Tarmac Topics Magazine Oct/Nov 2021

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT

FOOT PROBLEMS

05

06

ANNUAL DINNER

MURRAYFIELD OPEN DAY

16

20

by Mick Harcourt

by David Currey

by David Royans

by Vaughan Emery

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Tarmac Topics

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

Photo Credit - Cameron Hanks

PATRON Kim Beazley, AC Governor of Western Australia

Welcome to our new club members Murray Terwey

Kinisimere Lucas

Peter Hill

Chris Vernon

MatthewJurkans

Charles Hermon

COMMITTEE

Michael Fane

Robert Rogerson

Willem Kroocamp

Wayen Colliver

Ray Challen

Daniel Blyth

Austin Hoffman

Sebastian Gonzalez

Robert Dewar

President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au

Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130

Jude Fernando Thomas Paynter Bobby Maret Govert Van Ek Martin Hussey

rathbone@iinet.net.au

Jim di Menna Treasurer 0419 434 283 Jim.diMenna@zetta.com.au

Mick Harcourt 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

Hangar for Lease Size: 13.5 x 11m Location: South End of Jandakot Call: 0419 172 986

CEO REPORT

Written by Ray Challen Hello Members Here we are at the end of 2021. A very damp winter that severely limited flying hours has given way to a very active spring and summer. Flying hours at the club, both training and private hire, have been very high from late Spring into December, which helping to make up for the low hours in July and August.

Looking back on 2021, it has been a very good year for the Club, with a great deal achieved. In early stages of implementing the business strategy determined by the Committee early in the year, we have had additions to the fleet with the opportunistic purchase of the Grobs, an access track constructed at Murrayfield, an large expansion in training through the Western Australian Aviation College, and an increase in club-member engagement and flying.

A highlight of the year has been the commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the first flight of Sir Norman Brealey’s Western Australian Airways that left Perth on 4

Catholic Bishop Michael Morrissey leading the memorial service

December 1921 to commence the Geraldton-Derby mail and passenger service on 5 December. This has been of

than an hour into the flight from Geraldton that the Bristol

special significance to the Club not only as the genesis of

Tourer crewed by pilot Bob Fawcett and mechanic Edward

commercial aviation in Australia but recognising the role

Broad – aged just 23 and 24 – stalled and crashed close

of Sir Norman in establishing our club that is now over 90

to the Murchison Station Homestead. Due to hot weather

years old.

at the time, Fawcett and Broad were buried at Murchison

In September, we marked the centenary with a very suc-

Station later that same day.

cessful commemorative flight of 23 aircraft from Geraldton

The brother of Bob Fawcett subsequently settled in the Mid

to Derby – described in the last edition of Tarmac Topics.

West region and it was his grandniece Lenore Thomas that

More recently, on Sunday 5th December I attended a gath-

organised the 100 year anniversary event and service con-

ering at Murchison Station, near Kalbarri, to visit the graves

ducted by Catholic Bishop of Geraldton Michael Morrissey

of the two air crew that lost the lives in the accident that

and attended by about 50 people, including descendants

occurred on that first flight, a00 years ago to the day.

of both the Brearley and Fawcett families. It was a moving moment of reflection on aviation history and the bravery

As the story goes, it was about 10am in the morning and less

and audacity of those early crews.

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

RAAF P21 flyover of the memorial gathering at Murchison Station

The Western Australian Aviation College has had a record

Looking ahead, there is a lot to happen in 2022.

large number of students enrol for commencement in Jan-

After the success of the club flight to Derby, another “long-

uary 2022, and courses commencing later in the year are

haul” fly away is being planned for September 2022. Covid

filling fast. This is extremely important for the Club as it is

permitting, the intention is to fly across the border to a very

flying training that supports our Club’s location and opera-

attractive destination in South Australia. Keep a look out

tion at Jandakot, and that will be necessary as we embark on

for details that will be released soon on club notice boards

our investment programme for new aircraft that will serve

and in the weekly Tarmac Topics newsletter.

both the College and club members.

For those interested in events closer to home, there has

At the heart of our club are you, our members, and the

been a large increase in regular local flying events during

Committee and management will be processing several

2021 that looks set to continue in 2022. Fair to say that

initiatives to improve member services. This will include

with club competitions, fly aways and the very well attended

improving the club facilities as a destination for yourselves,

monthly breakfast fly ins at Bunbury and Busselton there is

families and friends. More news on this can be expected

at least one very good reason (or excuse) to go flying every

about second quarter 2022.

weekend of the year.

As always, though, our success as a club depends upon the

On the business side, 2022 will be a very busy year for the

work put in by our staff and, very importantly, the mem-

Club Committee and Staff.

bers that volunteer their time to organising and run club

The Committee will be doing its very best over the coming

events. I thank all our staff and volunteers for their efforts

months to find a viable path to further develop Murrayfield,

and successes in 2021 and encourage all members to get

particularly to make sites available for private hangers. This

further involved in 2022.

is not as easy as it might have been some decades ago as

Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all and I hope

contemporary planning processes and requirements for

you enjoy getting out flying over the holiday period.

infrastructure are now much more onerous, time consuming and expensive.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Safe flying!

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CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT Written by Mick Harcourt

booked aircraft around the Darling Ranges’ Dams from 4pm, before landing back at YPJT and de-briefing.

As we move into the festive season with improving weather

Whilst at the museum, pay particular attention to the Bris-

there seems to be fewer aircraft available, and why? Every-

tol Tourer, a replica of course, of the type that Sir Norman

one is FLYING!

Brearley and his company flew from Langley Park in Perth to

With little over a month to go till Santa gets his Airways

initiate a Mail Service from Geraldton to Derby in December

Clearance, here at the Club we have many activities that

1921. Yes, 100 years ago and the reason for our recent cele-

members can take part in.

bratory flight of more than 20 aircraft to Derby in September.

The monthly comps get a “Day/Date” re-vamp in December

The celebrations are ongoing with a couple of aircraft from

to allow you to get your Christmas shopping in. Murrayfield’s

Jandakot taking part in a commemoration flight to Kalbarri

Comp will be on Sunday 5th Dec starting with Breakfast at

on 5th Dec to join in with Mid-West Aero Club members.

0830hrs and following on with sign-up and briefing from

Then there will be a plaque-unveiling at Langley Park on

0900hrs. The popular HMAS Murrayfield will be the go for

Tuesday 14th Dec around 1pm, with a host of vintage cars

the day!

in attendance and you never know, without sounding a bit cryptic, the ‘ghosts’ of Sir Norman’s aircraft may be repre-

Jandakot will be hosting a “two-for-one” comp on Sunday

sented, so come along and support this historic occasion.

12th Dec with breakfast from 0830hrs and sign up/briefing to follow. This comp features a glide approach and then a

AUGUSTA! What you have all been waiting to hear! Yes, it’s

precision CCT and is always popular. Please remember that

on again in January, the Augusta Fly-in!

BOTH locations need confirmation of numbers to cater for

Committee member Vaughan Emery and I have started the

breakfast.

ball rolling which includes lunches, accommodation, and

Speaking of the monthly comps – for some years now, we

dinner, so far. The dates are 22/23 January, arriving around

have kept the fixed price for Jandakot as low as we possibly

1130hrs to be able to check in and have lunch at 1230hrs at

could, but with many fuel increases as well as other increas-

the hotel. The afternoon is yours and we will be posting a

es in costs, I’ll be reviewing the situation with the CEO and

range of activities you can pre-book or relax or go fishing

there may be a slight increase in next year’s comp costs.

or whatever! Dinner will be at the Colour Patch restaurant,

Murrayfield will remain on VDO.

a pleasant walk from the hotel and boasting a great menu.

Don’t forget that after the Jandakot Comp, there will be the

Please call the Club and register if you can’t get there to

Club Members’ Christmas Party in the Lounge from 1 pm!

put your name down on the Notice Board and book your

What a day - breakfast, flying and party all in the space of

aircraft now! It is also imperative that you book your hotel

a few hours!

room as soon as possible – accommodation is at a premium everywhere at the moment. The website for the hotel is

Before all of this, there is a homage paid to the aircraft in the

www.augustahotel.com.au. More information will be given

Aviation Heritage Museum at Bullcreek - I’m talking about

in the weekly Tarmac Topics updates, including a booking

the Lancaster Bomber on static display in the great hall.

reference for Club members.

Our Lancaster Flight will feature a briefing under the aircraft

I do hope you have a wonderful and safe Christmas and see

at 1pm on Saturday 4th Dec, a look at the fine exhibits in

you all soon at the party!

that establishment and a return to Jandakot to fly your pre-

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

FOOT PROBLEMS - FROM THE HEAD OF OPERATIONS Written by David Royans

have sophisticated anti-lock systems. If brakes are accidently applied while the aircraft is moving at too fast a speed,

Once again, it is time to revisit the results of having our feet

the wheels will lock up while the aircraft keeps moving. The

incorrectly positioned on the rudder pedals, for taxi, take

inevitable result is a skid and a flat spot.

off and particularly landing.

During taxi, take-off and landing, your heels should be on

Only 20% of the aircraft tyres purchased by the Aero Club

the floor with only your toes resting on the lower part of the

last their full life! In other words, four out of every five tyres

pedal for rudder control. Sometimes the pilot seat position

we buy are discarded early. In one case a new tyre only

can contribute to the problem. Having the seat position

lasted one week. Replacing all these tyres is costly and adds

too far forward can result in “crowding” the pedals with an

a lot of unscheduled work in the hangar. The only person

increased chance of your feet resting on the upper brake

smiling about this is the tyre salesman!

area. See figures two and three for the correct position of the feet in a Cessna and Mooney respectively. Check to see

What is causing this high turnover rate? Poor feet position-

how your feet are resting on the pedals to avoid accidently

ing. Look at figure one where the rubber has been worn

applying the brakes.

away to the canvas. This pilot was seconds away from a blown tyre and perhaps damaging the aircraft; not to men-

The other cause of flat spots is not using correct braking

tion the embarrassment of having to be towed off the run-

technique. If the aircraft is moving too fast and the brakes

way. The problem seems to be across the entire fleet but

are applied too rapidly or too aggressively, the wheels will

the C172s, 172/182 RG and the Mooneys are particularly

lock up. Not only will you cause a flat spot, but it will take

impacted. It’s worth looking at what we can all do to improve

you longer to stop, with the added complication that you

the situation.

will also lose control of steering.

Flat spots can be caused in two ways: the first is inadvertent or unintended application of brakes and the second is intentional braking utilising inappropriate technique.

Unintended

or

accidental

application of brakes is almost always caused by poor positioning of the feet relative to Figure 1 – Flat Spot

the brakes. All our aircraft are

Figure 2 – Cessna Correct Feet Position

equipped with toe braking, that is to say the upper part of the rudder pedal is the brake

Excessive application of brakes usually occurs following an

area. Applying pressure in this area will activate hydraulic

approach that is too fast. High approach speeds lead to long

pressure to the brakes. Unlike your car, aircraft brakes don’t

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Figure 3 – Mooney Correct Feet Position

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floats with a delayed touch down. The pilot, in attempting

Figure six is an example of

to remedy the problem, applies aggressive braking in a mis-

extremely poor technique.

guided effort to correct the situation and get off at the first

This was caused on landing

taxiway resulting in a skid and flat spot.

by the pilot either applying too heavy braking after the

Flight examiners, when assessing a short field landing or

landing or – more likely – hav-

performance landing, are looking for a stable approach at

ing the brakes applied (hope-

the correct speed and profile, with a controlled flare in the

fully inadvertently) on touch

landing. There is no requirement to get off at the first taxi-

Figure 6 – result of landing with feet in the wrong position

way; although often, with the correct approach and technique, the first taxiway can be made with little or no braking.

Applying excessive braking to try to compensate and make

down. This may or may not have been intentional, it may have simply been incorrect

feet positioning on the pedals (refer figures 4 and 5). What

up for too fast an approach is never assessed positively!

makes this incident particularly disconcerting is that both

The correct technique to use when applying brakes includes

tyres were completely blown on the same landing. The

making sure the power is fully off (we don’t brake in the car

braking was so hard that one of the tyres blew the valve out!

with the foot still on the accelerator!), applying full aerody-

This incident required the runway to be closed and the tyres

namic braking by easing back on the yoke and then gently

replaced in the position the aircraft came to rest in.

applying increasing pressure to the brakes. Figures four and five show the correct feet positions for braking in a

Also note the amount of tread on the undamaged sections of

Cessna and a Mooney. If you are unsure of your braking

all the tyres. They all appear to indicate lifespan left on the

technique, have a chat with your friendly instructor who

tyre. My last article on flat spots indicated how the correct

will be happy to help.

techniques can save the cost of early replacements however, much more importantly, it should be noted that blowing a tyre on landing can be extremely dangerous, irrespective of the speed at which it occurs.

Remember when landing, brakes should never be applied until well after the aircraft is established in the landing roll and the airspeed reducing, and then only with extremely light pressure, which can be progressively increased, if necessary, as the airspeed reduces. As an example, if a short field landing is executed correctly, you will not need any braking to exit the runway at the first taxiway – the aircraft

Figure 4 - Cessna Applying Brakes

will come to a complete stop before the first taxiway with no

Figure 5 - Mooney Applying Brakes

braking - you will actually need power to get to the taxiway

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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

FIRST SOLO

Dan Blyth - First Solo - October

Lachlan Caddy - First Solo - October

Luke Rosielle - First Solo - October

Michael Rawling - First Solo - October

Thomas Paynter - First Solo - October

Bernie Vaughan - First Solo - November

Brian Fitzgerald - First Solo - November

Govert Van Ek - First Solo - November

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Geoff Mills - First Solo - September

Harrison Hayes - First Solo - September

Jake Doyle - First Solo - September

Jeremy Hill - First Solo - November

Julia Chapman - First Solo - November

Tristan Carapina - First Solo - November

Carl Hancock - RPL - October

James Walker - RPL - October

Sean Martin - RPL - October

Jaike Page - RPL - November

RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)

Juan Trazona - RPL - October

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

Avneet Gill - PPL - October

David Golab - PPL - October

Dean Flemming - PPL - October

Glen Sparks - PPL - October

Holly Thomas - PPL - October

Liam Barr - PPL - October

Aaron Kierath - PPL - November

Connor Hunt - PPL - November

Darcy Twentyman - PPL - November

Geoffrey Glazier - PPL - November

James Crawford - PPL - November

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)

Mitchel Lawson - PPL - November

Scott Rogers - PPL - November

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Watcharakeat ‘Boy’ Watcharamon CPL - November

Daniel Whibley Grade 3 Instructor Rating - November

Michael Sonneman Grade 2 Instructor - November

James Minchin Grade 3 Instructor - November

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

WAAC OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER UPDATE Written Jerry Woong – Ground and Flying Instructor

trips to the southern parts of WA as well as up to Shark Bay. They will be back in the classroom at the end of November to commence the second theory block of

October and November at the Western Australian Avia-

their training.

tion College have flown past with everything going on.

The B21 students have been hard at work for their

We welcomed our newest team member and lectur-

PPL training, passing their PPL theory exams as well

er Palak Aghera, a former student who has achieved

as some getting very close to their flight tests. They

with flying colours at the college. She has been helping

will start their CPL theory block in the second week of

the team with lectures as well as development and

December. Once they have completed their first the-

amendment work for the upcoming changes in the

ory block, they will be able to take advantage of the

regulations.

upcoming summer weather and embark on away trips

Weather for flying has been fairly inconsistent over

for their hour building block.

the last two months, hindering progress for most stu-

With the new year approaching, we are expecting a

dents in their flying block. However, the A21 students

large intake for the new A22 class. I wish them the

still managed to achieve their PPLs and are well into

best with their training and hope they take advantage

their hour building block with a few embarking on away

of this opportunity.

Jerry, Palak & Herman

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien

The WACAAC state aerobatics competition was on the 19th and 20th of November. The day saw a good turnout

Greetings from Murrayfield.

of high-performance aerobatic aircraft and some excellent displays from the pilots.

Flying weather continues to improve and with it has come a very busy October and November.

For all those interested in hiring a C172 from Murrayfield, VH-BOF, a C172P, is now available for private hire and flight

Our first big event was the Murrayfield Open Day, held on

training. Schedules are flexible so if you would like to hire

the 23rd of October.

it for half or even a full day give us a call and we can work

I want to start by saying a big thanks to Mick Harcourt for

something out.

the countless hours he put into planning the event, club

Finally, are the achievers and we have two this month. Con-

members who donated their time to help coordinate air-

gratulations to James Walker and John Ridley on completing

craft, cars and people, aircraft owners who displayed their

their Recreational Pilot’s Licence. Time to go have some fun

beautiful aircraft and most importantly all those who came

flying and just in time for summer. Maybe add an aerobatic

down to support us on the day.

or formation endorsement to increase the fun!

Aircraft displayed included six Tiger Moth DH82s, two Chip-

Happy flying!

munk DHC-1s, a Stearman, and a Yak 18 among others.

Next up was the West Australian Light Aircraft Championships on the 13th of November. The competition was fierce, but Rod Garnaut managed to take the title.

RPL - James Walker

RPL - John Ridley

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

ARE YOUR PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS COMPLETE? Written by Reece Bateson

Not only can the aircraft not be flown legally, and a RACWA and potentially ATSB incident report may be required, but

At a minimum we all check the fuel, oil, control surfaces,

also you are not insured!

remove control locks and the overall integrity of the aircraft

Next time you are down at the Club for a flight and you are

before we fly. WHY? Because we want to be safe and ensure

unsure about anything on the Maintenance Release, please

the flight goes as planned.

grab one of our friendly Instructors or Maintenance team

But have you checked the Maintenance Release? There have

to confirm.

recently been numerous occurrences where the mainte-

The following is a reminder of the items you must check

nance release was not signed or the aircraft was flown with

and complete on the maintenance release prior to flying.

open items not signed off by maintenance.

Note the daily inspection is only required to be signed

It is an important document that is a CASA requirement to

before the first flight of the day.

legally fly the aircraft. If any of the following occur: • Hours for periodic maintenance exceeded • Daily inspection not signed • Required equipment unserviceable • Intended operations contrary to the approved category e.g. charter flight if the

Confirm the Maintenance Release is for the correct aircraft Confirm the expiry for both the date and Total Time In Service (TTIS) have not passed

aircraft is in the aerial work category

Confirm unservicabilities or endorsements on the Maintenance Release that would affect the flight are cleared with a corresponding signature below

Confirm the aircraft is in the correct category of operation to be conducted

Confirm the Tacho / Airswitch time or date for any scheduled maintenance has not passed AND will not be exceeded during the planned operation

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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MAINTENANCE REPORT Written by Gig Papa-Adams

glowing red hot, damaged and leaking seals, and increased lining and disc wear.

Light aircraft brakes and automotive brakes are very dif-

If you find that you have to continually apply the brake as

ferent in design. The aircraft brake system is designed

you taxi, just reduce the power. Most of the aircraft on line

with minimum weight as a high priority and as a result the

at RACWA are happy around 800 to 1000 RPM depending

weight of brake components are a small fraction of their

on if you are taxing upwind or downwind.

automotive counterpart.

We have had a spate of flat spotted tyres lately, so when

Because of the low weight design, aircraft brakes have little

landing we should remember to keep our heels on the floor

mass to absorb the heat generated by the friction of the

and not have feet on the brake pedals. Failure to do this

lining and the brake disc. This is not usually a problem as

may result in flat spotted or blown tyres as feet pushing on

the brake components have time to cool down from one

rudder pedals may also apply the brakes before the tyre

braked full stop landing to the next. What they are NOT

touches the runway or before the full weight of the aircraft

designed to do is to control the taxi speed of the aircraft

is on the tyres. After the tyres are on the runway full tyre

for a long period of time.

contact is not achieved until the aircraft is at a very low

The primary method of controlling the speed on the ground

speed especially when into a headwind with the flaps down.

is the same as for your car, that is the throttle. You do not

To keep the maintenance department and your brakes hap-

control the speed of your car using fixed power and variable

py all you have to do is use power to control your taxi speed

brake and it should be the same for the aircraft you fly.

and keep your feet off the brake pedals until you need the

The excessive use of brake during taxi results in brake discs

brakes on the landing roll.

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

ANNUAL DINNER Written by David Currey

Congratulations to the many students who were acknowledged at the Annual Dinner for achieving their avi-

The 2021 Annual Dinner lived up to its reputation as the

ation goals.

highlight of the Club’s social calendar. Thanks to Coril Bere’s

Congratulations also to those Club members who received

creativity and organisational skills, the function will be

awards to recognise their service and commitment to

remembered for a very long time.

the Club.

RACWA Instructors 2021

Tom Millar Air BP Scholarship Recipients, Brendon Cox & Anthony Barbaro

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Sir Norman Brealey Award Recipient, Stefan Shircore

16

It is always very rewarding to see the extra effort staff, students

The Club is mindful of the cost of the function to our members.

and members put into ‘scrubbing up’ for the Dinner. 2021 was

We are very fortunate that Air BP and our insurers, QBE and

no different and it would have taken a very brave person to

BMG make a donation to help reduce the cost per person. If

volunteer to adjudicate who was the best dressed.

any member has a suggestion about a different venue, please email Coril on cbere@royalaeroclubwa.com.au.

The following members received Awards: Annual Presentation Ball Awards & Scholarships

Recipients

Eclectic Trophy

Haydn Vernon

John Douglas Instructor Trainee Graduate

Joshua Carter

Don & June Club Service Award

Iain Currill

Instructor of the Year

Cameron Ruck

WA Airways Award

Cameron Ruck

Sir Norman Brearley Award

Stefan-Ari Elliott-Shircore

WAAC DUX

Kayla Weekes

WAAC Principal's Award

Ho Yuen (Herman)Tsang & Ji (Jerry) Woong

Adkins Trophy

John Ridley

Tom Millar Air BP Scholarship

Brendon Cox

Tom Millar Air BP Scholarship

Anthony Barbaro

Mackson Scholarship

Jiayu Hu

Mackson Scholarship

Aryan Patwardhan

25 Year Membership

Mark Rodoreda

50 Year Membership

Karl Muller

Western Australian Aviation College Principal’s Award Recipients, Herman Tsang & Jerry Woong

Western Australian Aviation College DUX Recipient, Kayla Weekes

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

RACWA Staff

Don & June Club Service Award, Iain Currill

Eclectic Trophy Winner, Haydn Vernon & Club Captain, Mick Harcourt

Mackson Scholarship Recipients, Aryan Patwardhan & Jiayu Hu

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

50 Year Membership, Karl Muller & 25 Year Membership. Mark

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SABC FLY-IN/OPEN DAY Written by Mick Harcourt

Occasionally an aircraft or two will head up into the sky for some circuit or formation practice adding to the noise of

Arriving by my favorite method of transport, Tiger Moth

the day, alongside Ben Sharp’s single cylinder diesel engine

VH-FAS, my passenger, Squadron Leader (retired) Paul Fal-

contraption, aptly named ***********.

coner-West and I treated those already gathered to how

There were also food and drinks available from the Club-

NOT to land in a crosswind with a couple of bounces! Any-

house kitchen run by the members and partners of the

how, we got parked and shut down next to “Bert’s” hangar

SABC and SAAA, a mobile coffee van and retail outlet

along with other aircraft of a similar vintage and look!

manned by volunteers from the Aviation Heritage Muse-

This Fly-in/Open Day has been on the WA aviation calendar

um at Bullcreek where you could buy books, aeroplane

for as long as I can remember and is always popular with

models and even a raffle for a couple of their Virtual Reality

those driving as well as flying in.

programs.

There were a multitude of aircraft on display - from vin-

After a bit of formation practice, I bolted in my passenger

tage Tiger Moths, a host of VANS aircraft, to the extremely

(he’s quite able to that himself of course!) and we departed

unusual looking Cri Cri – a single seat, twin mini-jet aircraft

for Jandakot mid-afternoon, arriving via Boatyard and a

as well as many other homebuilt designs.

landing on RWY 24 with a casual sea breeze blowing and a “roll through” granted by a not-too-busy control tower.

This is not where it ends……no, it is a hub for aviation enthusiasts and photographers alike – apart from the air-

A great day out and one that I’ll be going to again and again!

craft, vintage and modern road vehicles attend en-masse to add to the splendour of the day.

Club Captain, Mick Harcourt

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

MURRAYFIELD OPEN DAY

Written by Vaughan Emery

O’Brien and Committee Member Vaughan Emery arranged to be on hand to welcome Mrs Bailey to the Open Day along

Perfect weather brought out the crowds for the Murray-

with her daughter Alex Mather and husband Philip. Despite

field Open Day celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the de

her senior years June is fighting fit, possesses a delightful

Havilland Tiger Moth.

wit with amazing recall of her time spent working for the

With all the aircraft arrivals, formation flyovers and a host

Royal Aero Club.

of vintage aircraft interactive displays on the ground there

June’s daughter Alex tells the story of how her parents immi-

was plenty to keep visitors engaged. In all, seven Tiger Moths

grated from the UK in the early 1950s. Her Dad, George

took pride of place on display along with two Chipmunks, a

Bailey saw active service during WWII as a Battle of Britain

Stearman, a Yak18, a Stampe SV4B, and a Nanchang. A host

pilot and on arrival in WA secured employment with David

of GA aircraft flew in especially for the occasion too, filling

Gray & Co. Ltd. - an agricultural chemical company that

the RACWA apron and making for one of the busiest days

based its aerial spraying operations out of the Maylands

ever seen at Murrayfield. One of the RACWA Tiger Moths

airfield. Maylands was also where the Royal Aero Club was

plus a Club C152 and C172 were kept busy throughout the

located at that time.

Open Day taking enthusiasts of all ages for joy flights over

George flew throughout WA’s agricultural areas crop spray-

Mandurah.

ing for the David Gray company in Tiger Moth aeroplanes.

A special guest at the Open Day was 97-year-old Mrs June

Many of the farmers that George met during this time

Bailey who has a unique personal connection with the Tiger

remained good friends for the rest of his life. While George

Moth and the Royal Aero Club dating back to when the Club

was crop spraying his wife June worked for the Royal Aero

was based at the Maylands Aerodrome. Club Manager David

Club describing herself as an “accounts person”. In fact,

Murrayfield Open Day - Photo- Line up of Tiger Moth

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

20

June can remember vividly working with Shirley Adkins and taking on her role as a senior bookkeeper and general office supervisor when she left to marry Reg in 1954.

June Bailey recently moved back to Perth after spending the bulk of her later years living in Albany. During the process of packing up her Albany house June was even able to produce the reference provided by the Royal Aero Club, still in its original stamped envelope!

The celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Tiger Moth provided the perfect nostalgic photographic opportunity for June to have her picture taken alongside Club Tiger Moth VH-CKF named in honour of Shirley Adkins.

Editor’s note: Shirley and Reg Adkins were stalwarts of the Royal Aero Club, Shirley was Club President and later awarded life membership while Reg also served on the Committee. Sadly, both Shirley and Reg have since passed away, Reg recently on 17 September this year.

June Bailey with VH-CKF - Shirley Adkins

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

WALAC 2021 Written by Mick Harcourt

Just one competitor took to the skies in the aerobatics to perform the “Sportsman Sequence” in a C152 - not an easy

The lead up to WALAC saw a disappointing number of

task, in an otherwise fantastic little aeroplane. However, his

entrants in all facets of the Competition, however, we

performance was extremely good, and he was congratulat-

pressed on, and the time came for the Formation Compe-

ed by all, when he landed.

tition on Friday evening 12th November.

Streamer Cutting is a fun pastime, the object being to ‘cut’

Around 1730hrs, two Teams flew above the runways of Jan-

a toilet roll (streamer) several times with the wing of an

dakot with many spectators watching from the roof of the

aircraft in two different directions. So, we throw a streamer

Clubhouse, with conditions being fine if not a little windy.

out and go chasing after it. There are not only techniques

Saturday 13th November we gathered at Murrayfield for the

used to effect this seemingly strange comp, but rules and

main body of the competitions, those being:

regulations to be adhered to, regarding minimum heights

Aerobatics, Streamer Cutting, Practice Forced Landing and

etc.. There were four competitors.

Spot Landing.

Whilst this was going on I got a ‘team’ of ground helpers together, to begin setting up the Landing Area for the circuit competitions – quite a task given the area is spread over 150 metres! The main consideration is – Is the wind going to stay the same or shift around causing us to up-heave everything and replace alongside a different Runway? – we were lucky this time!

After the competitors received a comprehensive briefing by Instructor David Schneiker and the Ground Judges represented by Jim Jenkins, everyone returned to their respective areas, for today was going to be RWY 09 all day!

The PFL is started at 2500’ and the skill is on getting back to the runway and landing as close to the “SPOT” as possible without adding power. The added obstacle of a “fence” stretched across the threshold of the runway adds to the skill and excitement of the competition.

Usually, we can have 3 or 4 competitors in the circuit at a time and this can be quite exciting for the Fence Marshalls if someone ‘breaks’ the fence, (it is a weak linked, string) to have to repair it before the next competitor arrives for their landing.

The Spot Landing is a low-level circuit, again with the fence in place and a powered approach to the “SPOT”.

Both Circuit Comps are done twice and an average of the score is used to work out a winner in each category.

L-R Haydn Vernon, Gary Evans and David Currey

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Cessna 152 - VH-UWC

There were nine competitors in each of the circuit comps

PFL

including two aircraft that were privately owned.

1st R. Garnaut. 2nd C. Hensley. 3rd M. Stenson

Usually, results are given out at a Presentation Dinner in the

Spot Landing

evening at Jandakot, but due to low numbers the dinner was

1st M. Stenson. 2nd J. Di Menna. 3rd Mike Burns

cancelled. However, I had the greatest of pleasures announc-

OVERALL CHAMPION

ing the winners shortly after the competition finished, with

ROD GARNAUT

most of the competitors and helpers still at Murrayfield.

Congratulations to all that took part and especially to the Air

RESULTS

Judges and Ground Marshalls with a special mention to Jim

Formation

Campbell and Jim Di Menna for their help with score keeping.

1st Team Dodgy-G. Evans, D. Currey, H. Vernon. 2nd Team

WALAC is for any pilot with RPL or above – look out for next

VANS – P. Martinovich, P. Blackley, Jim Di Menna

years dates and have a go!

Aerobatics (Entry Level) NIL Aerobatics (Sportsman) 1st A. Buckley Streamer Cutting 1st R. Garnaut. 2nd Rob Burns. 3rd M. Stenson

23

TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

RAAF 100 CENTENARY Written by Ian Currill

Busselton Aero Club. The strong relationship between the Busselton Aero Club and the RAAF was cemented by the

The RAAF centenary was celebrated at Busselton on

RAAF becoming honorary members of the Club.

Sunday 7th November with a number of static and flying

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Busselton Aero Club

displays from the RAAF and other significant aircraft on

Facebook page and head down for their next breakfast – a

static display. Several club members and aircraft took

very pleasant 1hr or so flight at this time of the year and

the opportunity to head down for the day on Sunday –

well worth supporting the Busselton Aero Club.

the smart ones via breakfast at Bunbury first – or on the Saturday to take part in the celebrations organised by the

OLD FLIERS GROUP October Meeting - Written by Stephen Rogers

cially during the “Border wars” period.

In opening the meeting, I mentioned that I had attended a

Our second speaker was the former President of the Australian

Rotary meeting to celebrate World Rotary Polio Day where

Ex Services Atomic Survivors Association, Rex Kaye.

Patsy Millett was a guest speaker. She is the sister of Robin

Rex spoke of his time in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Miller and daughter of Captain Horrie Miller.

At Wommera Rocket Range he was tasked with washing air-

Truly aviation royalty.

craft and sweeping hangar floors.

Here today were Stephanie and Rob Vaughan-Johnson. Steph-

Little did he realise, or was told, that these aircraft were con-

anie is helping Vaughan record his memories of the day in

taminated with the dust from nuclear testing.

1983 when he flew his Sikorsky S76 to rescue crew from the

In later years he developed leukemia which his doctor postu-

stricken Bay Biscayne oil rig.

lated was because of exposure to radiation.

This will be posted on our YouTube channel

Service personnel and contractors brought in to clean up the

in due course.

sites didn’t appreciate the health risks they were incurring.

Vern Benjamin returned to complete his telling of the history

Our November 26th meeting will be the last for 2021.

of the South African Air Force between 1960 and 1980.

Lunch will be followed by Christmas pudding.

These were the years when the UN placed an embargo on

Will you join us?

military imports.

In the New Year, on January 28 we will recommence.

Supplying and maintaining an Air Force was very difficult espe-

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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

24

November Meeting - Written by Stephen Rogers Our last Old Fliers Group meeting was held on Friday 26th November.

We had full attendance.

A notable guest was WA President of the Women Pilots Association, Kay Barker.

President of Racwa, Ray Challen, spoke first about the Club’s participation in the Centenary celebration of Sir Norman Brearley’s Western Australian Airways 1921 first flight between

This is Sue flying a Tornado, north of the Shetland Islands,

Geraldton and Derby.

shadowing a Russian “Bear”.

Ray spoke about the challenge faced by those pioneers…and

Two of these “Bears” were intent on flying to the North-West

the tragedy of an early fatal crash.

coast of Scotland where a naval exercise was being conducted.

A total of 23 aircraft took part in the re-enactment.

Our audience was spell-bound!

Local communities became involved.

In the New Year, on January 28 we will recommence.

The success of was a testament to the professionalism of

Betty Foster, ex-MMA hostess, will talk of her time in the DC3s.

organisers and pilots.

Her hobby is photography and her pictures taken from the

In the break Christmas pudding was served and each person

windows, are stunning.

was given a free $1 Scratchy for luck.

It helped that the DC3s rarely flew above 10,000 feet.

We resumed by introducing Flt Lt. Sue Freeman to our group.

In April we welcome Ruth Wilson.

Sue was 18 years old, living in Yorkshire with her parents when

She is a commercial balloonist who has flown in the Gordon

she decided to answer a newspaper advertisement to become a RAF pilot.

Bennett Gas Balloon Race in Europe.

She spoke about the selection process, training and progres-

We wish you all a happy and safe festive season.

sion through various aircraft starting with the Chipmunk and finishing up flying the Tornado F3!

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

AUGUSTA WEEKEND FLY-IN Jan 22 /23 2021 - Only 37 days to go!

The Augusta Fly-in is a great opportunity especially for pilots desiring the reassurance of flying within an organised activity.

hrs in the members lounge prior to departure on Saturday, Jan 22. registrations

Augusta Hotel phone 9758 1944 and advise the reservation code “AeroClub” Saturdays Nights Aviators Dinner will

Briefing for the flight will be at 0800

Participation

If you’re planning staying at the

have

been really pleasing and as accom-

be held at the Colour Patch, an al fresco café, bar, restaurant located right on the Blackwood River estuary.

Come along and to join in the camaraderie of fellow friends over dinner!

modation will be tight during January

More information:

you’re urged to reserve your aircraft

Mick Harcourt. 0402 800 862

now and then secure accommoda-

Vaughan Emery. 0412 923 494

tion.

STAFF AND MEMBER NEWS We farewelled Marina Manuel in early November, after 5 years as our Finance Manager and wish her all the best in her next adventure.

We welcome Annette De Comarmond into the role of Finance Manager.

We welcome Alice Devine into the role of Student Liaison Co-ordinator.

We welcome Gertie Kelly into the role of Assistant Accountant L-R Annette, Alice, Gertie

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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VALE – JOHN CHESBROUGH We regret to announce that John Chesbrough passed away peacefully on November 30th, aged 89 years.

John’s passion for aviation saw him owning a few aircraft and undertaking some epic flights - across Australia and internationally.

Our sincere condolences to John’s family.

John Chesbrough

VALE – BILL VAN AST Bill spent most of his flying times with the Midwest Aero Club in Geraldton, but retired 4 years ago and moved to Perth.

He was a regular participant in RACWA’s monthly competitions both at Murrayfield and Jandakot – he and I travelled often to the YMUL Comps and had a good old chinwag about his days in business as well as flying his much loved Piper Arrow. Bill had been ill for a short time and it has been a shock to all those who knew him to find out he had passed away.

May we offer condolences to Penny and their Family.

Bill Van Est

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TARMAC TOPICS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Photo Credit - Peter Pascoe

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