People, Bottom Line, Book & Video Reviews

Books

Aerial Agriculture In Australia: Derrick Rolland

Probably one of the least well known aspects of aviation in Australia, aircraft have played a major role in one of Australia’s largest industries, agriculture and forestry. Aerial Agriculture is a well researched and profusely illustrated book, providing the reader with all the information anyone would ever want to know about the subject. All aspects of ag flying are covered, from crop dusting, aerial mustering, fire bombing and even rainmaking. The book also contains a section of anecdotes which are highly amusing. Of interest are the appendixes at the back of the book which among other things provide a table of fatal accidents in ag flying, which shows just how dangerous this type of flying can be. The book is also very reader friendly with lots of interesting historical photographs from the beginning of ag operations right up to present day utilisation. For anyone who has been a part of the industry or even for those with a small interest in this field this book is well recommended. Available from Aerial Agriculture Assn of Aust, Level 1, 131 Clarence St, Sydney 2000 for $58 or refer to the ad on page 60.

Flying Qualities And Flight Testing Of The Aeroplane: Dr Darrol Stinton

This is the third in a trilogy of books stemming from the author’s 35 years experience in aircraft design and test flying. An ETPS graduate who has tested over 340 aircraft ranging from supersonic military fighters to gliders, motor gliders and ultralights. Following service in the RAF he spent the next two decades as the UK CAA certification test pilot on light landplanes and seaplanes. From the above it follows that he is well qualified in his subject, but most importantly, he knows how to impart that knowledge in a very reader friendly style, making the book equally good reading for the aviation buff of limited technical knowledge, through to those who are highly qualified, but seeking to expand their knowledge further. It would be particularly valuable for the home builder wishing to understand the processes that an experienced test pilot goes through when setting out to test a new aircraft. It is not a “how to do it book”, in fact the author cautions against the unqualified attempting to undertake their own testing, but a working knowledge of its contents would certainly help the builder to interface with the testing pilot. At a cost of $190 it is perhaps not for all; but for those seriously minded in matters aviation it would be value for money. Available from Blackwell Science, Ph (03) 9347 0300, Fax (03) 9347 5001.

Skydoctor: Dr Len Dawson

Skydoctor is the story of Dr Dawson’s experiences as a flying doctor at Charleville in the mid 1950s. Skydoctor is a well researched book and benefits from the author keeping a comprehensive diary during his service. This makes his adventures all the more believable. Dawson has a wonderful bond with the people he visited and details their struggles and achievements while doing his rounds. Skydoctor is very well written and consequently easy to read and gets the reader involved in the story. The author provides a wide array of maps and some historical photographs plus newspaper clippings and even some bush poetry. Skydoctor is an excellent story that tells of the outback life of a flying doctor in the 1950s and is recommended for anyone interested in our flying doctor service and our outback history. Available from Len Dawson, PO Box 113, Wingham, 2429 for $37 post free.

Computers Programs

Ultranav Version 2.0 Flight Planner

Ultranav Version 2.0 is a Windows flight planning software package specifically designed for Ultralight and private pilot VFR operations. It requires an IBM compatible personal computer with at least 1.2 megabytes of free disk space and 4 megabytes of memory running Microsoft Windows 3.0 or later. (Recommended is Windows 3.0 or OS/2 Warp Version 3). As might be expected, the program takes into account all the variables required for flight planning such as winds, taxi, segment time and fuel usage, holding, cruising levels, and reserves. In addition your specific aircraft’s flight parameters can be entered. The program has an extensive waypoint database which may be accessed through either a known “identifier” such as YSCB for Canberra, or if that is not known, by typing in the name of the waypoint in the “search” field. As each waypoint is called up it can be added to the flightplan to build the route. Winds can be added for each specific leg or one wind for the whole plan. There are many more features such as weight and balance, sunrise/sunset, sartime, density altitude/true airspeed calculations and last but not least, a map display of the planned route which can be adjusted for size. The flightplan and map display are easily printed. The program provides a precisely detailed flightplan down to the last knot, minute of time, litre of fuel, and dollar of running cost. Initially designed for ultralights, which, because of their relatively slow speed are very much subject to the vagaries of the winds, thermal and orographic uplift etc, one could question whether such a program provides a sense of preciseness which cannot be achieved in reality. This is in no way to denigrate the program, but a measure of common sense should be applied to its use. Your reviewer, being of the old school, believes that there is no substitute for the good old line on the map, measured distance, and calculated course and ground speed to provide the real “feel” of your intended flight plan. A similar argument can be applied to total reliance on GPS to get you from A to B; when the batteries go flat things can rapidly turn to R/S! Having said all that, for those who are computer minded and have the necessary equipment, for $80.00 the program is value for money, providing all that the average GA pilot or Ultralighter could wish in terms of flight planning. But perhaps most importantly, even for an “oldy” it is easy to use! The program is available from Aerial Pursuits, PO box 1059, Hampton North 3188. (https://www.ozemail.com.au/~aerial).