Newsdesk – General Aviation

Australia to Enhance Its Atc System:

A wide ranging investigation by Dr Robert Ratner into Australia’s ATC environment has resulted in a number of changes being implemented to further improve the system.

Fundamental to the recommendations are that specialist core teams are established whereby controllers work together as a team. The modem ATC environment has largely reduced controller teaming in the past decade with the result that often inexperienced junior operators are not assisted as much as they formerly would have been.

The Report also recommends the introduction of a revised set of uniform and standardised procedures, a strengthening of the on-the-job training system, the establishment of a System Quality Assurance Unit and to re-examining and revising existing ATC staff and management structures.

A senior controller will now visit major Operating centres in the US, UK and Europe to gain a first-hand impression of how systems, Similar to those recommended by Dr Raner. Operate in day-to-day operations. It is expected that the full results of the review will be released by July with its recommendations being placed into operation immediately.

Us GA Manufacturing Sinking Lower and Lower:

GAMA figures recently released detailing first quarter USGA aircraft production indicate that the ongoing slump in light aircraft production is continuing.

For the first quarter this year US manufacturers produced only 228 GA types as against 285 in 1986. While piston-engined aircraft recorded a fall of 30%, the stack was taken up with a doubling of deliveries for the higher price turboprop and turbofan corporate types. Consequently sales output was $US255m as against $US157m for the previous year Exports also increased, from only 64 in 1986 to 78 this year.

The individual performance by the manufacturers though mirrored the decline in what was once a massive industry turning out 17,000 aircraft annually for a vibrant world market. High interest rates, inflation, lack of true product development and the rabid effects of unrestrained and often illogical public liability claims against GA manufacturers have reduced this industry to a shell that this year will be batting to deliver a thousand aircraft.

Ironically, of the 250,000 strong single eng ine USGA fleet, some 1500 to 2000 aircraft are being withdrawn from service annually. The average fleet age for singles is now 20 years and for twins 15, With production grossly falling behind the loss rate, it is expected that the industry. worldwide, will begin to become critically short of viable GA aircraft within two or three years.

Production, and development of new types. won’t however return to normal before there is a massive change in the US public ability laws and some form of relaxation of the existing FAA FAR Part 23 certification rules that build light trainers and four seat singles virtually to small airliners Standards. The cost of gaining FAR 23 certification is is extremely high and often is unnecessarily harsh in its structural and technical requirements considering the basic use of some GA typ fight the regime in the training and pleasure the public liability issue is again being addressed through the US Congressional system via a revised Glickman Bill. Kansas Democrat, Dan Glickman, attempted to gain approval for his pro-GA BIl last year but lost on technical al grounds, a revised just been put before the House which claimed to meet with the approval of all concerned. If enacted, the Bill will absolve GA companies of risk of lability if an aircraft is 12 years or older and can be reasonably shown to have been neglected in maintenance or flight procedures terms. The Bill would also cover Meanwhile, the sub-contractors tors and suppliers for the cost of parts is fast becoming an issue, claims AOPA, as production ceases many standard components and their value rises to as much as twenty times that of a comparable automotive part of the same calibre, In In Australia, second-hand aircraft are fast appreciating and any money that an owner puts into updating, repainting and detailing his aircraft is generally considered money well fast spent. spent Worldwide used aircraft values are soaring as Wichita produces fewer aircraft each year. Cessna ceased all piston-engined production in May, 1986 while today only Piper produces the Malibu and even this hot seller is being offered to rival manufacturers as as Lear Siegler prepares to depart general aviation. For the first quarter, Beech produced only 52 including 32 Bonanzas and 16 52 aircraft Cessna King Airs logged 50 deliveries, almost all of which were propjet or jet aircraft. Piper delivered 50 which included many aircraft that it had previously built as white talls. Mooney as usual remained small and efficient with a relatively healthy 33 deliveries while Once great Learjet delivered a sole Lear 55.

Beech Announces Increased Capabilities for C90 King Air:

The King Air C9OA, Beech’s lowest cost turboprop, now enjoys more payload Carrying ability, thanks to a just certified 450 pound increase in gross weight, virtually all of which adds to the plane’s useful load.

Minor structural changes mean the new CROA will carry two more passengers and baggage with virtually the same performance and range of previous versions. The maximum takeoff weight for the improved CBOA is 10,100 pounds (4,581kg), up from 9,650 pounds on earlier models.

The new King Air C90A will begin commercial deliveries this October, joining more than 1,360 90 series King Airs delivered to date. The new, higher payload version of the CSA will carry up to seven passengers plus crew at speeds up to 247 knots and is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PT6A-21 engines rated 550shp each. Despite its higher gross weight, the r King Air model boasts a range of 1,277 nautical miles, nearly the same as the previous version More carrying capability doesn’t significantly affect t the CSOA’s runway performance, either. Takeoff distance over a 50t obstacle is 2,5771 (785m) while landing requires just 2,443ft (745m).

The new lowest-priced King Air is the latest version of business aviation’s most popular turboprop. More than 3,500 King Airs have been delivered to customers around the world including over 400 to various governments and all four US military services.

 Arv Super 2 Production Resumes:

Production of the new British lightweight trainer, the ARV Super 2 (Air tested in this edition) has resumed following a two month break in production due to engine problems.

The Super 2’s Hewland three cylinder two stroke engine experienced big end-bearing problems which stopped production of the aircraft for all of February and March. The problems however have now been resolved via a minor redesign of the big end bearing units and thorough tests to date have shown no reappearance of the initial problems. Meanwhile, ARV hope to deliver 41 aircraft by the end of this year and are ultimately planning to build up to 8 aircraft a month from their Sandown, Isle of Wight facility.

Beware the Bear in the Air:

“Polair 20 to 35-43. It’s the small red sedan in lane 2, right behind the large blue truck in lane 3. Speed is 125 kilometres per hour and the time of offence is ten zero two, 10. 02. Have you got the offending vehicle in sight?” 35-43 to Polair 20, copied the description and other details. Yes thank you, we have the blue truck and the offending red vehicle sigh- ted.

Polair 20 is in fact a high winged Cessna 206, 35-43 a Campbelltown Highway Patrol vehicle and the venue for their cooperation is the FS South Western freeway, Campbelltown NSW. Just one of 23 areas where the NSW Police Airwing are performing aerial speed surveillance with terrestrial assistance from either local divisional Highway Patrol vehicles or the Highway Response Group.

Recent experience has shown the ‘eye in the patrols work extremely well, with reports of excessive speeding on the patrolled grids being few and far between. The public are obviously very aware of the presence of the police aircraft, courtesy of large signs local located within the patrolled grids warming them of the speed surveillance. (Perhaps the situation be slightly improved by by the introduction of randomly placed warning signs, rather than right near where the Police are operating! Ed. ) Reference lines, painted on the roadway 500 metres apart are used in conjunction with KR-11 radar to time vehicles progress between two of the references and digitally check the speed of offending vehicles.

The KR-11 radars are not used in their traditional role, with no signals being emitted from the units. Rather, the devices are used as onboard computers which can be handheld Three lite readouts provide elapsed time in seconds, distance run in metres and average speed over that distance in kilometres per hour. 500 metres run in 15 seconds would thus read out as 120kmh.

NSW though is the only state using digital equipment, with Western Australia police in Partenavia aircraft referring to chart tables to check speeds. NSW Police missions are flown in three leased aircraft, VH-PIY. VH-PGF and VH-UFG, using all police crews. One pilot and two Highway Patrol observers who are specially trained for the aerial work crew the aircraft. Eventually the police hope to purchase their own fixed-wing aircraft Communications with police mobile units is on low band VHF (83. 88MHz), while the pilot keeps in touch with DotA on area FIS frequencies Full reporting VFR flight plans are submitted, with ‘ops normal’ reports made on the half hour.

Australian Aviation recently flew two missions with pilot Senior Constable Eddie Pike on a steamy Sunday morning, with 2 hours spent at Campbeltown and 2 hours at Penrith, with a refuelling stop in between at Camden Airport. The twenty three areas chosen in the aerial speed programme have all been selected on the basis of having bad accident records and the patrols mark an all out NSW Police crackdown on the two big killers on that state’s roads. . . speeding and drink driving.

Aeromil Notches up Rec Sales:

Aeromif’s recent move to premises at Sydney Airport to be closer to their market has been proved correct as they recently scored record sales for the month of April with the sale of six jet and turboprop aircraft. The aircraft comprised a Falcon 20 jet, three EMB-110 Bandeirantes and two corporate turboprops. Managing Director. Steve Padgett, said “It was almost like an international aviation chess game with all the overseas moves on the board”. Whilst Aeromil’s experience indicates a volatility in the used jet/turbo-prop segment of the market, it also highlights the continuing role and demand for the Bandeirante, particularly for passenger traffic. Aeromil are the Australian agents for Embraer who are the manufacturers of the Bandeirante as well as its big brother the Brasilia. “With more than 460 Bandeirantes fly- ing in 34 countries, including Australia, it has gained an international reputation for reliability economy, performance and flexibility, Steve Padgett added.

1988 Australia’s Bicentennial Year (Courtesy Aopa): Jan 16-31:

Australian National Gliding Championships, Forbes Aerodrome, NSW Contact Mr D. Williams (068) 52 1099.

Jan 22-Feb 13: World Hang Gliding Championships, Mt. Buffalo, Vic. Contact Mr Martin Yeomans (02) 251 2704 Mar 12-21: 1988 Hot Air Balloon Meet, Canberra. Contact Ms Judy Lynne (02) 607 2255.

Mar 30-Apr 15: Flag Inns Bicentennial Trans-Australia Ballooning Challenge, Perth to Sydney. Contact Ruth Wilson (02) 438 3603. Apr 23-May 1: CSR Hinkler Bicentennial Air Race. Around Queensland. Contact (07) 228 4630.

Apr 30-May 1: The Great Bicentenary Tiger Moth Air Race and Air Show-Royal Newcastle Aero Club and Aust. Tiger Club HQ, Maitland, NSW. Contact Bill Hitchcock (049) 49 8189. Sept 9-Oct 2: Bicentennial Around Australia Air Race. Visiting all states/territories. Contact Mr Les Thompson (062) 80 6696.

Oct 12-16: Australian Bicentennial Air Show, Richmond RAAF Base, NSW. Contact Mr lan Honnery (02) 626 6211 Dec 5-8: International Air Safety Seminar, Sydney. Contact Mr G. P. Dell (03) 666 3978.

Mooney 252 Rewriting Speed Record Books:

Manufactured by Mooney Aircraft Corporation in Kerrville, Texas, the 252 is a four-place, single-engine retractable-gear aircraft powered by a Continental 210hp TSIO 350-MB1 engine with Garrett Alresearch intercooler and turbocharger.

Since its its introduction last year the 252 has broken every speed record attempted against other production aircraft in its size, power and to New weight categories. The Mooney 252’s first world speed record came in came in May of last year with a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to York City in 8 hours and 20 minutes, averaging 297mph Theo and trans-Continental flight clipped 3 hours and 36Com 36 minutes off the previous record set by a Beech Bonanza, which averaged 205mph, 97mph slower than the 252 City to 3 In January ’87, four more new records were set in a flight from Kansas y to Washington, DC via St. Louis. Climbing to 28,000, the 252 turned eastbound to cross the Kansas City VOR, then tracked directly to St. Louis and on to Washington, DC. This flight established two international records in the C-1 piston engine category and two records for piston engine land planes weighing 1,000 to 1,750kg (C1-c category) The St. Louis to Washington record was set at a starting 382. 75mph and qualified for a new national category as the fastest piston engine production aircraft over a recognised course. The only piston-powered aircraft holding a higher speed record is the P-51 Mustang

Beech Will Modify Many Bonanzas:

Beech announced during May that it will make a modification to the talls of approximately 5,300 of the 7,200 V-tail Bonanza aircraft still in service. Val Bonanzas were built between 1947 and 1982 and were certified in accordance with federal standards in effect at the time.

The affected V-tails will be modified at company expense. Beech will provide modific abon kits and a labor allowance for installation. AB Vail Bonanzas have been operating at reduced speeds following the issuance of a Beech Safety Communique on October 11, 1986 and a subsequent FAA Airworthiness Directive. The modification programme will prepare affected aircraft to resume their orginal operating speeds, as the company committed it would do in its Safety Communique. In addition to the modifications for those aircraft requiring them, the resumption of of normal V-tal operating speeds must await revision of the FAA’s Air worthiness active issued in October 1986.

Directive The approximately 1,900 V-tail Bonanzas not requiring modifications include the Model 35, A35 and 835 aircraft built between 1947 and 1980 1960. Approximately 5,400 conventional tail Bonanzas built since 1960 are not involved in the modification programme.

The modification results from an extensive Beech testing programme conducted in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration During the test magnitude and distribute small covered that the actual mag. Beech distion of aerodynamic forces on the tails of the affected aircraft differs from those used in the original design and certification process. The resultant modifications include a fuselage-mounted brace positioned over the stabilizer leading edge on C35 through V358 model Bonanzas built between 1951 and 1982 An additional external stabilizer reinforcement will be added to C35 through G35 model Bonanzas manufactured between 1961 and 1956 Due to the age of the majority of the Bonanza fleet, Beech will only authorize work on aircraft with an airworthy fuselage Falcone and empennage Each aircraft will be inspected at Beech’s expense to assure airworthiness. All affected models will get new safety Handbooks to assure placards and revision revisions to Pilot Operating to assure that passenger and baggage loading practices adhere to weight and balance requirements Chan Changes will also include imitation of nose-down trim authority and, on C35 through G35 models, increased tab control cable diameter The modifications restore the affected Bonanzas to their original design strength in relation to newly determined aerodynamic forces. However, no Bonanza has ever been shown to l have failed because of these loads. Accident investigations indicate that Bonanza in-flight failures occur well above red line airspeed, generally as a result of loss of control of the aircraft Australian V-tail Bonanza pilots will be accommodated via Hawker Pacific. For full details contact Ken Ratcliffe on (02) 708 8548.

 SAAB SF340 Cleared for Grass Strip Operations:

Kendell Airlines have gained DotA approval to operate their Saab SF340 airliners on grass runways.

There are two immediate requirements for Kendell Airlines to fly its SF340s into and out of grass runways already operates from gravel strips on its network. The first is the service to Ceduna in SA which has a 15m wide gravel strip with grass edges out to 30m (this being the minimum runway width for Australian SF340 operations) and the second is at Kender’s home base at Wagga, where the main strip is due to be closed for maintenance

Solid Growth Predicted for Us Regionals:

The FAA has released a report which predicts a doubling of US regional airline Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) by 1998. The report also suggests a requirement for a fleet of some 2,087 aircraft as against the 1986 figure of 1,538.

Obviously of great interest to manufacturers in this overpopulated category is the fact that some 550 additional aircraft will be required in the coming decade without even allowing for the replacement of existing types This also is of note as the FAA report suggests that many of the small 10-15 passenger aircraft will be progressively replaced by 18-19 seaters. The report predicts that the number of aircraft carrying 15 passengers or less will drop from 56410 only 186 while the 15-19 seat class will increase marginally from 615 to 707, Of note though is the growth in the larger categories. Aircraft seating 20-40 passengers are predicted to increase from 200 to 662 while aircraft with more than 40 seats will increase from 150 to 532.

Thanks to deregulation and the new generation of high speed pressurised airlines, US regionals are booming. Despite the solid growth and relatively high yields, the regionals are, however, still prone to the same merger pressures as the larger US carriers. Over the past year there has been a rash of buy-outs by competing regionals in addition to several instances of majors buying their smaller dual designator partners to ensure the region doesn’t defect to a rival carrier.

Dual designator status has additionally meant new prestige for regionals as they step up from Chieftains, aged re-engined Convairs and generally a mixed bag of types to the modern high speed pressurised turboprops of today. Dual designator status also opens up new and highly competitive avenues of finance, staff training, aircraft maintenance and overall corporate image. Gone are the father and son outfits in favour of professional though often highly leveraged operations covering numerous states and serving some of the world’s largest airlines Much of the growth that the FAA report predicts originates from the expansion of new services into areas that have in the past generally been denied a reliable air service. Prior to deregulation, infrequent and non-competitive jet services served many smaller towns. When deregulation came many of these marginal services were rapidly axed in favour of expansion onto the major trunk routes. It was several years later that the new airliner types were available and able to profitably link these small ler centres with their nearest hub. Today, the new regional airliners are providing a standard of service, both in equipment and enhanced frequency levels, that is far better than most communities received a decade ago. Rather than being a total product of deregulation, this is looked upon as being more a logical Commercial reaction to the advent of the hub and spoke system in concert with a new generation of small airliners.

 ‘Smithy Flies Again:

Well known ty ing identity Trudy Robins (nee White) and her husband David have been operating the former JBA Aviation facility at Bankstown Airport under its original name Kingsford Smith Aviation for over a year now. The establishment was Originally founded by Charles Kingsford Smith and bore his name. However, over the years the business changed hands several times and the name lapsed though continued 10 be owned by the company. It a nice gesture to see such a distinguished name www. such a resurrected once again Trudy runs the Director y runs the flying part of the operation as who of Flight Operations while David, is a qualified engineer, looks after the engineering and maintenance side of the business. They are in the process of expanding with the acquisition of the Dubbo Flying School and see this as a positive step in being able to offer initial training (PPL) to their city clients in a less crowded environment and as a bonus they can also offer their country clients advanced training not presently available at Dubbo

Rotary Power for Arv?:

ARV Aviation, makers of the diminutive ARV Super 2 (Airtested in this edition) have commenced fight tests using a Norton rotary engine The rotary replaces the specially designed cylinder stroke motor from Hewland Engineering that has recently struck bea problems. Though these have now apparently no bearing been rectified, ARV are interested in the more powerful Norton as it is already a production engine and currently powering the firm’s motorcycles. As well as already being in production the rotary produces 20% more power than the Hewland unit.

Norton are hoping to gain CAA certification by the middle of 1988 and to be able to offer their engine on the Super 2 during the latter half of next year.

Canadair Challenger 601-3A Receives Certification:

Canadair has announced that it has received Canadian and US certification of its new Challenger 601-3A business jet aircraft. The certification of the ar craft by both countries follows a successful tight programme that was completed on schedule. The first sight of the prototype Challenger 601-3A was made September 28, 1986 Compared to the Challenger 601 currently the Challenger 601-3A incorporates four developments: the improved General Electric CF34-3A engine for better climb and hot takeoff performance, fully integrated digital hot day guidance and fight management system installed at the factory; a power-assisted passenger door; and two landing lights mounted in the nose fight Deliveries of the Challenger 601-3A began in May, with the first aircraft going to TAG Aeronautics. The General Electric CF34-3A engine fai-rated to 70°F at sea level will provide improved operational flexibility, even better off performance and the ability to attain higher infill cruise attitudes. To date Cand has delivered 144 Challengers including 83 600s and 61 6015.

Leave It to Beaver:

The De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver has been selected as one of Canada’s 10 major engineering achievements of the past century.

The award was presented by Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney to DHC on behalf on Canada’s Engineering Centennial Year Committee. Worldwide, as many as 1000 Beavers (including 30 in Australia) are still ply their trade, 400 of which remain on the ing Canadian register. In total, 1631 Beavers were ball between 1947 and 1967. Further deliveries of the Turbo Beaver raised this number to 1692 DHC itself hap has never looked better since its takeover by Boeing in early 1986, Since then, Boeng has injected more than $A29m in acquiring new equipment and facilities for the DHC Downsview, Ontario facility while the increased f-number of employees has d from 4400 to some 5300 in less than a year. Meanwhile, Dash 8 production is heading towards ards four aircraft a month and later this year the first stretched Dash 8-300 will fly. The Company is also gearing up to build components for the wide range of existing and future Boeing transports and will eventually be renamed Boeing of Canada Ltd.

Citation Smashes Trans Atlantic Speed Record:

The first Cessna Citation III business jet delivered to France recently established unofficial speed records on its delivery flight from Wichita to Pans.

Gerard Pommier of Euralair International reported a total flight sime of 8 hours and 25 minutes from Wichita to Le Breguet Airport in Pans. This is one hour and 18 minutes faster than the time recorded by a Citation III that established an official speed record during a fight to Paris Air The Euralair crew flew their Cla the Paris Air Show in 1983. their Clation at fight levels of 41,000 ,000 and 45,000 feet during the 4,255 nautical mile trip, and reported total fuel consumption of 11,560 pounds.

Euralair International, based in Paris, is the largest operator of Citations in France, with four. The Citation III will be used in Euralair’s large charter operation throughout Europe.

The Citation III, Cessna’s largest business jet aircraft, received its French certification last October. It is now certified in 12 countries. More than 120 Citation II’s have been delivered since January 1983, establishing it as the best-selling aircraft in its class during the past four years.

 Westwind Crash Inquiry Proves an Information Boon:

Investigations into the crash of a Pel-Air Westwind aircraft into the sea near Sydney in 1985 have reaped a safety and investigation information bonanza for the Department For hypnosis to determine the cause of a crash, gained experience in recovering underwater wreckage, consideration is being given to attaching homing devices to aircraft flight recorder and a dangerous practice has been the first time, the Department used identified.

A prison warder who witnessed the aircraft’s last moments was hypnotised by an experienced NSW Police Department scientific squad officer and was able to give a much fuller account of the aircraft’s fight path and its turn to the left and roll to the right before diving into the sea.

Several months later, when the flight recorder was located, his evidence was confirmed, dispelling suggestions that the aircraft had been sabotaged or was involved in illegal activities BASI personnel described the successful use of hypnosis as encouraging and the DotA would continue research into the value of hypnosis as an investigative tool.

Because the wreckage was strewn over an extensive and indeterminate area, location and recovery of the debris took several months. Scattered over a 200 x 50m area 90m underwater, the wreckage was recovered with the assistance of an expert from the United States States.

This has led to consideration of recording primary radar, ie, radar bouncing back off the aircraft’s skin, because due to technical difficulties air traffic control was unable to where the Pel-Air Westwind went levitation is also being given to feting flight recorders with locating beacons to assist in their recovery and hasten investigations.

Following the tabling to the BASI report into the circumstances of the crash in Federal Parliament, the Department has issued policy advice to to pilots against staging simulated major fight instrument failure at night.

The BASI report found that this practice had contributed to the aircraft’s crash by causing pilot disorientation. A faulty rate of turn indicator- for was also a contributory factor.

People

Mr Steven Collins has been appointed to head the East-West Arines cargo division. Commodore Phillip Mulcare has been appointed as the new Director of Public Information for the DoD. Vice Admiral Lan Knox has been appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF). Major General John Coates has been appointed as Assistant Chief of Del- ence Force (Policy). Air Vice Marshal Peter Scully has been appointed as Assistant Chief of the Defence Force (Operations)

Videos

Report From the Aleutians & Angels in Overalls:

AVI This interesting tape is actually two videos in one. The first part tracks the little reported though fiercely fought battle for the Aleutians. Ironically, watching the footage on the Aleutians takes one back to another war, fought nearly a half-century later at the other end of the world, simply replacing the B-17s, 24s B-17,245 and Airacobras with Sea Hamers, Mirages and Skyhawks and you are in the Falklands The Aleutians footage is excellent and includes some unusual photo work of a combined Fortress/Liberator raid against the heavily defended Japanese facility at Siska. What What makes the footage more unusual is that this is the first time I have ever seen such aircraft used for the low level bombing role, inspiring stuff! Part two of this AVI tape is actually a film dedicated to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Ironically it was made during 1943 then promptly misfiled and not found again till last year! Though the people it was intended for, the wartime production workers in the US, never actually got to see the film we can at least enjoy its message today. The film exudes the authentic charm of the era and this coupled with some excellent t footage certainly makes it one to be enjoyed.

Available from Aviation Video International, olo Tasmanian Film Corp. 1 Bowen Rd, Hobart, TAS, 7009 for only $34. 95+ $4. 00 p&p.

General Dynamics F-16:

AVI This tape is a must for any military aviation enthusiast. Without doubt the F-16 will ultimately go down in history as one of the most versatile fighters ever Developed from a requirement generated by the Vietnam war for a new breed of small, highly agile and relatively inexpensive fighters, the F-16 immediately went on to win more than 3000 orders worldwide. Already a combat veteran of note over the Bekaa Valley, the F-16 provides close-in air defence NATO for more than a dozen nations includ is an excellent tape documents the history of the aircraft and concludes with an actual re-enactment of the Heyl Ha Avir Iraqi nuclear reactor raid. More than anything else, this spectacularly successful raid proved that the diminutive Fighting Falcon is far more than a mere daytime dogfighter.

Available from Aviation Video International. ob Tasmanian Film Corporation, 1 Bowen Road, Hobart, TAS, 7009 for only $34. 95 + $4. 00 p&p.

Off the Flightline:

P. S. Film Productions This one hour tape is a compilation of rare archival footage from a number of sources covering military aviation from another era. The tape for instance includes very rare newsreel footage of our 77 Squadron Meteors in Korea, the first fight of the Avon Sabre at Avalon, a film on th a film on the conversion course for Canberra crews, some excellent Spitfire gun camera film footage and how young RAF pilots could increase their air-to-air prowess by using same in debriefing. We then have the Fleet Ar Arm in action and a USAF airpower demonstration circa, late fifties complete with Hustlers, Starfighters, Demons, Voodoos, Super Sabres, B-52s, a B-47 attempting a loop (?) and KB-50s. We then return to Australia for a day in the life of a Sabre pilot at Williamtown with some excellent ground attack footage combining Vampires, Meteors and Sabres. A in all a very interesting tape that certainly serves to document a host of previously unseen footage.

Available from P. S. Film Productions, PO BOX 326, Croydon, 3136 for $39. 95 + $7. 00 pap.

Books

Challenging Horizons:

John Gunn. This is the second book by John Gunn dealing with the official history of Qantas. Book one, the award-winning The Defeat of Distance, was published in 1985 while the third and final (for the time being at least) volume, which covers the period 1955 to 1970 will be released in October of year.

that Book two covers the turbulent period from 1939 through to ’54 and traces Qantas’ history through the war years. It is the post war period perhaps is most interesting though to many historians as the expanding airline begins to battle burns bureaucracy to ensure that it gets the aircraft it needs, not what the government of the day says it should have for the sake King and Queen Fortunately for history Qantas wins most of these Cabinet Room battles and in so doing lays the foundations for the great international airline it is today.

of If you have the slightest interest in Australian aeronautical history or the remotest interest in Qantas then and the initial volume are a must in your Excellent reading and good value at $38. 95, direct from the University of Queensland Press, PO BOX 42, St. Lucia, 4067 or from most large bookshops.

 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II:

Robert Dorr, Like the Mustang, a generation before it, the MDC F-4 Phantom Il needs no introduction. This 200 page coffee table ty type book narrates the full history of the type in addition to detailing its wide combat experience ranging from Vietnam to the Middle East.

The Phantom of course urse still has a lot of life left in it and in many ways this book can be considered as a mid-life rundown on the type’s history. Such is the true muti-role capability of this aircraft, a facet ably detailed in the book as it fully details the large number of marks and Sub-variants used both in the US and abroad RRP is $34. 95, available from most major bookshops or direct from Princeton Books, PO Box 24, Cheltenham, 3192.

 Lockheed Sr-71 Blackbird:

Paul Crickmore One of the most unique aircraft ever built is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Built to cruise at Mach 3 at altitudes that virtually render it impervious to SAM and defending interceptors, the SR-71, despite its more than twenty years in service, has in recent times taken on an ever greater importance to the US intelligence services. This is due to the present lack of payload launch capability within both NASA and USAF and hence a declining operating base of spy satellites. Ironically the SR-71 is now flying more surveillance missions than at any time in its long and checkered career, a situation that no doubt will continue for several years bill the US till the US launcher programme is finally back to schedule.

RRP is $33. 95, a most interesting and well-illustrated book of some 200 pages, this Osprey production is available from most major bookshops or direct from Princeton Books, PO Box 24, Cheltenham, 3192.

 Mikoyan Mig-21:

Bill Gunston. There are a many books out now on the venerable Fishbed which is not surprising considering it is, and probably always will be, the world’s most prolific jet fighter.

This 200 page book is one of the better MIG-21 efforts though by far. It contains a wealth of excellent Bustrations including 160 black and white photos with an additional 12 in full colour, some of which have never been printed before.

RRP is $33. 95, available at most major bookshops or direct from Princeton Books, PO Box 24, Cheltenham, 3192.

 Mikoyan Mig-23/27 Flogger:

Bill Gunston. Another of the Osprey combat aircraft series by Bill ‘Book A Day Gurston. These little ones represent excellent value and detail the history and systems of a wide range of modern combat aircraft.

This latest book, on the Flogger family of MIGs, covers every facet of the aircraft and is a viable complement to the larger Osprey combat aircraft series. The MiG-23/27 of course Is numerically and tactically one of the most important of the Soviet bloc combat aircraft and a thorough understanding of its capabilities is certainly a byproduct of this book.

RRP is $14. 95, available from most bookshops or direct from Princeton Books, PO Box 24, Cheltenham, 3192. .