It's a Bumper Edition!!!

JUNE 2015 Piper THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN PIPER SOCIETY INC news PO BOX 31 ROMA 4455

INC 9880292 NSW It’s a Bumper Edition!!!

Welcome to the June 2015 newslet- Winter is always the downtime for ter of the Australian Piper Society. many of us, so why not take the opportunity to plan for the warmer For the first time since I have taken weather. The APS has some fantas- up the reigns as Newsletter Editor, tic events coming up, and now is the this edition is completely made up of time to sign up. member submissions! Not only that, I had so many that I’ve had to add If you haven’t been to a PPP before, an extra EIGHT pages. So thank the upcoming event in Orange in you to everyone who has submitted September is looking like it will be a content for this newsletter. Your ripper. In January we have a flya- efforts make my life much easier. way to the Bass Strait Islands in the works. Get in quickly, it is sure to be It is important for all of us to do what popular. we can to encourage new members to society. My partner and I have The Society AGM is coming up too - added an extra member in the last see you in Bendigo in November! month, and because I’m the editor I get to put her on the front page! Safe flying all! While I don’t necessarily expect everyone to go to such extreme Scott Lewis measures to build the membership, Newsletter Editor consider introducing the society to any Piper flyers you know!

DISCLAIMER

Any advice contained in this newsletter has been prepared without taking into account your specific circumstances, objectives, or needs. Before acting on any advice given the Australian Piper Society Inc recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NEW MEMBERS From The Left Seat

Janine Milton & David Lindill Welcome to winter!! Fitzroy, Victoria Another three months have flown past with yet again plenty going on and more on offer. Tim, Leah & Sharon Stuchbery David Long headed the Opals and Rocks outback tour in May, which was a great success, North Ringwood, Victoria a lot of fun was had. Starting at Broken hill, a few of us flew in and spent the evening with the group. There was a certain buzz of excitement in the air. It was brilliant to see new fac- es amongst the group as preparations were being discussed for the new adventure afoot. Geoffrey Beutel All journeys have their challenges, and our great outback offers many challenges. Well Wantirna, Victoria done David, a great trip away. See face book for photos. (Full story later in the newsletter) PA28-180C VH-PUX Many hands on deck to organise the Lilydale PPP, again David Long chased the Lilydale locals and members in the not so close surrounds, what an impressive turn out. Exception- Daniel & Claire White al reports coming back from the attendees of both the PPP and Partners in Flight Program. Hawthorn, Victoria Well done to all involved and thank you Lilydale for welcoming the APS and helping to make this event possible.

Vicki Marty Unfortunately we have decided to postpone the Sunshine coast, Great Keppel Island flya- Balwyn, Victoria way due to a lack of numbers, I must thank Graham Mansey, an enthusiastic QLD member Bonanza, VH-BIM who arranged an exciting flyaway and committed his time to make the event very memorable. The fly away will be arranged for a future date, to be decided, hopefully a time more Michaela Hazeltine suitable to the membership. A survey has been circulated to the membership, your re- Greensborough, Victoria sponse will help us to ascertain what preferences you have in regards to flyaways, please take the time to fill this out and return, it will help us immensely. PA32R-300 VH-LJC Facebook has been proving to be a beneficial way of keeping in touch, still more work to David Alkemade do though very happy with the progress, please send us any stories or photos you may Lilydale, Victoria have, including a photo and details of your aircraft, pilot and family in the photos would be PA28RT-201T VH-VLL great, we will post on face book in our members Album, we would love to have the full membership in there.

Graeme Bullock & We are running a charity event this year, and I thank all members that emailed in com- Miriam Paul ments and suggestions. There were many good suggestions; this is something we will Pascoe Vale, Victoria push to do annually, so keep the suggestions coming. The more attendance we get the Cessna 182T VH-IYE more requests will get filled. So keep space in your calendar for October. (details to come) Plenty of events coming up throughout the rest of the year, there is sure to be something Delia Jones for everyone. Another PPP and Partners in Flight Program, this time in Orange, A charity weekend in October, Our AGM in November in the beautiful town of Bendigo. Check out Coldstream, Victoria the website and Facebook for updates. Bendigo Flying Club run short fly away’s often, we Tiger AG-5B VH-WDJ encourage you to be a part of them, reports say a great time is had and they are perfect way to spend a day or weekend with like-minded people. Graham Bunn Coldstream, Victoria We are already working on events for 2016, so feel free to forward any suggestion of loca- PA30 VH-PBH tions you would like to see or involvement you would like to offer.

I would like to extend a friendly welcome to all our new members, many of whom I had the Sandro D’Adamo pleasure of meeting at the Lilydale PPP, and look forward to meeting all members at com- Drysdale, Victoria ing events. Cessna 182T VH-NAZ I would like to extend my gratitude to the entire committee, including Scott and Rod, for Martin Burridge their dedication and work, it is not always easy, and I do commend your efforts. Seaham, NSW

PA32-260 Safe flying to you all

TOTAL MEMBERS Melissa Fisher 140 President APS

Australian Piper Society Saturday Annual General Meeting Night Dinner

20-22nd November 2015 Bendigo

Bendigo Flying Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.. To Celebrate they are having a Fly-In at the Bendigo Airport between 10:30am and 3:30pm on Saturday.

Friday 20th November 2015 Dinner will be held at the All Seasons, Bendigo complex, Join in on the infamous Friday night dinner at the Bendigo Flying with after dinner entertainment Club rooms featuring an Elvis Floorshow lead by Andrew Portelli.

Saturday 21st November 2015 Andrew Portelli is a fantastic Be involved as the Celebrations begin for the Bendigo Flying Clubs 50th International renowned Elvis Anniversary with BBQ lunch at the Bendigo Flying Club Rooms. Tribute Artist. He has 23 years of experience & has played all over Australia. Internationally 2:00pm – APS AGM commences he has played in the US, UK & Malta. He also offers a Rock 'n' Roll, 50s 60s & 70s live 6:30pm – Dinner at the All Seasons Complex followed by a floor show. performance. In his show he offers an Elvis Tribute Show Bring your dancing shoes as this will be an exciting evening with an with choreographed dancers. internationally renowned artist..... Elvis. You will be mesmerized! Andrew is a versatile vocalist who performs memorable Sunday 22nd November 2015 classics from such greats as: Your Vice President has arranged an array of local places to see and will The Big "O" , The legendary welcome you to the beautiful City of Bendigo Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Neil Diamond, Grease, Bill Haley and not forgetting the 9:00am - Bendigo Vintage "Talking Tram" Tour King himself Elvis Presley!!! 10:30am - Central Deborah Gold Mine Tour and many, many more.

12:30pm - Underground Light Lunch Accommodation is available at the All Seasons. Need to book early due to limited availability. Mention the Bendigo Flying Club to receive a discounted rate.

DINNER TICKET SALES Bendigo Flying Club Members $70.00 Non-Members $80.00

The Legal Stuff….. Tech Talkback

Piper Arrow oil changes Any advice contained in the Tech Talkback article The Arrow is a great machine. Changing the engine oil however can be a drama due is provided for general to the location of the sump plug. Because of the retractable undercarriage a information only. It does conventional oil 'Quick drain valve' cannot be fitted. This is because when the nose not necessarily apply to gear is retracted it pushes on the valve, the oil drains out & after a while the noise your specific aircraft or from the engine stops. take into account your objectives or needs. Some aircraft still have the good old sump plug. This is a sure fire way to get hot oil up Before acting on any advice given, the your arm & all over your Hangar floor. There are specially designed quick drain valves Australian Piper Society for the Arrow that are flush mounted & avoid all the unpleasantness. One style is okay recommends that you & needs a piece of pipe or hose to push on to it. I consider whether it is have had lots of trouble with these as the hose appropriate for your can come off & the valve keeps closing when circumstances and seek trying to drain the oil. further advice from a LAME familiar with your The 'Gold standard' is the Saf-Air F50 valve that aircraft. comes with its own screw-on hose adapter. Rod’s Version…. When the adapter (with hose attached) is screwed on it opens the valve & drains the oil If you are an Aircraft owner with no mess & no drama. The only downside is or pilot it is assumed that if you lose the adapter! you are a grown-up who will realise that this advice and comments are my own opinion, and you will need Prop overhaul life to make your own decisions regarding their CASA recently released for comment a Proposed AD (PAD PROP/1a3), that at first use. glance decreases the calender time between overhaul for Hartzell Constant Speed

Props. They have made an allowance for aircraft used in private operations but it is still going to be expensive.

The PAD states that you may use the manufacturers requirements or else overhaul the Prop every 6 years. They don't actually say 'overhaul' but the inspection they detail would need to carried out by a Prop Shop as the blades need to be removed from the hub.

Most Hartzell owners are under the impression that the calendar life is 10 years. This life appears in the current version of AD/PROP/1. If you look at Hartzells Service Instruction, you will see the calendar time is 6 years. So unless I'm missing something there appears to be little difference if you follow the requirements of the PAD or the manufacturer.

There used to be debate in most Flying Clubs between McCauley prop owners & Hartzell prop owners. The Mac owners were alway s a little smug as their props were deemed to have no calender based overhaul restrictions (per AD/PROP/1). Whereas the poor Hartzell owner had the 10 year life imposed. This has now Transponder disappeared with Mac also (for the most part) having a 6 year calender TBO. Cherokee 180/Archer etc owners with fixed pitch Sensenich props have been under Requirements the impression that they had a 1000 Hour TBO. This was the case early on & was changed by Sensenich ages ago. These are now a 2000 Hour prop per the By Tom manufacturers instructions. Sensenich Service Bulletin SB R-17 dated March 16, 1999 The Avionics Guru refers.

The PAD also details 6 yearly inspections on fixed pitch props. My reading of the document is that this inspection is not too onerous & can be carried out by your Lame during the annual inspection. I hope my interpretation is correct. The PAD will soon become law as it basically says to follow the manufacturers instructions. I fear that as usual there will be little response from the GA community until some years hence when the costs start to accrue. If you fly less than 200 hours pa you may start to question the value of having a prop that needs to go to the prop shop every 6 years.

Starting Fuel Injected Lycomings Civil Aviation Order 20.18 – Aircraft Equipment – Basic Operational Requirements, A member recently asked me about the starting procedure for the fuel injected Lycoming engines. They observed that people who didn't get the machine started on 1.After 12 December 2013, the first attempt seemed to have many unsuccessful tries before the engine would run. any aircraft that is operated Even when the engine was cold. at or above FL 290 must- carry serviceable ADS-B This is a problem known as 'Finger Trouble'. It is 99% incorrect technique which is transmitting equipment. easy to correct. The technique is: Throttle & mixture full forward, fuel pump on until the fuel flow indicator needle shows flow, throttle & mixture full back, pump off, set the 2.An aircraft that is first reg- throttle open a 'crack', crank the engine, when the engine fires & starts to run, push istered on or after 6 Febru- ary 2014 and that is operat- the mixture full forward, adjust the throttle to keep the engine running, check oil ed under the I.F.R. must pressure. carry serviceable ADS-B transmitting equipment You'll notice I didn't talk about the master switch & ensuring the prop is clear etc as I assumed that only adults read this column (if anyone at all). The technique for a hot 3.After 4 February 2016, an engine start is the same. When the engine is hot it is doubly important to prime the aircraft that is operated un- fuel system to purge vapours from the system, this is why we run the fuel pump. If you der the I.F.R. in airspace miss the start, repeat the whole procedure. Don't think that because you already that is Class A, B, C or E and that is within the arc of primed the system once it will okay the next time. a circle that starts 500 NM true north from Perth aero- I know that there are exceptions to every rule & I can already hear some people telling drome and finishes 500 NM me how their machine is different. Yes, that may well be the case. If your method true east from Perth aero- works for you then good. Also, if your machine is really hard to start after trying the drome: must carry servicea- above method then it could well be an issue with the ignition timing etc that will ble ADS-B transmitting equipment. warrant further investigation. These engines usually start with little trouble so one that is constantly difficult warrants a deeper look. 4.On and after 2 February 2017, an aircraft that is first Rod Shearer registered before 6 Febru- ary 2014 and that is operated under the I.F.R.; must carry serviceable ADS-B transmitting equipment.

It will be noted that the current rules apply to IFR equipped and operated aircraft. All IFR equipped and operated aircraft will require fitment of ADS-B equipment after 2 February 2017.

Importantly, aircraft flying under the VFR are under review to have similar rules imposed upon them.

Aircraft Strobe Light Electrical Noise in Communication Radios

By ‘Tom the Avionics Guru’

Aircraft strobe light manufacturers strive to shield transmitted communication noise in aircraft to a minimum within the design of the strobe light system.

New aircraft types undergo exhaustive electro magnetic interference (EMI) testing by the manufacturer during certification. The results are handed to the Airworthiness Authority for evaluation.

Once a system or kit has been sold separately however it is out of the manufacturer’s hands to control any noise associated with any given installation.

The noise is produced by the strobe light system in generating the high energy pulse to the navigation or anti-collision lights to excite the light “bulb” or tube to produce the light and inadvertently, due to system installation design, allowing leakage of energy into other aircraft systems including communication equipment.

So, what can be done to decrease the electrical noise?

The following tips on system design may help.

1.Is the strobe driver fitted close (ie 200mm) to a communications external antenna or antenna cable?

2. Are all control cables adequately shielded or consist of twisted power/earth pairs?

3. Unless otherwise advised by the equipment manufacturer, cable shielding should only be earthed at one end of the cable, that is the one closest to the strobe driver, otherwise an “earth loop” may be created which will only contribute to the problem.

4. The strobe driver’s case should be grounded with a substantial strap eg 16 Gauge cable.

5. The two critical earth points are the communications systems and strobe drivers earth points. Utilise an electrical bonding tester to check for absolutely minimum electrical resistance at the earthing points. Earth point resistance could well result in circulating electrical currents and noise.

6. Do not run audio related cables adjacent to the strobe light system cables.

If the preceding checks don’t work obtain the services of an Avionics (Radio) LAME and request checks of the communications systems wiring, shielding and antennas. Interference such as strobe light noise can be extremely difficult to trace and may take some time (and money) to resolve. Pilots must ask themselves eventually: 1. Is the noise intolerable? In that case keep on trying to find the cause; or 2. Ignore it and move on.

Ed: I don’t know who ‘Tom the Avionics Guru’ is. The best information I have is that he is Rod’s “new consultant on the dark arts of avionics (& also casa policy)”. We welcome him on board. If anyone has any avionics questions out there, send them to Rod to pass on. Your Brag Brag Book! Here…..

Let’s all be honest here…..

We love planes.

We love looking at planes.

We will confuse the general public by staring intently at a control linkage for 10 minutes with a fascinated look on our face!!

Thanks go to Jai for sending through pictures of his magnificent Warrior.

Freshly painted Piper Warrior So please…… “Your plane here!” Submitted by: Send through anything, your Jai Wright plane, your panel, your inte- Yarrawonga, Victoria rior, the focus of your fasci- nation….. We would love to see it!

It only takes 30 seconds to snap some pics…. Get to it! We are looking forward to seeing what is out there….

Scott How Things Have Changed! [email protected]

Many years ago in the spring of 1987, the Govt granted my first charter job as an aerial spotter for locust control in outback Aust. Initial instructions were: be in Broken Hill with a fast hi-wing aircraft tomorrow for approx 4 weeks campaign. My C210 was ideal.

On each flight I was accompanied by team members of PLC (plague locust commission) for training purposes, mainly to identify signs of locust habitat, and to assist in deployment of spray planes for favourable results. Most of the PLC members were locust experts with degrees in entomology. Our flights were usually 2 or 3 sorties per day of 3 hours each. This era was prior GPS (hence the above heading), and my task was to assign spray aircraft to a particular target. e.g. Turn spray on at N/W corner near windmill, then turn off when crossing the creek,etc. or, on large areas, ensure chemical drift was over target and not effecting stock or dams ! Sometimes this could be quite demanding and required me to fly alongside the sprayer to confirm the target. Quite a buzz at 50 ft in a C210!

During that same campaign I was assigned another job: unheard of today: Fly West about 70 miles. Find a wheat paddock with fresh truck tracks, land on tracks. Find fuel drums and maybe a white ute under two trees near fence. Fuel up and wait for PLC staff. About 3 days work. Re- turn to Broken Hill.

The changes: A short time later, GPS arrived, and all of the above translated to lat/long and GPS positions. Much easier!

That first job went full-on for 6 weeks, however some years were minimal flying due to seasonal conditions. Large companies now conduct such operations. I was involved with this work for 21 years and still have contact with some PLC staff.

Thanks for the memories !!! Allan Dalrymple The “Shitbox” Opals And Rally Rocks Fly Away May 2015

From www.shitboxrally.com.au

Britta Bruce

Shitbox Rally is not a race, We were tracking over Warragamba Dam to join the Prospect point of entry into Bankstown rather a challenge to Airport, it was Sunday the 17th of May. Our Piper Archer 11 had done us proud during the achieve the unthinkable; to last week, we had achieved around 30 hours of flying on the Opals and Rocks Tour that drive cars worth $1,000 the Piper Society had organised. across Australia via some of its most arduous roads, all Since first receiving the email seeking in the name of charity. Over expressions of interest for the red centre the last 5 years, the Shitbox fly away we had been planning the trip rally has raised over $4.4 over the months. It was to be our first fly million for the Cancer Council. away with the Piper Society so it was a whole new group of people to meet and enjoy the adventures of flying. The only stipulation for the car that you choose is that The gathering point was Broken Hill on you spend no more than Sunday the 10th of May – 6 aircraft with AUS$1,000 on buying it and 15 members. As it turned out, several of this must include registration and us arrived at Broken Hill on the Saturday roadworthiness. due to the weather predictions for the Sunday. We were the first to arrive and the Broken Hill Aero Club made us very Each team needs to raise a welcome. Tales of aborted attempts and minimum (hopefully a lot strong headwinds to get to Broken Hill more) of $4,000 to participate in the rally, so if were all shared over dinner at the Palace Hotel that night. there’s two of you it’s only $2,000 each. The Palace Hotel has its claim to fame through the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert, it really is a hotel caught in a time capsule, with amazing internal artwork and a unique wood- Once the teams have raised en staircase. The dining room was very busy on the Saturday as our numbers for that their minimum amounts they night had been boosted by the decision to have the committee meeting at Broken Hill on are given up to $500 back to the Sunday. A great dinner, new friends with common interest and stories to tell. go towards the cost of their car. Teams are also On the Sunday the Aero Club offered their facilities to the committee and also put on a provided with a $500 fuel BBQ lunch on the Sunday. By now we had a mini bus to assist with the touring around on budget with anything over our first leisure day. Touring took us to the Royal Flying Doctor facilities, the BHP slag that coming from the teams heap near the centre of the city and a walk through the memorial hall for miners who have pocket. lost their lives over the decades. We also took in the Big Picture which was quite remarka- ble. No Broken Hill visit is complete without a dash out to Silverton. This time it was partic- This year’s rally began in ularly colourful as the Shitbox Rally was in town. While some volunteers from our group Canberra, ACT and ‘looked after’ our table (with a beer in hand) at the Silverton pub, several of us went to the travelled a little over Mundi Mundi Plains lookout for the sunset. Exactly what many of the Shitbox Rally cars 3,600kms to Townsville via decided to do! What a hoot! There we were in remote outback Australia, in freezing cold the Birdsville Track and the weather watching a parade of truly fabulous Pricilla outfits plus some amazing cars. A won- Simpson Desert. This years derful memory moment. route was a tour de force of some of Australia’s most iconic pubs and landscapes Monday the 11th May, Coober Pedy here we over 7 days. come! The flight plan was in the Garmin, Oz Runways and pencilled on the map. Let’s go! A refuel stop at Leigh Creek (177nm) was scheduled. Head winds were still strong, everybody took the opportunity for a refuel except for the crew in the Arrow turbo who went di- rect. Good to have a stretch of the legs before the final leg of 215nm to Coober Pedy.

A slight diversion on this flight path for the Painted Hills, worth doing as the colours are re- markable. Our accommodation for the night was the Lookout Cave Underground Motel, great motel with a view over the town. After settling into the room and organising a quick dash to the supermarket with our Greek proprietor (no buses or taxis in Coober) it was time to relax and share friendship.

Dinner that night was at Tom and Marys Greek Taverna, fabulous food. Never realised there was such a strong Greek linkage at Coober ….opals are a magnet!

The big day, lined up and ready to depart Coober! Today we are flying to Ayers Rock 306 nm. The Arrows (2) kindly waited for the rest of us to depart I think they just like to wave as they go by! Still some headwind but weather prospects are getting better. The confirmation of a distant sighting of Ayres Rock came across the chat channel, that was exciting………we really are flying in our own plane in the centre of Australia! Magical. The daylight was good, most of us decided to do the flying loop of the Rock and Kata Juta (Olgas), probably as a sense of achievement but because we could! Prior to arrival at Ayers Rock there had been paperwork formalities to complete and security came into full force when refuelling and park- ing. Ayers Rock here we are!

Our two night stay was at the Outback Pioneer Hotel, there was a shuttle bus from the airport. Our first night included the Sounds of Silence Dinner, this takes in a sunset viewing over the Rock plus a fabulous dinner. Well worth the money it costs. Another fabulous memory moment. Standing on red desert sand with a glass of bubbly looking at the setting sun, displaying the Rock to its full colours, was pretty spectacular. Then we were guided down the desert path to an opening where tables with crisp white table cloths were waiting. More offering of wine ensured that our ‘silence’ dinner was in name only. A great meal, great wines, great new friendships plus a fabulous setting, how much better can it get! The leisure day at Ayres Rock provided many opportunities to do our own thing. In the morning we chose to walk across to the village for breakfast, in the afternoon we did the Walpa Gorge tour out to Kata Juta. This was good value for the scenic bus ride out and on return we did the full circuit of The Rock and a sunset viewing (no champagne this time!) A great dinner at the Outback Restaurant to chat about our days experiences.

Alarms were set for an early departure for Kings Creek Station (65nm). First though we were did a circuit to see these magnificent natural struc- tures with the colours of the morning sun. The outback landscape is always surprising with something amazing to look at, there was the white sparseness of Lake Amadeus on route. Kings Canyon loomed on the horizon and we did a circuit over the canyon before heading to Kings Creek Station ‘international’ airport. This was to be the first dirt strip on this trip, surprisingly it was so easy to spot and looked sealed, but then we saw the dust being kicked up by an earlier landing. Refuelling was The Opals And from drums.

Rocks Kings Creek Station accommodation was in small safari tents, a very icy wind was blowing, and it Roll Call was cold! After some lunch and a great cup of coffee all was good. With most of the day at leisure there was the choice of walking the Kings Canyon Creek, quad bike riding or time to explore this remote station and visit the camels. The small number of staff did a great job with dinner that night, red wine was purchased at the kiosk or some had ‘flown in’. We often did wonder what was in all those Piper trolley bags! Archers would be flying lighter the next day!

Friday was to be a long day as we set direction for Maree our official last night. Oonadat- ta was our refuel point (272 nm). Again all hands on deck for the refuelling from drums. The Pink Roadhouse staff came and shuttled us into their Roadhouse in their 4WD. We ordered lunch, bought souvenirs and paid for Avgas all on the one transaction followed by a walk around town (does not take long!). Next we were off to Maree a distance of about 188 nm. There were a few flight paths to Maree depending on how much of Lake Dave Long & Cath Lincoln Eyre was to be enjoyed. On this last leg to Maree the interstate rivalry was picking up PA28 VH-UQK between an Arrow from Tasmania and the turbo Arrow from Victoria – both wanting to be first to Maree. Britta & Colin Bruce PA28 VH-XSB Fuel at Maree is from a tanker with the driver adamant that he only drives the truck! He Leigh & Tracy Barling had all the aircraft lined up, all hands were on deck again to refuel as the driver moved PA28R-201T VH-YTA the tanker up the line. Maree Avgas head office was at the corner table of the pub! The new proprietors of the pub have done a good job since they took over a couple of years John & Jan Pullen ago. We enjoyed our stay there, accommodation is in demountables they are well fitted PA28 VH-JRP out and next to the pub. The publican will normally shuttle everyone to and from the airport, this time we had a personalised Piper Club chauffer as two other members had Stuary & Jann Porges flown in from Bankstown to join us for the final night. A great last dinner together at the Maree Pub before us all headed off in different directions on the Saturday. A few of the Ian & Vicky Tucker PA28R-200 VH-IGL group had a last night stay just north of Broken Hill, while those of us who needed to be back for the Monday headed South and East. Linda Beiharz Jenny Dyer Thank you everyone. The adventure was great and our trip was made fabulous by the PA28 VH-BIU friendship extended to us by everyone on our first Piper fly away……….where are we going next? Paul Gould

With a guest appearance by:

David & Vicki Ind An Opals And Rocks Interlude

Dave Ind

Seeing that life is a bit busy and we could not get away with taking 7 days away from work for the full Opals and Rocks fly away, we decided that we would meet them on their last night at Maree for dinner. So, of course, we decided to spend $1800 in Avgas for a $20.00 chicken schnitzel.

Rather than go that far just for dinner (as tempting as that was!), we decided to leave on the Thursday after noon and fly into Trilby Station (www.trilbystation.com.au ) at Louth Once a part of the legend- and stay overnight on the working farm. They do not let you ary million acre Dunlop, fly into the farm as they have had a few incidents with low first in the world to com- time pilots, so they pick you up at the Shady Inn, a 10 mi- plete a sheep shearing by nute walk from Louth Airport. It is recommended that you mechanical means in call Liz at Trilby at the airstrip as there no coverage at the 1888, Trilby Station is Pub…unless you stand on top of the slippery dip in the play- 320,000 acres these days, ground opposite if it is vacant, as the locals queue up to running approx 24,000 make a call. It is always suggested to go to the pub have a Merino sheep and an ex- drink while you wait for Liz to pick you up, you will not have tensive goat enterprise. to wait long for a beer as there is only 30 people in town. The Murray family trace Liz picked us up and took us the 25 minutes to reach the 300,000 acre sheep/goat farm. Our their settlement on the accommodation was a small cottage, warm and cute. There was plenty of caravans on the Darling River near Louth Darling River banks and we joined in with a few them at a campfire and had a few drinks. back six generations to Yes, yes…. It is hard to believe Vicki and I had a few drinks and while watching the sun go 1860 when Andrew Mur- down, isn’t it? ray, from County Galway, Ireland, purchased 60 Liz’s home cooked meal of chicken pie and homemade sticky date pudding was waiting for acres of land for 60 us in our room on our return. With a few more drinks and quietness in the bush our day was pounds sterling.; building complete. the Shamrock Inn.

Being a walker, the next morning I wandered along the Dar- With husband Gary, and ling, catching a few campers at their fires eating toast and children Alex, Tom, AJ and drinking tea…a good place to be in the brisk morning. Will, your host Liz thrives Liz, once again, delivered a hot breakfast to our cottage and on life in the outback. Her we sat outside in the sun, surrounded by the gallery of trees vision is to inspire visitors meandering along the river bank, enjoying the view in si- to the station to begin to lence and reading our books. Liz leant us her ute and we did understand the powerful a short 60 minute drive around the farm, as we had to get lure of such an outback going to meet the team at Maree. lifestyle.

Liz dropped us back at the airstrip and we took off, heading From: to Bourke and then the 400nm leg to Maree. The beautiful http://trilbystation.com.au skies and smooth flying had us arriving 20 minutes ahead of the team, with Leigh Barling popping up on the CTAF frequency to say G’day. On landing we walked into town and I grabbed the pub car and returned to pick up everyone as they landed.

Crickey, I have seen some luggage before, but these guys came prepared….I lost count of the number of bags and all I can say is Piper designed some great aircraft to lift the bags that came out! John Pullen and his team may have set a world record lift in a Archer III.

Once everyone was in and showered, we had a great night at Maree Pub with everybody. I had mentioned that I was flying to Eldee station, north-east of Broken Hill, and staying over for the night and after a few beers, some of the team decided come.

Eldee Station

The next day, Leigh, Tracey, Ian, Vicki, Dave and Cath joined Vicki and myself headed to Eldee Station, to land on their dirt strip just 150 metres from the homestead. Finding the farm was pretty straight forward and the strip is 900m long. As always when I have never been there before I have a long down wind and long final to have a good look at the strip. It all looked good and we set down on a red dirt strip that was a little soft and did have a few little ruts but all in Staying on Eldee Station is all not bad. The rest of the team followed me in and were met by Steve, the owner. We a unique way to experience loaded the bags and went straight to our accommodation, then all went our separate ways quintessential outback life and explored the farm and shearing sheds. Some others SLEPT, can you believe it?! We and for a ‘real’ Aussie all agreed to watch the sunset and have a few drinks, so took all the chairs to an old bull- Outback adventure where dozer and used it as a rather unconventional table! we offer unique accommodation options to Dinner was in there café and was great and yes a few more drinks and laughs and off to suit a variety of budgets and bed, our accommodation was something to been seen excellent, Eldee Station is a great complimentary facilities place to fly in and enjoy bush walking and reading a nice book great scenery and facilities giving guests ‘great value with the café for coffee and lunch and dinner and is licensed I recommend it to everybody for their money’. for a 2 night stay on your travels.

The next morning we all had breakfast together. For some unknown reason, Leigh seems Our unique accommodation options include hiring swags to always get Bali Belly on the last night of a fly away! That morning he looked pale and for adults and children so drawn, probably thinking of his four hour flight home. We all did the only appropriate thing you can camp under the and we utterly sympathetic…...and told him to harden up like a real Piper man! stars, the historical shearers quarters rooms where the We said our good byes and prepared and jumped into the aircraft to depart, doing a 500 modern comforts of home foot overfly as farewell. have been blended with history and heritage of the We had a great time with the Opals and Rock fly away team and our time at Trilby and past and our spacious open Eldee will not be our last, we look forward to catching up with another fly away in the future. plan suites all with the uninterrupted views of the iconic Mundi Mundi Plains and the ancient rugged Barrier Ranges.

From…. http://www.eldeestation.com

Eyeballs First! That Was It may help avoid a collision Unexpected….

Just a reminder…..

Last week when joining the circuit at the local airfield, descending on the dead side from 2000’ to 1800’ circuit height (field elevation 800ft) a Cessna 172 went over my head from behind about 50’ clearance and levelled off right in front of me about 100m ahead heading west.

All the while the pilot blithely rattled away on the radio about being over the top and overflying to his destination airport (the short novel version). When he finally shut up I suggested he try a higher altitude for overflying and informed him of the near miss and that he might consider using his eyes instead of just relying on the radio when flying straight through an active circuit….politely of course.

"Flying is full of distractions. And as humans, we only have so much capacity. But from a priority perspective, what could be more important than not hitting another airplane?

There were 3 aircraft in these photos one was lucky to escape.

One collision in the USA involved a pilot flying a Cessna 172 at his own airport who died when he was struck from above and behind on final approach by an aircraft which entered the traffic pattern on a high right base, when he was on a left hand circuit.

While this pilot never saw the other aircraft and probably didn't feel the need to look on right base, the aircraft that killed him was in his field of vision both on downwind and base leg HAD HE BEEN LOOKING FOR HIM. Yes, this could have saved his life had he been more actively scanning. We all tend to think that everyone is in the same circuit in front or behind us. Our heads literally must be on a swivel. We have so many blind spots in any aircraft that we must proactively be looking outside whenever possible. Developing an effective scanning technique early in your flying career and keep honing that skill over time it could save your life. Unfortunately when someone hits you from behind, above or below it won’t help unless they have been practicing the same skills.

Another mid-air collision occurred on short final when a student pilot struck another aircraft from above. Neither aircraft ever saw the other! Fortunately nobody died. In this scenario the student pilot was pretty busy just trying to fly a good pattern while the other pilot admitted to being real busy pointing out landmarks to his passengers. Do we let our radios do our clearing for us? Do we assume that by announcing our intentions everyone else will stay out of our way? Remember, just because you have made a radio call does not guarantee that everyone has heard you!

Obviously, operating at or near an airport is our most vulnerable time for a mid-air collision, but complacency at any time could cost us our lives. Brief all passengers to keep a lookout, as pilot in command, avoiding other aircraft is a top priority. Your eyes are your primary weapon of defence. Brain in gear, eyes on the job constantly scanning, ears help to develop the mental picture of situation awareness, in that order. Some people don’t have a radio.

Remember you are not the only one out there, fly safely….. Fangaero Acknowledgement to: Pilot Tips and the WWW. Photos & information. Remind Me, Pilot Proficiency What Is A PPP? Program & Partners In Flight Course 11-13th September

The APS PPP is based on a program developed by the Orange, in the central tablelands of NSW, is set to be the next location for the famous APS Comanche Society about 15 Pilot Proficiency Program. years ago. The picturesque location with its grand homes, rolling countryside and the grandeur of Mt. Canobolas and nearby Lake Canobolas forms a majestic backdrop for a weekend of good The goal of the PPP is to flying and good company. Bushwalking and pleasant walks through well maintained parks institute a recognized Pilot Proficiency training program and gardens make for a relaxing few days. for Piper pilots to enhance the safety of their flying operations. Where: Orange Aero Club, NSW.

The program consists of two major elements: Friday 11th September

Arrive in time for a BBQ dinner and meet and Ground component greet at the new Aeroclub.

This component is completed on the fly-in Saturday 12th September weekend and covers Piper flight operations as well as Discussion, training and lectures all day for PPP and part day for Partners programme. an in-depth look at the Breakfast, Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and nibbles provided at the clubrooms safety critical systems on throughout the day. our Pipers. Sunday 13th September Flight component Breakfast at the Aeroclub. Anyone wishing to stay on in Orange the bus will be available The Flight component must for a further look around this beautiful city. be completed either on the weekend or within the following 6 weeks. It A shuttle bus will be available to take everyone throughout the days from airfield to accom- consists of a flight in your modation and return. The bus will also be available for any touring over the weekend for aircraft of approximately an those not wishing to attend the courses. hours duration that covers the key aspects of normal Accommodation will be advised shortly as negotiations are being made with a motel central and emergency operation of and within short walking distances of town interests the aircraft. With APS Members living in Orange we are fortunate to have local knowledge passed on. Ably facilitated by our ‘tame’ instructors Tony Smith and APS member John Pullen is our local member and Orange Aeroclub President. Colin Burns, they have Contact John with any questions about Orange. proven to be weekends that Mobile 0429 601999 [email protected] every attendee has found valuable and extremely enjoyable. Cost: $200.00 for Ground session, meals, (excluding Sat night) airport transfers etc. An extra $100 for the in-flight component of the PPP, optional but highly recommended.

Partners In Merimbula Flight Course PPP March 2015 Adrian Thompson

When I was approached by Dave Seddon to be his "partner" in the Piper Pilot Profi- Whilst based around the ciency Program, I must admit that I accepted the offer with a little trepidation. Howev- unlikely scenario of pilot er, on the morning of our departure Dave advised me that we had separate rooms incapacitation, the half-day (albeit adjoining), so I happily boarded the Turbo Arrow for a weekend in Merimbula. course is really designed to de-mystify the process of Since I began flying 20 years ago, I had never ventured east of the Divide, so I had flying an aircraft, so that the been looking forward to the three hour flight across a variety of terrain that I had never non-flying partner may feel seen before. With a SIGMET forecasted for severe turbulence below 8000 feet for the more at ease in the cockpit, South-eastern corner of NSW, our arrival at Merimbula had the potential to be excit- and participate more active- ing, and we weren't disappointed. Unlike the relative consistency of the turbulence ly in the flight. associated with thermal activity we are used to in the inland regions, the mechanical tur- The course was conducted bulence was difficult to predict regardless of at Merimbula, March 2015 the consideration given to the relationship with 3 participants, Rae, between the terrain and the prevailing Britta and Terre. winds. Needless to say, we took a few de- Topics touched upon includ- cent hits in the latter stages of our descent, ed principles of flight, air- and after flying a wide circuit offshore to craft controls and instru- bleed of a bit of excess height, Dave per- ments, navigation using formed an admirable crosswind landing in GPS, radio communication, gusty conditions. and approach/landing technique. The presentation was Having never been part of aircraft-type organisation, I had few expectations of what informal, and there were lots the weekend would entail. However what I found was that the program would be an of questions and discussion ideal combination of training, fellowship, and recreation. The ground instruction provid- from the partners, which ed by Tony was an excellent balance of new learning and refresher training that ac- demonstrated their interest counted for a wide range of experience levels. And Colin's delivery of the Partners' and enthusiasm. Program gave the nonfliers among the group a valuable insight into piloting for those who spend their time in the right-hand seat. The classroom session was held on Saturday morning, My lasting impression of the technical aspects of and following lunch, the the program was that it was not just relevant to partners were given the op- the Piper pilots in our ranks, but there was tion to go for a flight with the something there for all general aviation pilots. course instructor to put their Even the aircraft specific items discussed made new-found knowledge into practice. me consider how it applies to the other types I fly. While the primary Feedback from the partners focus of the flying component of the course was to date has been positive, a review of precautionary search and landing but there is always room for procedures, I was able to run through some of improvement and refine- the other flying sequences that Tony conducts to ment, and so any sugges- get an instructional perspective. To this end we tions for future presenta- looked at some emergency procedures, low-speed flight and stalling, turning in a con- tions would be greatly ap- fined space and more. I quickly came to realise why insurance companies value this preciated. kind of training enough to offer reduced premiums. Colin Burns It's always good to be in a social environment with like-minded people, and nothing Course Presenter achieves this better than the common bond of flying. From the relaxed atmosphere of Friday nights' bbq to the dinner on Saturday night, just talking about aeroplanes and flying experiences over a beer or wine and a good feed was reason enough for going.

I'd like to thank everyone who participated for providing such as welcoming environment, Tony and Colin for their invaluable instruction, and Dave Seddon for not only organising a fantastic weekend, but for giving me the opportunity to take part. A Tiger In Our Midst! Lilydale PPP April 2015 Delia Jones Tony Collett

I was a bit unsure about joining the PPP class at In April I had the opportunity to participate in the Pilot Proficiency Program held at Lilydale. Lilydale Airport on the First I would like to thank the APS committee for organising the event. The time and effort weekend of 11-12 April, the committee devoted is much appreciated. because I don’t own a Piper. I have two lovely Grumman This was my first (but not last) PPP. Tigers. The elder one HUJ We had the privilege of instruction on is day/night VFR rated and the Saturday by Tony Smith. Tony, I the newer kid, WDJ is fully think, is well known to all of us; either IFR. as an instructor or examiner. To be able to have a day of tuition with some- There was nothing to worry one with the experience and knowledge about because the Tiger of Tony was for me a treat. I could easi- was not the only strange ly just sit and listen all weekend. We plane to the Piper Group covered aircraft systems, emergencies, and Tony Smith included all decision making and airmanship. aspects of the Tiger and other planes when he talked Tony has the ability to challenge and about Pipers. Everybody extend you in the classroom without was included in discussion making you feel like you want to shrink and questions. in to the corner. In fact, the opposite. It stimulated a lot of questions and com- The course itself was very ments from the group. We had a variety of participants with varying experience and differ- relaxed and Tony went into ent aircraft. It had been 25 years since I shared a classroom with my friend (and far more detail than what I former postgrad colleague) Sandro. He has swayed from the true path, buying a Cessna, had been taught for my PPL but at least had the sense to come along to the APS event. many years ago. Topics covered included when Following a day in the classroom, accidents are more likely to we gathered for an informal BBQ occur, recognising a and as none of us were planning problem and sensibly to fly that night, or too early the putting into action. next day, we were able to enjoy a few glasses of red before In talking about always heading home. learning with flying, Tony said “Never forget the journey. Enjoy each lesson along the way. Don’t focus on the end. If you enjoy it, you learn”.

The flying component was excellent and I was shown On Sunday we returned for the flying exercises. I went up with Colin Burns. I had never slow flight and descending met Colin and there is always a little nervousness flying with a new instructor, particularly a turns to perhaps one day very experienced Grade 1. Colin has a very gentle nature and soon has you executing the get me through a hole in the required procedures with encouragement and feedback. It is all about improving your skills clouds. and getting to know your aircraft. It was also comforting to hear that if you are slightly nervous before any flight that is normal.

I would not hesitate to attend another PPP. Where To Next?

Back on the ground, we had the opportunity to inspect the new Cirrus SR22. I then had the opportunity to go for a flight with David Long. As I noticed David was taking a more than a passing interest in the plane and at one stage, had his phone out logging in to his internet banking, I assumed he was a certainty to buy the thing. I insisted as the genuine buyer he sit up front and I would observe from the rear.

The PPP is a wonderful way to learn, refresh and improve. I can’t recommend this The APS Committee is al- enough and we are fortunate to have a committee that puts in the work to give us this ways on the lookout for new opportunity. I think for what it is, APS undersells it, but we won’t tell them that just yet; locations to conduct the or not at least until I have done another one. Pilot Proficiency Program. It has visited numerous loca- David and I share a hangar and our Archers sit side by side. I soon expect to turn up tions and has been ex- to roll out mine and see a sparkling new Cirrus in his spot. I am making a point of tremely well received. The PPP has also been invalua- treating him with exceptional kindness so I can borrow it. ble to promote and grow the society, as the huge influx of If you haven’t done a PPP, make sure you do. If you have, it might be time for another new members at the recent go. In addition, some of the Aviation insurers will give you a reduction on your policy. Lilydale PPP showed.

If you have a suggestion for a location for a future PPP or, even better, could host one, please get in touch with your committee. Lilydale Partners In Flight

Miriam Paul

When I go flying with my partner Grae- me, there is always a sense of worry and thinking “what if something hap- pened to him, what would I do?” so when The Piper Society offered the opportunity of a Partners Course, I was delighted and very excited.

The day commenced with a meet and greet followed by Colin Burns explaining the course content and giving out handouts.

Colin was so easy to understand and explained procedures in a way we could understand them and kept in mind that after all, we are not pilots!! He made references to certain parts giving a similarity to car parts ie: Throttle is like the accelerator of a car, which provided power, the Pitch is like changing gears and so on.

He explained how an aeroplane flies and what keeps it in the air; he also explained how every part of the plane works and its function. He made us all feel relaxed. The course was very interactive and there were a lot of opportunities for questions, which Colin an- swered in great detail.

The course also involved a ‘one on one’ flight lesson with Colin, which was fantastic. He explained the controls and talked through the pre-take off check as well as the take-off operation. Once in the air, he gave me control of the plane....WOW, what an experience!! After a few ‘touch and go’, we were back on the ground, now showing me how to use the pedals and turn the plane on the ground.

This was an amazing experience for me and one I would recommend to anyone sitting in the right hand seat. I hope to have more lessons with Colin and I hope the Piper Society will continue to offer these courses as the knowledge gained on that day was extremely valuable to me.

Thank you to Melissa Fisher for her encouragement and Irene Lawson for organising food – poor lady seemed to be tied to the kitchen bench!! Thank you also to David and Cath Long for the yummy BBQ, which was a great end- ing to the day.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” ― Leonardo da Vinci

Happy flying.....

Bass Strait Where To? Islands Flyaway 22-26th January 2016

Take an extra-long long weekend and join us on a trip to some of the most rugged and beautiful islands in Australia! Five days to explore an area that few others get to see. This is why you have an aeroplane! Day 1-2 Flinders Island

Staying at Furneaux Tavern, Lady Barron.

Enjoy the views, explore the island and spot the diverse wildlife!

Day 3-4 Bridport, Devonport and Three Hummock Island

A scenic flight over the islands and Tasmanian coast will bring you to Three Hum- mock Island. A BBQ that evening and then a day to relax and make the most of the wonderful island.

Day 5 Homewards… maybe. These areas are relatively isolated and little visited, but this makes them all the more attractive. I think they are some of the most beautiful areas of our country and they Make your way home, or keep on pulling me back. I’m very happy to be able to help show them off to others stop at King Island for an extra few nights to indulge and hope to see you there. However, accommodation and facilities are very limited. at the famous King Island Three Hummock Island only has six bedrooms, so we are limited to twelve people un- Dairy. less you want to take the bunk-room option and share with extra people, which might On the way home, take in suit if you are bringing children. the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Costs are yet to be exactly finalised, but I estimate about $860 per couple, which in- cludes all accommodation, car hire and fuel on Flinders Island and all meals on Three Hummock Island. Please transfer a deposit of $400 per couple to confirm your place. Unfortunately places are limited, so will be confirmed in order of deposits received. IMPORTANT NOTE

I look forward to seeing you there! Contact me for further details. The “long” strip at Three Hummock Island is only Dave Long 700m long. 0408 345 278 [email protected] You must be comfortable and proficient in short-ish strips to be able to fly in here.

Take the opportunity refresh your STOL skills with an instructor prior and improve your flying skills for the trip as well!

Video.. http://ow.ly/OD5ex APS Management Committee Calendar President Melissa Fisher Mob 0458 172 999 [email protected]

Vice President Adrian Basile Ph 03 5450 3577 Mob 0419 802 113 Australian Piper Society Events [email protected]

Secretary DATE EVENT CONTACT Barry McCabe 11-13th September PPP and Partners Course David Seddon [email protected] Ph 074622 6411 2015 Orange, NSW John Pullen [email protected] Mob 0409 226 411 [email protected]

20-22nd November Annual General Meeting Melissa Fisher Treasurer 2015 Bendigo [email protected] Irene Lawson Ph 03 5988 4608 22-26th January Bass Strait Islands Flyaway David Long Mob 0401 775 782 2016 [email protected] [email protected]

Pilot Proficiency David Seddon Ph 03 5023 5162 [email protected]

Membership Other Events Irene Lawson Ph 03 5988 4608 Many more at www.aeroclub.com.au/events/ Mob 0401 775 782 [email protected] DATE EVENT CONTACT 23rd August 2015 Outback Air Race 2015 http://www.outbackairrace.com.au/ Committee (Forum) David Long Ph 03 9751 0757 26th September - Whitsunday Fly-In http://www.whitsundayairport.com Mob 0408 345 278 2nd October 2015 [email protected]

18th October 2015 Jamestown Airshow http://www.visitjamestown.com.au Committee (Social) SA Ned Gloster Mob 0424 031 447 6th March 2016 Busselton Aerofest 2016 Preliminary notice! [email protected]

Newsletter Scott Lewis Mob 0428 454 337 [email protected]

Technical Advisor Rod Shearer Mob 0419 717 212 [email protected]