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This thread went off topic so the posts from this point on were moved to their own thread located at:

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/raaus-stopping-membership.46127/

 

 

I don't get it

 

 

Spoke to Corrine and unfortunately she won't let me off the leash...kids starting new school, Lachlan excited about going to AusFly etc so an opportunity missed for me.

 

But I want to say thanks to the Opening Poster for posting it here

 

 

Geez I'm bloody tempted...can't help with the flying though but would be a great experience and make for some great reading here on Recreational Flying

 

 

Recreational licence (CASA) for me..........experimental registration for what ever I buy.Ian, have you thought about seeing if you are able to convert you licence and aircraft registration to CASA/GA/Experimental? More expensive, but at least you would be dealing with a more "mature" organisation.

Yes Mate, I have thought about it but that would mean I would have to lie down and turn over on this matter not to mention the cost or even the freedom to simply be allowed to change the oil in my aircraft and then what happens to the "next guy"...this is all about setting a precedent that will help protect many others...for crying out loud, it is YOUR Association, it is not a Government department, it is not owned by Steve Runciman or Paul Middleton or Steve Tizzard...YOU own it and they should be acting on behalf of YOUR wishes, not their own

 

 

l think that this is the biggest load of crap l have ever heard you haven't broken any flight rules or regulations so how or who the f*****can stop you from flying or doing your BFR how can you bring the RAA in disrepute when they have done it themselves this why l will NEVER vote or get caught up in all the bullshit that goes with the RAA and all the bureaucratic rubbish .

So Ian just go and do you flight reveiw and go flying enjoy your self.

 

cheers Geoff.

Ummmm, now that WOULD be illegal

 

 

Yes it IS true...the end result may well just be that Recreational Flying has to become a Governing Body to protect your privileges to fly a recreational aircraft...the EAA style would have to be the choice

 

 

This is really hotting up. My solicitor still hasn't received any reply from the RAAus to substantiate Steve Runciman's claims that I have the potential to bring RAAus into disrepute so they are currently not allowing me to rejoin RAAus so I can fly. Whilst his letter says that I can submit a written submission for the board to consider (to him personally), they have not provided any evidence to support their claim or anything of which I can reply to...very strange.

 

I also have been told that my Solicitor's letter up till last night STILL hadn't been given to the Board even though the Secretary (Paul Middleton) has had it for some time.

 

Meanwhile I am still not allowed to fly under the statement by Steve Runciman that I "have the potential to bring the RAAus into disrepute"...no evidence, no reasoning, no proof, no proper or formal investigation of any kind on anything at all.

 

This has also now been picked up by many with people blogging about it, groups discussing the complete and utter unfairness of it and that the RAAus can do this to anyone they feel like and when ever they want...even you!

 

A copy of a letter that a person, to whom I have no relationship with, has sent to the Vic board member:

 

From: Peter Gilmour

 

Sent: Monday, 27 August 2012 4:25 PM

 

To: xxx_goflying.com.au

 

Subject: Unconscionable Conduct

 

Dear Rod

 

I am writing to express my deep concern with the decision to refuse/defer Ian Baker’s (“IB”) RA-Aus membership application. This decision, which appears to have been initiated by Steve Runciman (“SR”) and Steve Tizzard (“ST”) acting in concert, is both repugnant and immature and appears to be a clumsy attempt to punish free speech. Further, it is poor and unusual behaviour which itself brings RA-Aus into disrepute and the supporters and perpetrators of this behaviour should offer their resignations.

 

Given that RA-Aus is the only body through which IB can fly recreational aircraft of the type he prefers, it is misguided to think that the delegated authority from CASA allows the RA-Aus Board and CEO to prevent someone from flying because they directed criticism at the organisation and/or its administration. I know I can write letters of complaint about CASA and its administration without fear of my GA licence being revoked.

 

I urge you to act immediately and encourage your fellow Board members to overturn this decision by circular resolution and grant IB membership. Should IB’s membership not be granted by COB 30 August 2012, I will lodge a formal complaint with CASA which will not only describe this clearly unconscionable conduct but will urge their intervention to conduct a formal review of RA-Aus administration, Board structure, Constitution and By-laws to ensure RA-Aus acts within the spirit of its delegated authority.

 

Note that I am not representing or acting for IB but am taking steps to ensure that this sort of grave injustice never happens again. Also note that there are other avenues to pursue to correct this injustice which will be done in parallel with the CASA complaint and, as you are aware, my background equips me with the skills needed to ensure a just outcome.

 

Regards

 

Peter Gilmour

 

------------------------------------

 

Also I was sent an email of an article that is going in an Aviation Newsletter about it as well:

 

Ian Baker: persona non grata?

 

Ian Baker runs the Recreational Flying Website. It is a registered business and he also sells pilot gear, but no one who knows Ian believes for a moment that he is doing it for the sake of a profit. Love him or hate him, Ian is idealistically motivated to the nth degree and, over the years, has created more than his share of controversy in RA-Aus circles. It was former Board member Ian who got CEO Steve Tizzard agitated enough to have him initiate legal action through Slater and Gordon, (very much at the expense of RA-Aus funds it should be added).

 

Ian started flying about eight years ago and began his forum style website in xxxx. Two years ago, he began a more personal battle with a severe illness, but just lately has been given a given a clean bill of health. It was an extreme ordeal however, and, even though he didn’t actually need to, Ian stopped flying and did not renew his RA-Aus membership. Now recovered, he is taking steps to take up his hobby again, but finds that the RA-Aus hierarchy have other ideas. After making his application, Ian received a letter from RA-Aus Board President, Steve Runciman, saying that his membership was not going to be automatically renewed because of allegations that he had brought the name of RA-Aus into disrepute. Ian has now taken legal advice himself and believes the RA-Aus administration hasn’t got a legal leg to stand on, by-law twelve notwithstanding.

 

I had only spoken to Ian occasionally until just recently when I had opportunity to talk to him for an extended period over the phone. I have to say that I like Ian. Actually, I will go further and say that I admire him. Of course, I have never suffered the wrath of his Recreation Flying forum, however I may never be in that position either because I do not hold a paid position in the association and my performance in terms of my value for money is no one’s business but my own. Most of what I read on Ian’s website is to do with the broader policy and direction of the association anyway.

 

There is no doubt about it. Ian is a brilliant organizer, a pedantic idealist, a totally obstreperous ragbag (a kindred spirit perhaps), and a whole many other things as well. But he is the kind of person that helps facilitate a truer course for an organization to follow. Successful companies ignore their complaining customers at their peril because papering over the cracks with legal obfuscation will only get you so far. Personally, I think the world needs more people like Ian Baker.

 

------------------

 

There are blogs going about this, private groups commenting on the unjust of all this and your membership money is now being spent by the RAAus with their (read RAAus members) Solicitors with the only comment from them that I have heard is "let the solicitors sort it out".

 

So that is the current state of affairs and where your membership money is going

 

I also know that when an RAAus member asked Steve Runciman, the member's representative, what was going on all he got was "I can't comment on it".

 

Meanwhile I am not allowed to use my Pilot Certificate, that we all work hard to achieve, to fly a recreational aircraft and of which I have done in the past professionally and safely at all times.

 

Personally I support Peter Gilmour in his letter saying that Steve Runciman should immediately resign from the RAAus Committee of Management and anyone else who has had any part in this.

 

Who is next?

 

 

That's just pure stupidity in my opinion...a competition like that is simply asking for things to go wrong

 

 

August 2012

 

From the Director of Aviation Safety

 

John McCormick

 

Recently there has been some disturbingly misinformed debate within sections of the general aviation community about proposed new maintenance regulations. It is clear some people believe all of the new maintenance regulations currently covering the regular public transport sector are to be directly applied to general aviation. Let me make it very clear: this is not the case. The new suite of maintenance regulations that came into effect in late June 2011 only applies to operators and maintainers of regular public transport aircraft. At the time CASA clearly and publicly stated: “Revised maintenance regulations for other sectors of aviation such as charter, aerial work and private operations will be developed at a later date, after wide consultation with these sectors.” This position and CASA’s commitment to it have not changed.

 

What has changed over the last year is that CASA has been working, in conjunction with representatives from the aviation industry, on proposals for new maintenance regulations for the general aviation sector. When these proposals are adequately developed, everyone will get an ample opportunity to have their say. The consultation process will include the release of discussion papers, notices of proposed rulemaking and draft regulations. Importantly this process begins with a discussion paper, the specific purpose of which is to inform and open a wide ranging conversation with the aviation industry and other stakeholders about the proposed direction of the new regulations. All this means, contrary to some of the ill-informed statements now being made by some people, that the anticipated new maintenance rules for the non-regular public transport sectors have not been determined, and will not be pre-determined. CASA will carefully consider the views of all interested and affected members of the industry and the wider aviation community, and we will take all reasonable comments and submissions into account before any rules are finalised. We fully recognise the regular public transport maintenance regulations cannot simply be applied across the board. Each operational sector of aviation is different and the new regulations will reflect those important differences. If aspects of the regular public transport maintenance regulations are relevant and appropriate to general aviation, then subject to the outcome of the consultation process those provisions may be incorporated into the proposed new rules. But let me state again, clearly and unequivocally, nothing is final at this time.

 

Best regards

 

John F McCormick

 

Comment now on electronic flight bag rules

 

Proposed new rules and guidance material on the use of electronic flight bags have been released by CASA. The proposed rules would require the holders of air operator’s certificates to introduce procedures and processes to minimise any risks associated with the use of electronic flight bags, as well as to provide ongoing support for the technology. The guidance material covers in detail the airworthiness, operational and management issues relating to electronic flight bags. This guidance material will also be very useful for private and recreational pilots who wish to use electronic flight bags. CASA has issued a notice of proposed rule making foreshadowing changes to the Civil Aviation Orders to cover electronic flight bag safety issues. Operators who want their pilots to use electronic flight bags will need to amend their operations manual to include processes and procedures covering hardware, software and data management, as well as operator training. They will also be required to complete an operational risk analysis and appoint an electronic flight bag administrator.

 

A draft civil aviation advisory publication states electronic versions of documentation that are required by regulation are acceptable. It says: “Documents that have already been approved in accordance with the relevant regulations do not need additional approval if they have been stored in the electronic flight bag in essentially the same form as the original document”. This means electronic flight bags can be used to store and retrieve documents such as maps, charts, flight crew operations manuals, minimum equipment lists and other control documents. Under the proposed rules electronic flight bags are classified in two categories. These relate to the particular functions the electronic flight bag is intended to perform and the hardware type. The type of hardware will determine whether an airworthiness approval is required for the installation of a device in an aircraft.

 

Read the proposed electronic flight bag rules and guidance material and comment by 14 September 2012.

 

CASA safety sweep targets WA

 

Last month CASA completed a five day surveillance sweep through a large part of regional Western Australia. A team of CASA staff made up of airworthiness and flying operations inspectors, an aviation safety advisor and a drug and alcohol inspector conducted the surveillance sweep. The team visited aerodromes at Geraldton, Shark Bay, Exmouth, Learmonth, Karratha, Port Hedland, David Forrest Mine, Paraburdoo, Newman, Wiluna and Meekatharra. At each location CASA conducted ramp checks and visited air operators and maintainers. The CASA team carried out ramp checks on large and small air operators including Qantas, Qantaslink, Skywest, Skippers, Network and many charter organisations. A number of regulatory service tasks were also undertaken. CASA issued a small number of Aircraft Survey Reports for aircraft with notable defects and a number of pilots were found not to be carrying their licence or medical. There were also a couple of instances where navigational documents were not at the correct amendment status. Random drug and alcohol testing was conducted at both large and small aerodromes. CASA’s aviation safety adviser on the sweep obtained good constructive feedback about aviation safety seminars and the need for more targeted information for larger charter organisations. People and organisations were shown CASA’s latest safety education and information products and tools that provide practical safety support for day-to-day operations. The safety adviser reported all the organisations visited were using safety management procedures and had very obvious continuous improvement values in their corporate cultures.

 

Safety management systems made easy

 

Setting up and maintaining safety management systems in medium and small aviation organisations is now much easier. CASA has released a comprehensive and easy to use kit covering everything aviation organisations need to know about safety management systems. The kit is made up of six booklets and a DVD. The first booklet sets out the basics of aviation safety management systems, while the other five follow the International Civil Aviation Organization framework for safety management systems. Each booklet provides practical and jargon-busting information on the key issues, with templates and checks lists which can be used in developing and implementing safety management systems. The DVD supports the booklets with more practical information and guidance. The kit is aimed at medium and small regular public transport operators and maintenance organisations, however it will be a valuable resource for other aviation organisations.

 

Poor or ineffective safety management can be disastrous and lead to public outrage, exhaustive inquiries and drawn out legal action, the kit states. It goes on to say safety management is not a dark art and the central concepts are simple. Amongst the benefits of having an effective safety management system are a reduction in costs due to fewer incidents and less aircraft damage when incidents occur, less time lost due to injuries, lower insurance costs, better protection of business reputation, as well as safer operations. While setting up a safety management system will cost money, this must be weighed against the cost of accidents or aircraft damage. A propeller strike in a twin light aircraft can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 for repairs and engine strips. History tells that aviation organisations that have fatal accidents often do not survive.

 

Find out more about the safety management systems kit and order your copy now.

 

Posters help maintenance organisations keep safe

 

A suite of eight new posters targeting key safety issues in the aviation maintenance industry has been released. The high-impact posters draw attention to issues such as fatigue, unapproved parts, defect reporting, knowledge and training, tool control and data. There are three posters on fatigue in maintenance organisations, highlighting the dangers of long shifts, insufficient breaks, the increased risk of error during night shifts and accumulated fatigue. The key message of each poster is "fatigue in maintenance – do you know your limits?" The poster on suspected unapproved parts reminds engineers they must check to make sure they have authentic paper work, the current part number and the correct parts for the correct location. In the poster on reporting defects, everyone is told to send service difficulty reports to CASA as soon as possible. The poster "up to the task?" asks maintenance workers if they understand their responsibilities or if they need more training. Avoiding risks caused by misplaced tools is the message of the tool control poster, with the tag line “put your tools back where they belong…not in the aircraft”. Every maintenance organisation will benefit from displaying these posters prominently. The posters are free, although there is a $15 delivery fee.

 

Order your maintenance safety posters now from the CASA online store.

 

New ageing aircraft tools on the way

 

Aircraft owners are being urged to get ready to undertake special online training about ageing aircraft issues. CASA is about to launch a comprehensive e-learning course to help owners better understand the effects and consequences of age on their aircraft. The e-learning will provide an overview of how the ageing process affects all aircraft systems and structures, as well as the importance of adapting an aircraft’s maintenance systems as it gets older. CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, told a recent Airworthiness and Sustainment conference there is no “silver bullet” to the issues relating to ageing aircraft. Mr McCormick said it is vital owners understand the regulatory, economic and safety implications of the decisions they are required to take about the continuing airworthiness of their aircraft. He said awareness and education are the keys to addressing ageing aircraft issues.

 

CASA has already conducted ageing aircraft presentations around Australia under its Ageing Aircraft Management Plan, with about 800 owners and operators attending. Positive feedback to these presentations encouraged CASA to develop more educational material, including the e-learning. Mr McCormick said CASA had also developed an educational feedback mechanism for owners to help them determine if their aircraft might be affected by ageing issues. "This educational feedback is provided in the form of an on-line, prototype Matrix Tool. Owners of VH registered aircraft are able to enter into the tool specific details about how their aircraft is operated, maintained and stored and are then provided with an indication as to the likelihood of having an ageing aircraft problem. While the prototype ‘Matrix Tool’ is deliberately generic by nature, it is by no means a substitute for a physical assessment of an aircraft by an engineering professional. The tool is designed to provide a snapshot assessment of ageing aircraft issues to the average aircraft owner who is not necessarily an aviation professional. Both the e-learning course and the prototype Matrix Tool form part of a wider awareness initiative that is explained further in a CASA discussion paper on ageing aircraft which is due for release shortly."

 

Read John McCormick's ageing aircraft speech in full.

 

Flight Safety Australia's bright online future

 

A print version of CASA’s flagship publication, Flight Safety Australia, is no longer being produced. From the next edition onwards Flight Safety Australia will only be published online. CASA believes this will bring many advantages to readers, to aviation safety and to the delivery of aviation safety information, with more resources to improve and enhance the online magazine. Stories and information will be presented in more flexible formats, with greater use of pictures, video and animation. This will give stories more impact and allow a deeper explanation of safety issues. CASA will be developing a version of Flight Safety Australia for iPads and other tablets, so people will be able to read the publication easily when they are away from their laptop or desktop computer. With the increasing use of tablets by pilots and many other people involved in aviation this move will fit closely with the future of communication in aviation.

 

To make sure everyone knows when a new edition of Flight Safety Australia is published, CASA will be sending subscribers an email. This means it is vital that everyone checks now to make sure CASA has their correct email address.

 

If you have an aviation reference number please ensure all your contact details are up to date by going to the change page.

 

If you do not have an aviation reference number, and you wish to subscribe to Flight Safety Australia go to Register to view Flight Safety Australia.

 

If you have any general questions regarding Flight Safety Australia, email [email protected].

 

Corrosion risk in R44 rotor gear box

 

Operators and maintainers of R44 helicopters have been warned to be aware of the risk of corrosion and metal fatigue in the main rotor gear box. Evidence of gear carrier corrosion has been found in a number of aircraft, with one suffering an in-flight main rotor drive failure. An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau of the rotor drive failure revealed the gear carrier had cracked due to corrosion. The owner of this aircraft had a second R44 in their fleet inspected and the gear carrier on this aircraft also showed evidence of corrosion. A third R44, with a different owner, has been found with a fractured gear carrier assembly. All three helicopters were based and operated in northern Australia and not stored in hangars. CASA is recommending the operators and maintainers of all R44s carry out inspections of the oil in the main rotor gear box for any contamination such as water, rust or paint. Pilots should land immediately in the event of a main rotor gear box chip warning indication. CASA also recommends the helicopters be stored under cover or the main rotor mast be covered. Where an R44 is stored for more than seven days in tropical conditions operators should contact the manufacturer for advice on taking action to minimise the risk of internal corrosion in the main rotor gear box. Any contamination of the oil in the main rotor gear box must be reported to CASA using the service difficulty reporting system.

 

Read the R44 main rotor gear box airworthiness bulletin.

 

Geraldton and Devonport airspace gets a tick

 

Studies of the airspace around Geraldton in Western Australia and Devonport in Tasmania have been completed. Both studies were carried out for CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation and looked at airspace within 20 nautical miles of the aerodromes. The Geraldton study concluded the current G airspace classification is satisfactory, although a recommendation was made to collect more accurate aircraft movement data, particularly for visual flight rules traffic. CASA has acted on this recommendation. The Geraldton study also recommended fly-in and fly-out operations are monitored to identify any increase in this traffic. It added that pilots need to be reminded of the requirement to monitor and broadcast on the local common traffic advisory radio frequency.

 

The Devonport airspace study found there are some concerns about radio congestion and over transmission because nearby Wynyard aerodrome shares the same common traffic advisory frequency. It has been recommended that Airservices Australia allocate a separate frequency to Devonport. Pilots should also be advised to monitor and broadcast on the common traffic advisory frequency for extended distances to minimise frequency changes and the potential for error. Overall, the report says the existing class G airspace at Devonport should be maintained.

 

Read the Devonport airspace report.

 

Read the Geraldton airspace report.

 

Forums and seminars for pilots

 

Melbourne and Adelaide pilots should mark their September diaries now. These two cities will be the location for special aviation information forums being run jointly by CASA, Airservices Australia, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Bureau of Meteorology and the RAAF. The forums are open to all pilots and everyone will benefit from attending. The Melbourne aviation information forum is being held at Swinburne University on Monday 17 September 2012, while Adelaide is happening at the University of South Australia on Friday 28 September. These safety education forums are a chance to access a wide range of important information across a number of topics, with a special focus on human factors issues. The all day events feature presentations from each aviation body involved and a light lunch and refreshments will be provided. There is no charge and forums are open to everyone involved in aviation – not just university students and staff.

 

Please book your place for the Melbourne and Adelaide forums now.

 

During September 2012 there will also be six AvSafety seminars for pilots. These seminars are being held in the ACT, NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Topics to be covered at each location include human factors in aviation and aviation resources on the internet. CASA wants all pilots to attend an AvSafety seminar in their area as it is a great chance to learn, discuss safety with colleagues and talk with CASA's aviation safety advisers. The seminars are free but everyone is asked to book online at the CASA web site.

 

Find the AvSafety seminar in your area now.

 

 

With the ever increasing amount of airstrips being closed and taken over by housing and whatnot, the travel times it takes to get to your "local" airstrip can be a real dampener on the number of hours you fly each year.

 

No doubt in country areas the airstrip can only be minutes away, there are some that even have one in their own backyard but for others they have to travel an hour there and an hour back just to do some fun flying circuits or so.

 

This poll is to ascertain what the average travelling time is to get to your airstrip.

 

 

Motz, your taking the fun out of it

 

Why wouldn't you ask ATC for assistance if there is any known info at other strips?

 

Or would you use your radio on the local freq and ask for assistance...if anyone responds from the ground, ask them to contact other strips for you to get the situation at other strips?

 

There is no "book" on every scenario but collectively, as a hypothetical, we can come up with different ideas on what one could do that may end up being "recalled" if the situation ever arose for someone

 

 

Motza, this is all just a hypothetical situation to start a discussion...As the opening post says, you did do all your planning and everything was ok at that time but we know how weather can change and this is a 3hr flight.

 

You say:

 

"For your alternate you would have had to check the TAF BEFORE nominating it as an alternate. So the forcast wind could not be over the x-wind max of the aeroplane."

 

so by the same token you would have checked the TAF at your destination as well but found upon arrival that it wasn't so would one assume that the Alternate could also have changed...that is one of the types of questions that is contained in the hypothetical situation.

 

Do you use what fuel you have left and risk going to your Alternate knowing that it doesn't have ATIS and could in fact be worse off then your destination airstrip has turned out to be?

 

I wonder, by way of discussion, is there a correct answer to this

 

 

You have done all your planning for a 3hr flight. You know it is going to be windy with a strong crosswind at your destination strip but within the allowed figures of your aircraft.

 

You are 10miles out from your destination and tune the radio to get the weather. You suddenly find that you will have a wind component greater then what your aircraft is approved as being able to handle.

 

What do you do?

 

Perhaps you go off to your alternate airfield however that airfield doesn't have ATIS and only a windsock to determine the wind, or do you call up ATC and ask for help, or do you ???

 

 

No Mate, you are better to get them yourself from the local Chemist...a hell of a lot cheaper for you and that is the important thing...I don't think the missus would miss her red nail polish for a day or so while you do it...you could even remark that her taste in colour is so good that you will even use it on your pride and joy (and that's when the fight started)

 

 

The cloth tape is available from a pharmacy cheap

That's what I used on the CT...just go to the local chemist and get some, works fantastic. There are a lot of little tricks that you can do for your aircraft...another one is instead of buying the expensive red marker for visual inspection of whether a nut/bolt has moved, just use the wife's/girlfriend's (or both) red nail polish.

Another one is how to use your mobile phone in flight without having to buy something that allows you to. Most mobile phones come with an ear piece/microphone. Because your headset allows you to hear what you are saying into the headset mic, place the earpiece into your ear and the earpiece mic part into your headset cup. This means that you hear the other person on the phone and when you reply through the mic of your headset, the mobile phone mic picks up the sound coming out of the ear cup...all for free.

 

Another thing with say the Avmap EKP4...don't waste $200+ dollars on gizmo type panel mount...remove the kneeboard strap from the clip on EKP4 kneeboard and mount the Kneeboard into your panel (mount in on the back face of your panel)...you then have a quick release mount for the EKP4 into your panel for FREE.

 

There are many other little tricks you can do without spending a zillion dollars so does anyone else have any little tricks that they can share with others

 

 

Ian would you be getting into GoPro cameras. I will be looking tobuy one in the coming months.

Cameras like this are a high price item and add to that the number of potential sales per year makes them a risky item to maintain any stock levels. I will have a look at what their minimum purchase amounts are and see whether it is viable...you have to remember that many companies require you to purchase thousands of dollars worth of stock each time you place an order with them.

 

 

Mark, that post was from over 4 years ago

 

 

Ok, I have done some investigating and I don't think you may like what I keep coming up with. If I look at the ToDo list and more this is what I find:

 

1. Review the way the Photo Gallery is used...investigate other possible products and/or enhancements to the current one (post 2) - vBulletin has a better and easier to use Photo Gallery built in to it and there is the option of a far superior one again with a 3rd party addon of a full photo gallery unlike the Xenforo mod we use now
    
    
   
2. Explore ways to entice visitors to register and join in (post 6, 8, 15) - vBulletin provides not only greater tools in enticing visitors to register so they can see more of posts etc but also more extras that may entice users to join in like better Classifieds, Blogs, Articles etc that visitors may want to avail themselves of
    
    
   
3. Fix Site Donation Link (post 17) - FIXED
    
    
   
4. Explore what members want in terms of the locking down of Social Groups (post 18) - vBulletin allows far more extended options for social groups like Public view and public post, Public view and private post, Private view and private post and Invite only to view and post
    
    
   
5. Enhance the Search function to allow words of less than 4 characters (post 19) - the current software Xenforo provides a better enhanced search function at extra cost whilst vBulletin maintains a minimum of 4 character word search
    
    
   
6. Enhance the Mobile Style (post 23) - cosmetic so it doesn't matter however changing site software would require a mobile style development again
    
    
   
7. Place reminder note next to submit button "Have you checked your post and are familiar with posting rules" (post 25) - cosmetic so it doesn't matter
    
    
   
8. Promote the shop more...home page and site header (post 27-29) - cosmetic so it doesn't matter however, vBulletin allows for the grouping of subject matter into a dedicated section much better like being able to combine the shop, classifieds, product reviews, suppliers etc all in one section with its own section home page
    
    
   
9. Explore other means of promoting the site (post 30) - doesn't matter as it is more administrative
    
    
   
10. Fix the Chat Room and now use Aust hosting for faster video/voice (post 31) - vBulletin has a native integration system for the chat room compared to be-spoke development that was required for Xenforo
     
     
    

 

 

Also, the spell checking is far better in vBulletin along with a much better way of creating posts

 

So again I find myself between a rock and a hard post in deciding what is best. We use to use vBulletin but changed to Xenforo due to the workload at the time of managing a vBulletin powered site due to the new version of vBulletin however that is now stabilised and very powerful but they will be releasing another new version at the end of the year which through lessons learnt, I will not be changing to until it is completely stable if I went down the vBulletin route again.

 

Xenforo has completely stagnated with no communication from its developers to their client base, They missed their last promised release of an update which was due in June and no communication when it will be released. This means that Xenforo is still simply just a "forum" software application as opposed to a "website" application that vBulletin can provide so what you are seeing here on Recreational Flying is a forum site using Xenforo that has been manually expanded into something more but is about at its current limit in what little enhancements can be done i.e. Photo Gallery enhancements, Social Groups permissions etc.

 

Cosmetics are simply that which means Xenforo and vBulletin can be made to look pretty much the same as each other but naturally the extra user functionality contained in vBulletin can't be matched in Xenforo which means extra options are displayed cosmetically to the user in vBulletin.

 

So before I jump in and start completing the items on the ToDo list I really need to consider what's best for the site and its users...it is a real sticky one

 

 

Speling and gramer chequer buttton, please? Pretty please?

Wayne, at the moment it is not possible in any easy way other than the speel checker you have in your internet browser. The post editor uses a 3rd party application called TinyMCE and it is all entwined into the forum software. Having said this, I will still have a look around to see if there is any way that the spell checking can be improved but I really can't promise anything on this other than I will try.

 

 

This has so far been fantastic in helping out the site...My task list so far is:

 

1. Review the way the Photo Gallery is used...investigate other possible products and/or enhancements to the current one (post 2)
    
    
   
2. Explore ways to entice visitors to register and join in (post 6, 8, 15)
    
    
   
3. Fix Site Donation Link (post 17) - FIXED
    
    
   
4. Explore what members want in terms of the locking down of Social Groups (post 18)
    
    
   
5. Enhance the Search function to allow words of less than 4 characters (post 19)
    
    
   
6. Enhance the Mobile Style (post 23)
    
    
   
7. Place reminder note next to submit button "Have you checked your post and are familiar with posting rules" (post 25)
    
    
   
8. Promote the shop more...home page and site header (post 27-29)
    
    
   
9. Explore other means of promoting the site (post 30)
    
    
   
10. Fix the Chat Room and now use Aust hosting for faster video/voice (post 31)
     
     
    

 

 

Most of the above are all minor things and can very easily be achieved...is there anything else? What about the different areas of the site? What about what Tools you would like to have available for you? etc etc etc

 

 

Thanks for that Crazy, I completely forgot about the chat room when we moved the site back to an Australian server so I will make it my mission to get it back up and running again so we can make use of it...thanks again

 

 

One small improvement I'd like to suggest is to change the small button on the mobile version, that lets you select subsections (Media, Photos, Video, etc) into something that stands out a bit more or maybe even put it on the main bar with Forums, Register, etc as it's a bit easy to miss, unless you know what it does.

Will do...big thanks for helping with that