Newsdesk- General Aviation

For those who still require a form to combine navigation calculations as well as flight notification, an updated version of the old domestic flight plan has been introduced. It should be noted that the CAA prefers the flight notification form because it reduces fax machine time and paper consumption.

Finally, a flight note form has been developed which may be left with a responsible person. The form lists basic route details, aircraft type, callsign, POB and most importantly, telephone numbers to contact should the aircraft not arrive on time.

Essendon Gets Facelift:

Melbourne’s Essendon Airport has its future assured following a $47m infusion by the Federal Airports Corporation which will see the site developed to exploit its full commercial potential.

Retail and commercial projects intended to make the airport a hub of social and commercial life are underway, beginning with a newly opened market and continuing with office buildings and other facilities including a licensed club in the spacious main terminal building.

Caa to Explain New Maintenance Rules:

The Civil Aviation Authority is to develop an education and communications programme for its staff and the aviation industry to help explain new aircraft maintenance regulations.

The education programme was planned to be ready by October and has been developed following consultations between the CAA Board Safety Committee, the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers’ Association (ALAEA), the Australian Air Transport Association (AATA) and other interested parties. At the moment there are five aircraft maintenance licence categories – airframes, engines, instrument sys- tems, electrical systems and radio. The new regulations will have only two licence categories, avionic and mechanical.

Grants for Women Pilots:

Women pilots are encouraged to apply for the ‘1974 Memorial Grant’ which will match $700 on a dollar for dollar basis for PPL holders to upgrade to a Night VFR.

The grant is in memory of five pilots who were members of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association who died in accidents during 1974. The grant aims to increase the successful applicants’ skills and knowledge, rather than obtain a Commercial Pilots Licence. To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of Australia hold a current unrestricted PPL, have a minimum of 100 hours flying experience, submit a reference from a Flying Instructor with the application and not be currently under training for a night VFR endorsement. Membership of the AWPA is encouraged but not essential.

Applications close November 1 1992 and should be addressed to Mrs Vicki Key, 4 Willis St, Sunbury 3429.

Caa to Introduce New Flight Crew Licensing Regulations:

New, more simplified regulations concerning flight crew licensing will be introduced by the CAA during December.

The completely rewritten regulations will be introduced on December 2 and will give industry more responsibility in licensing. Chief Flying Instructors will be able to issue licenses, for example. The new regulations replace the existing Part five of the Civil Aviation Regulations – Licenses and Ratings of Operating Crew. The new Part 5 CARS follow a number of changes to licensing procedures, including the introduction of single exams for licences and a single licence card which lists endorsements.