Newsdesk – General Aviation

“Already, several starting dates which were nominated by Amann Aviation itself have passed, and commencement of operations by September 12, the latest date, is becoming increasingly impossible”, claimed Mr Lloyd.

At press time, Australian Aviation believed that all 11 aircraft, comprising 8 Rockwell 6818 and 3 turboprop 690s, were still in the USA with the first not realistically expected to arrive before mid to late August. The 681 has also to gain local DotA certification, a process which can take upwards from one month to six depending upon prevailing circumstances. Furthermore, it is believed that the bubble window and drop hatch modifications to the pressurised 690 have to have their Supplementary Type Certificates (STC) revalidated.

The awarding of the very important Coastwatch contract to Amann Aviation, a company which, at the time of winning the contract, was totally unknown in aviation circles, had no aviation assets, no operator’s licence, no ground engineering licence and no aviation expertise other than its owner being a private pilot, has been a continuing source of dismay amongst the established GA community. The matter has also been raised in the Parliament and Senate on several occasions and generally has become a source of embarrassment to all concerned as it so recently follows on from the Defence Support and Hercules fiascos.

General Aviation Association

Australian Aviation has been appointed the official organ of the General Aviation Association of Australia.

The GAA is well known for its work in obtaining a better deal for its wide-ranging membership. When it is considered that GAA membership encompasses everything from charter to commuter operators and their primary problems revolve around often ill-informed decisions made by local, state and federal bureaucracies, then the task of GAA is indeed a vitally important one.

Australian Aviation is honoured to be able to support the GAA and will feature a special news column – Commercial Aviation Update – in each issue to further promote the aims and objectives of the Association.

Sanity Wins The Day In Ga Cost Recovery Battle:

The Dept of Aviation finally bowed to the almost unanimous wishes of the GA community recently when it verified the introduction of an avgas fuel surcharge in place of the previously mooted airways/ movements charges system.

The new system became effective on July 1 and features a 3. 9c per litre fuel surcharge on avgas. Gone are annual Air Navigation Charges (which had to be paid irrespective of how much flying a particular aircraft did), statutory liens (which cost the DotA money to pursue) and of course landing and airway usage charges. This is in essence the simple to implement and recover system that AOPA put forward to the Department back in 1982.

Aircraft burning avtur will continue to pay landing fees on the same basis as regular airliners while GA avgas burners landing at major airports operated by the FAC will also be liable for landing charges. However, with the long-term future of the FAC in doubt, it is still unclear exactly how this ruling will be effected in real terms.

 Sale Of Piper Finalised:

Following the purchase of Lear Siegler by Fortsmann Little & Co, Piper has been sold to Romeo Charlie, a Californian entrepreneurial firm dealing mainly in the electronics and computer field.

Owner of Romeo Charlie, Stewart Millar, has verified that he will be involved in the day-to-day running of Piper and that the firm will move to reinstate production of single-engined light aircraft as soon as practical. Piper presently is building only the Malibu and a small number of Cheyenne turboprops. The firm had been in financial trouble for many years following the collapse of the US GA industry during the early eighties. In the past year alone Piper has furloughed over 1000 personnel and this year is expected to deliver fewer than 200 aircraft.

Pacific Corporate Expansion:

Pacific Aviation has announced an expansion of its corporate charter business thanks to a series of agreements reached between it and several other corporate charter companies in Asia, Europe, Great Britain and the USA.

This, in combination with the use of Ansett Airline’s ‘Ansamatic’ bookings computer, means that Pacific can offer a 24 hours, seven days-a-week service virtually all over the world. The company claims it can have a jet aircraft available for a client within 90 minutes and a piston-engined type within an hour of receiving a booking.

In Australia, Pacific Aviation has its own FBO terminals in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and in other cities has access to Ansett’s Golden Wing Lounges. The local fleet comprises two British Aerospace 1258 (a -700 and an -800) and two Lear 35As. Various cross-charter agreements can expand this fleet as required, and the company offers many associated services such as handling ongoing airline and accommodation bookings, customs and immigration clearances and organising seminars.

Pacific Aviation is jointly owned by Ansett Transport Industries and Australian Consolidated Press and is the Australian representative for the BAe 125, the Fairchild Metro/Merlin and the Piper range of aircraft plus the MBB Bo105 and MBB-Kawasaki BK117 helicopters.

Aerospatiale Helicopters Australia Becomes Official Socata Distributor:

Aerospatiale Helicopters of Australia have taken over the distribution rights to the French Socata range of light aircraft.

To boost their demonstrator fleet AHA have ordered two Tobagos and two Trinidad and have also boosted the spares inventory to ensure that parts are available on a same-day basis as they are now available for the AHA helicopter range.

The Socata range comprises four types. The 160hp Tampico light tourer and trainer, the 180hp Tobago, the 250hp Trinidad RG and the Trinidad TC which is turbocharged for additional performance in hot and high conditions.

This latest move follows an international campaign to increase Socata’s sales throughout the world During 1987 the French company will, for instance, increase its US presence from 10 dealers to 30 as it moves to fill the void left by the traditional US GA manufacturers.

AH SO!

Trying to teach people the art of flying helicopters is no easy task, even at the best of times. Imagine how this would be though if you are teaching people with little real grasp of the English language.

Ray Cronin, the driving force behind Moorabbin’s Kestrel Aviation helo flight training school knows just how this feels. Seizing the opportunity offered by a devalued Australian dollar against the extremely strong Yen, he has tapped a new offshore training market. Ray is offering a full training package to CPL status in addition to giving the trainees a far better grasp of ‘real’ English rather than the stereotypical version they would have learnt in Japan.

Australian Aviation applauds Ray’s foresight and suggests that there is a considerable overseas market available to Australia if only we would go out and tap it – come on all you CFI’s what are you waiting for?

Twin Pioneers Come Back From The Dead:

Visitors to Bankstown airport in recent years will no doubt have noticed a ghost squadron of decaying Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneers. That these once lovely aircraft were rotting away was always a source of pity to many who wondered why they could not be better employed. We are thus happy to report that they have been saved from extinction by a new company called Capricom Air.

Capricorn Air is the brainchild of Sydney film guru, Ralph Clark. Ralph is the Australian movie industry’s Mr Fixit. Whatever you need and wherever you need it, he can do it and with his fleet of refurbished Twin Pioneers he will now be able to offer a service previously not available in Australia The Twin Pioneers have many traits ideally tailored to their new role. They are fully STOL and can fly at very low airspeeds while the large rear cargo doors also allow the fitment of cameras for use as a camera platform. Configured for the carnage of up to 16 passengers or 2 tonnes of freight, the Twin Pioneers are virtually not limited by airstrip restrictions, curfew or main base support facilities.

In addition to their movie industry charter role, the airline is also planning a series of champagne and chicken flights over Sydney that should revitalise what was once a popular tradition.

Ashley’s Unique Aviation Computer Systems:

A recent exhibitor on the Australian stand at the Paris Air Show, Ashley Computer Services of Mornington, Vic have a range of easily accessible aviation databases that are not only useful to operators here in Australia but also have export potential as some are unique.

ACAMS (Ashley Computerised Aviation Maintenance System) is networked worldwide and is a mainframe-based data information system that has been designed by licensed LAME’s for aircraft maintenance organisations and aircraft operators.

It offers users access to a complete technical reference library including ANO’s, SB’s. IPC’s. etc. Therefore, operators who may be licensed to maintain and repair a particular plane but who do not have the relevant up to date maintenance and parts manuals can now take on the work, as ACAMS contains manuals for about 200 different aircraft types, plus all Current airworthiness documentation and service information. It is updated daily and all you need to access it is a PC system and modem.

Potentially, one of the biggest selling points is that it keeps an audit trail of access to the system. So if and when an accident happens. hard copy evidence is available as to whether the owner or operator was aware of a new ANO or defect notice on his plane and if he was aware and took no action, the manufacturer would be absolved from public liability responsibility.

ACAS (Ashley Computerised Aviation Spares) and ACFIS (Ashley Computerised Floating Inventory System) are also available. ACAS shortens the time needed to track down spares by having an on-line up to the minute listing of parts held by distributors right around the world. ACFIS is an inventory system with information available on consumable and rotable items.

It is good to see Australian companies actively marketing world-class products to the world and hopefully with the help of a devalued dollar, small companies like Ashley will continue to be able to explore these much needed foreign markets.

Sir Humphreys Win the Day as Govt Scuttles Departmental Investigation:

Despite the fact that it had attracted 808 responses from dissatisfied members of the aviation community, the Federal Government has decided to scuttle the investigation into the DotA being carried out by the Expenditure Review Committee.

The Committee itself was alarmed by this move considering that many of the more serious allegations into gross inefficiency, non-accountability and decisions affecting safety were now being swept under the carpet. According to the Inquiry’s own consultant, there are still 142 submissions that warrant investigation at public hearings.

To offset criticism the Minister has moved over the past year to promote the eventual establishment of a Civil Aviation Corporation which would also include a thorough rewriting of the ANO’s and ANR’s in addition to a reorganisation of Flight Standards. Like the ill-fated FAC, many aviation observers feel they will not live long enough to see the light of day when such a new and vitally reformed CAC takes wing. The verdict Bureaucrats 1, Aviators nil!

GE and Garrett Team to Produce New Corporate Engine:

General Electric and Garrett have teamed to produce a new 5,600lb thrust turbofan engine for future executive aircraft.

The new joint company estimates that between 1991 and 2010 some 2000 new business jets in the 25,000lb to 35,000lb gross takeoff weight class will be produced. All of which will need a new, more developed engine than that which is presently available.

Designated the CFE738, the new engine will utilise GE’s existing GE27 core, a 6,000shp class turboshaft engine being developed by GE under contract for the US Army’s Modern Technology Demonstrator Engine Programme. The new engine’s fan and low-pressure turbine systems will be designed and produced by Garrett.

Growth variants will ultimately produce up to 7,000lb thrust while the engine, which is due to be certificated in 1991, will slot in nicely between the 5,400lb thrust ATF3-6 (Falcon 200) and the GE CF34 which powers the Canadair Challenger 601. AVIATION

Abaa Host Business Conference:

The Australian Business Aircraft Association are to host their first annual business aviation conference at the Melbourne Hilton Hotel on the 2nd and 3rd December. The conference will host a number of key speakers including Mr John Winant of the International Business Aircraft Association. The ABAA also hope to attract many potential corporate aircraft operators who might like to take the opportunity to learn more about corporate aviation. For more information phone (03) 374 1141.

New Fuel Saver Could Save You Money:

A new digital computerised fuel management system for GA aircraft could be just the thing now that a fuel surcharge is in operation.

Marketed by Tom Boyd’s Global organisation at Essendon, the Miniflow is an extremely small unit that provides the pilot with a digital readout of fuel flow with a low fuel warning added as an active safety enhancer. The device also gives the pilot a far better idea of whether or not he has leaned the aircraft correctly. As all GA pilots know, this can affect the fuel burn on a long flight considerably and is something that should never be taken for granted.

The Human Factor:

The revised Flight Standards Division of the DotA handling the Aviation Safety Digest certainly need congratulating under the editorship of David Robson.

The of Crash Comic is looking very professional these days and their latest Special, entitled The Human Factor, is one of the best safety education tools we have seen. Every licenced pilot will automatically receive a copy of this very thought-provoking compilation of why we crash planes rather than how they crash themselves. All good honest stuff and excellent reading. If you are a student pilot then ensure that your flight instructor gets you a copy.

People

Gareth Evans is now Minister for Transport & Communications, which also includes Aviation. Peter Morris meanwhile has become Minister for Resources. Peter Duncan will serve as a junior Minister to Gareth Evans. Both Dr Peter Wilenski and Collin Freeland will be working closely with Gareth Evans on specific aviation-related matters. Mrs Ros Kelly has been appointed as a junior Minister to Kim Beazley specialising in matters concerning Defence Personnel and Science. Mrs Pauline Sanderson has been appointed to the Board of Hawker Pacific. Mrs Sanderson is also manager of HP’s spares division. Mr Ferd Spenkels has been appointed the new regional manager for Fokker, he replaces Klaas Lancee who has returned to Holland. Mr Simon Hutcheson has been appointed as General Manager of Michael Kellaway & Associates. Mr Alan Rowe has been appointed as Director of Ansett’s Pacific Airline Divi- sion replacing John Buchanan who has retired. Also in the Group, Val North takes on the role of Marketing Manager, lan Lennie as Commercial Manager and Barry Wilcox continues as Operations and Services Manager. Mr John Pearce has been appointed as General Manager of Composite Industries. Mr Bruce Teague has been appointed as Executive Officer for the GAA, replacing Barry Thompson who has now joined the FAC. Mr Sean McNamara has been appointed as United Airlines public relations manager for Australia.

Books

Flight of the Intruder:

Stephen Coonts.

This excellent novel of men and war is presently on the US Best Sellers list and for good reason. By far the best air war book this writer has ever read on the Vietnam War and one that is all the more remarkable for its technical authenticity.

Authenticity of course is easy for author, Stephen Coonts, as he spent a tour as an A-6 Intruder pilot based aboard the USS Enterprise in the Gulf of Tonkin. His stunning description of modern air combat and the futility of much of the Vietnam air war are ably painted by this very fine author. If you enjoy novels of this ilk then don’t miss this one. As a further endorsement of this, it is interesting to note that Paramount has secured the rights to make a movie based on the book. In the meantime though-read the book.

Available from most bookshops at a RRP of $24. 95 a paperback edition is expected later this year.

Aviation Law Association

Australian Aviation has been appointed the official organ of the long-established Aviation Law Association of Australia.

The Aviation Law Association conducts a number of highly informative seminars throughout the year and is particularly important as a means of liaison between members on a wide range of aeronautical and commercial legal matters.

Australian Aviation is honoured to be able to support the Aviation Law Association and will feature a special news column -Aviation Briefs- from the November edition to further promote the aims and objectives of this influential body.

The History of New Zealand Aviation:

New Zealand Wings.

Spanning the breadth and depth of NZ aviation, from the fledgling ultralight movement through to the military and the heavy jet environment of Air New Zealand, this 292p book is indeed a unique and valuable reference work.

Additionally, it is lavishly illustrated with over 300 photographs, many of which are in colour. In fact, to our knowledge, this is the only complete combined history available of New Zealand’s civil and military aviation. Available direct from NZ Wings, PO Box 120, Otaki, NZ for a RRP of $NZ49. 95.

Beyond The blue Horizon:

Alexander Frater. On our modern one-stoppers to London, it is difficult to reconcile the long lost notions from- ance and adventure once associated with long distance air transport.

In 1935, for instance, it took two weeks to fly from Sydney to London. Indeed it was a tremendous adventure that transited some of the most fascinating places on this Earth. Passengers would fly during the day then land at nightfall for transfer to a first class hotel with dinner to match. Alexander Frater, as chief travel writer for the London Observer, undertook to recreate this legendary air route using carriers still connecting each of the Imperial Route ports. The result is a highly amusing tale of adventure.

His snapshot impressions of the modern world are intermingled with recollections of the grand old Imperial Airways days when passengers dined on oysters and champagne and were courteously greeted at every stop by white gloved officials.

The journey is fraught with minor perils as Frater travels through 20 nations encountering innumerable bumbling bureaucrats, inebriated passengers, eccentric pilots and inclement weather conditions. Overall, a very good yarn that captures air travel as how it almost used to be.

Available from most bookshops for a RRP of $12. 95.

Videos

Becoming a Pilot:

Beyond Video Learning to fly is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, study and application to get it all together. Therefore any aid to enhancing the understanding of what you are trying to achieve, both in the air and on the ground, has to be considered a worthwhile asset.

Just such an aid is this latest educational video by Beyond Video. Becoming a Pilot outlines much of what is involved in PPL pilot training. The tape commences with the all important preflight and leads on to taxying. climbing, straight and level flight, turns, stalling. incipient spins, circuit procedures and the go-around. All in all a helpful educational tool that every flying school could well have available for its students.

Available direct from Beyond Video, PO Box 326, Croydon, 3136 for $39. 95 plus $7. 00 freight charge.

The Gentle Touch:

DotA This is the second air safety video to be produced by the DofA’s special safety education unit and as the title implies it concentrates on the all-important landing phase of flight. The unit’s first video, on basic pilot awareness and attitudes was very well received within the GA and aero club community and no doubt this latest effort will also. Whether you are an ab initio or a grizzled veteran, you will find this video entertaining and thought provoking.

The Gentle Touch is available to aero clubs and similar training organisations free of charge, simply contact your regional DotA air safety officer for full details.