Roundsounds

I agree, I’m past trying to fix anything now too. I wouldn’t hold out too much hope with the various organisations. I met with one recently and sat listening to the war history for 2 hours. I couldn’t get a word in.

You’re a game person. They’ll accept your FR form as it doesn’t indicate whether it contained any training. Should someone start asking questions as the result of a licence holder you’ve conducted a Flight review with it may become a problem. They’ll get you on 141.015 1(1) (f), which says: (f) training, other than training conducted as a multi-crew operation, that is given as part of a flight review; I’ve spoken at length with Roger Crossthwaite on this subject and that’s the reg he’s quoted. Flight Review Information sheet

If you look back 25 years ago most country towns with an airport had a Flying School / Aero Club located there. These small schools have all but disappeared, mainly due to the complex and costly administrative processes introduced over the last 25 years. The Flight Crew Licencing reform (parts 61/141/142) is the final straw for these small outfits. These reforms were meant to be about ICAO harmonisation, if CASA had adopted ICAO there would have been a resurgence of the small outfits and likely an increase in pilot training numbers. Instead of harmonisation, CASA took the opportunity to introduce even more restrictive measures. Under ICAO, a Flight instructor can train pilots without the need for a Part 141 certificate and all of the administrative processes involved. The USA FAA and NZ CAA have adopted ICAO guidelines. Most Flying Clubs and small schools in the USA / NZ don’t hold Part 141 certificates. They simply own aeroplanes and teach people to fly following the rules already in place. When it comes time to issue a licence, the instructor contacts a Flight examiner who notifies the FAA or CAA, then conduct the Flight test. Under CASAs Part 61, I can take a pilot who learnt to fly in a Jabiru and endorse them to fly say a Harvard along with formation and aerobatic endorsements. I can issue the endorsements, send them on their way all without the need to hold a Part 141 certificate. But along comes the owner of a Harvard, Cessna 150 or any other type and I cannot complete their flight review if I provide any input unless I have a Part 141 certificate! The system is broken and nobody is able to fix it. On top of this we now see RAAus schools popping up to fill the void left by the GA flying schools / aero clubs. As well meaning as these people in RAAus schools are, they simply don’t meet the standard of the professional and experienced GA schools.

Downwind calls were introduced when secondary airports changed to GAAP procedures. (secondary airports were capitol city GA places like Bankstown, Archerfield, Moorabbin etc). Prior to the introduction of GAAP, aircraft routinely reported turning base with intentions at both controlled and non-controlled airports. The change to a downwind call suited ATC as it allowed them to better sequence aircraft. A base call is still a more appropriate routine circuit call than a downwind call at non-controlled airports. Routine downwind calls have crept in over the years as pilots trained under GAAP flew into non-controlled airports.

I would hope you would have sighted the aircraft well and truely before they broadcast their crosswind entry. Also knowing a standard crosswind entry is made between midfield and the DER you’d scan that airspace. I find too many RAAus pilots don’t know where to find rules, reg’s and official guidance material. There seems to be too much reliance on what they were taught, as opposed to what’s written. CASA have tried to make life easier for the sport pilot/PPL holder by producing the VFRG, I just don’t think too many read it.

The information is out there, it’s just a matter of keeping up to speed. The CAAP says to join between midfield and the departure end of the runway, I personally aim for the upwind threshold which satisfies the intent of the CAAP. Having said that, between midfield and the departure end of the runway is the correct procedure. https://www.casa.gov.au/file/182536/download?token=ev1DY9ng You’ll also find it in AIP and the VFRG Arrivals, departures and transits | Civil Aviation Safety Authority

I’ve always joined crosswind over the upwind threshold, overflying the normal crosswind leg is unsafe. The CAAP simply states what has been taught for many years.

it’s time members of these organisation called for their management to work on a united front to achieve the best outcomes for the industry, rather than playing silly political games. Whether you’re an AOPA, SAAA, RAAus, GFA or any other Sport/GA group I’m sure we just want to go Flying with minimal fuss and cost without all of the political dramas. Whilst these individuals continue to poke each other in the chest CASA will continue to regulate us out of the air.

Surely not!?

Downunder, these pilots are who are annoying you are in fact doing the right thing. The standard circuit entry on crosswind is based on overflying the upwind threshold and that has been for the past 40 plus years I’ve been flying, instructing and testing in both GA and RAA. The broadcast of “joining crosswind” indicates you would be overflying the upwind threshold to join the circuit, the recent trend to state “joining midfield crosswind” is unnecessary. https://www.casa.gov.au/file/182536/download?token=ev1DY9ng To join crosswind any further upwind of the upwind threshold is unsafe, you may then be flying over an aircraft climbing to circuit height on the normal crosswind leg. Below is a link to the CASA CAAP on non-controlled aerodrome procedures.

I had in mind a group of members from each organisation who are feed up with this poor behaviour and management to call the meeting. They would run the meeting to ensure there is an acceptable outcome reached. This would then require regular follow up meetings to make sure things are kept on track. This could potentially stop the blame game as there are independent people there to witness the proceedings.

Agree re the lack of cooperation between these organisations. I reckon it’s time to arrange a meeting with the senior management of these organisations and have them work out how they can put their differences aside and develop a strategy to work together to try to undo the damage caused by their poor performance. Together they could have effected change to the unworkable rules CASA are introducing. Instead they are wading with each other and allowing CASA a free hand to do what they like. The most effective time to change the rules is during the development of them.

Having your CASA licence will make the RAAus transition a little easier.

Surely not!

How Qantas Ferried an Engine on the Wing of a 747 – Flightradar24 Blog

I wonder who will pick up the bill for any loss?

I suggest you dig out your licence and logbook and apply for your Licence to be re-issued. Under changes just over 4 years ago all licences / qualifications remain valid permanently. You’ll obviously need to get back up to speed and get a medical, but the Licence process won’t cost you anything. You’ll need to fill in a couple of forms, if you ring CASA they’ll tell you which forms.

The QF B747-400RR Still can and occasionally do.

Anyone at AA able to provide a report on how the event went? The Facebook Live feeds seem to show a lack of crowds. They also posted an aerial pic and it shows very few people mulling around.

Taking the lead from international airport operators, there’s good money in car parking fees!

Sorry, out by 10 - should’ve read Part 149. Djp, yes I was rushing that post and didn’t put enough thought into it. Really meant to have a level playing field with equal privileges.

Instead of shooting down the GFA and RAAus privileges for more user friendly maintenance and medical standards, why don’t AOPA and SAAA apply for a Part 139 approval to provide a choice for pilots and aircraft owners?

Not a myth.... Cleveland v. Piper Aircraft

Thanks for making the point about motor gliders, the same priveleges are extended to private hot air balloon pilots too. (ie airspace access with self certified medical)

Pilots operating gliders in controlled airspace in Australia are only required to hold a self certified medical and no requirement for any GA qualifications. You can see these aircraft and pilots operating safely in Class D airspace on a daily basis at Camden. The gliders also operate over the most densely populated areas around Camden Aerodrome, in the 40 plus years I’ve been flying there I have not heard of one medical related incident.