Newsdesk – General Aviation

Skywest’s activities will cover three basic tasks: surveillance along the coastline using 12 Shrike Commanders based in Darwin, Broome, Cairns and Horn Island; electronic and visual searches offshore using three JAi Westwind Sea Scans (the corporate jet fitted with search radar and infra-red sensors) based at Broome, Darwin and Cairns; and electronic and visual surveillance on land using three Nomad Searchmasters based at Darwin and Cairns.

GA Looking Better:

In what has been a tragic year for aviation in Australia, General Aviation is shining as a star survivor. As reported in our last issue, the charter is up tremendously on any previous period and is likely to remain significantly stronger than before owing to the pilots’ dispute introducing businessmen to the benefits of having their own aircraft flying point to point services in the timeframe they require. While most operators saw business increase by between 200 and 300% during the August/ December period, it is still felt that through this year charter will overall log at least double the flight hours that it would have if the pilots’ dispute had never occurred. The long term implications for GA operators, and young pilots entering the GA workforce, are profound to say the least as the level of work available to them is now significantly more than before.

Also benefitting GA is the fact that most of the 1,000 unemployed AFAP pilots (roughly 300 have ventured overseas whilst another 300 have rejoined the airlines-refer full up-date elsewhere in Airline Affairs) are now having to maintain currency and skills via GA training. Maintaining currency via instrument rating renewals, NDB training, etc are important as most of the unemployed pilots have not flown jets since last August. This new market is creating quite a boost to the work-load of capital city training schools.

Meanwhile, the Australian Defence Force’s Currency Flying Scheme is now fully operational with desk bound ADF pilots able to log hours on GA aircraft. This not only maintains individual currency but also boosts morale for naturally frustrated pilots that are assigned to desk jobs between flying posts and additionally saves money by flying direct instead of using RPT services, etc. Primary beneficiaries here are GA charter operators based in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

 AAA/Rotary Fly In:

The Antique Aeroplane Association and the Rotary Club of Kyabram will again by staging their Easter fly in this year over the skies of Kyabram, Victoria, 70km north of Mangalore.

The fly in will be held over the Easter week-end with aircraft arriving on April 13 and 14 and a public day being held on Sunday the 15th. Proceeds from this informal, ‘old style’ event will go to Rotary for its various service projects and highlights will include numerous old aeroplanes including a Dove for joyriding plus vintage tractors, engines and other items of vintage transport. Should be a good day.

 Piper-Sukhoi Cooperation?:

Following a visit to Piper Aircraft by representatives from Sukhoi and a return visit to the USSR by the Americans, the possibility of the two companies cooperating on the design and manufacture of new light aircraft has opened up.

Possible scenarios range from simply educating the Soviet manufacturer in the ways of the US industry, to production of Piper aircraft and through to full design and production cooperation on new projects. No formal agreements have been entered into as yet and further discussions are expected to take place through this year.

 Trade Fair ‘90 Set:

In what will become an important event for the Australian aviation industry, the organisers of what is planned to be the annual Australian Aviation Trade Fair have announced that Nov- ember 13, 14 and 15 are the dates of the first event.

To be held at Canberra’s National Convention Centre, the Fair is intended to be a show-piece of the activities of Australia’s general aviation industry, emphasising its versatility capabilities and immense value to this country.

The five major Australian general aviation associations have combined to present the Fair, and united they represent a formidable combination of flying activity which underlines their high standards of expertise, professionalism and largely unrecognised benefit to the nation.

The organisations involved are the Australian Business Aircraft Association (ABAA) the General Aviation Association (GAA). Regional Airline Association (RAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Helicopter Association of Australia (HAA).

The Fair is seen as a long overdue chance to bring together not only the various industry groups but also the government instrumentalities and political representatives who are involved with it. All aspects of general aviation will be represented from those who operate the aircraft to those behind the scenes – the maintenance, marketing, R&D, administrative, financial and other people who make up the industry.

While the most visible part of the Fair will be the displays set up by the exhibitors in 121 booths, a series of major addresses over the three days will provide the event’s major basis and will be of interest to all concerned. In addition, individual associations or specific interest groups will be able to hold their own annual conventions at the Fair if they wish, thus satisfying their own requirements as well as adding to the overall impact of the Fair. The Australian Aviation Trade Fair’s chairman, Mr Tony Hammett, can be contacted on (06) 273 2514.

Tbm 700 Certified:

Eighteen months after its first flight, the TBM 700 single turboprop, pressurised business aircraft has been awarded certification by the French Civil Aviation Authority.

TBM is a company jointly owned by Aerospatiale (70%) and Mooney (30%) which was formed in 1985 to develop, produce and market the TBM 700. Its name comes from ‘TB’ for Tarbes (where Aerospatiale’s general aviation division is based) and ‘M’ for Mooney; the ‘700’ is the power rating of the PT6A-60 turboprop engine.

Deliveries of the TBM 700 will begin later this year after US certification is awarded against orders so far for 50 aircraft, 30 of which are from the USA. The TBM 700 is capable of cruising at up to 300 knots (555km/h) and will carry six people 1,000nm (1,852km) at that speed with VFR reserves or 1,300nm (1,496km) at 250kt (463km/h). Maximum range is 1,800nm (3,334km) with three on board and the maximum operating altitude 30,000ft. A full Airtest of the TBM700 is scheduled for our June edition.

New GA Engine:

A new concept in light aircraft powerplants has been developed by Canadian Airmotive Inc, a company based in Richmond, British Columbia.

Called the CAM Turbo 90, the new engine is designed for installation in light training aircraft. It is an automobile-based three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, geared, four stroke turbo-charged powerplant of just 993cc (61cu in) capacity which will produce 90hp at 5,300 engine rpm. A reduction gearbox ratio of 2. 23:1 reduces the propeller rpm to 2,400. Less than one-third the capacity of the 100hp Continental O-200 fitted to tens of thousands of Cessna 150s and other light trainers over the years, the T-90 is also considerably lighter at 144lb (65kg) and offers decreased frontal area when compared with a normal horizontally opposed four due to its in-line cylinder design.

Fuel consumption is claimed to be half that of the Continental engine and the engine promises to be substantially less expensive to maintain due to its rugged design and the fact that the cylinders can be rebored instead of having to be replaced. The power- plant is currently being tested to FAA FAR33 certification standards and 1300/1600cc four cylinder versions in normally aspirated or fuel injected forms offering between 117 and 165hp are being developed.

The company has been approached by a GA manufacturer which wants to use the engine in a new two seat trainer. The engine costs $US5,885 direct from the factory and first deliveries are due this month.

 Foundation Announces Plans:

The Aerospace Foundation of Australia Ltd, formed to encourage Australian aerospace development out of the profits of 1988’s Bicentennial Air Show, has announced its intentions for the future.

In a statement issued jointly by the Foundation’s chairman, Mr Ian Honnery and the RAAF’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Ray Funnell, it has been revealed that plans are being drawn up to hold a major international air show and aerospace expo in Australia on a regular basis, possibly every four years.

A feasibility study of the plan is currently underway and, if the idea does prove viable, the shows would broadly repeat the size and scope of the Bicentennial event. The study is also looking at the prospect of holding major national air shows at capital cities around Australia in the years between the international events. It is possible that two such shows could be held at different locations every year. While all these shows would be run in conjunction with the RAAF – which would be responsible for all flying operations – it is intended they would be commercially funded and operated. It is possible the national shows could be held in conjunction with the RAAF’s traditional open days at its bases.

The first international air show could be held as early as 1992 with others in 1996 (coinciding with the RAAF’s 75th anniversary) and 2001, which is the 100th anniversary of Australia’s federation. The first of the smaller scale national shows could be either at RAAF Richmond in October this year or RAAF Williams in March 1991.

When examining the best use to which the non-profit Foundation and its money could be put, two realistic possibilities emerged. The first involved making modest grants to aviation organisations with the interest accrued from the $475,000 endowment from the Bicentennial Air Show. However, this had some disadvantages, the main one being that with the effects of inflation, the available capital would be quickly depleted. The second and now adopted option was to undertake a revenue generating activity which would not only promote aviation in this country but also allow the Foundation to accumulate funds from which grants could he made on a regular and ongoing haris

Commander Twins Sold:

Gulf- stream Aerospace has sold the product support, manufacturing and marketing rights of its twin engined Commander business aircraft line five years after production was suspended.

The new owner is Precision Airmotive Corporation of Washington, which now owns the complete line of Commander piston and turboprop twins. The original piston engined Aero Commander (designed by Ted Smith, later responsible for the Aerostar series) appeared in 1948 and grew into a large range of models with various powerplants and fuselage lengths.

The first turboprop Turbo Commander appeared in 1965 and subsequently the range was manufactured by Rockwell International and then by Gulfstream for three years from 1981. Over 3,000 examples of all models have been built.

 Product Liability Still Hurting:

That albatross around the neck of US general aviation manufacturers, product liability continues to be the major factor keeping production levels at a very low rate.

Members of the US General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) delivered 1,535 aircraft in 1989, and although this represented a 27% improvement over the previous year, it is still less than one-tenth of the levels achieved a decade earlier. The figures reveal the story: in 1978 GAMA members shipped 17,811 aircraft (including piston singles and twins, turboprops and business jets), in 1979 it was 17,048 then 11,877 (1980). 9,457 (1981), 4,266 (1982) and 2,691 (1983). The worst year was 1987 when just 1,085 GA aircraft were shipped, more than one third of which were turboprops and corporate jets.

Several attempts have been made over the past two years to have the American product liability laws changed, but these have always met stiff and successful resistance from lobby groups with a vested interest in things remaining as they are, the powerful Association of Trial Lawyers of America prominent among them. The lawyers’ successful lobbying now seems likely to block product liability reform for the third year in a row.

For the record, GAMA members’ deliveries last year included 40 Gulfstream IVs, 33 Citation Vs, 32 Citation Ils, 17 Citation Ills, 10 Beechjets, 103 King Airs, 101 Caravan Is, five Beech 1300s, 42 Beech 1900s, 12 Metros, five Cheyennes, 46 Senecas, eight Semi- noles, 33 Barons, 90 Malibus, 49 Archers, 48 Super Cubs, 29 Arrows, 20 Warriors, 20 Dakotas, 20 Turbo Arrows, 20 Saratogas, 20 Saratoga SPs, 143 Mooneys, 49 Christen Huskies, 26 Pitts Specials, 35 Maules, 23 Lakes, seven Bellanca Vikings and-way out on top-more than 400 Piper Cadets, the latter offering at least some comparison with ‘the good old days’.

Mu-2 Rules Tightened:

Following another unexplained crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2 twin turboprop aircraft in Western Australia in January, more stringent requirements for pilot experience have been imposed by the CAA.

In order to fly an MU-2, pilots must now have a minimum 2,500 total hours, 1,000 hours on multi-engined aircraft and 500 hours on type. In addition, two pilots must fly the aircraft and use of the autopilot is banned.

In the latest accident, two people died when their MU-2 apparently entered a spin whilst cruising with the aircraft crashing near Meekatharra.

An ostensibly similar accident killed 10 in December 1988, again in Western Australia. The aircraft has been subject to a special investigation in Australia since then, while in the USA several unexplained accidents led to more stringent pilot training and a consequent drop in the accident rate.

 Socata Production Up:

Aerospatiale’s general aviation subsidiary Socata will almost double production of its ‘TB’ series of four seat single engined light aircraft this year to meet increased demand. Total production in 1990 will be about 200 units including 120 retractable undercarriage TB. 20/21 Trinidad and 80 TB. 9/10 Tampicos and Tobagos. A recently introduced variant, the Tampico Club (a ‘cut down’ version of the 160hp Tampico developed specifically for training) is expected to do well in the USA and the first examples are already earning their keep there.

Recent orders include ten Tobagos and six Trinidads for the Australian Aviation College at Parafield, first deliveries taking place by the time these words are read.

Nsca Survivors Down but Not Out:

In an example of what the defunct National Safety Council of Australia’s Victorian Division’s SAR force could have been with more realistic management, a group of ex-employees from the NSCA’s Townsville unit have reformed and are now achieving far more with less equipment and funding than the unit ever did prior to the NSCA’s collapse.

Of the 18 former NSCA bases, Townsville is the only one to survive the demise of the NSCA, largely thanks to monetary support from local business organisations, the State Government and the dedication of a group of its ex-employees. The reformed unit now operates with a staff of 16 instead of the for-22, operates only required equipment and has to justify every expense it incurs. The new operation is now financially viable and providing essential SAR and emergency services support in a rapidly growing region of Australia.

Essendon Not Dead Yet:

For some time under threat of closure, Melbourne’s Essendon Airport has received a boost for its future following the release of an interim report by the Port Phillip Region Airport Study Group.

The report highlighted deficiencies in a previous study commissioned by Essendon Council (which recommended its closure) and supports retention of the airport on economic, environmental and practical grounds. The study’s terms of reference call for a broad assessment of the current and future needs of the Port Phillip region and how they can best be met.

An interesting part of that assessment is examining the possibility of civil access to military airfields in the region, namely Ava- lon, Point Cook and Laverton.

The Bottom Line

Charter Cruise Air (Aircruising Australia) reported an operating profit for 88/89 of $140,000 on revenue of $5. 99m. • Civil Aviation Authority has reported a first year profit of $30. 8m. Due to the pilots’ dispute, the government has agreed to waive a dividend from the CAA for 88/89. • Lufthansa has reported a 10. 7% increase in revenue for the first three quarters of 1989, load factor rose to 67. 9% while passengers boarded increased by 11%. Air New Zealand has reported a drop in profit for its six months to September from $NZ26. 8m in 1988 to $NZ17. 8m highlighting the decline in traffic post Expo and the beginnings of the Australian pilots’ dispute which also affected NZ tourism to some extent.

People

Mr Alan Woods, founding chairman of the CAA, died on January 13 following a long illness. Mr David Hood has been appointed as the assistant GM, Consul- tancy Services for the CAA. Mr John Ward has been appointed as the new chief executive of Qantas. Mr Gary Smith has been appointed as the new GM of Ansett New Zealand succeeding Mr John Buchanan. Hugh Thorburn has been appointed as assistant GM administration & finance for Ansett Airlines.

Books

East-West Eagles:

Archie J Smith This 210 page book traces the origins of East-West Airlines from its inception in 1946 through to 1961. Subtitled, The Turbulent Years, one would have thought that description might have been more apt to have described the latter decade of the fledgling airline’s existence! This aside, the book is well written and researched very thoroughly and covers every facet of EWAs operation in those early years. It is not known if a follow on edition will take into account the period after 1961, though one would hope so, as this is where the airline’s real development, in current terms, lies. Without doubt, the East-West we know today will be a far different animal to what will no doubt exist five years from now under deregulation.

Available from EJ Brill/Robert Brown & Associates, 7 Atherton St, Buranda, Qld 4102 for an RRP of $29. 95 plus $6. 00 p&p.

 1990 Aopa Airfield Directory:

AOPA This is one publication that has been long overdue and reflects the efforts being continually made by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association to better serve their 11,000 strong membership.

The Directory is of over 330 pages and lists full data on more than 800 licensed and unlicensed airfields in a format similar to that of the en route supplement. Information includes refuelling, accommodation, taxi/car rentals and items of general interest including naturally all the relevant nav and ops data for each particular airfield.

Also handy is a ready reckoner listing each airfield and the WAC chart it can be located on including the lat/long data. This very useful book is a must for any pilot. Available direct from AOPA, PO Box 1065, Fyshwick, ACT, 2609 for $13. 50 or just $10. 00 if you belong to AOPA, add $2 for p&p.

 1989/90 Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft:

John WR Taylor JAWA really needs little introduction as it is, and always has been, the bible of world aeronautical information. For 30 of its 80 years one man, John Taylor, has been its editor and this latest edition sadly is also his last (refer Newsdesk).

John has always been able to pinpoint emerging trends before many others and hence his long, but highly readable, introduction to each successive edition represents one of the highlights of owning a JAWA. This latest edition is no exception and can be ordered from most major specialist book- shops Australia wide.

The Few:

Philip Kaplan & Richard Collier No prize for guessing the subject matter of this book, and a winner it is too.

The Few is a 222 page coffee table production bringing together the human side of that epic period of history which was later defined as the Battle of Britain. Recalled in straight historical terms and by those who were there at the time, the book includes over 100 colour photos including interesting shots of some of the crucial areas of activity as they are today.

Not a definitive minute by minute account of possibly the most important air battle this century, but rather a painting in words of a period of time that hopefully will never happen again.

RRP is $65. 00, from leading specialist bookshops or direct from Capricorn Link, 5C1 Lincoln St, Lane Cove 2066.

 Sea Harrier & Av-8B:

Robert Jackson Another aircraft profile type book from this most prolific and accurate writer This 160p effort provides the expected background of the early days of VTOL both in the UK and elsewhere. From this embryonic gestation came the original Hawker Siddeley Kestrel, onto the heady days of the Tripartite Squadron and ultimately into RAF service as the GR. 1.

From then the Harrier had to fight battle after battle within the halls of power as both politicians and military tacticians perennially displayed a total ignorance of the merits and abilities of this unique combat platform. The US Marine Corps was fortunately one group that saw the advantages of having a 500kt + strike jet that could also live side by side with its helos. The USMC initial order for AV-BAs did a lot to provide eventual funding and boosted faith in the overall concept to help initiate development of later marks including the AV-8B and the Sea Harrier.

It was this latter aircraft that blitzed all before it in the 1982 Falklands campaign. Again its detractors were quick to play up the success of the all aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder AAM and justifiably so, in pure technical terms, as this missile has now changed air to air combat like no other before it. However, the fact remains that each morning, in one of nature’s most Inhospitable environments, each Sea Harrier squadron was able to record better than 85% operability, day after day, week after week. Additionally, not one of the breed was shot down in air to air combat while both variants frequently recorded substantial airframe damage from ground fire, ably displaying their rugged design and non complex systems integrity RRP $37. 95. Available direct from Capricorn Link, Lincoln St, Lane Cove, 2066.

Videos

Great Planes – F-86 Sabre & B-36 Peacemaker:

AVI & Australian Aviation The third offering in our Great Planes series and like its predecessors, jam packed with interesting footage that certainly few people would have ever seen before.

The North American F-86 Sabre tape is indeed a fitting video memorial of one of aviation’s truly great fighter aircraft. The video includes some excellent in-combat footage including gun camera shots of numerous North Korean and Chinese MiG-158 meeting their match, in addition to MiG footage of B-298 on the receiving end of the former’s highly effective cannons. More unique footage includes RAF Meteor ops towards the end of WW2 in addition to the Luftwaffe film of the Me-262, including the latter in engine out tests whilst under development. This combined with the excellent Sabre shots, which naturally includes a segment on our own CA-27, makes this tape a worthy addition to every aviation enthusiast’s file.

The second tape covers the reasons for, and the history of, one of aviation’s most unique aircraft. The ten engined Convair B-36 Peacemaker was the forerunner to the eventual all jet B-52 force and, at one stage, Convair even offered SAC a jet version of their lumbering B-36 as an alternative to Boeing’s Stratofortress. If the bid had been successful then who knows, perhaps the B-36 in later variants would have still been in front line service today. At its time though, the 36 represented the state-of-the-art in long-range heavy bomber design. Its ability to fly for incredibly long periods without refuelling is legendary, as was its systems complexity and massive maintenance requirement. Like all SAC weapon systems. though, its long-term success lay in the fact that the deterrent capability it represented was enough to keep the nuclear peace at a time when the world lived in a very fragile political environment.

Apart from the excellent B-36 footage, which includes a typical mission, this tape also includes much previously unseen footage on the remarkable Northrop XB-35 and YB-49 flying wings, which though unsuccessful at the time (a story in itself) later emerged as the inspiration of what today is probably the most remarkable aircraft ever built, the Northrop B-2 stealth bomber.

Available from Australian Aviation, PO Box 3105, Weston Creek, ACT, 2611 for $39. 95 each or $69. 95 for both (refer advert this issue). Add $5 p&p for single tape or $8. 50 for two. Don’t forget that our initial tapes in this series, the P-38, B-52, XB-70 and B-17 are also still available and were advertised in our Nov and Jan issues.