Tarmac Topics Magazine Mar/May 2021

SAFETY REPORT

What’s the CO 13

WHITEGUM AIRPARK

Fly-in event 14

RACWA

RACWA

16

18

Open Day 2021

Strategic Plan

MAR-MAY 2021

Tarmac Topics

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

PATRON Kim Beazley, AC Governor of Western Australia

Welcome to our new club members Craig Davidson Wes Deane Geoffrey Chambers

COMMITTEE

Bella Yewers

Ray Challen

Brian Fitzgerald

President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au

Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130

Nathan Gilmour Andrew Mouncer Spencer Walters Lorenzo Tarquinio Emrik Graff Geoffrey Glazier Lawrence Felgate

rathbone@iinet.net.au

Brian Werndly

Jim di Menna Treasurer

Siva Muniandy

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

Gennaro Di-Dato

Mick Harcourt

Troy Mulder

Club Captain 0402 800 862 mickh@iprimus.net.au

Adam Francki Simranjeet Singh Marcelo Mottin John Goldsmith

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

To download our Members Guide visit our Website - royalaeroclubwa.com.au

CEO REPORT Our 2021 Open Day was a resounding success, with a steady

recruiting within the next two to three years. This augurs

stream of visitors to the Club throughout the day. One would

well for the future of commercial training.

scarcely believe a year ago, the Club was in the midst of a

The College has been very busy with PPL, CPL and IREX

COVID lockdown. This year, members, students and staff

classes being delivered in April and May. The A21 class all

volunteered their time to show the public our fleet, other

completed their RPL flight test ahead of schedule and will

aircraft and a range of other aviation related displays.

be commencing their PPL phase of training towards the end

We were very fortunate to experience perfect weather on

of May, which will place increased demand on the C172 fleet

the day, and the relaxing of COVID restrictions hours before

during the week.

the start of the event.

EEP has emerged from the hangar with a new engine with

Part of the Club’s Charter is to “create and foster an interest

IBP next in line for an engine change.

in aviation” and the Open Day certainly ticked this box. There

Murrayfield flying is growing, especially over the weekends.

are many students that attribute attending an open day as

CAR is not well utilised, so consider the cheaper hire rate and

the reason they commenced training at the Club. The two

no landing fee at YMUL before booking a C172 at Jandakot.

free learn-to-fly seminars were well attended, so hopefully we will see more students commencing their training at our

Congratulations to Iain Currill and Russell Philip for organis-

club.

ing a tremendously successful Bun Run. Many of the pilots claimed that they had never participated in such a large

I would like to thank the Australian Air force Cadets, Inter-

fly-in before.

spacial (drone training), the WA Radio Modellers, Jandakot Instruments and the Australian Women Pilots’ Association

Reece Bateson has been approved by CASA to be the Club’s

for adding to the variety of the event. Thanks also go to

new safety manager. Thanks to Tim Berryman for stepping

Penjet, Ray and Craig Challen, Vaughan Emery, Dieter Ebeling

into the breach and acting as Safety Manager prior to Reece’s

and the Sport Aircraft Builders Club for providing additional

approval.

aircraft for the public to view.

The autumn and winter months provide some of the best

April flying was restricted by a COVID lockdown, rain and

flying conditions of the year, with very calm, cool air to give

smoke. Whilst these factors did negatively impact total hours

you good lift and turbulence-free flying – so make the most

for the month, the Club continues to experience growth in

of this opportunity. If you are concerned about the weather,

both training and private hire.

speak to an instructor.

The instructor team will shortly be increased to cater to this growth, with seven more casual instructors undergoing standardisation training.

Our marketing efforts have been focused on the annual Careers Expo, the Open Day and school visits. The weekly email has undergone a change and we are looking at options for the Tarmac Topics magazine.

I recently attended a Zoom meeting of flying training organisations, organised by the Federal Government. There is considerable optimism for the future growth in aviation, David Currey

with everyone predicting a significant increase in airline pilot

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT “It

was

the

best

of

times;

it

was

the

attended by all that took part! (See articles in this edition)

worst

of times”

As I start writing, the first in a trilogy of Night Flying Comps

April 2021, was originally going to be a month to remember

is hap-pening in a day or two, let me advise you of the

in Royal Aero Club recent history, with so much happening,

format:

from a new Comp at Murrayfield (YMUL), to a final Big

Contact the Club Operations, or me, to register – this is so

Breakfast for the year at Jandakot, also encompassing the

we know how many instructors and aircraft we require to

Bun Run to Rotto and a day trip to WhiteGum Farm.

hold the Comp. Because of the lack of NVFR or lack of

A freak storm came through at the beginning of the month

Currency in NVFR, we all fly with Instructors, this is included in

and forced us to cancel the YMUL Comp, then, with the

the cost.

COVID lock down, we had to cancel the breakfast and YPJT

On the day of the Comp – sign in - there’ll be a desk set up

Comp at the end of the month.

in the foyer of the Club from 1630hr onwards for you to do

The good news was that we managed a couple of fantastic

this as well as receive your “Score Sheet” and pre-pay for

fly-ins to both Rotto and WhiteGum Farm, enjoyed and well

the event with credit card facilities available (we still take cash, too!).

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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You will be directed upstairs to the Members' Lounge for a

In September, there will be a re-enactment of the first Air

briefing at 1745hr prompt. You will be given the ins and

Mail Service in Australia, initiated by Norman Brearley

outs, do’s and don’ts of the Comp.

(later Sir Norman), one of the founding members of the Royal Aero Club of WA. The route we will take is from

Muzz Buzz will be open from 1700hr, for those

Geraldton to Derby with several stops along the way. We are

wishing to have a feed or tea and coffee before

in the stages of planning this event and would welcome

the brief.

anyone wishing to take part. Express your interest with

Let me also remind you that you need not have flown at night

Operations, contact myself or Club President, Ray Challen.

before (pick me!), nor even be current to take part. There is

October this year will see the 90th anniversary of the de

one drawback however, and that is you may get sucked into

Havilland Tiger Moth...hmmm, you say, what does that

wanting to fly some more at night because it is a fantastic

mean?

experience! Ask your Instructor how to go about it.

It’s a reminder of the longevity of these aircraft, with a strict

STOP THE PRESS: Night Comp 1 Winners – Brad Gilchrist

maintenance schedule and care taken when flying them

(Rated) and Haydn Vernon (Non-rated).

to ensure their usefulness well into the future. We are very

Night Comp 2 Winners - Rob Van Hammersveld, Hayden

fortunate RACWA has two of these aircraft available, not

Vernon and Anthony Barbaro.

only for joy flights but also for training! (T&Cs apply).

On Saturday 23rd October we will have a Tiger Moth

There is one remaining Nigh Comp on Wednesday 7th July.

meet at Murrayfield. Tigers from around the State will be

I hope to see you there!

invited to fly-in and will be available for you to see.

We were able to have another go at the Currency Comp at

This year so far, notwithstanding COVID lock downs, has

YMUL 16th May and a Practice Forced Landings on the

been on the whole, very productive for flying, with only a

13th June.

few ‘stoppages’ where the weather Gods were unkind.

Plus we got back to basics with an Instrumentless Circuit for

But as is the great tradition of this Club of ours, we move

the YPJT comp on the 30th May, and snuck in the very

on and either repeat canceled events or find a suitable

popular Instrument Circuit on the 27th June.

replacement.

On Saturday 12th June we remembered all those who

The Flying Committee (F.C.), metaphorically, always has

serverd in Bomber Command, with our annual afternoon

its doors open to Members. Whilst we may not produce

commemoration formation flight over the Swan River and

exactly

the City. The bomber crews that operated these aircraft

what

is

required,

because

of

operational

constraints, we have been coming up with quite a program

during The Second World War lost more than 50,000 of

in the last few months that has hopefully not only kept us

them both in action and training.

(F.C.) busy, but been of interest to you all.

If you don’t know what a heavy bomber looks like, take a

And lastly, a New (Privately owned) Chipmunk has

short trip out to the Bullcreek museum and have a look at

recently arrived at Jandakot, and not only looks great, but

their Lancaster Bomber, among other fantastic and inter-

is a joy to fly!

esting items.

Happy Flying

July promises to be a busy month with another great “Short Haul” fly-in to Wheeler Field, west of Coolup. Flying

Mick Harcourt

Commit-tee member Vaughan Emery, is in the process of

Club Captain

securing the date for a fly-in to this private airstrip, or should I say airstrips! There are three unsealed runways to choose from!

Once dates, times and permissions are sorted there will be a communique to advise you of the details of this anticipated one-day event.

At this stage, I would like to make mention of some longterm projects on the go...

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

AIRMANSHIP - FROM THE HEAD OF OPERATIONS Aircraft Sympathy

mechanism under the seat. This is a costly exercise as for example a Mooney seat can cost $1000 to replace.

Written by David Royans

BRAKES: Don’t ride the brakes, they get hot and damaged by this practice. Always close the throttle before using

It never ceases to amaze me how many pilots I come across

brakes i.e. you should never use power against brakes. You

who don’t seem to be aware of how easy it is to damage

wouldn’t do it in your car. When taxiing, your toes should be

the equipment we use. Aircraft are generally built strong,

on the bottom of the rudder pedals with your heels on the

but light (that’s why they can fly), however, the structural

floor. A lot of damage/wear is done to the brakes without

strength is not designed to take ham-fisted treatment by

the culprit even realising it.

pilots. The following is common sense and may assist with

DOORS: You should always be mindful of where the wind

minimising damage to the aeroplane you are flying.

is coming from when opening doors.

Remember damage is a 2-fold issue. Firstly, damage can make an aeroplane unserviceable or at the very least look

If the wind is coming from behind the aircraft and you don’t

non-aesthetic. Secondly, it is generally very expensive.

hold the door when unlatching it, the wind will take the door and break one or more components on it – generally, the

CONTROL LOCKS: Prevent control surfaces from being

hinge will go immediately then possibly buckle the door. Car

damaged by either inclement weather conditions, or prop

doors can weigh somewhere around 50kg but you may not

wash from aircraft operated by pilots who don’t concern

be aware that the average aircraft door weighs in at about

themselves with what’s happening behind their aircraft (a

3kg. It will not take much to break and can cost up to $8000.

whole other airmanship discussion). Once the pre-flight inspection is complete, if you are not intending to embark

WHEEL SPATS: May be fibreglass or plastic. Aero Club air-

the aircraft immediately, internal control locks should be

craft are currently all plastic. People standing or sitting on

replaced, and the flaps retracted – don’t forget to turn the

them have often broken them. A replacement wheel spat

master switch off! The control lock should only be removed

can cost $2000.

at the last moment before starting the engine(s). Serious

CONTROL COLUMN: When checking the controls for full

consideration should be given whether to replace external

and free movement, don’t “slam” the column to the stops.

control locks or not after a pre-flight inspection. Any delay

Treat the controls as if your life depends on the condition

between pre-flight inspection and climbing aboard the air-

they are in – because it does.

craft can induce forgetfulness – this can be caused by task saturation. If you forget to remove an external control lock,

BATTERY: Minimise the drain of power from the battery

it can have serious consequences.

during the pre-flight inspection, particularly in cold weather.

The battery capacity is lower when it is cold, and apart from

If the control lock is in the control column it should only be

the oil not being so viscous, the rotational friction is greater

removed prior to engine start or for pre-flight inspection.

when the engine is cold. The same amount of drain from

SEATS: Should NEVER be adjusted upwards while sitting in

the battery during the pre-flight inspection on a cold day

them. It is generally ok to adjust the seat downwards while

as on a hot day may see the battery with not enough power

sitting in them, but if you attempt to adjust it upwards while

to start the engine.

sitting in it your weight will more likely than not break the

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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THROTTLE FRICTION: The nut is, not always but generally,

before seeing it on the gauges. Aerobatic pilots are very

plastic. Overtightening of the nut will break it. The friction

mindful of this, the engine can quickly go beyond the red

should only be tight enough to prevent the throttle from

line if not monitored. You should be able to hear this before

“creeping” should you need to release the lever.

seeing it.

Generally, as soon as resistance is felt when tightening is

The Chief Engineer speaks the engine’s language. Don’t be

sufficient.

afraid to talk to Glen Caple about any concerns you may have with aircraft components or noises that sound unfa-

It’s not designed to prevent you from being able to move

miliar to you.

the throttle.

These are but a few of the myriad of issues we should be

Listen to the engine, don’t just rely on the gauges. The

aware of. They are simple common-sense issues but unfor-

engine will “talk” to you – listen to what it is saying!

tunately, common sense is difficult to teach.

You should be able to recognise a change in the engine tone

7

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

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

FIRST SOLO

Andrew Mouncer - First Solo March

Brian Fitzgerald - First Solo March

Connor Hunt - First Solo March

Dakota Rempel - First Solo April

Dirk Bevilaqua - First Solo April

Emily Philippe - First Solo March

Fraser Dunlop - First Solo April

Greg Williams - First Solo March

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Jiayu Hu - First Solo March

Joshua Kostka - First Solo April

Lachlan Cable - First Solo April

Lawrence Felgate - First Solo April

Liam Barr - First Solo March

Liam Kirk - First Solo March

Mitchell D’Esterre - First Solo April

Noah Humberstone - First Solo April

Philip Hardless - First Solo April

Phuntsho Nidup - First Solo April

Roneesha James - First Solo March

Ruth Dowson - First Solo March

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

RECREATIONAL PILOT’S LICENCE (RPL)

Tom Watts - First Solo March

Troy King - First Solo March

Avneet Gill - RPL April

Ayran Patwardhan - RPL April

Connor Hunt - RPL April

Emily Phillipe - RPL April

Evan Eivers - RPL March

Kim McDougall - RPL March

Liam Barr - RPL April

Liam Kirk - RPL April

Matthew Hoey - RPL April

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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PRIVATE PILOT’S LICENCE (PPL)

Roneesha James - RPL April

Adam Bettles - PPL April

Ahmad El Khatib - PPL March

Andrea Nguyen - PPL April

Nicholas Pulvirenti - PPL March

Nick Burston - PPL March

Ryan Ackroyd - PPL April

Sean Hogg - PPL March

Gerrit Meyer - CPL April

Jose Espanol - CPL March

COMMERCIAL PILOT’S LICENCE (CPL)

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Josh Carter - Grade 3 Instructor April

Ray Challen - Grade 3 Instructor April

Marco Surace - Grade 3 Instructor April

Scott Ryan - Grade 3 Instructor April

WAAC Students, Class A21 L.Barr, R.James, A.Gill, L.Kirk, E.Philippe, C.Hunt, E.Eivers

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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SAFETY REPORT “What’s the CO” Written by Reece Bateson Information sourced from ATSB, CASA and FAA What is CO (carbon monoxide) you ask and why is it such

indicate a large amount of CO. The pad will then return to

an important thing to cover in aviation? Well, Carbon Mon-

its original colour once the CO has been cleared.

oxide is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of car-

The symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can include

bon-containing materials. Aviation fuel contains carbon and

headache, drowsiness, impaired judgement and shortness

is a ready source of carbon monoxide when burned. It is a

of breath.

truly hidden menace because, by itself, it is both a colourless

Protecting yourself from exposure is first and foremost

and odourless gas and unsuspecting victims would not be aware of its presence until symptoms developed.

about education and awareness.

Over the years there have been many documented aviation

Including the CO detector as part of your usual cockpit scan

accidents and incidents that have been caused by full or

is important for early detection!!

partial incapacitation of pilots by carbon monoxide poison-

Any sensation of illness should call for immediate trouble-

ing. Two recent cases have been reported by the ATSB that

shooting, as follows;

have triggered safety notices and airworthiness directives.

• Check the CO detector for signs of exposure.

Follow the links below for further information;

• Turn the cabin heat fully off.

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/

• Increase the rate of cabin fresh air ventilation to the

investigation_reports/2020/aair/ao-2020-026/

maximum.

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/safety-advisory-

• Open windows if the flight profile and aircraft’s operating

notice/ao-2017-118-san-002/

manual permit such an action.

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/

• Land as promptly as possible.

media/cobroforweb.pdf

• Do not hesitate to let Air Traffic Control know of your concerns and ask for assistance.

The safety committee at the club has recently arranged for the purchase and ongoing replacement of passive CO

• Once on the ground, seek medical attention.

detectors for all 30 Club aircraft. Except for VH-MNX (C182)

• Before any further flights, have the aircraft inspected by

which will have an active monitor. Maintenance will be ini-

maintenance.

tially installing them at the aircraft's 100 hourly inspections

If you have any questions about the detectors, please don’t

and replacing them every 12 months.

hesitate to contact myself or ask one of our friendly instruc-

The passive detectors being installed are as per the CON-

tors.

TROLLER image.

Happy and Safe Flying!

The orange pad will start to change colour according to the

Reece Bateson Safety Manager

legend around the pad and at the bottom of the detector.

Grey spots appearing anywhere on the orange pad will indicate the presence of a small amount of CO. Black spots will

13

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

WhiteGum Wow! Replica Spitfire full throttle fly thru

WHITEGUM AIRPARK FLY-IN EVENT Written by Vaughan Emery

conducted the briefing in the Members’ Lounge for those departing from Jandakot ensuring all aircraft

Saturday 17th April began as another clear perfect

could arrive on the 750 metre O9 / 27 gravel runway

Perth autumn day delivering ideal conditions for

by 1100hrs ready for the welcome by WhiteGum host

the Royal Aero Club’s latest fly-in event, this time

Gary Sergeant.

to WhiteGum Airpark, a scenic 58nm flight East of

WhiteGum Farm and WhiteGum Airpark is a big story

Jandakot. The perfect weather and destination

and many of the 50 pilots and passengers attending

provided 22 pilots and their passengers a wonderful

were surprised by the scale of the development - and

opportunity to go flying!

then amazed as Gary’s presentation simultaneously concluded with a big wow moment: a surprise low level

Saturday morning, Club Captain Mick Harcourt

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Club Capt. Mick Harcourt about to board the B737-200

Gary Sargeant (centre) welcoming the RACWA fliers to WhiteGum

Russell Phillip directing traffic at the bar with Stephen Pearce

Club President Ray Challen and Marco Surace departing WhiteGum in the R44 with Craig Challen in command

Ready for take-off! Anthony Buckley with Steve Saunders in the B737-200

Rolling! Runway 27

Brendon Cox and Artur Lugmayr arriving WhiteGum in a C152

full throttle fly through display of the replica Spitfire

By mid-afternoon, after a great day in the perfect con-

hangared and maintained at WhiteGum.

ditions, all aircraft had departed safely for Jandakot, Murrayfield, Serpentine and Northam airfields.

After delicious lunch meals served in the Lake Kimberly Bar and Grill there was still plenty of time to inspect the

Credits:

facilities which include a caravan park, cabin accommo-

Special thanks to the WhiteGum Airpark team; Gary

dation and the elevated lookout with views across the

Sargeant, Fred Selley and Andrew Cottrell.

runways. In addition, hangars house a MIG21, Foxbat

RACWA Fly-in organisers:

training aircraft and the Gyrocopter flying school.

Mick Harcourt, Vaughan Emery, Anthony Buckley.

The big attraction is the Boeing 737-200 which is being fully reassembled - and soon to be joined by a second 737 currently being disassembled at Perth Airport.

Originally there were three 737-200s operated by OZ Jet - the third is located at TAFE Jandakot Airport and is in use as a full-scale training resource.

At WhiteGum works are underway on extending the 09

WestFly is the big annual fly-in event at WhiteGum held on the weekend beginning 17 September, all are welcome!

/ 27 runway and soon work will commence widening and levelling the 14 / 32 1400m runway too. Ultimately both runways are to be sealed with a sealed hardstand added for visiting aircraft.

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

Student Mitchell D’Esterre in a C-152

RACWA OPEN DAY 2021

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Open Day such a success.

We were very fortunate to have such beautiful weather forecasted and Covid restrictions easing just hours prior to the event.

Two Learn to Fly Seminars, a large aircraft display and Muzz Buzz hosting a sausage sizzle also drew the crowds. Special thanks to the RACWA staff, students and volunteers. A lot of planning and preparation went in to ensuring that day’s success and it certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

In addition to the Club and College stands, we were pleased to see representatives from Jandakot Instruments, Australian Women Pilots’ Association, Club Flying Committee, Western Australia Aviation College, Interspacial Professional Drone Training, Australian Air Force Cadets and Western Australia Radio Modellers.

Visitors playing with a flight simulator

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Mooney on display on the apron

RACWA representatives J. Woong, K, Weekes, T. Keamy

WAAC stand with J.Woong, A.Gill, H.Tsang

17

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

STRATEGIC PLAN Our fleet of aircraft is old and, with the exception of the

FROM THE PRESIDENT...

RAY CHALLEN

C172s, nearing end of life. In particular, our commercial training fleet (the Mooneys and Partenavias) have high maintenance requirements and do not compare well with

Hello Members

the offerings of competing flying schools.

Judging by the attendance at club flying events, many of

Fortunately, the Club is in a good position to be able to make the investments necessary for a process of renewal.

you have been enjoying the best flying weather of the year

The Club has a strong financial balance sheet and cash flow

during the Autumn months. It was great to see large atten-

that will enable funding of improvements in facilities and

dances at the traditional Rottnest Island Bun Run on Good

purchase of new aircraft. There is an excellent management

Friday and a more recent lunch fly-in at White Gum Farm.

and staff team, and a committed member base.

As mentioned in my last column, your committee has been

Our development goal is to increase the focus on the Club

giving a lot of thought to how we want the Club to develop

and our members as our core business. A club of members

over the next few years and formulating this into a business

with a passion for aviation is who we are. Yes, we want to

strategy.

continue our proud heritage as a flying school – including

The context for this is, that over the last couple of years the

training of commercial pilots – but a strong club must come

Club has emerged from a decade of commercial recovery

first. The Committee has expressed this in a new mission

in a difficult environment for club and training activity to a

and vision statements.

current outlook that is much brighter.

OUR MISSION

There has been a resurgence in interest in recreational and private flying. There is a strong interest in, and demand for,

Promoting aviation in Western Australia for the benefit of our members and the wider community.

RPL and PPL training and a steady increase in participation in club competitions and flying events.

Despite the ravages of the COVID pandemic on the airline and tourism-aviation sectors, the outlook is one of high

OUR VISION

demand for commercial training. In late 2020, the Western Australian Aviation College became accredited for students

A strong and vibrant club of aviators and other members with an interest in aviation, supported by flying training with a leading reputation for excellence.

to obtain VET Student Loans and this immediately resulted in a large increase in enrolments for CPL training.

Translating this brighter outlook into opportunities for the Club is not, however, without challenges.

The Committee has developed a business strategy for the

Our facilities, communications and services are “tired” and

three years 2021/22 to 2023/24. This strategy looks to com-

do not present as welcoming and attractive for members

mence a programme of cautious and considered investment

and visitors. There is a drastic need for refurbishment and

in the Club and WAAC and has the following elements.

renewal to appeal to current and new members as a desirable club environment.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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INVESTING IN THE CLUB AND ATTRACTING NEW MEMBERS

MURRAYFIELD

Improving the member and visitor experience of the Club

field as a “signal” to the aviation community that RACWA is

premises by refurbishing the entrance and the member’s

open to development of Murrayfield if there is a demonstra-

lounge and establishing a 7-day week café that is attractive

ble demand for hangars and related facilities.

Construct an access road to the north-west area of the air-

to club members, the broader Jandakot airport community, and non-flying family and friends.

FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

Changing the training programme for RPL and PPL student

Improve the capability and effectiveness of the Committee

pilots to more successfully recruit and integrate students

and executive management in driving commercial perfor-

into the Club during the training phase.

mance and managing business risks to ensure that financial investments in the future of the Club are made with due

RECOMMENCE AND CONTINUE YOUNG EAGLES

discipline and accountability.

I am pleased to be able to report that work has already started on some of these initiatives. Concepts are being explored

Improve club communications across print, digital and

for refurbishing the Members’ Lounge; the cooperation of

web channels, including a web-based interface for entry of events and purchase of services.

the Shire of Murray has been secured to develop the new

COMMERCIAL TRAINING AND THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN AVIATION COLLEGE

increase in WAAC enrolments.

access road at Murrayfield; there has already been a large

I hope that you will start to see evidence of change and improvement throughout the Club over the remainder of this year.

Improve reporting to club members on the performance of commercial training, and the financial and other benefits to

If you would like to discuss any of these initiatives, collar me

RACWA and club members.

or any of the other committee members around the Club.

We are enthusiastic about the process of change that we are

Utilise the opportunity created by accreditation under the

embarking on and will be very happy to talk to you about it.

VET Student Loan scheme to expand WAAC to a sustain-

Most importantly, our success as a club depends not only

able commercial scale with a broader range of commercial

on our facilities and services, but also on the participation

training courses.

of members. I encourage all of you to get involved.

Separate commercial training from club training to enable

Until then, happy and safe flying

each to develop suitable pilot training programmes and

Ray

training cultures for recreational or commercial pilots.

Progressively transition WAAC to a standalone commercial flight school operating with its own board, operating at arms-length from RACWA and with its own staff and fleet.

Purchase modern training aircraft to replace the Mooney and Partenavia fleets.

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TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

MNX turning into the cross runway which was used for aircraft parking.

$100 HAMBURGER CLUB VISIT TO WADDI FARM Written by David Currey

The event proved that hav-

Six aircraft travelled to the

ing a pilot’s licence can open

Waddi Farm resort in May. A highlight of the trip was taking off with very efficient portable lighting illuminating the runway, a first for most pilots.

Michael Braybrook and his wife laid on an exceptional 5-course meal for the 23 visitors. The volume of conversation in the restaurant was a testament to the level of enjoyment experienced by all.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

20

some very unique doors. It was agreed that a trip to Waddi Farm should become an annual event. The resort has reasonably priced chalets, so would make a great place to visit for a navigation exercise, or simply to get away from the rat race.

The resort is approximately a 55 minute flight from Jandakot in a C172 and has a 3,000 ft primary runway which is 90 ft wide.

MURRAYFIELD MATTERS

Written by Liz Garcia

solo here at Murrayfield. John Ridley (7th March),

An eventful couple of months with Easter and Moth-

Andrew Mouncer (20th March), Gary Williams (26th March), Paul Ware (2nd May) and Beau Outridge

er’s Day, in addition to a 3-day Covid lock down,

(17th May). Congratulations all on working hard and

again donning the now fashionable face mask of the times. We did not let that hold us back. Once we

accomplishing this milestone.

reopened, it was business as usual.

The next Murrayfield competition to look out for

In between bouts of strong crosswinds, smoke

will be an instrument circuit on the 11th July.

and now the occasional storm, we have had a busy

Come on down and enjoy a hot cooked breakfast

month with five more pilots achieving their first

and test your emergency landing skills.

21

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

OLD FLYERS Written by Steve Rogers

In 1789 an American whaling boat visited the south coast of Western

The Old Fliers Group have never

Australia and the crew saw an

presented a talk on the whale

abundance of Right whales.

spotting pilots and their aircraft.

Australia and New Zealand, once actively

involved

in

hunting

whales, are now fierce advocates for the preservation of whales.

Far better to watch these gentle giants than to kill them.

Few know that whaling was once one of the first industries of Western Australia.

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

Word got around and it wasn’t long before these were fished out.

dropped and stocks diminished.

Renewed interest in whaling came with WW2.

In Western Australia, where large numbers of humpbacks migrated from the Antarctic along the

Whalers were recorded at Cheynes

southern and west coasts, pri-

Beach in Albany in the 1840s.

vate companies established land-

Norwegian

whalers

dominated

from the late 19th century using improved

technology

such

as

explosive harpoons.

The industry declined in the late 1920s as prices for whale oil

22

based whaling stations in Albany and Point Cloates, near Exmouth.

The Point Cloates whaling station was used intermittently from 1915 to 1957.

After many changes of ownership,

the Moore family bought it nam-

• John Downie, 1957 – 1958

Master Gunner had torn his leg off.

ing it the Nor’-West Whaling Co.

• John Bell 1961 – 1978

Captain Ches Stubbs had fired a

• Mick Walters 1968 –1969

harpoon at a whale, but a wave

• Ron Asher 1966 – 1967

had washed the attached rope

Pty Ltd. In Albany, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was formed by a family syndicate of eight fishermen headed by two local men.

The initial quota for the first year was 50 humpback whales.

• Ray Robertson 1966 -1973 • Derek Padgett June 1972 and 1973 – Dec 1976 The first aircraft used by Cheynes

around his leg.

As the captain pulled the trigger his leg was torn off.

John managed to “land” his aircraft

for whale spotting was an Auster

besides the boat and with difficul-

In 1954 the station loaded 1016

which was chartered and flown by

ty the Captain was loaded aboard

tons of whale oil extracted from

John Downie.

with the First mate.

The second was a Cessna 172,

The aircraft couldn’t take off, so

Following record low catches in

chartered and used between 1958

the Mate was offloaded.

1962 the International Whaling

and 1961.

He couldn’t swim and sharks had

The third was a Cessna 150, pur-

been attracted.

120 whales.

Commission ended whaling of humpbacks from Antarctic stocks so the company commenced hunting sperm whales instead.

Whaling continued from the station until 1978 when the last whale was legally caught in Australian waters.

The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company closed in 1978 and was converted into a museum named Albany’s Historic Whaling Station.

Nowadays aircraft that fly out to sea are carrying tourists.

In the past aircraft flew out to sea with pilots who spotted whales so they could direct the whale catcher boats.

At Point Cloates the Nor’-West Whaling Co. Pty Ltd used a Piper Apache aircraft flown by Bob Moore Jnr. to spot whales.

This is an aircraft that you wouldn’t want to fly far away from land.

As it happens, Sperm Whales track close to shore.

chased by the company in April

John had the ship perform circles

1961 and flown by John Bell.

at speed to flatten the swell and

The fourth was a Cessna 337 float

so was able to take off.

plane VH-RGB, purchased in 1970

Soon Ches was delivered to Alba-

by the company and also flown by

ny Hospital.

John Bell.

It was John Bell who was instru-

It was replaced in 1974 by Cessna

mental in having the whaling sta-

337G VH-TDC which soldiered on

tion turned into a museum.

until whaling was banned in 1978.

Today the John Bell Terminal at

Searching was carried out by two

the Albany Airport is named in

flights per day with the morning

his honour.

flight being the longest.

Square grid patterns were flown and when whales were spotted an oil marker was dropped.

The full story and more are on our Old Fliers Group channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/ OldFliersGroup

The chasers were asked to switch on their radio beacons one ship at a time and a more accurate course and time to run were given.

The continental shelf is only 35 to 50Km out from shore so the chasers returned to Albany each evening and left their catch at the whaling station.

In 1964 John Bell was spotting for

Pilots who flew for Cheynes Beach

the Cheynes 3 boat, 60km out to

Whaling Company included:

sea when he was radioed that the

23

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST SCHEDULED AIR SERVICE IN AUSTRALIA

Written by Ray Challen

operate its first scheduled service until November 1922.]

2021 marks an important centenary year in Western Australia, and indeed Australian aviation.

Bristol Tourer used by West Australian Airways in the initial service to Derby

have

by, highly reliable weathweather information) and

Norman Brearley found-

accurate airstrip informa-

ed Western Australian Air-

tion at our fingertips.

ways to provide the first scheduled airmail and pas-

Derby

via

Carnarvon,

Onslow, Roebourne, Port Hedland and Broome.

The

first

service

com-

menced on 5 December 1921, albeit it was suspended after an accident and due to inadequately prepared landing grounds.

The regular service then properly began in February 1922. [For the record, although established

QANTAS

was

earlier

November 1920, it did not

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

we

One hundred years ago,

on a route from Geraldton to

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF

days

magenta lines to navigate er forecasts (and real-time

senger service in Australia

Commemorative stamp of the Bristol Tourer

These

24

in

Looking back to the equipment and conditions of a century ago, the audacity and bravery of Sir Norman and his team of pilots and mechanics are incredible.

With the centenary upon us, I searched through my bookshelf and re-read Sir Norman’s short (and woefully understated!) autobiography titled Australian Aviator. A few selected passages illustrate the essence

of

pioneering

aviation.

In preparing for the first flight from Perth to Derby

in the summer season, the pilots and crews for the first flight quite sensibly gave attention to a “minimum list” of emergency equipment to be carried in each aircraft, but maybe with different standards of emergency preparedness for airline passengers that we see today: Already our minimum list included such items as a portable telephone [sounds strangely familiar!]… tools, spare parts and durable food rations.

rudders to the new design.

But through it all, a pervasive love and passion for aviation: On one occasion, pilot Austin was flying the section from Port Hedland to Broome, and he came down low over the Eighty Mile beach. It was quite a thrill, with the calm Indian Ocean a few yards away to our left, and the sand dunes a little above our height to the right. … When I asked him if he often flew like this he said: “Only along the Eighty Mile Beach, as it

A flyer is included in this issue of Tarmac Topics and further information can be obtained from any of the organising committee.

All interested pilots and their passengers are welcome to join the event. We’d like to see as many participants as possible. You can register your interest with the operations staff at RACWA and be kept up to date on planning for the event. Some briefing sessions will be organised as planning progresses.

There was much discussion about

is a perfect landing ground and my

There are other commemorative

carrying drinking water, and it was

passengers and I enjoy the thrill.”

events also in planning, including

decided that, in an emergency, passengers and pilot could survive on water from the radiator.

This is Australia’s aviation heritage and, due to Sir Norman’s involvement in the formation of RACWA,

Then on departure from Gerald-

also the heritage of our Club. The

ton some reflection on the immen-

100th anniversary is deserving of

sity of the endeavour:

our recognition and commemo-

As I climbed to join the other two

ration.

Bristols I hoped fate would deal

And what better way to celebrate

kindly with our particular adven-

the centenary than to go for a fly

ture through the skies to the far

retracing the original route from

North. But as they say, there is no

Geraldton to Derby!

armour against fate.

Currill, Mick Harcourt and Antho-

a lot of experimenting and inge-

ny Buckley are busy planning the

nuity in improving performance of

event. The current plan is for an

aircraft with the addition of what

official start from Geraldton on

we now call a horn balance:

Thursday 16 September and then

much too heavy. We experimented with two pieces of plywood bolted to the top of the rudder so that a portion of the plywood extended ahead of the rudder hinge. This gave a much improved and lighter rudder control. It was a simple device, and after experiments to determine how far to extend the plywood, we re-built all our Bristol

by Australia Post and some formalities on or about 5 December.

RACWA is pleased to be assisting Sir Norman’s grandson, Simon Bennison, in organising these related events.

An organising committee of Iain

In those days of course there was

I found the Bristol’s rudder control

potentially a stamp being issued

to journey to Derby over three days with overnight stops at Onslow and Broome and arriving

Sir Norman Brearley

on Saturday 18 September. This is not quite 100 years from the actual first flight on 5 December 1921, but flying conditions are much nicer in September than December. The first week of August will be 100 years since Western Australian Airways was awarded the contract for the service.

25

TARMAC TOPICS MAR-MAY 2021

GOVERNOR’S VISIT Ray Challen introduces Steve Rogers, Old Flier’s Group coordinator, to the Governor.

Written by David Currey

During of tour of the facilities, the Governor was introduced to LAME Toni Weston who has

Governor of Western Austra-

recently received her engine

lia and Club Patron, His Excel-

licence to compliment her air-

lency Kim Beazley AC, paid a

frame licence.

visit to the club on 27 May. After being introduced to Life Members, the Governor listened as Club President, Ray Challen, outlined the hisToni Weston shares a joke with Ray Challen.

The Governor was very interested in the club’s commitment to training the next generation of LAMEs.

tory of the club and the many varied activities that the club currently promotes.

their navigation training and the lecture room was full of students planning their next navigation sortie. The Goverers Herman Tsang and Jerry

Norman Brearley, presented

Woong.

the 100th anniversary of Sir Norman’s introduction of Australia’s first passenger and airmail service in Australia from Geraldton to Derby.

The Governor thanked Ray and Simon for their presentations and proceeded to give a very interesting account of his aviation experience whilst Minister of Aviation and then Minister of Defence. The Governor then chatted with club members, clearly demon-

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

class recently commenced

grandson of Club founder Sir

ed air safari to commemorate

ROYAL AERO CLUB OF

house and college. The A21

nor chatted to ground lectur-

man’s career, and the intend-

Australia’s youngest commercial pilot, Stefan Shircore, discusses his next career move with the Governor.

Governor toured the club-

Mr Simon Bennison, the

a short overview of Sir Nor-

The Governor recounting his aviation experiences

After viewing the hangar, the

strating his extensive knowledge of aviation.

26

Ray Challen presented the Governor with a set of RACWA wings to commemorate the visit.

CONGRATULATIONS

Jan Ende celebrates the anniversary of being a club member for 60 years with Simon Carrel and John Douglas. Jan joined the club on 22 May 1961.

Little did he know that he would devote his life to aviation, as both a commercial pilot and a LAME.

2021 AIRBP TOM MILLAR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Applications are now open for two Tom Mil-

Applications are to be forwarded in PDF format to

lar Scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, to

cbere@royalaeroclubwa.com.au and must be received by

encourage and assist in the advancement of

close of business, Tuesday, 31 August 2021.

students who are undergoing training with

A designated selection panel consisting of the Club’s Chief

the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia.

Executive Officer, Head of Operations and President will

To apply, applicants should write not more than 400 words describing: • Why they wish to learn to fly or pursue a career in aviation; • their aviation experience to date; • future flying aspirations; and • a demonstrated commitment to furthering their flying training with the Club.

evaluate all entries and the winners notified in writing.

Presentation of the scholarships will be made at the Club’s Annual Presentation Dinner at Crown Perth on Saturday, 2 October 2021.

Terms and Conditions Apply, please contact Coril Bere, for further information.

TARMAC TOPICS Want to advertise in Tarmac Topics?

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