Newsdesk – General Aviation

One of Raytheon’s newest customers is Charouz Holdings of the Czech Republic who operates the Autoklub Bohemia Assistance plus a number of other operations. The Beech King Air C90B will be used for corporate charter, non-critical ambulance work and provide support to auto club members.

Australian Aviation September 1996

BAe will modify 21 existing RAF Nimrods to Nimrod 2000 standard, replacing their Spey engines with BMW Rolls-Royce BR710s, upgrading the airframes and installing modern mission system equipment. The first Nimrod 2000 will be delivered in 2002, 35 years after the first prototype Nimrod was flown. This was itself converted from a de Havilland Comet airliner, the prototype of which first flew in 1949. By the time the Nimrod 2000 is retired, the basic airframe will have been around for about 80 years! The decision has not been without controversy, beating rival offerings from Lockheed Martin, which proposed both new and upgraded versions of the P-3 Orion.

Outback Trekking

Queensland will witness the inaugural running of a unique aviation event, the Kooralbyn Outback Trek in August next year. The idea is to stage a rally similar to the famous car fund-raising events such as the Variety Bashes and Endeavour Rallies, only for aircraft. Comprising nine days of fun flying and fundraising, the Kooralbyn Outback Trek will raise money for Lifeflight, Careflight and the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service. It is hoped that about $120,000 will be raised for these worthy causes. All types of aircraft can take part and the cost is a $1500 entry fee/donation plus $425 per person to cover meals, entertainment and other costs. Even those without access to an aircraft can take part, either by buying a seat on one of the Trek’s chartered aircraft (cost $1800 all-inclusive) or fly in one of South Seas Aviation’s Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneers for $2700. Sponsors of the event include The Kooralbyn Resort, Flight West Airlines, Air BP, the Queensland Travel and Tourist Corporation, Fuji Film, GOANA Tours and K W Doggett paper merchants. For more details contact Chris Keating at Driving Force Media on (07) 3203 2403.

Fighting Falcons

With advances in computer graphics and enhanced capabilities, computer flight simulations are becoming more popular and allow the player to experience something close to real aerial combat. The 62nd Fighting Falcons are a Brisbane-based organisation dedicated to the best multi-player flight simulations available today. Simulations used include Falcon 3.0 which allows up to six players in a network environment to pilot either F-16s, F/A-18s or the MiG-29 in dogfights and ongoing campaigns. Another simulation used is Su-27 Flanker and is regarded as one of the most accurate simulations available. The club strives for realism in creating the experience of modern world combat and teamwork, and the application of real-world tactics is encouraged. For further information please contact Michael Barnes on (07) 5546 3354 AH or David Morrison on (07) 3395 3654 AH.

Aopa Fly-In a Rousing Success

The AOPA Temora Bush Picnic Fly-in proved to be quite popular with members who managed to make the event despite the wet weather of the weekend. They came from all over Australia and some even had to come in cars after having to turn back in their aircraft after finding that the weather just wasn’t good enough. Some of the attractions of the weekend included a DC-4 and an An-2 from Archerfield. John Sharp, the Minister for Transport, attended the fly-in and from all accounts impressed everyone with his knowledge of the aviation portfolio. The Fly-in was an excellent chance for members to ask questions and was attended by a number of senior CASA and ASA officials and the president of AOPA USA, Phil Boyer. From all reports the Fly-in was a great success and AOPA should be congratulated for promoting such an event.

Raytheon’s Successful Six Months

Raytheon Aircraft has recorded a successful first six months of 1996, delivering 172 Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft, 25 more than the same period of last year. Of the total, 94 were commercial turbine-powered aircraft, 152 were piston-engined light aircraft and 25 were military derivatives of commercial aircraft. The specific breakdown of deliveries is: two Hawker 1000s, six Hawker 800XPs, 23 Beechjet 400As (including 18 T-1 Jayhawks for the USAF), 33 Beech 1900Ds, five Starship 2000As (from stock), 11 King Air 350s, 21 King Air B200s (including seven military C-12 variants), 18 King Air C90s, 16 Baron 58s, six Bonanza B36TCs, 28 Bonanza A36s and eight Bonanza F33As.

Balloon Walk is a totally new experience in Australian skies. This huge $2.5m balloon is filled with helium and can carry up to 30 people. The balloon is tethered to the ground and can reach a height of 162m. Operated on the Gold Coast, the balloon offers good views of the Gold Coast and Hinterland.

Dick Smith Seeks Casa Post

Former Civil Aviation Authority chairman Dick Smith has resigned as president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in order to help clear the way for a hoped-for position on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) board. It is reported that Mr Smith has stated: “I have arrived at this decision in the belief that I could provide greater service to the aviation industry if I were successful in securing a position on the board of CASA”. According to AOPA, Mr Smith has resigned “citing his desire to be considered for appointment to the board of CASA unencumbered by association with any one faction of the aviation industry”. Boyd Munro has taken over as AOPA’s president. Transport Minister John Sharp has plans to expand the current CASA board with members displaying some aviation expertise and to increase its number from four to six. The Minister’s calls for the current board members to resign have been ignored and his plan to increase its size requires legislative amendments. In order for this to take place the legislation needs to pass through the Senate, in which the minority Democrats hold the balance of power.

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September 1996

Airworld to Sell Aircraft

Wangaratta’s Airworld is to sell half of its collection of 22 historic aircraft in order to pay off its $385,000 debt. The aircraft are owned by Wangaratta Council and include two rare and airworthy aircraft designed by Australian Edgar Percival. It is planned to auction the aircraft through the international market. The remaining aircraft have received a stay of execution at least for the moment, but they too will shortly be sold if Airworld continues to lose money. Airworld is attempting to host a National Aviation Hall of Fame as part of a strategy to increase audiences at the facility. If it goes ahead, the Hall of Fame would be established in a separate building next to the Airworld display centre. The naming rights to the Aviation Hall of Fame are held by the Queensland Vintage Aviation Group, with whom talks have been held.