C152s, I go the following:
a. 5 full primes followed by 2 full pumps of the throttle (this activates the accelerator pump in the carburettor) then immediately start the engine. E.g., Full primes, allow the primer to fully fill up before rapidly pushing in.
b. 4 full primes, followed by 2 rapid primes then 2 full pumps of the throttle then immediately start the engine.
c. No primes however 5 full pumps of the throttle then immediately start the engine.
I personally, am on Team ‘a’. One thing however is consistent, we need to increase the priming of the engine, it is highly recommended to utilise the accelerator pump by pumping the throttle, an immediate start attempt is required so have your key in the ignition and hit the noise button immediately after you have primed, all pre start checks must have also been completed.
Speaking of Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), (and being controversial), the C152 POH states 3 primes for temperatures above freezing however at the back of section 4 (maybe hidden for a deliberate reason, tongue in cheek there) they also suggest that below freezing without preheat (I don’t know exactly what this is), three primes then pull the propeller through by hand, then prime another 2 to 4 strokes, then after start use of the primer and carby heat may be required until the engine runs smoothly.
We don’t use this method and please also note, they are talking about temperatures below -7 degrees. Good news is, if temperatures get below -7 in Perth, then it is a certainty that the West Coast Eagles will win the 2023 Premiership!
6. Speaking of the POH for C152s, priming using the throttle (accelerator pump) does have a slight increased risk of fire whilst starting. When we use the primer, fuel gets squirted into the cylinders. The accelerator pump releases fuel into the carburettor and it can drip into the heat
exchange box, an engine backfire can ignite this fuel. So, if someone yells at you that your engine is on fire whilst starting a C152, follow the emergency procedure in the POH, and continue cranking to suck the flames through the carburettor and into the engine, then shut down and get everything inspected. Please note, this may not be applicable for other aircraft, always refer their POH.
7. Finally, speaking of cranking, lead acid batteries don’t like the cold, expect a few more flat batteries than in the warmer months also, starter motors are for starting not for heating. Limit your cranking time to 10 to 20 seconds or less, then let the starter motor cool down before trying again. Also, please note, some aircraft have had different starter motors installed with reduced cranking times that are placarded, these placards must be adhered to.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of winter, a glass of red helps.
In this issue, we will delve into the value of formation training and highlight our popular club event, Formation Fridays, where members can further hone their skills and stay current in formation flying.
As qualified pilots engaged in formation flight activities, you already understand the significance of continuous training and skill development. Formation training not only expands proficiency but also elevates expertise to new heights. Let’s explore the key aspects that make formation training invaluable to our pilots:
1. Maintaining Precision: Formation flying demands exceptional precision and control. Through attendance, members have the opportunity to fine-tune their flying techniques, ensuring that precise formations can be maintained with confidence.
2. Enhancing Safety: By participating in Formation Friday’s, members enhance their situational awareness, sharpening their ability to identify potential hazards and make calculated decisions swiftly. This heightened safety awareness ensures the well-being of all pilots during formation flights.
3. Refining Communication: Effective communication is paramount in successful formation flying. Formation Friday’s allow members to practice and perfect the art of clear, concise communication & briefing, ensuring smooth coordination and minimising risks associated with misinterpretation.
Formation Friday, serves as a platform for qualified members to further refine their skills and foster camaraderie within the formation flight community.
Soon, the Club will be organising a Formation Flying Refresher Seminar designed to tidy up formation briefing procedures, formation flying and address any safety related issues or concerns from members and staff. All are strongly encouraged to attend!
In late April, we held our first New Members and RPL Wings event for the year. We had a turnout of over 60 new members and their guests who joined us for an information afternoon.
As soon as the new members arrived, each of them was handed our new members guide, which spills all the beans on the perks of being part of our club. We wanted them to know exactly what they had signed up for!
This year, we switched the formalities up a bit. Our CEO, Club President & Club Captain took the stage for a quick presentation that gave everyone the lowdown on our club’s mission and history. After the presentation, we congratulated our latest Recreational Pilots Licence (RPL) wings recipients. It was a special moment that brought together our staff, instructors, and fellow members to celebrate these high-flying achievers. After the presentation, we took everyone on a tour of our club’s facilities and fleet, guided by other members and staff.
Once we wrapped up the presentations and tour, we all kicked back, grabbed a drink, and indulged in some nibbles provided by the Club. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle and get to know each other better.
There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who share your passion for aviation.
All in all, our New Members and RPL Wings event was a huge success. It was an incredible day filled with meeting new friends, sharing our love for aviation, and having a great time. We can’t wait for more events like this to continue fuelling our aviation adventures together!
Another exhilarating open day has come and gone at Murrayfield, and this year, it was bigger and better than ever before! The skies were abuzz with a plethora of captivating aircraft and the air filled with the joy of flying. Luckily, the weather played its part, treating us to a stunning autumn day that set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Among the highlights of the event was the presence of the sleek and impressive Pilatus PC-7, a high-performance military trainer and a predecessor to the renowned PC-9 used by the RAAF. Adding to the nostalgic charm was the PAC CT-4 aircraft, once utilised by the RAAF to train early pilots. Operated by Perth Joy Flights, these planes hold a significant place in aviation history.
Not far behind was the Victa Airtourer, the smaller sibling of the Victa Aircruiser, which was proudly displayed.
Fun fact, that is the same Victa company that is renowned for manufacturing lawnmowers. Intriguing the crowd was the electric Pipistrel Electro, a fully electric aircraft that never fails to turn heads. These eco-friendly planes are set to shape the future of recreational aviation and will soon be incorporated into ab-initio training at Murrayfield.
The excitement continued in the sky, with trial flights, scenic tours, and even vintage Tiger Moth flights. Personally, I had the exciting job of cruising the Mandurah beaches in the yellow bi-plane, and let me tell you, the view was nothing short of spectacular. We were also treated to a captivating fly-by from the iconic MK26 Spitfire, adding a touch of nostalgia to the air. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the skilled RACWA pilots Anthony, Gareth, Simon, James, and Caroline for their invaluable assistance throughout the event.
I extend my sincerest gratitude to all the volunteers who generously dedicated their time to set up and run the event. Your unwavering support is the lifeblood of our club. A special shoutout goes to Taylor for her exceptional organisational skills. You truly embody the spirit of Murrayfield and made this event a resounding success.
As we bid farewell to another unforgettable open day, our hearts are already filled with anticipation for what next year will bring. Let us join forces and make it bigger, better, and more awe-inspiring than ever before. The skies await, and together, we will soar to new heights!
Written by Louise Kemp
The Music Quiz Night was well attended with over 50 members and friends joining together to form 8 Teams (INXS, The Village People, The Ratpack, Hot Play, Baby Boomers, The Rossy Flossies and Russell, The Banshees and the Youngens).
taking an early lead but then they stumbled on Round 4 (Artists real names), temporarily giving the lead to the INXS team, however they soon regained the lead in Round 5 and became very confident in their ability to win. Not anticipating that Round 6 (pop songs) would see the Youngens steal the lead by one point which not only gave them the round but was enough to see them victorious when the two teams tied in the final round.
Each table provided their own feast of pizzas and various food platters.
The competition comprised of 7 rounds consisting of naming the Aviation related music themes, movie themes, short music intros, artists real names, cartoon themes, pop music and finally TV themes. The music consisted of a wide variety of music covering most eras. Mick Harcourt was the MC for the night and also provided musical entertainment during the interval.
Martin Jones was in charge of the Bar and Pat Jones looked after the all-important scoring. The running scores were displayed on the projector screen so the teams could see their progress.
The night was very competitive, with the Baby Boomers
New RACWA Caps were awarded to the winning team of each round. There were a number of tie-breaking rounds, which resulted in the drawing teams answering general music questions to determine the winning team for that round.
Along with the music quizzes, there was also an individual Paper Plane competition. Members had to design and create their own plane, they then had three attempts to fly it 4 meters into a hollow circle in a target.
There was a great deal of interest in the paper plane competition, semi-finals and then a final were held to determine the winner! Thanks go to Mark Kemp for maintaining order and fairness during the competition.
The team entrance fees and donations made by some individual guests were awarded as prizes along with donations from Alison Glew (Guitar Lessons) and RACWA (Caps). Prizes were presented by Louise Kemp as follows:
• Third Prize winners the INXS Team
• Second Prize winners the Baby Boomers Team
• First prize winners the Youngens
The Social Committee will be looking for volunteers to assist at future social events. If you are interested in helping out, please make your interest known to Mick Harcourt or Louise Kemp.
As we move into the winter months, the weather is slowly becoming a bit more challenging. Unseasonably, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting an unusually dry period for July through September which will hopefully enable classes to progress easily through traditionally the worst weather part of the year.
We’re thrilled to report that our new intake, Class C23, officially began their journey with us in late May. We are excited to see them grow and develop their aviation skills over the coming months.
In other news, we were fortunate to host an industry presentation by Michael Cirillo, the Deputy Chief Pilot of the Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Michael’s wealth of experience and knowledge provided invaluable insights for our students and staff alike. We extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his time and expertise.
Outreach has been a significant focus for us over the past few months. Our team has been attending numerous school career expos, showcasing the unique opportunities the Western Australian Aviation College has to offer. We also had a presence at the Careers Expo held at the Perth Convention Centre, which was a wonderful platform to connect with potential students and share information about our programs.
Looking forward, we’re excited to announce that we will be running seminars about our college in the near future. These seminars will provide an in-depth look at our curriculum, facilities, and the career paths our programs can lead to. If you know any guidance or careers counsellors who may be interested in attending, please let us know. We’re always looking to expand our network and reach more individuals interested in a career in aviation.
Like many others, my interest in aviation came at a very young age watching planes taking off and landing at international airports or playing with model airplanes. Since I can remember, I have always wanted to become a pilot or be involved in the aviation industry in some way. As I kid I used to play with model airplanes (rather than cars), built airports and play any video game associated with flying.
I remember a family holiday where on a stop-over we stayed at a hotel at Singapore airport and I spent hours sitting at the window watching planes take off and land. In high school I was lucky that my school offered aviation as an ATAR subject allowing me to build my knowledge and see if this career path would suit me. The two years I studied Aviation at school gave me a very good ground base of information and skills needed to become a pilot.
I enjoyed the two-year course and decided to apply to the WA Aviation College near the end of 2022 for the January intake in 2023.
From the first day joining the course my passion for aviation has only grown. Although there have been times that have been challenging with the huge study commitment every week and cancelling flights because of the weather, it has been a fulfilling experience.
Learning how to interpret aviation maps, charts and weather reports are skills that I have thoroughly enjoyed and ones that I hope to use in my daily life. The instructors at the Aero Club have been excellent and helpful in improving myself and my classmates as pilots every day. So far, my favourite experience has been my first navigation solo during my PPL phase. This is primarily because I was able to, successfully for the first time, fly cross country to another place by myself for 2hours, experiencing the landscape of the WA towns and terrain. Currently I’m nearing the end of my PPL phase and I can’t wait to complete my hour building and hopefully travel both north and south of WA to see the beauty that the state holds. Once I have completed my CPL, I hope to continue my development as a pilot and travel to more places around Australia and the world as a pilot.
My interest in aviation began when I was quite young, and by the time I reached high school I knew there was no other career for me. I went on to attend Kent Street SHS as part of their aviation program for two years, and Air Force Cadets for six.
When I was about 15, my dad got me some lessons for Christmas, which brought me to RACWA for the first time. Through flying with the Club I found out about WAAC, and following a gap year after high school I began my studies in late February.
Though challenging, I have found my time at WAAC to be extremely rewarding. Like all, I have definitely had my fair share of late nights studying, but passing an exam or nailing a flight makes it all worth it.
I have been fortunate enough to make some great mates, and their support, along with that of my instructors, has helped me tremendously.
My highlights so far would have to be my short field / soft field lesson with my instructor Dan, where his low-level endorsement was put to good use out at Murrayfield. In addition, a quick trip to Rottnest with my classmate Alistair to celebrate passing his PPL would also have to be up there.
I am currently at the pointy end of my RPL, and hope to sit my flight test in the coming week or so. After completing my CPL, I would love to work in northern WA doing scenic or charter flights. Down the track, a goal for me is definitely to fly the PC24 for the RFDS. I am eager to continue my training and look forward to what the future holds.
Author David Archibald gave a master class of the analysis of the Russian war on Ukraine. Over 95 attended to hear how this conflict had lessons for a potential war involving China.
There will be no sanctuary. Modern weapon systems can deliver anywhere. Ground attack aircraft such as the A-10 and helicopters are too vulnerable to be effective. The Yom Kippur war demonstrated that taking out SAM sites with armour allowed air forces to operate. Miniature Air-launched decoys (MALDS) mimic aircraft and will overwhelm. Cluster munition will obviate the need for precision strikes.
David then focused on Australia’s preparedness for a conflict and found it wanting.
Our choice of expensive submarines for instance. A converted B-737 bomber will in one sortie deliver 20 cruise missiles, achieving this for 2.5% of the capital cost. Heck, we even have a fleet of potential bombers lying idle in Alice Springs. Building seaplanes to pluck survivors of downed aircraft and ship sinkings is urgent. Pushing the JORN system coverage northwards also helpful.
We all hope that mankind finds ways to resolve conflict without resorting to arms.
This was the 200th time that the Old Fliers Group met for a luncheon meeting. Two of the original group cut the “birthday” cake and a delicious sweets trolley was on offer afterwards.
The first meeting of the OFG was in April 2004. Today we number 130 paid members and 322 in all who receive emails. We regularly get 80 to 90 at our meetings. I stressed the benefits of attending for companionship, so vital for mental well-being.
There will be one more luncheon at this venue before moving to RAAFA Bullcreek whilst the members lounge is upgraded.
Our speaker today was Paul Williams. When he was 19 years of age, and in the RAF, he answered the call to be seconded to the newly formed Zambian Air Force.
The thought of an exotic location with warmer weather appealed.
Paul spoke about the Geo-political issues as Colonial Powers sought to “disengage” without inducing huge problems for the native citizens.
Paul spoke about the aircraft that the Zambian Air Force were using and where they operated.
In 1970 the RAF commitment ceased to be replaced by Yugoslav, Italian and Russian personnel.
A good talk.
