Jerry_Atrick

Send it anyway, I'll take it.. So cold this morning, the pitch of my voice went up an octave this morning.... I have to head his way on Saturday (slightly south - Birmingham) but have a few spare hours, so am popping him a PM to see if he is around for a swift 'arff... (once I get the actual timings of when I will have the spare time)...

I can just see it... "Sir (or Madam, to be PC), unfortunately your application for an ASIC has been rejected. You have just been stripped of your nationality. I believe Nauru has exemplary accommodation suitable for you. Thank you and have a good day"...

The ASIC is a bit OTT and unnecessarily targets people probably least likely to commit terrorism. I can understand the requirements at the large international airports as large domestic and international flights are usually the aviation targets (Trends in Aviation Terrorism). Somehow, I can't see real terrorists from organised cells wanting to faff about learning to fly when there are far simpler means of circumventing large airport security and doing some seriously spectacular damage. Even if they did want to use a plane, they would probably learn enough to almost go solo, shoot the instructor and comandeer the a/c, I believe all without the need for an ASIC or AVID. I also don't see the terrorist going for regional airports. Somehow, blowing up a SAAB 340 isn't going to be the headline grabber worldwide that blowing up an A380 is. OK, the lone wolf, or that madman at Mt Isa are probably an issue, but I'd wager anyone that security is easily circumvented or overcome, that the presence or not of an ASIC Card isn't really going to help. What I also know is that it is costing the GA economy export dollars (well, sales, but to foreign tourists, so it can count as export dollars). I have lost count on my fave UK forum how may times PPLs have asked about flying in Aus, When they find out the malarkee they have to go through (and although an ASIC isn't required, the regs seem to point at least requiring an AVID... and then somewhere else about not being allowed to fly unless one has submitted an application for either?!?!). Of course, there is confusion of whether, for a PPL, a temp Certificate of Validation or a conversion to an Aus PPL is required; the regs (or at least the CASA website) says a foreign PPL must convert to an Aussie PPL and Temp CoVs are for commercial pilots; but it seems a couple of EASA PPLs I know (well, they were JAA PPLs at the time) were able to get to Temp CoV... The thing is, for either, its an unnecessary bureaucratic burden and many people either satisfy themselves with an hour bimble with an instructor or don't bother at all. While it won't put much of a dent in the balance of trade's deficit, the number of those on the forums alone that are willing to jump through reasonable hoops numbers around 10 in the last 3 months; and from what trips we were discussing, there was probably an average of 10 - 15 hours flying they wanted to do.. Not much, but if GA in Aus is anything like GA in the UK (i.e. declining), the cash should be a welcome shot in the arm, especially given there willbe people not on those forums as well as the rest of Europe, USA, etc. . The local procedures could be shown to a competent pilot during a reasonable check flight. Most of those who are travelling to both NZ and Aus opt to do their flying in NZ. The UK plausibly has a higher terrorist threat than Aus; Like Aus, there are agencies that deal with it. Unlike Aus, despite some curbs on civil liberties (Terrorist Act or some such, that was actually used to freeze Icelandic banks money in the UK during the GFC),I guess the UK take a risk-based approach and don't see the risk of using light GA for terrorism as significantly high (except for the 2012 Olympics)

Only as a last resort, after going through the regulatory regulatory channels... Isn't that what the press is for?

I agree.. Although, to qualify, it may be the public forum is a place to come to for people with concerns and ask advice on what to do next (but beware the responses) To which the responses for what to do next have been eloquently summed up in the above post. Of course, if it the a/c is unairworthy, the operator is intentionally operating it as such and the [edit] collective [/edit] regulators turn a blind eye, the next point of escalation would be the press and they would have a field day with it.

I can't speak for RA Aus a/c, but there are some permit a/c in the UK that apparently suffer the same problem. A friend of mine is a LAA inspector and some a/c he has seen has made him shudder with fear (first at the thought of what may happen and then second at the thought of the response when he revokes the permit). But, I hasten to add, as a CoA flyer, there are a fair share of licensed engineering outfits that are no better. I wa never happy with the work done on my shareoplane and there was always something that had to bi fixed after it went in for its 50/100/annual, including a stuck flap cable when there was no problem with it before it went in. I also believe there was a recent fatal accident in the US in which the engineering firm fraudulently signed off work that hadn't been done which directly contributed to the accident. Let's hope it is in the minority.

Thanks, Scott.. Watched most of it - even the wife enjoyed them and she hates flying... Routes are planned (currently via Skyvector, so since they have Aussie airspace markings but not levels, etc, will need a map and/or OzRunways.. and find out if I actually have to get an Aussie PPL or can get a temp certificate of validity (regs seem to say TCoVs are only for commercial pilots but I am sure PPLs here have got them). And of course, there's the ASIC...

Actually, I was thinking of heading to the east coast for the return trip - but from memory there are a lot of prohibited or restricted areas anyway (Nowra, Sale and a couple of others)... So, looking at Google Maps (because my planning software stopped their Aussie maps subscription - too expensive for the number of subscribers, I suspect): Day 7 - 8: Birdsville --> Cooper Pedy (if doable - otherwsie will have to find a stop to lay over for the night) Day 9 (or 8 if Cooper Pedy is doable): Cooper Pedy --> Broken Hill Day 10: Broken Hill --> Parafield (and see f we can do a sneaky circumnavigation of Kangaroo Island) Day 11: Parafield --> Apollo Bay (I know it's a tough airstrip, but I have flown from dodgier ones here). Now comes the question - do I take the poms to King Island or Flinders Island, or to the Mornington Peninsula for day 12? Still deciding.... And for the whole route - f anyone can give me must-see's enroute, that would be much appreciated. BTW - not sure if I mentioned this previously - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Now, that last thing about "not for public viewing" has perked up the ol' curiosity gland... Looks like a great trip - will take a look at the sequences.... On average - how many hours flying did you do a day - and what would the typical cruise speed be (I was thinking of hiring PA28s/C172s as we are all PPLs and fly similar types here).. As long as each a/c can handle 2 up and reasonable baggage/emergency supplies would consider an LSA/VLA and RAA type.. though a Jab 2200 (I think) or Rotax 91x series engine up front would probably be a min requisite...

Hoping to take the family to Cooper Peedy this year... amongst other places - but that will be by car (partner hates flying - even in the big things - with a passion).Then back later for the Birdsville tour. Although I am happy to spend hours flying over desolate landscape to get to an isolated oasis/paradise/attraction, I am not sure that others from these parts are that willing; so looking at more frequent sights along the way.Of course, survival in the event of a mishap is a priority... Routing I am thinking of so far... Day 1 - See mum (Healesville); check rides at Coldstream ; four n twenty pie for lunch (how much are they these days and what are the chances of contracting some gastro bug? ) Take mum up for a joyride; Show poms some real Aussie wine (and cheese) Day 2 - Was thinking of going to Tyabb to take the poms to more wineries, but will have to cull that.. Was going to stop at Tocumwal, but will have to cull that too.. So, will go from Coldstream via Melbourne (see some coast, albert park lake, Shrine and MCG, plus a look a the city) to Temora (it was a toss up with Mungo as I haven't been to either - Termora won). Day 3 - Temora --> Lightening RIdge Day 4 - Lightening Ridge --> Birdsville - pushing it a bit, but with an early enough start, should be able to make it. Still thinking of a return route - bloomin big Country!... Will need a fast couple of planes...

Definitely going to go over Melbourne... Unf out here, there is a "land clear" rule which means singles can't go over London (plus the fact they don't allow VFR over London as is mostly covered by LHR and London City's CTR... [edit] LHR and City's zones were recently recalssified from Class A to Class D as EASA decided SVFR flight (which allowed operating at lower minimas for VFR along SVFR routes) was not appropriate. SVFR along prescribed routes was allowed in the UK. However, I am pretty sure one is still limited to the SVFR routes when crossing the Heathrow zone following VFR despite class D technically being open to VFR transits.

I read about Cameron corner in a 4x4 Australia magazine years ago.. was always on the list... Well, with the ability to park out front of the pub, it has to be on the list! (As long as I don't get done like the bloke in, I think it was North Qld who took his wings off)

Many thanks, all.. Keep 'em coming... @Nobody, I will take a look at your compilation tonight - work doesn't let me peruse google drive.. @spacesailor, not enough weeks! J

Thanks, One of my planned stops with them would be lightening ridge, for example; Opal mines and the dealers, some rather hot springs, etc... I was thinking Bourke as well (only because I haven't been there), but is there anything else there fore for non_Aussie initiated... Any other specific outback areas within a reasonable range greatly appreciated.

Hi All, I am planning my 2017 Birdsville trip, which will depart YCEM. I know the route I want to take, however, there are some work friends who are showing interest in coming along. My route is based on my bias, and some stop offs, I imagine, will have not much interest to foreign tourists (e.g. YTOC for a hopeful spot of gliding). So, for a real taste of Aussie culture, characters and scenery, where would you fly a foreign tourist flyer to within the eastern seaboard (can go a little off-piste) in a 2 week sojourn including Birdsville, and not too far north of it? Thanks in advance. J

Grrr!!! Should have looked for aussie flying forums a couple of years ago (when I was a little more cash rich)... I have been looking at realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au and domain.com.au (as well as google searches) for property in Tocumwal at least weekly for about the last 5 years and these have never come up. I would have bought one as "Toc" is where I want to retire to and although I have been waiting for a certain accommodation property to come up for sale as freehold, would have jumped at the airpark. Mind you, I have never seen YTOC with grass that green before! Still, it's great to see Aus is embracing an array of airpark developments and long may it continue. Here, the councils are definitely not public servants; one company is trying hard to establish an airpark, but has yet been able to: Home If Toc adds any more blocks, someone drop me a PM, please!!!!

Many thanks gents... Unf I couldn't find the edit button on my phone when I spotted the error.. VTA should have been VTC... Will contact some "local" RAA Schools. Another question - I hear of some sort of security clearance/badge - will this be needed for any but airports with RPT? thanks again, JA

G'day all... I am planning a 2017 Birdsville + touring extravaganza. I will land in Melbourne as that's where my family are based and go from there. I have an Aussie GFPT and an EASA PPL; I tend to get my Aussie Medical at the same time as my EASA medical (we have an AME that is authorised to dispense medicals for almost every country under the sun), which is actually due, ahem, last week (but its winter here, now). So my questions are: Should I go for an Aussie PPL off the back of my EASA one (air law/procedures exam + flight test) or go for the temporary certificate of validation? Is there an RAA equivalent licence/temp certificate that can be awarded with a foreign PPL If I go for the conversion to an Aussie license, how does one take the exams these days? Is it online from home, designated test centre, school, etc.? Does anyone know the approx. costs? What RAA aircraft are generally around for hire - if I don't bring any pax, I don't need heavy lifting capability, and would prefer the speed/cost of RAA's v. CoA aircraft (in the UK, LAA types include pretty well much any 4 seater under I think 2400lb MTOW - but would have to check the regs to be sure). If I fly an RAA type, what restrictions other than Day VFR are there (besides those that apply to PPL/CoA aircraft)? Can one fly over a city, for example? What is the recommended flight planning software.. .There are a couple of decent ones here, though the one I used dropped the Aussie charts from their offering as I presume the cost to run them versus the market was too high. I tried Oz Runways - are there any others - especially any where you can plan on a desktop and stick the plan on a tablet/phone? Are Electronic flight bags/planning tools OK by themselves or is there a legal requirement to carry paper maps (the distance will use significantly more maps than I am used to)? When is the best time to buy VTA and WACs (i.e. what month are they usually published)? Other than that, I presume not much has changed in.. ahem.. 20 years... Thanks in advance for any advice - and of course, any stick as well.. Rgds, JA

Of course, if you can get your hands on old copies of Planetalk (RVAC), there were many a gem of articles to Carruthers! G'Day Dick - how goes it? Long time no speak, but hopefully will be renting a plane out of YCEM mid 2017. Rgds, Lance

That is one slick looking aircraft! May have to speak to the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) here to see what would it take to get one on the register...

I have seen a lot of the reports of flooding down there.. I did a short stint in Bendigo quite a few years ago; one minute you could drive a 4x4 through Lake Eppaloch, the next they were virtually erecting flood barriers... Still, a loverly part of the world around there. Holcombe is not too far away at all; and there are many more usable strips around there, too.. Actually heading not too far from there soon to watch the lad play some Rugby (not that I can help him with that at all being an old codger from Melbourne)...

G'day Marty.. Welcome back to flying. I had a 15 year hiatus from flying... wished I never did! I am too new to these parts to welcome you to the forum, but so far, its a great place to hang out...

Nice bird!

I would also consider a stop at Lightning Ridge; Depends on whether you need to get there poste haste...

Thanks for the welcome.. A quick tour of the forums and I now know who you're talking about... Nope, no the same.. not related... but probably as vocal..