Newsdesk – General aviation

Moorabbin Aircraft Spares Sold:

Moorabbin Aircraft Spares has been bought by aviation conglomerate, Skywest Airlines.

In a surprise move, that took place shortly before the December takeover of East-West Airlines, Skywest bought out MAS, thus adding a supply organisation to its recent acquisition of General Aviation operator H. C. Sleigh Aviation and the Airline, East-West. The prime business of MAS is the supply of components, hardware and raw materials to both the GA Industry and homebuilders

RFACA Programme of Activities for 1984:

April 6-17. Lawrence Hargreaves Memorial Flying Safari to Alice Springs. Contact Bernie Saroff, Royal Newcastle Aero Club. (049) 32 8888. April 7: Australian Light Aircraft Championships at Griffith, NSW. April 12-14: Annual Conference of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia at Alice Springs. April 20-23 SA Convention, Mangalore 84. April 20-24: Australian National Aerobatic Championships, Griffith NSW June: Interclub Competition, Goulburn, NSW hosted by Canberra Aero Club. November 11: Wollongong 150th Anniversary Air Show at Albion Park. Contact South Coast Aero Club November 17: Interclub Competition, ‘Neil Lassau/Bill Parkes Trophy Day’, Moruya Aero Club.

Falcon 900 Programme on Schedule:

France’s competitor to the Canadair Challenger 601 and the US Gulfstream G.IV. the Falcon 900 trijet is nearing completion with a first flight programmed for October this year. The 900 is basically a wider and longer version of the successful Falcon 50 and is capable of NBAA standard operations out to ranges of 3800 nm at max payload. The 900 has an overall length (Falcon 50 in parentheses) 20.2 m (18.5m), with a maximum cabin width of 2.3 m(1.8m). Standard configuration is for 12/14 passengers though a VIP layout has been designed that will take up to 19 people. Up to 34 passengers can be carried in the high-density arrangement. Certification is planned for early 1986 at which time the production rate will be 2.5 units per month. Dassault see a potential market for the 900 of between 250 and 300 aircraft and have planned their programme on a breakeven of 200 aircraft. The 900 will be built and marketed alongside the Falcon 50, which will remain in production. The selling price for the 900 in 1983 US dollars is $13.5 million.

AVGAS Sales Down Again:

Sales of AVGAS fell by 10.6% in the March 83 quarter to reach the lowest level since the Bureau of Transport Economics began keeping records of this activity. Compared to the peak sales in mid-1979, avgas sales have fallen approximately 33%, even though, in real terms, the March 83 price of avgas is approximately 12% lower than the December 79 price. These prices of course do not include the impact of the May and August 83 increases in excise

Survey of Hours Flown:

The Survey of Hours Flown 1962 just issued by DofA confirms industry statements that general aviation has suffered a serious downturn. Hours flown in training were down 7.6% over 1981, test and ferry was down 4.6% whilst charter fell 11.6% and aerial agricultural 28.7% over 1981 There were marginal increases in other categories Training is shown to be at its lowest level since 1976, charter is at less than 1979 levels and aerial agriculture, which is beginning to recover since the end of the drought, was in 1982 at its lowest level since 1976.

Piper Aircraft Purchased by Lear Siegler:

Bangor Punta, the parent company of Piper Aircraft, has been purchased by long-time aviation stalwart, Lear Siegler, in a $US290 million transaction. Piper declared a loss of $US38 million for its last financial year though company officials point out that much of that was due to the high investment the company had made in recent years in developing new products. Planned for release during 1984 will be the Mojave pressurised twin, the Malibu pressurised single, the Aerostar 700P and the 400 mph Cheyenne lV corporate turboprop. Additionally, Piper have also. invested heavily in the T1020/1040 commuter liners and the USAF-supported Enforcer COIN aircraft programme. Lear Siegler generated revenue of $US1.64 billion last financial year and plans to be able to provide Piper with long-term development funds to maintain the market gains likely to be achieved by its rejuvenated product line.

Mangalore Looking Great for 1984:

If you missed it last year the same mistake again. Personally it has been a long time since this editor has enjoyed himself so much at an air show. The reasons are many, though on the whole guess, it can be put down to the ultra-friendly atmosphere and the excellent range of flying events and aircraft that feature Mangalore that really makes it such a memorable experience. Whether you area sport aircraft fan, looking over the growing field of ultralights, planning to build or buy a homebuilt or simply keen to see the Mustangs and their contemporaries in action, Mangalore is for you. The SAAA event will be held this Easter Sunday, April 22nd while you are welcome to arrive from the previous Thursday onwards. Full camping facilities are provided and Mangalore is an easy ninety-minute drive from Melbourne. Don’t miss it!

New Names and And corporate structure for AGA and Stillwell:

Ansett General Aviation has now been merged with the operations side of Stillwell Aviation to form a new company called Pacific Aviation. The subsidiaries and divisions that now make up the Pacific Aviation group are Ansett Corporate Aviation, Ansett General Aviation, Aviall Australia, Stillwell Aviation and Flight Facilities. This follows the merging of the aviation interests of Consolidated Press and Ansett General Aviation and provides a comprehensive mix of sales (Piper), support and customer service. The Lear, Fairchild, Saab-Fairchild and Agusta helicopter franchises will be marketed by a company known as Aero Int (registered as Aerospace International outside Australia) which will be based in the Sydney offices of Consolidated Press. Pacific Aviation has also undertaken to provide technical support and spares provisioning for the BAe 125 executive jet which itself will still be marketed direct by British Aerospace. Pacific Aviation has quite a diversified fleet of aircraft available for charter ranging from Learjets to Cheyennes and have recently just introduced a BAe 125-700 into Australia specifically for local charter. Total staff numbers more than 200 people with 1983 sales exceeding $30 million and with major maintenance and product support bases in most capital cities Pacific Aviation looks set to be a major force in local GA operations for some time to come.

AWA Take on New Distributor- Ships:

AWA Aviation has been appointed distributor for two systems of airborne avionics catering, especially for the General Aviation Industry. The Litton LTN 3000 is an Omega/VLF RNAV system and the 3M (Ryan) Stormscope is a weather mapping system.

Litton LTN 3000: From the Litton base of technology that has pioneered navigation systems of the world’s major airlines, corporate aviation and military aircraft, comes a totally new concept specifically tailored for the needs of General Aviation. The LTN 3000 is an Omega/VLF plus VOR/DME RNAV system offering features not available in complex more expensive systems, allowing unrestricted operation anywhere in the world. It can, for example, accept a total of 99 waypoints which may be used to generate eight individual flight plans; these can be retained from flight to flight and recalled at the operator’s option.

Upon system start-up, the operator merely verifies existing data or adds new data as desired. The LTN 3000 then automatically selects the optimum combination of signals from worldwide Omega and VLF communication networks. After takeoff, the LTN 3000 navigates the aircraft along the flight plan making automatic transitions to each leg of the route. When coupled to the autopilot it provides automatic flight control, and when operating in an area of VOR/DME coverage the system accepts data from dual VOR and DME receivers to continually and automatically update present position. All stored station data is immediately available consisting of frequency, station identifier, elevation and magnetic variation.

AWA are investigating the possibility of interfacing their Australian DME with the LTN 3000.

3M (Ryan) Stormscope:

Here is a totally new breakthrough in avionics engineering Imagine a low-cost weather mapping instrument that is compact, lightweight, does not require a transmitter and has no moving parts The ‘Stormscope’ looks at electrical discharges within a storm cell, not precipitation. Find the discharge and you have found the wind shear that special kind of turbulence that can threaten structural damage. This information is then computer-processed and displayed in an easy-to-read format enabling the pilot to avoid areas of severe turbulence and get to his destination as directly and safely as possible.

AWA markets the Stormscope in two variants WX8-forward looking through 140° are range 100 n.m. Liquid crystal display, WX10 – 360°, or forward-looking only, capability. Thunderstorm definition by groups of small high-lighted dots range 200 nm.

An added advantage is that if the system is operated before a takeoff ‘weather map’ is presented to the pilot whilst still on the ground enabling him to flight plan accordingly.

Winrye Developing as Warbirds Maintenance Base:

Bankstown-based Winrye Aviation is fast becoming a haven for warbird restoration. Winrye has been looking after the B-25 Mitchell since it arrived in Australia earlier this year and have been a long-time DC-3 maintainer with particular emphasis on the overhaul of large piston engine transports. Currently, under restoration are two ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers, one of which is owned by Bill Pike who formerly owned Rebel Air. Winrye also have won the contract to refurbish VH-MMD which is currently languishing at Bankstown following the demise of Travmar several years back. MMD will be brought back to top-line condition for future uses display item in later stages of the ambitious Sydney Power House Museum Following refurbishment, the DC-3 will be transported to a farm at Windsor where it will be stored under cover awaiting placement in the museum.

DofA Would Like Reader Input on Changing Aircraft Registration System

In line with many other progressive changes being effected in the DofA in recent months, the Department is looking at ways of simplifying and broadening the aircraft registration system. Changes that are being considered include the transfer of registration marks, the establishment of a lien register to record title of ownership, expansion of the three alpha character registration mark and numerous other items. If readers would like to state their views and constructive suggestions to the Department they can write to: Mr D Rankin, DofA, Airworthiness Branch, GPO Box 367, Canberra, ACT 2601

Civil Flying Services Become Par- Tenavia Distributors:

Civil Flying Services, headquartered at Moorabbin, has secured the Partenavia distributorship for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the islands of the Pacific Basin. The agreement calls for the purchase by Civil’s of a P68-C, a P68 Observer and one of the new Allison 250-powered AP300 Spartacus aircraft. All three aircraft are expected in Australia before Easter. There are presently around 60 Partenavia aircraft on the local register and the type proved exceptionally popular during the mid-seventies as a reliable six-seat utility twin.

USAF Could Lead Yet Another Massive Corporate Jet Order:

Hot on the heels of USAF’s late 1983 order for 40 Beech King Airs and 80 Lear 358 the US Defence Department is again interested in a mammoth lease/buy-back of up to 200 corporate-type aircraft to perform the role of simulated tanker/transport/bomber aircraft. A jet type is preferred and at present all indications point to Learjet winning the eventual order which it is claimed could save more than $300 million over the next twenty years in fuel savings alone. A decision is expected in the next year.

Learfan Has Another structural Failure:

Production work on the first batch of development Lear Fan 2100 aircraft has been delayed for several months following the failure under test of an aluminium binding in the fuselage. The failure occurred during a pressurisation test with the metal bracket failing at 10 psi cabin pressure. The failure is described and the FAA as ‘ not a serious problem’ though the delay will now cause FAA Certification to be pushed back to late 1984 or early 1985. Local agents, Traida- plane, were hoping to have their first aircraft into Australia by this November though this has now slipped to around mid 1985. The delay has also caused Learavia to retrench 90 of its 500 Northern Ireland workforce although work on components is continuing on schedule

Ex setair dc-3 Heads North:

VH-UPQ is now operated in the charter role by Coolangatta-based Twinair who will use the aircraft for day trips and special tours. Twinair is operating from a sound financial base and is the brainchild of Air Commodore John Chesterfield and Phil Becker, both of whom flew everything from Mirages to Dakotas during their long RAAF service careers. John has also formed Phoenix Air Training Services, also based at Coolangatta, and is backed up by a number of ex-RAAF types who are aiming to lift the overall standard of IFR and Commercial licence training through the use of military-style training objectives. Meanwhile, it will be good to see another DC-3 go to an operational home.

NASA No More:

The Cessnock-based Nationwide Aviation Space Academy has restructured and changed its name to the Civil Air Training Academy. NASA inits time was the first school to graduate over 1000 professional pilots, the first to gain approval for simulator instruction and the first to pioneer instructor refresher courses The CATAboardcomprises retired senior personnel from the airlines, the Department and various associations associated with special areas of aviation.

Air Show With a Difference:

The NSW Police Aero Club in conjunction with the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia are staging an air show with a difference on the weekend of May 19/20 at the Hoxton Park (Sydney) aerodrome. The feature event will be a Championship to find the best ag pilot in the business and as city-siders never really get to see ag pilots in action this event should be of great interest to the large crowds expected to attend. Ag pilots from all over Australia will be competing and the show will also feature military, sport aircraft, aerobatics and sky-diving displays.

Rebel Air Sold:

Well-known aviation identity, Bill Pike, has sold his Rebel Air charter operation to Mr Mike Wansey, formerly owner of Newcastle television station NBN and founder of the Newcastle Star news- paper. Rebel Air will continue under the management of Bill Pike while the two DC-3s (VH-PWM & MIN, refer June 1983 Australian Aviation) will both eventually be repainted in a new and more up-to-date livery Of special interest to Sydney readers will be Rebel Air’s flights to the Mangalore Air Show on Sunday 22nd April. Priced at only $180 return the flights depart KSA early Sunday morning and return around 9 p.m. that evening, with food and refreshments provided en route. Mike Wansey will be displaying his recently restored Fairey Firefly Mk 8 at Mangalore and is probably best remembered locally for his importation of the Consolidated Catalina back in 1981 which featured heavily at that year’s Schofield Air Show.

Flying Inns Make It Easy:

There is nothing better than planning weekend jaunts away in your 172 or Cherokee, but how many times have you landed at your destination to find that there is no accommodation and what there is costs the earth? A new company. Flying Inns Australia, are now able to ensure that this does not happen to you again. Flying Inns has a network of over 230 hotels and motels through Australia and each within an average ten minutes of an airport and each offering discount accommodation to pilots and passengers as well as free transfers to and from the airport. Every government and licensed airport is represented in addition to many ALAS Additionally the member pilot receives an ID card, a national directory, a quarterly newsletter and a list of briefing phone numbers and fuelling data. Membership is only $25.00 which seems good value considering the savings that can be made on accommodation alone. Further information can be gained from Simon Mathews, PO Box 747, Ringwood 3134.

Robinson r.22 Alpha Looking Good:

The latest from Robinson Helicopters, the R.22 Alpha model, is performing well in its role as a trainer based at Sydney’s Heliflite. The Alpha model features several improvements over the earlier R.22s including an expanded CG range, a greater payload, uprated engines and improved stability. Max speed is now 118 mph while cruise at 75% is booked at 110 mph Max range with nil reserves is 240 miles while average fuel consumption is 7/8 gph making the R 22 one of the most fuel-efficient helicopters yet built.

Counter Attack:

Tired of seeing their traditional aerospace markets eroded by overseas competition, a number of US aircraft manufacturers have banded together to form the American Business Aircraft Committee in an effort to get US corporations and individuals to “buy American”. The ABAC’s primary gripe is not the competition but the fact that their overseas competitors are supported with government funding while US manufacturers go it alone. Founding members of ABAC are Cessna, Beech, Mooney, Fairchild, Piper and Gulfstream Aerospace. ABAC see their enemy’ being the BAe 125, IAI Westwind and Astra, Canadair Challenger, Dassault Falcon and the Mitsubishi range of twins.

Wings Australia Land IAI West- Wind Distributorship:

Wings Australia has signed an agreement with Israel Aircraft Industries to distribute the IAI 1124 Westwind and Astra corporate jets throughout Australia and the South Pacific. Wings have also appointed Aeromil as a marketing consultant in order to assure that the aircraft is professionally supported in the region. Aeromil have a similar agreement with Civil Flying Services of Moorabbin on behalf of the Gulfstream Aerospace Commander division. Wings will be well placed to technically support the IAI aircraft with their extensive Mascot-based maintenance and Garrett engine overhaul facility.

Federal Express Buys Caravans:

The dynamic US fast parcel operator, Federal Express, has signed a contract with Cessna for 30 Caravan I aircraft. The contract also includes an option on a further 70 of the type. Federal Express will use the Caravans with a 307 sq ft underbelly cargo pod for use between their smaller hubs. This will then in many cases replace trucks that were used to link towns with larger centres that were then serviced by the FedEx Falcons and Boeing 727-100 freighters. FedEx are also evaluating the Cessna 402 for which they have a requirement for several dozen aircraft to supplement a fleet now ranging from small single-engined Caravans through to DC-10 wide bodied trijets.

Beech Rejuvenate King Air Family With Model 300:

Hot on the heels of the impressive Starship launch, Beechcraft have revealed plans for a vastly updated model of the long-serving King Air. Designated Model 300, the latest King Air will feature PT6A-60A turboprops of 1050 shp each in place of the 850 shp units aboard the B200. These operate larger but slower propellers which reduce noise and improve field performance over earlier models. Maximum cruise speed is booked at 315 kts with a range out to 2050 nautical miles, increase of around 10% on the B200. Standard flight instrumentation is now a Collins EFIS system while the crew seating has also been upgraded.

Birdstrikes:

There were 443 reported birdstrikes in 1981 of which most occurred during the take-off run or landing roll and at less than 200 feet AGL. However three incidents were reported to have occurred at or above 9000 feet.

Contract Signed for Licence Production Program of Dornier 228 in India:

The Government of India has entered into formal agreement with Dornier for licence production of the Dornier 228 light transport aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The versions of the Dornier 228, powered by two turboprop engines and featuring an advanced technology wing, to be built by HAL at their Kanpur Division, will be to the operational specification defined by the various operators in India, including the Vayudoot regional airline, the Coast Guard, Navy, Airforce and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, plus other possible users, such as the National Remote Sensing Agency, Geological Survey of India, and others. In order to meet the urgent needs of some of these organisations, a few fly-away aircraft will be obtained directly from Domier, with the first delivery for Vayudoot be effected in six months.

Cessna Reports First Quarter Results:

Cessna Aircraft Company reported sales of $139 million in the first quarter of its 1984 fiscal year, down from $ 149,4 million in the initial quarter last year. The quarter ended December 31 Deliveries of 183 aircraft during the first quarter accounted for $117.9 million of total revenues, compared to aircraft business of $133.2 million from 337 unit deliveries in the same period last year. Aircraft deliveries in the first quarter included 37 turbine-powered units versus 51 in the same periods a year ago. Piston aircraft deliveries totalled 146, down from 286 in the first three months of fiscal 1983. In calendar 1983, Cessna delivered 1217 aircraft, compared to a unit total of 2140 in the 1982 calendar year.