AOPA SPORT AUSTRALIA
March 2020 | Monthly Digital Edition
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
March 2020
Valued Members and Industry Supporters,
The month of March has seen unprecedented havoc and damage inflicted on our national aviation industry, including our sport and recreational sectors. Whilst the Government has run to the aid of Australia’s ailing international, domestic and regional airlines, the smaller and more vulnerable general and recreational aviation industry remain at significant risk.
Without doubt, COVID-19 will test us all and with limited Government support and stimulus available to our sectors, many businesses will be struggling for survival, with thousands out of work. Now more than ever, our industry needs each other.
AOPA Australia firmly believes that our best days are ahead and that we as an industry will pull through this disaster. Australian’s are resilient and tough, but more importantly we are caring and we look after each other in times of need.
For our industry to successfully navigate both the immediate challenges we face and those we will encounter during recovery – we must work together in building a strategy. We cannot wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to end, to begin preparing and developing an actionable recovery plan- we must start now and it must involve everyone if we are to succeed.
Whilst there will be many aspects to consider, a successful recovery plan must include;
– Identifying regulatory reform initiatives that will help speed-up the recovery
– Identifying medium to long-term local, state and federal government stimulus opportunities to help with recovery;
– Identifying initiatives that can be run by industry and business ourselves; and
– Understanding how the industry associations and peak-bodies can provide support
AOPA Australia has formed advisory groups covering the charter, flight training and maintenance sectors, bringing together our business community to be part of a constructive whole of industry response. Our association this week is reaching out to our Australian General Aviation Alliance partners, seeking their involvement in this important initiative.
Working collaboratively, we shall produce clear and concise guidance and recovery advice, that we will submit to the Deputy Prime Minister for consideration and action. These reports will also be made publicly available via the AOPA Australia website, for review and comment.
Representing our Charter and Flight Training Advisory Group is Mrs Tammy Camilleri, an experienced commercial pilot and AOC and Part 141 operator. Our Co-Chairman is Mr Alan Middleton, RAAus Flight School Owner and Member of the RAAus Board. Representing our Aircraft Maintenance Advisory Group is Mr Ken Cannane, AOPA Australia Director and Executive Director of the Aircraft Maintenance Repair Overhaul Business Association.
Tammy, Alan and Ken are all strong AOPA Australia advocates and I thank them for their commitment and time during this difficult period. I and the AOPA Australia Board are looking forward to working with each of them on this important initiative.
AOPA Australia warmly invites charter, general and recreational aviation flight training and maintenance businesses to be part of this important effort. In the coming days, dedicated pages will be setup on the AOPA Australia website, detailing our panel contact information, list of participants and agenda items.
To register your involvement, contact;
Tammy Camelleri
Chairperson – Charter & Flight Training Advisory Group
AOPA Australia
Email: tam.camerlleri@aopa.com.au
Mobile: 0409 868 380
Alan Middleton
Co-Chairperson – Charter & Flight Training Advisory Group
AOPA Australia
Email: alan.middleton@aopa.com.au
Mobile: 0407 356 948
Ken Cannane
Chairperson – Charter & Flight Training Advisory Group
AOPA Australia
Email: ken.cannane@aopa.com.au
Mobile: 0408 029 329
For pilots, flight instructors, engineers and aviation business support staff who may have already lost their jobs during this pandemic, AOPA Australia invites you to make contact with the above representatives and to register your details and resume with our association. Working together, we will work hard to ensure that you are considered for any available roles that come available.
We are all in this together and should any of our members require assistance or support, please do not hesitate picking up the phone. You can reach me on 0415 577 724, should the phone be busy, send me a text message and I will get back to you.
Again, while it may be difficult to see at this time, our best days as an industry are in front of us, and together we will succeed in kick-starting and reinvigorating our industry.
Best regards,
BENJAMIN MORGAN
AOPA Australia Chief Executive Officer
FROM THE SPORT PILOT EDITOR
Opinion: The Real Pilot Skill
I have a friend who, while driving, turns and looks at me whenever he speaks to me, regardless of how fast we are travelling or what the traffic is doing around us. AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG provides his perspective.
Opinion: A Call to Action for the Sport & Recreational Aviation
Very few of us can fly at the moment but that doesn’t mean the threats against us have also stopped. Just because your local airport is quiet, doesn’t mean your local council has stopped thinking about raising your fees or cutting back your activities to please the real estate agents who control its day to day business. Most of us don’t have much of an income any more, but those evil destroyers of aviation livelihoods usually find a way to keep their highly paid positions and you can be sure they continue their evil plans while we aren’t looking. AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG provides a call to action to the sport and recreational aviation industry.
ADVOCACY
RAAUS COVID-19 Update for Members & Pilots
RA-Aus strongly encourages pilots and flight training operators considering undertaking private, recreational, or flying training activities, to carefully review and to follow, the advice or regulations which have been published in relation to social distancing, travel restrictions, or any prohibited or restricted activity.
COVID-19: Can I Still Fly?
Generally, you have to land at the same place from where you took off. So circuits and short local hops are still a good way to beat the corona blues. When arriving at the airport, check to ensure your flying training organisation is following precautions, such as these published by the wonderful people at Curtis Aviation in Camden. AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG reports.
COVID-19: My BFR and Medical are Due. What do I do?
In late March, CASA put in place various general exemptions for a number of its authorisations or permissions, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG reports.
General Aviation and the Coronavirus: What Can We Do?
It’s been called a pandemic of epic proportions, a change to life as we know it and the biggest global disaster of our lifetime. With most of the world closing its borders and travel restrictions mandated by governments around the globe, the aviation sector has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. AOPA AUSTRALIA’S KREISHA BALLANTYNE takes a look at how the coronavirus is affecting GA.
Your Industry Needs Y0u Now
There are times in history that we know are pivotal to guiding humanity through hard times, like war, famine, political revolution and economic collapse. Put simply, decisions made around those times become instrumental to literally changing the course of the future and making a big difference to whether individuals, communities, sectors, economies and humanity survive and thrive. AOPA Australia Digital Editor NICHOLAS CHRISTIE reports.
AIRPORTS
Opinion: Canberra Airport Cross Runway 12/30 Closure
During an unprecedented week in which our aviation industry has been locked in a desperate battle for it’s survival, Canberra Airport have chosen to announce the closure of the cross runway 12/30, using the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and ‘a downturn in aircraft movements’ to justify it – I am calling bullshit. AOPA Australia CEO BENJAMIN MORGAN provides an opinion.
NIMBY’s Damage Katoomba Airfield Future
After a strong local campaign against the proposal, the NSW government has elected not to lease Katoomba airport. Katoomba had been operated by FlyBlue for two years under a licence arrangement. The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment earlier this year informed FlyBlue that no lease would be offered and that FlyBlue’s licence to operate the airfield was to be terminated and replaced with a licence which banned prohibited helicopter flights. The NIMBYS (Not in my back yard) in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, have put the future of another Australian airfield in jeopardy. AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG reports.
MEMBER PUBLICATIONS
AOPA PILOT AUSTRALIA: Past Editions
Keep up to date with our weekly digital editions of AOPA PILOT AUSTRALIA.
AOPA SPORT AUSTRALIA: Past Editions
Keep up to date with our monthly digital editions of AOPA SPORT AUSTRALIA
AOPA STUDENT PILOT AUSTRALIA: Past Editions
Keep up to date with our quarterly digital editions of AOPA STUDENT PILOT AUSTRALIA.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Avsoft Australia Introduces OK2FLY Application
Moorabbin, Vic – AvSoft Australia, the developers of AvPlan EFB, have today announced the launch of ok2fly. Ok2fly is a new website for remote piloted aircraft systems which will tell you if you and your drone are ok2fly. Ok2fly is only app for remote pilots that accurately depicts all operational requirements, no matter the time of day, the type of operation or changes in airspace. Ok2fly is fully approved and integrated into the CASA RPAS platform to ensure you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.
OPINION
RAAus: Duty of Care Limited to Safety and Compliance
The recent ASQA investigations into the VET-Fee funding practices at Box Hill Institute and Soar Aviation that shut down new enrollments and effectively closed down the Diploma of Aviation course, has raised many questions about the state of play in parts of our flight training sector. The main question is whether there is an implied or express duty of care to members by member based organisation, Recreational Aviation Australia – and whether students know what they are signing up for when they start their aviation journey in RAAus registered aircraft. AOPA Australia Digital Editor, NICHOLAS CHRISTIE shares his opinion.
SPORT MEMBER PROFILE
Allan Mollenhauer: Quickie Q-200
‘Just like sliding into your coffin’.. that’s how Alan Mollenhauer describes the manner of entry into his Quickie Q-200. I caught up with Alan, who owns Barambah Machinery in Murgon, Qld at a recent fly in. Story and photography by AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Contributor ALAN BETTERIDGE
FEATURE
It Hurts When it’s Over: Value Your Flying Today
‘Just like sliding into your coffin’.. that’s how Alan Mollenhauer describes the manner of entry into his Quickie Q-200. I caught up with Alan, who owns Barambah Machinery in Murgon, Qld at a recent fly in. Story and photography by AOPA SPORT Australia Digital Contributor ALAN BETTERIDGE
The Little Turbine that has Everyone Talking!
In a world where Lycoming and Continental have traditionally dominated the aviation landscape, it’s refreshing to see an ever-growing list of piston-based engine choices in the experimental aviation marketplace. But now, there’s an Australian company leading the pack in developing a compact turbine power plant that looks like it could have some genuine commercial promise and without doubt, some appeal within the market. AOPA Australia Digital Editor NICHOLAS CHRISTIE reports.
FLIGHT REVIEW
Arion Lightning: Fast & Sweet
With all the factory-built recreational aircraft on offer these days, we get a bit spoiled for choice. As long as we have the money, we can buy a chariot every bit as fast (or faster) and sophisticated as the Pipers and Cessnas of old. AOPA SPORT AUSTRALIA Digital Editor BRIAN BIGG takes a look at a good looking, sweet handling recreational aircraft with a lot going for it.
Buying, Inspecting & Delivering an Aircraft for a Student Pilot
Often, light aircraft sales are transacted by newer members of our aviation community. And, as an aircraft broker, this is my favourite type of sale! I enjoy guiding student pilots and those new to the industry through the process of buying their new aircraft – and the things to look for to ensure a smooth transaction. But the process of buying a first plane can be quite daunting and riddled with complexities, particularly when the aircraft is a less common type, or if the student is not yet licensed, or if the aircraft is a long distance away. The combination of all three factors can be a mine field to navigate for the inexperienced aviator. AOPA Australia Digital Editor NICHOLAS CHRISTIE reports.
SAFETY
Airmanship Saves Lives: Part 8
A poor circuit usually ends up with a poor landing, so get it right and most of your problems will disappear. Light aircraft are very susceptible to strong winds and turbulence. There is no excuse for departing the runway in an unusual manner on take-off. If you have problems controlling the aircraft, stop the flight before you or your aeroplane get hurt. Taxi back to the line and have a coffee. If you look after your aircraft, the aircraft will look after you. AOPA SPORT AUSTRALIA Digital Contributor OWEN BARTROP continues his groundbreaking series on the most fundamental of all pilot skills.
AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP
Buying Your First Sport Aircraft: Part 4
Regardless of what you fly, how long you’ve been flying or what type of flying you do, most pilots will at some stage have an almost irresistible urge to buy an aircraft. Before you give in to this urge, it is important to make sure what you want is actually what you need. AOPA SPORT Australia’s ALAN BETTERIDGE continues with his very useful series on what to do when buying a recreational aircraft.
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