Newsdesk – General Aviation

These charges go well beyond the concept of cost recovery and have elicited a strong protest. Following unsuccessful discussions between industry organisations and the FAC with a view to reducing the fees to a more realistic level, the most radical protest lies with the 10,000 strong Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA) which follow- ing meetings with operators and pilots at Bankstown and Archerfield airports, has resolved simply to refuse to pay the new fees AOPA’s president, Mr Peter Patroni, said “this drastic action reflects the frustration of general aviation which simply cannot afford the ever increasing costs being imposed by the government through its newly formed Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the FAC. . . the industry is clearly saying it has had enough and perhaps the government will now listen and react to the very real problems facing aviation before their cost recovery policies cause irreparable damage to the aviation industry and the aviation services to the nation. Our arguments appear to fall on deaf ears and if this is the only language the government understands then AOPA fully supports it”.

A new organisation has been formed as a result of the problem, the General Aviation Support Party (GASP), which is supported by AOPA, the General Aviation Association and the Australian Business Aircraft Association GASP’s aim is to operate as a lobby group and to make general aviation a political issue by way of an extensive public relations campaign and the services of a professional lobbyist. The General Aviation Association itself is collating information for a Senate Inquiry and ultimately a High Court challenge to the FAC, while GASP is looking for funds to support its lobby and PR programme The whole issue of cost recovery (or ‘over recovery’ as it has turned out to be) is at last coming to a head with interested parties finally seeming to organise themselves in a manner which may have some long term effect on what must be the greediest government this country has ever seen. Its philosophy seems to be to milk dry any sector of business which does not appear to have viable political clout- and therefore effect at the ballot box- and GA has fallen into this category. Perhaps now GA can prove itself to be a force which is capable of damaging the government’s prime interest-to be re-elected

Longer Legs for Newly Launched RJ:

With the basic specification of Canadair’s 50 passenger RJ (Regional Jet) now about frozen and with its first orders booked, the company is now looking at an increased gross weight and longer range version of the aircraft The initial RJ-a stretched airliner derivative of the Challenger corporate jet-will be able to carry its max pax load over a range of around 870nm, while the newest version will have its gross weight increased from 47,250lb to 51,000lb and will feature increased fuel capacity. With 50 passengers its range will increase to a very useful 1,500nm The RJ was formally launched early April and will be the subject of a complete update in our July edition.

 Aviation Activity Increase Likely Reason for Accident Rise:

A rise in aviation activity in 1988 could explain an increase in the number of accidents in that year, claims the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation A total of 293 accidents were reported, arise of 35 on the expected number of 258 which was based on the mean for the past decade. Statistics for aviation activity in 1988 were still being collected, but the level of economic activity made it probable that there had been a rise in aircraft use in some areas, BASI claim Accidents in 1988 resulted in 68 deaths and 34 serious injuries-a rise of 35 and a fall of 14 respectively on 1987 figures. Agricultural operations recorded a major rise in fatal acodents – seven in 1988 compared with an expected ten-year average of two. Broken into categories of operation, the 1988 accident figures are: airline 1, commuter/supplementary airline 9; charter 39: other aerial work (muster- ing, surveying, filming etc) 31, agricultural 34, training 27, private/business 127 and glider 25.

Within these specific categories, there were significant rises in both commuter/supplementary airline and charter accidents in 1988, although the 48 accidents in these categories represented only 16% of the total number in that year. There was no increase in the number of fatal accidents in those two categories There were also 44 helicopter accidents in 1988, a considerable rise compared with the annual average of 32 over the past 10 years These accidents were spread over several categories and, once again, the probable reason for the rise was that more use was being made of these machines, BASI claim A copy of the BASI report is available on request.

Nsca – The Ultimate Non Profit Organisation?:

The surprise collapse of the National Safety Council of Australia (Victorian Division) and the disappearance of its cheel executive officer, John Friedrich, has developed into a saga of fraud, intrigue and mystery which would do a Frederick Forsyth novel justice Friedrich’s disappearance with millions of dollars, his apparent free hand when it came to the NSCA’s financial dealings, allegations of spying, security breaches, an NSCA debt as high as $200m and doubts about Friedrich’s identity and his background have provided the media with their most sensational local story for some ame. Behind all that lies the winding up of a professional search and rescue organisation and the laying off of hundreds of skilled and dedicated employees. The result is a large gap in Australia’s SAR capability and a problem for The RAAF which contracted the NSCA to provide such services for aircrew flying out of RAAF bases at Williamtown, Darwin, Towns- ville and newly opened Tindal in the Northern Territory.

An indication of the NSCA’s financial dealings is given by a reliable source, who told Australian Aviation that the organisation provided all that SAR activity to the RAAF for a contract price of a mere $4. 1m, an absurdly low figure considering the capital investment and human resources involved. The figure simply doesn’t make sense and if true is of concern when questions of the NSCA’s financial affairs are asked. The winding up of the NSCA has not resulted in the immediate end to SAR duties at RAAF bases. Apparently the organisation’s Receiver has made it possible for the service to continue until the end of June this year.

At the end of March the NSCA Victorian Divi- sion’s aircraft fleet consisted of one Dassault Falcon 100 corporate jet for medevac and VIP duties, three Dornier 228-200s (SAR and utility), three Beech King Air B200Cs. three Cessna Caravans, 11 Bell 205As, six Bell 2128 and six Bell 412s and a lone Beech Baron

Beech 1900 Gets Its Ticket:

Hawker Pacific finally won CAA certification for the Beech 1900 airliner on the 6th April Modifications required to comply with Australian conditions include dual trim tab actuators and dual stall warning systems. Hawkers are confident of signing a buyer for their first aircraft during the course of this issue and will be importing a second 1900 this July with a third due before year end.

Gaa Agm Looking Good:

Just a reminder that the General Aviation Association will be hosting their AGM from July 10 thru 12 at Peppers On The Sea at Terrigal, NSW. Shouldn’t be hard to take and at the same time undoubtedly will provide an opportunity for all concerned to talk aviation

Abaa Convention and Trade Exhibition Slated for Gold Coast:

The Australian Business Aircraft Association (ABAA) will hold its 3rd annual convention and trade exhibition November 29, 30 and December 1, 1989 at the Conrad (Jupiters) International Hotel in Surfers Paradise.

The ABAA was formed only three years ago to serve the interests of the growing number of business aircraft users in Australia Already it has 50 member companies, representing 85% of all Australian companies that own or operate business aircraft. At its convention last year, more than 200 persons from the country’s business aircraft community attended and 20 companies joined in the ABAA’s first trade exhibition. Participation in the convention and trade show is expected to double at the upcoming meeting.

Two days prior to the official opening of the convention, the ABAA will host a governing board meeting of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). This will be the first time IBAC Members have met in Australia. For more details on the ABAA convention including an exhibitor information packet, contact Capt Wally Epton, ABAA conference convenor, through International Convention Management Services, (ICMS), PO Box 29, Parkville 3052. Tel: (613) 387 9955, Fax: (613) 387 3120.

 Aerospace Foundation Formed:

Honouring its promise to establish a fund designed to encourage aerospace development in Australia, the Schofields Flying Club- organisers of last year’s Australian Bicentennial Air Show at Richmond – has announced the formation of the Aerospace Foundation of Australia Ltd complete with a donation of $475,000 from the air show’s profits.

As these words were written the Founda- tion’s Memorandum and Articles of Association were being prepared and the registration of the company was imminent A national media launch will be held this month and this will be followed by a symposium attended by appropriate people who will decide to which areas the money will go. The Foundation is seen as being an ongoing thing, so further funding will have to be found in the future. In the meantime, nearly half a million dollars (plus whatever interest it is earning) is a good start and a credit to the show organisers.

This has been recognised in a most appropriate way by the awarding of the Oswald Watt Gold Medal to the show’s Executive Director and driving force, Mr Ian Honnery. This prestigious award was established in 1921 “for the most brilliant performance in the air or the most notable contribution to aviation by an Australian or in Australia” It is administered by the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs and is awarded on an “as appropriate” basis. The list of previous winners is a catalogue of Australian aviation greats including Bert Hinkler, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Edgar Percival, Donald Bennett, Henry Miller, Eddie Connellan, Sir Hudson Fysh, Sir Reginald Ansett and Sir Lawrence Wackett. The most recent winner was Dick Smith in 1983 for his round the world solo helicopter flight Our congratulations to lan Honnery and his team of workers.

 AA Sponsored Team Scores in Light Aircraft Championships:

The Australian Aviation sponsored Robin R2160 of Jake and Barbara Jansen scooped the pool in March’s Australian Light Aircraft Championships at Jandakot in Perth The Jansens won the Federation Trophy (for the fourth consecutive year) for the best team while Barbara took a gold and bronze medal and Jake two silvers. Barbara is still the only woman pilot to have won a gold medal.

 More Citations:

Responding to increased demand for its Citation corporate jets- more than 100 orders were placed in 1988- Cessna will increase production of the aircraft this year.

Most of the orders were for the Citation II and the new Citation V models, although the larger and more expensive mid-size Citation III showed an improvement over its 1987 performance in a market currently dominated by the BAe 125-800 Cessna also sold 160 Caravan Is in 1988 including the confirmation of options for 90 aircraft by Federal Express. The overnight package operator now has 200 Caravans on order Cessna more than trebled its operating profit in 1988 from 1987’s SUS8m to $US25m. Nodeci- sion on the reinstating to production of its piston engined line is expected to be made in the immediate future.

Customs Keen to Take Over Eez Surveillance Role:

Customs is keen to expand upon its Coastwatch operation with a greater blue water presence.

Skywest presently operate the relatively close-in Coastwatch contract on behalf of Customs using a fleet of Aero Commander and Nomad aircraft. Customs is now looking at acquiring a more flexible and longer ranging capability by way of higher performance aircraft Long-range tanked, radar equipped Cessnas and Learjets have been mooted for this role. A firm announcement is expected later this year with funding for the Customs EEZ surveilance expansion largely coming from RAAF funds not required by a cessation of P-3 duties in this respect. Such a move would ultimately save money as the P-3 is considered a gross overkill in capability terms in this function while allowing its primary role of maritime stake and ASW to be better developed through an increase in flying hours directly applicable to this demanding combat task.

 Malibu Record Maker:

A Piper Malibu single engined pressurised light aircraft has set two speed records in the United States. The first was set between Chicago and Toronto (434 statute miles at an average of 439 13mph) and the second between Detroit and Washington (398 miles at 395. 73mph). This was achieved with the help of a 150mph tailwind.

Cessna Out of Reims:

After 29 years Cessna has sold its 49% interest in France’s Reims Aviation (formerly SNA Max Holste) to CFCI, a Paris based company which owns several general aviation firms as well as ship and boat building interests.

In 1962 Reims Aviation was granted rights to build Cessna aircraft under licence and to sell them in Europe, Africa and Asia. Under the agreement, the company built 1,758 1508,589 1528, 2,129 Skyhawks, 676 Rockets/Hawk XPS, 169 Skylanes, 73 Skylane RGs and about 160 Skymasters and its FTB337 military deriv- active The company will continue production and development of its F406 Caravan II turboprop twin, basically an unpressurised utility version of the Cessna Conquest II with PT6 engines replacing the Conquest’s Garrett TPE3318.

Beech’s Taller Commuter:

Beechcraft has introduced a revised version of its 1900C 19 passenger twin turboprop commuter airliner with changes intended to increase passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

Dubbed the 1900D, the main change to the aircraft is a redesigned fuselage which now allows ‘stand up’ cabin headroom for most passengers of 71 inches (1. 8m), 14 inches (35cm) more than before and the same as the British Aerospace Jetstream, which has gained many sales due to the passenger appeal of its tall cabin.

Other changes to the 1900D include larger windows, an increased cabin pressure differential of 50psi, winglets, increased operating weights, higher cruising speeds (typically 287 knots) and more powerful 1,280shp PT6A-67 engines.

Latrobe Valley Reunion:

The Latrobe Valley Aero Club is to celebrate its 40th anniversary on the weekend of the 16/17th of September, Any past members interested in attending the festivities are more than welcome and can contact the club on (051)74 2591 or by writing to PO Box 200, Morwell 3840.

The club was formed in 1949 using aircraft and Instructors from the Yarram Aero Club. Latrobe Valley itself commenced its own indigenous training system with ex-RAAF Tiger Moths before progressing onto Chipmunks and today operates relatively urbane Cessna 1728 and 1828 Ironically, in hindsight, if the Club had kept its early aircraft it would now be sitting on a gold mine! The Club was also the first aero club to operate a Victa Airtourer.

People

Mr Jim McCrea has been appointed deputy chief executive of Air New Zealand Mr Nor- man MacFarlane has been appointed as the new deputy chief executive of industry affairs for ANZ. Mr Richard Gates has taken the role of director of public relations for ANZ Mr Alan Woods has been appointed to the board of BABA, Mr Woods is also chairman of the CAA and was previously Secretary of the DoD up his retirement in 1988. AVM Graham Neil has been appointed to the role of assistant chief of Air Staff Personnel. Mr Brian Wild has been appointed the Director of Sales for Qantas. Mr Richard Porter has been appointed as of Sales and Field Services for Qantas Mr Ron Rosalsky has been appointed as Qantas Sydney airport manager. Major General John Baker takes over from Paul Dibb as the new Director of the Joint Intelligence Organisation Mr Geoff Breust has been appointed as the new general manager of Kendell Airlines. James Strong has left Australian Airlines to return to law. Mrs Ros Kelly has taken over as Minister for Telecommunications and Aviation Support replacing Gary Punch who has resigned his portfolio. Replacing Mrs Kelly as Minister for Defence Personnel and Science is David Simmons.

The Bottom Line

Cathay Pacific has reported a 33% increase in profits to a record $A441m for its last financial year. Rolls-Royce reports a 1988 calendar year pre-tax profit of £197m, up 26% on 1987. Order backlog stands at £4. 1bn as against £2. 8bn for 1987. Hughes Aircraft recorded total 1988 calendar turnover of US$7. 4bn to contribute to the total GM Hughes Electronics Corp turnover of SUS11. 2bn. Prot was up by 19. 7% to $US802m, on a turnover increase of only 7. 3%. Texas Air Corp continued on its perenially losing way with a 1988 fourth quarter loss of $US224m, for all of 1988 the company lost a total of $US718m versus $US466m in 1987. Texas Air airlines Continental contributed a loss of $US315min the final ’88 quarter while Eastern lost SUS101m Lockheed Corp reports 1988 earnings of $US442m on sales of $US10. 6bn, for the final 88 quarter earnings were $US104m on sales of $US3,2bn Aust ralian Airlines recorded a pre-tax consolida- ted group profit for the 6 months sill Dec 31s! 1988 of $74. 3m, an increase of 75% on the same period of 1987. Revenue was $686m, up 21% on the same period of 1987. Hawker de Havilland reports a 1988 pre tax profit of $18. 98m, a 23% rise on 1987.

Videos

Farnborough 88:

AVI Without doubt Farnborough 88 was The Year of The MG, and that is precisely the basis of this worthwhile record of the year’s greatest air show. The Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum’s aerial efforts are more than ably documented in addition to the wide range of other aircraft, including the MDC MD-80 Unducted Fan test bed, that made last year’s Farnborough one of the best ever.

This tape is available for $39. 95 + $4. 00 p&p or you can have the complete set of the last four Farnborough tapes (82, 84, 86 & 88) for just $99. 00 plus p&p or they can be purchased individually at the single rate of $39. 95. All are available from AVI, 1 Bowen Rd. Moonah, Tas 7009