Newsdesk – General Aviation

Us GA Black Hole Grows Blacker:

In what appears to be a never-ending slide, the USGA industry has recorded substantially lower sales for the first three quarters of 1987 than for the same period in the previous year. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that up till the September quarter only 795 aircraft had been shipped as against more than 1000 a year ago. It is now anticipated that 1987 will be the first year since the nineteen thirties that fewer than a thousand GA class aircraft were produced by US manufacturers. Essentially the attrition or retirement rate now significantly exceeds the new build rate. One interesting trend to emerge this year though was that while overall shipments were down, sale value was up by more than a third with an increase in the movement of high value corporate jet and turboprop equipment at the expense of the piston classes. Accordingly. piston twins were down by 15% while singles were down by more than 40%, a reflection more on the sheer lack of availability of the type more than their unpopularity. Certainly the only thing that is keeping the Beech and Cessna GA Divisions anoat are the strong sales of their up-market jet and propjet types. Piper meanwhile have boldly placed back into production the Warrior, Archer, Arrow, Dakota, Saratoga and Seneca and planned to ship up to 300 aircraft during 1987. Piper is still producing the Cheyenne IIIA and the 400LS and has just dropped the price on the latter aircraft to under $US2m to stimulate sales. Piperis also talking with Rinaldo Piaggio as to joining in the Avanti (refer p. 61, Nov AA) programme as a half share partner. Additionally, the sales star of the Piper fleet, the Malibu, is to be produced in a turboprop version using a flat-rated P&W PT6A-11 of 400shp. This will provide a cruise speed of 240kts at 25,000ft and would sell for around $A1m fully equipped. Despite the fact that Piper is gearing up for the future their fate is regrettably typical of the plight of the USGA industry this decade. From the heady days of the sixties and seventies when Piper were building up to 5,000 aircraft annually and employing over 8,000 people at three major plants, they can now barely ship 300 units in a single year and employ a mere 750 people at their sole Vero Beach, Florida facility.

Aeromil Finish a Bright 1987:

Regional Embraer agents, Sydney-based Aeromil, have rounded off a bright 1987. Adding to Aeromil’s fortunes is the fact that the Bandeirante appears to be rapidly becoming the de facto Chieftain/C402 replacement of the coming decade as many smaller commuters move up to propjet equipment. The Bandit population has been increasing rapidly these past two years and Aeromil hope to have up to 15 operating in Australia come January 1st with over 30 in the entire SE Asian/ Australasian/Pacific basin region that embraces Aeromil’s sales territory. In Australia the type is operated by Sunstate. Lloyds, Skywest, Bassair, Hazelton, Eastern and Flight West while Eagle Airways in NZ are planning to increase their Bandit fleet to 5 aircraft over the coming year. To further provide product support, Aeromil is investing in a $3m spares facility which will also set the scene for future Brasilia support. Aeromil have also recently purchased a Citation II for corporate character work and are preparing to expand their specialist charter/management division through 1988.

Hawker Pacific Wins Central Mapping Contract:

Hawker Pacific has been awarded a 5 year contract by the NSW State Government to provide the operational and maintenance facilities for the Central Mapping Authority’s (CMA) aerial survey aircraft. The contract involves the provision of aircrew for the CMAS Cessna 421C based in Bathurst. Maintenance will be carried out at Bankstown with engineers being sent to Bathurst when required. The Cessna was purchased by the NSW Government five years ago for aerial photography. The CMA provides the navigator and camera operator. The Photogrammetric Division of CMA is responsible for providing aerial photographs, compiling standard topographical maps, and producing project maps to meet the needs of various government departments, ranging from large-scale maps of future expressways for the DMR, to maps of possible airport sites for the Commonwealth Department of Administrative Services.

Light Aircraft Future Set for Study:

A joint industry/government study group is to report on the Australian light aircraft industry. Under the auspices of the Aerospace Industry Council, the group will report on the structure of the industry, the potential for growth and the impediments facing the industry and various strategies for growth. The study is timely because many firms and individuals in Australia are pursuing initiatives to develop and market new aircraft and engines. However, little information was available on the size, structure and activities of the light aircraft industry. This then makes it difficult for companies engaged in designing such aircraft to attract venture finance when so little base information is available for undertaking a proper market evaluation study, to be completed by the end of March, will cover all manned light aircraft up to 5700kg max takeoff weight and would include helicopters, gliders, airships, balloons and hang gliders. The potentially viable area of larger ultralights would also be investigated for their suitability as ab initio PPL trainers operating in a company with full certification standard light aircraft from regular airfields. The study group consists of John Corby of Transavia, lan Dickson of the Australian Light Aircraft Development Council, Mel Dunn of the DTC, Wayne Gregson of DITAC and Dr Lincoln Wood of RMIT. One aircraft project that would certainly benefit from closer evaluation is the Platypus glider of Harry Schneider Negotiations are still continuing between Harry’s firm and the Gliding Federation of Australia as to launching a share issue to develop the aircraft further. If put into series production at a rate of 24 airframes a year, it is envisaged that a fully equipped Platypus would sell for around $50,000 or about half that of an equivalent import. A powered version of the basic Platypus is also under investigation and this could fulfil PPL training roles in addition to attracting a large international market as a powered self-launch glider. At time of closing for press, it was noted that discussions had taken place between Harry Schneider’s firm and ASTA, who with their massive, and largely unused, composite bonding facility would be ideally set up to co-develop, market and produce a number of Platypus variants.

New Review of Safety Regulations Will Also Examine Licence Suspension Issue:

The often contentious area of licence suspensions while pending investigation issue is to be fully examined in the forthcoming review of aviation regulatory safety regulations by the DTC. There are around 50,000 holders of pilot licences in Australia and generally no more than one or two licences are cancelled each year for reasons other than medical grounds. Suspension of a licence while the actions of a pilot are investigated is a more common occurrence however and one that continually creates considerable ill will between the Department and all who earn their living through aviating. Primary reason for the aggravation is simply that essentially a ‘guilty till proven innocent’ situation is enforced while no compensation is offered to the ‘offending’ pilot while he or she is grounded if that pilot is later cleared of any offence.

The Department is now actively considering the Canadian system where an alleged offender’s actions are classified into one of three categories. Two of the categories are deemed serious and are dealt with in a civil court by a regular judge while the third involves analysis by the Transport Minister who either suspends the offender’s licence or allows its continuation till a hearing on the matter is finalised.

Helicopter Association of Australia

Australian Aviation has been appointed the official organ of the Helicopter Association of Australia. The HAA is the primary industry body representing the growing rotary wing community in Australia. Through our pages we hope to be able to better convey the HAA’s numerous policy objectives and so help in gaining the regional helicopter industry a better deal. The HAA is the fifth prestigious Australian aerospace trade organisation in the last eight months to have selected Australian aviation as their official organ. We are honoured to be able to service the HAA in this capacity.

Monster Air Spectacular for Taree:

The NSW rural township of Taree is to stage a Bicentennial air show on Saturday 21st May planning has gone into the event and the show will have a considerable number of civil, GA and military aircraft in attendance A campfire type night of entertainment is also planned and any pilots wishing to fly-in are more than welcome. For further information phone (065) 52 2744.

 Missing Falcon:

Our Bizjet Census on p. 103 of the November issue omitted a Falcon 200. The missing aircraft was the Goodman’s 200, registered ZK-MAY which arrived in NZ in January 1987 though operates for much of its time in Australia. Falcon distributors, Hawker Pacific also plan to deliver a second 900, and at least one more 200 plus two 100 series Falcons during the coming year. The company also takes delivery of its first Beechjet in late January following the aircraft’s display at the Asian Aerospace show in Singapore. Another imminent addition to the local bizjet community will be Australia’s second Canadair Challenger. Not a new GE-powered 601, but a 600 Model destined to be based in Perth for use by Kerry Stokes. As the Challenger fleet slowly grows it is still the word in Canberra that a mix of 737-300s and Challenger 601s will take out the eventual VIP bid. If they do, it will be consistent for the Canadian firm which has sold quite a few of its aircraft to governmental agencies over the past three years.

Cessna Usher in Citation V:

Cessna have launched a new highly upgraded version of the Citation SII to their family of successful corporate jets. Designated the Citation V, the new member of the Cessna jet family is essentially a more powerful, stretched and faster version of the established Sil. Powered by 2,900lb thrust Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines, the Citation V features a fuselage that is almost two feet longer than the Citation SII. The additional length improves the 8 passenger, double-club seating arrangement by providing greater legroom and more space for reclining seats and cabinetwork. Additionally, the V comes complete with what have previously been over half a million dollars worth of options. Included as standard are Category II avionics, thrust reversers, integrated autopilot and flight guidance system, EFIS in the pilot’s panel, Global GNS- X nav management system, engine synchronizers, expanded oxygen system, dual transponders and even an in-flight telephone. The Citation V cruises at nearly 500mph and will be certificated to an altitude of 45,000ft. The V can climb to 41,000ft in just under 24 minutes at max operating weight. First flight of the V was in August while full FAA certification is anticipated by the end of 1988 for an entry to service during early next year.

Aerobatics as Part of the Ppl?:

Readers of Australian Aviation may have noticed a new style of Pilot Course being advertised by the Sydney Aerobatic School

The new Course integrates the training required for a Restricted Private Pilots Licence with the School’s popular Basic Aerobatic Course, wherein student pilots are taught basic aerobatics as an integral part of their flying training, much like the current RAAF Basic Pilot Course. The Sydney Aerobatic School’s Chief Flying Instructor, Noel Kruse, who is an ex RAAF Fighter Instructor, has grown tired of the ‘standard’ attitude that aerobatics is some form of stunt or trick flying that certain daredevils do after they have leamed to fly. As far as Noel is concerned aerobatics IS learning to fly and should be taught from the beginning. To quote Noel, “The world’s Air Forces have known this since forever, and civilian flying schools have been short-changing their customers all of that time”. Whilst a pilot may not wish to pursue aerobatics as a sport, knowledge of correct aerobatic techniques and an ability to fly the basic manoeuvres enhances confidence and ability in anything else undertaken, be it navigation, instrument training or multi-engine flying. It is a sad fact that too many of our young commercial pilots, despite their twin endorsements and their Instrument Ratings, do not know how to fly their aeroplanes property- they have been let down by the Schools that undertook to teach them to fly, considers Noel. “The message to all potential airline pilots is simple learn to fly properly first. And to the straight and level drivers who excuse themselves by believing aerobatics has no place in airline operations – ask yourselves how come the airlines have always preferred military-trained pilots?” states Noel

1988:Australia’Sbicentennialyear (Courtesy Aopa):

Jan 16: Bicentennial Forbes Air Show. (068)52 2444. Jan 16-31: Australian National Gliding Championships, Forbes Aerodrome, NSW. Contact Mr D Williams (068) 52 1099. Jan 17: Peninsula Aero Club Air Show, Tyabb, Vic. (059) 77 4406. Jan 22-Feb 13: World Hang Gliding Championships, Mt Buffalo, Vic. Contact Mr Martin Yeomans (02) 251 2704. Feb 13-14: Vic/Tas. Region Fly-in, Latrobe Valley Aerodrome. (051) 34 1475. Mar 12-13: Great Southern Air Race, held in Western Victoria. Starts at Ballarat and finishes at Cobden Air Pageant. (053) 39 1742. Mar 12-14: Cobden Air Pageant and Family Festival at Cobden, Vic. (055) 95 1340. Mar 12-21: 1988 Hot Air Balloon Meet, Canberra. (02) 607 2255. Mar 13: Canberra Air Pageant, Canberra Airport. Contact and further information Alan Barr, Canberra Air Pageant, PO Box 173, Civic Square, ACT 2608. Phone (062) 49 1277. Mar 18-19: Australian Light Aircraft Championships at Latrobe Valley Aero Club, Morwell, Vic. (062) 80 6696. Mar 18-19-20: Australian Light Aircraft Championships at Latrobe Valley Aero Club. Contact John Willis (051) 74 2591. Mar 30-Apr 15: Flag Inns Bicentennial Trans-Australia Ballooning Challenge, Perth to Sydney. (02) 438 3603. Apr 3: Wangaratta Bicentennial Easter Show. Contact Stephen Yates (057) 21 8788. Apr 6-10: Australian Women Pilots’ Association AGM to be held in Sydney. 19 Flatrock Road, Gymea Bay 2227. Apr 9: Man from Snowy River Festival Air Show, Cooma Aerodrome. Sponsored by the Cooma Rotary Club. (064) 52 2634 AH.

Apr 23-May 1: CSR Hinkler Bicentennial Air Race. Around Queensland. (07) 228 4630. Apr 30-May 1: The Great Bicentenary Tiger Moth Air Race and Air Show-Royal Newcastle Aero Club and Australian Tiger Club HQ, Maitland, NSW. (049) 49 8189.

May 12-14: The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia Annual Conference, Bundaberg, Qld. (062) 80 6696.

May 21: The Manning and Great Lakes Bicentennial Air Spectacular. Contact J. A. Treadwell (065) 52 2744.

Jun 4-5-6. Port Hedland Bicentennial Air Race and Display. (091) 72 2488.

Aug 6: Air Show at Proserpine Aerodrome. Whitsunday Aero Club (079) 45 1214.

Aug 6-7. 1988 Sunshine State Air Race. Details Maroochy Aero Club, PO Box 64, Maroochydore. Phone (071) 43 1379 BH. Aug 20-21: The Redcliffe Aero Club Bicentennial Open Weekend and Air Show Spectacular. (07) 203 1777.

Sep 18-Oct 1: Bicentennial Around Australia Air Race. Visiting All States/Territories. Contact Mr Les Thompson (062) 80 6696. Sep 24-25: Donnington Country Fly-in, Donnington Airpark, Woodstock, Qld. (077) 78 8726. PO Box 10, Aitkenvale 4814.

Oct 9-15: FAI 81st General Conference, Sydney. RFACA, (062) 80 6696.

Oct 10-16: IAOPA World Assembly, Sydney. Contact (062) 80 4221.

Oct 12-16: Australian Bicentennial Air Show. Richmond RAAF Base, NSW. (02) 626 6211. Nov 19: Moruya – Neil Lassau and Bill Park Memorial Trophy Day. (044) 74 2182.

Dec 5-8: International Air Safety Seminar, Sydney. Contact Mr G Dell (03) 666 3978.

People

Mr Ken Morton has been appointed as the Public Relations Manager for Air New Zealand. Mr Edward Jesudason has been appointed as the new Regional Manager for SIA. Mr Jon Hartley has resigned as GM of East-West though will remain as a Director, his role has been taken over by Mr Neil Berkett. Air New Zealand’s Managing Director, Mr Norman Geary, has been appointed the President of IATA. Mr Paul Cooper replaces Mr Graham Rock as Manager of Commercial Sales at Hawker Pacific, Mr Rock meanwhile becomes the Manager for the Aviation Spares Division of HP. Mr Dennis Howe resigned from Australian Airlines during October. Mr Rick Mingramm has been appointed as Cargo Sales Manager for Australian Airlines Victoria while Mr Ray McDowell has taken the NSW position. The Federal Airports Corporation has announced a number of management postings at its many airports. The new Managers of the following FAC airports will be: Mr Peter Snelling/KSA, Mr Howard Knox/Bankstown, Hoxton Park & Camden, Mr John Taylor/Tullamanne, Mr Brian Lee/Brisbane, Mr Graeme Owens/ Essendon, Mr David Stack/Moorabbin, Mr Phillip Cash/Archerfield, Mr Maurie Rowe/ Coolangatta, Mr Jack Moffatt/Adelaide, Mr Bill Brook/Parafield, Mr Allan Mulgrew Perth, Mr Michael Lennon/Jandakot and Mr Bernard Lynch/Tasmania. In addition, the FAC has appointed four GMs to its HQ in Rosebery, Sydney. They are Mr John Spen- cer (Planning & Corporate Affairs). Mr Ellis Keil (Technical & Standards). Mr Barry Thompson (GA) and Mr David Davies (Personnel).

Videos

 The Hornet:

PS Film Productions This one-hour tape includes a wide mix of overseas and local footage dedicated to the McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet. In all it represents a comprehensive documentation of the initial development of the aircraft from the Northrop YF-17 and P530 Cobra through to the operational aircraft that we know today. The tape also documents the wide-ranging implications to Australian industry that the Hornet decision was responsible for. Hornet is available from PS Film Productions, PO BOX 326, Croydon, 3136, RRP is $39. 95. VH-AEF

Combat Cameraman & Chopper Pilot:

AVIThis twin-topic tape is yet another in the AVI Modern Airpower series. The tape includes official USAF footage describing the role of the combat cameraman and how photography has been used through the years to not only document military history but to also better be able to evaluate weapon systems and their effectiveness. In this regard the tape includes some excellent footage shot during the Vietnam War from F-48 and F-105s including air-to-air engagements with MiGs north of the border. The second part of the tape essentially is a US Army film depicting the selection, training and deployment of US Army helicopter pilots. This tape would certainly be of great interest to anybody who has ever learnt the art of taming the helicopter and might well be useful for all those budding future ADF chopper pilots with an eye for the life within the Green Machine! Available direct from AVI, 1st Floor, 2 Drewery Pl, Melbourne, 3000. RRP is $38. 95 which includes postage.