Grain growers donate 100k to RFDS WA

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

Article supplied by RFDS

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) staff recently attend the CBH Regional Member Sundowner in Esperance, to accept a cheque of $100,000 from WA grain growers.

Developed by CBH in conjunction with Main Roads WA, the Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS) seeks to reduce the instances of overloaded grain trucks. During harvest, growers can forfeit grain from overloaded trucks, which is then sold and the resulting funds provided to WA charities.

Since the program began in 2012, more than $2.1 million has been donated to charities active in rural communities.

This year, $550,000 was generated from the HMMS, and RFDS WA was one of nine organisations to receive a donation.

Head of Nursing Paul Ingram was presented with the cheque by CBH chair Simon Stead.

“Attending my first Regional Member Sundowner was a real honour, and we are so grateful for the support of CBH through this very unique scheme,” Mr Ingram said.

General Manager of Community Relations Rebecca Maddern says CBH is a valued corporate partner of RFDS WA, with support dating back 17 years.

“CBH plays a crucial role in representing Wheatbelt farmers and other residents, and the organisation’s support allows RFDS to continue to provide aeromedical services to these communities,” Ms Maddern said.

“In the past year, RFDS WA transferred 810 patients in the Wheatbelt region.”

CASA supports next generation of aircraft engineers

August 25, 2023August 25, 2023

Article supplied by CASA

Three aspiring licensed aircraft maintenance engineers are the latest to receive a scholarship from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Ella Watson from Western Australia and Queensland’s Spencer Holmes and Joshua Kilgour will all receive up to $5,000 each to help them achieve their Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66 engineer licence.

CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence says that high quality aircraft maintenance engineers are critical for the future of a safe and vibrant aviation industry.

‘All 3 recipients have demonstrated an obvious commitment to aviation safety and it’s evident that they’re in this career for the long haul,’ Ms Spence says.

‘I’d like to congratulate Ella, Spencer and Joshua for all the work they have done within the industry so far and wish them all the best for their future careers in aircraft maintenance engineering.

‘We received almost 90 applications in this scholarship round and the standard once again exceeded the evaluation panel’s expectations.

‘It was also encouraging to see such a wide range of candidates, from those working for major commercial operations through to others employed in smaller organisations across regional Australia.

‘We know there’s a shortage of licensed aircraft engineers not just here, but across the globe, and this scholarship program is one way we can show support for the aviation industry now and into the future.

‘This is the third year we’ve run the program and we’ll be offering it again in 2024, so I hope all aspiring aircraft maintenance engineers consider submitting an application when that round opens.’

The scholarship program focuses on applicants who have already started their structured training towards a licence outcome, or aircraft maintenance engineers who have not gone through a structured training program but are currently working in the industry gaining experience.

It also assists those who have demonstrated an interest in aviation maintenance, made progress through their own initiative, demonstrated aptitude for the role, and made a positive contribution to the safety culture of their profession or organisation.

More information about the AME scholarship program is available on the aircraft maintenance engineer scholarship page of our website.

Media contact

CASA Media

Mobile:

1300 773 806

Email:

media@casa.gov.au

Reference number:

MR4623

Mini plane inspires big donation

August 25, 2023August 25, 2023

Article supplied by RFDS

When aeromodeller Andrew Herzfeld set out to build a replica Rio Tinto Life-Flight PC-24 jet, he dreamed of using it to fundraise for RFDS WA.

Incredibly, its first unveiling attracted so much attention online, it caught the eye of one of America’s most prolific philanthropists, film and TV producer Tyler Perry. He was so impressed by the model aircraft that he donated $38,000 to RFDS.

Perry is a keen aeromodeller with his own mini airfield at his estate in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also working on building a replica PC-24. Their shared passion means the pair have become fast friends.

“It’s absolutely surreal, I would never have dreamed so much interest would come from this,” Andrew said.

Built with plans supplied by Pilatus, Andrew’s model is built to one third of the scale of the original with astounding detail. It features full flight function, navigational lighting and LED screens in the cockpit. During his three year labour of love, RFDS WA gave him access to the Jandakot hangar to take photographs and measurements of the original jet, and supplied paint to create an exact match.

Andrew is planning to take the 70 kilogram model to field days and expos across WA to keep raising funds for RFDS.

“A friend was involved in an incident on the Nullarbor and was airlifted to Perth by RFDS, so I wanted to find a way to give back.”

Building the replica was an outlet for Andrew during a battle with bladder and kidney cancer.

“Having this passion project to work on kept me going through the difficult days of my treatment,” he said.

You can see more photos of the jet at Hertzy’s Hangar on Facebook.

Flight to end Polio

August 25, 2023August 25, 2023

Article supplied by IFRR

After landing in Darwin and Cairns N732WP is presently in Toowoomba Australia undergoing maintenance prior to its next big flight, journeying across the Pacific to home to Cedar Rapids!

ONE ENGINE, TWO PILOTS AND A 2:1 DONATION GATE FOUNDATION MATCH

Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels are raising awareness for polio eradication by piloting a single engine aircraft all the way around the globe! 100% of your contribution will be donated to the Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Program.

Peter and John departed from Cedar Rapids, Iowa May 5, 2023 in a Cessna T210M (single engine) airplane. Along the way, they will encourage support of ending polio forever throughout the world.

Both Peter and John are pilots, Rotarians, and members of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians (“IFFR”). Polio eradication has been a primary focus of Rotary for over 35 years and continues to be a major initiative. While the end of polio may be near, no child anywhere is safe until every child has been vaccinated.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, each dollar you donate to the Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Program is matched 2:1!

The pilots, Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels are covering the entire cost of the flight as well as taking time away from their careers and lives to help end polio. They have been friends for years through their shared passion for aviation and are also cousins through marriage!

Though both Peter and John have myriad hours of flight experience, this will be their first trip around the entire globe. Amazingly, only 700 pilots have ever flown around the world and fewer than 300 of those people are alive today.

This trip puts John and Peter in unique and incredible company. Upon considering the idea of this daunting endeavour, Peter light-heartedly says that he thought, “One of the things I hadn’t done yet was fly around the world!”.

Both Peter and John agreed that polio eradication would be the benefactor of their flight. Polio eradication has been a primary focus of Rotary for over 35 years and continues to be a major initiative. While the end of polio may be near, no child anywhere is safe until every child has been vaccinated. Ending polio is only a flight away! Peter and John will be piloting this 1977 Cessna T210M single engine airplane around the world. They will be flying more than 25,000 miles and this will take up to three months to complete. This includes a 14–16 hour flight from Hawaii to California which will be near the end of the trip.

In the time prior to take-off, Peter is working to get as many flight hours in as possible, in between the time the Cessna is undergoing maintenance and the seats being removed to make room for an additional fuel bladder. As of this writing, Peter has just under 20 hours of flight time on the Cessna. This is where John’s expertise comes in – John owned an identical Cessna just like the T210M and has 28 YEARS and over 2,500 hours of flight time on it.

THE AIRCRAFT:
The 1977 Cessna Turbo Centurion model T210M is registered as N732WP. The Centurion is a single engine, high wing retractable landing gear, and all metal airplane. Dual flight controls are provided as standard equipment. It has seating for up to six occupants and a one-hundred-pound luggage compartment.

AIRFRAME:
With the exception of the steel engine mount, the landing gear, miscellaneous steel parts, the cowling, and the lightweight plastic extremities (tip of wings, tail fin and stabilator), the basic airframe is of aluminum alloy.

The fuselage is a riveted aluminum structure. There are doors on both the right and left side of the cockpit and an aft cargo door on the left side.

Each wing contains a fuel tank holding 45 gallons. The standard fuel capacity of the Centurion is 90 gallons, of which 89 are usable. The fuel is Avgas 100 LL. The typical fuel burn of 17 gallons per hour allows for a 4.5 hour flight with a 45 minute reserve. N732WP has been modified with tip tanks on each wing with will provide an additional 33 gallons of available gas in the wings. A 165-gallon capacity “TurtlePac” fuel bladder has been installed specifically for the flight and brings total fuel capacity to 281 gallons or approximately 19 hours of flight time.

MEASUREMENTS:
Wingtip to Wingtip: 40 feet
Nose to Tail: 28 feet
Overall Height: 9 feet

ENGINE:
The Teledyne Continental TSIO-520R is turbocharged, direct drive air cooled, horizontally opposed, fuel injected, six-cylinder engine with 520 cu. in. displacement. The engine has a maximum power of 310 rated BHP at 36.5 inches Hg and 2700 RPM. The maximum continuous power is rated at 285 BHP at 35 inches Hg and 2600 RPM. The constant speed three blade propeller is manufactured by McCauley.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
The 24-volt electrical system includes a 24 volt battery for starting and to back up alternator output. Electrical power is supplied by a 60 ampere alternator, and a 30 ampere back up alternator.

CABIN FEATURES:
For ease of entry and exit and for pilot and passenger comfort, the front seats are adjustable fore and aft. All seats recline and have armrests & headrests.

AIRPLANE FACTS:
Plane Built: 1977 in Wichita, Kansas
Manufacturer: Cessna Corporation
Model: Turbo Centurion T210M
Engine: Single
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental
Rated Horsepower: 310 horsepower.
Engine Type: 6-Cylinder, Air Cooled
Fuel: AVGAS 100LL
Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons
Usable fuel: 89 gallons
Fuel Range Capacity: 5 hours plus 45 minute reserve
Maximum Takeoff Weight (lbs.): 4000
Speed (avg): 165 knots/190mph
Fuel Burn (avg): 14.5 gallons per hour (Lean Of Peak)

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Approximately 40% of our fuel will be hand pumped from 55-gallon drums. Fuel Drums will be shipped via rail, truck, and ship to the needed location.

See: https://www.flighttoendpolio.com/fly-with-us

Oceans to Outback Returns

August 7, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by RFDS

Royal Flying Doctor Service and Generous Donors Bring Healthcare to Every Corner of Australia

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is delighted to announce the return of its Oceans to Outback fitness challenge, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible and reliable healthcare to all Australians, regardless of their location. This ongoing initiative is made possible by the generous support of our donors and partners, whose compassion and dedication fuel our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Living in a country as vast and diverse as Australia presents unique challenges, especially for residents of rural and remote areas. Access to prompt medical attention can be limited, and in emergencies, every second counts. It is during these critical moments that the RFDS aims to bridge the gap between patients and medical care, ensuring that vital health services reach even the most far-flung regions.

At the heart of our commitment lies the impact our services have on individuals and families. Andrew, a resident from rural South Australia, shared his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “If it wasn’t for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and their generous donors, I wouldn’t be here today.” These words serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact our organization has on the lives of countless Australians.

Thanks to the enduring support of donors like you, the RFDS has been able to expand its reach and enhance its response times. Through the Oceans to Outback program, our dedicated teams are equipped to travel further and faster, overcoming geographical challenges to deliver essential primary healthcare services to every corner of the country.

From bustling urban centers to the most isolated outback communities, our aircraft are equipped to be mobile clinics, staffed with skilled medical professionals who are ready to provide expert care. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that no one is left without access to healthcare, no matter how remote their location may be.

In a display of unwavering humility, we recognize that our work is not about grand gestures or headlines; it is about the people we serve. Our collective impact extends beyond statistics and numbers; it is felt in the lives of each person who receives the care and compassion they need during moments of vulnerability.

MORE INFORMATION

As we celebrate the return of the Oceans to Outback program, we acknowledge that this journey would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors and the dedication of our passionate team members. Together, we stand united in our mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of Australians in need.

With profound gratitude, we invite you to join us in this ongoing endeavor. Your continued support ensures that the RFDS can remain at the forefront of emergency medical care, providing hope and healing to those who need it most.

As we embark on another chapter of Oceans to Outback, we humbly embrace the responsibility of serving our communities and strive to make a difference, one flight at a time. Together, let us continue to bring essential healthcare to every corner of this great land, and create a brighter and healthier future for all Australians.

Safety Promotion Sponsorship Program now open

August 7, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by CASA

We’re doing something a little different with our Safety Promotion sponsorship program.

From today, we’ve refreshed the program so sponsorship opportunities are now available throughout the year, rather than the previous twice yearly offering.

Applicants can now plan further in advance, and they’re not bound to a deadline.

Applications are then reviewed in November, February and May.

The program provides a great opportunity for us to support organisations, flying clubs or individuals who are raising awareness of aviation safety in line with our safety promotion activities and priorities.

We sponsor activities with a specific focus on improving safety outcomes such as conferences, workshops, seminars, and other educational initiatives.

In most cases, sponsorship takes the form of financial support but could also include goods or services, such as information materials, communication collateral, or we could provide CASA staff to speak at a conference or event.

Find out more about the updated sponsorship program.

IFFR Brian Condon Memorial Flying Scholarship 2023: Report from Jack Gorman

August 7, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by IFFR

On the 21st May ‘23 I practiced a few engine failures after take-off, flapless circuits, glide approaches and consolidated the general technique that is operating in the circuit area. My instructor was very impressed and assessed me as ‘solo standard’ in the C172. So, my next lesson, booked in for the 3rd of June, will be a check ride followed by a circuit solo (dependent on the weather of course). Through the week I used some of my savings to purchase my own aviation headset. I am amazed at how good the noise reduction technology is and the difference it makes in the cockpit.

On 5th July ‘23 I flew solo in the 172 for the first time after only 7.9 hours in the aircraft. My instructor was very impressed with my flying and I had compliments over the radio from the tower operator as well as other pilots on the frequency on my landing. They only let me do one solo circuit on the day due to heavy traffic and we were approaching the end of our allocated circuit time. I went back today and flew solo again for approximately 30 minutes. There was a constant 12 knot headwind and gusting to a maximum of a 9 knot crosswind. My instructor still sent me solo and he said if it were any other student, he would have pulled the plug (due to the conditions), and he fact that he let me go nonetheless should be taken as a huge compliment. The landings weren’t as great this time around, but a safe landing is a good landing.

I have flown 9.2 hours with Flightscope aviation on the Brian Condon Memorial Flying Scholarship and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single second in the air. I can see how much I have improved since beginning there. Unfortunately, it appears I will only be able to have one, possibly two more lessons on the funding from the scholarship. However, I will be turning 18 in less than a month and I have already asked my relatives for a bit of money which I will then use to push me over the line to my RPL. I am very excited and can’t wait to have my licence.

Monday is the first day back at school going into term 3. I am expecting this term to be very intense focusing on the final pieces of content and revision for the external exams that are quickly approaching. Flying has been a fantastic escape from this. It‘s been refreshing to get up in the air every weekend or two and forget about calculus and chemistry momentarily and focus on flying instead.

I have attached some photos and a presentation from my recent lessons.

Jack Gorman IFFR Brian Condon Scholarship Presentation

IFFR “Tango around the Outback” FLY IN- June 2023

July 7, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians.

After the RI Convention in Melbourne, 57 intrepid IFFR members, partners and friends set forth to discover the outback; the long-way around via Warrnambool, Mildura, Broken Hill, Echuca and returning safely to Melbourne.

Reflecting the global nature of Rotary there were folk from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Holland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States travelling on the “Tango Round the Outback” in eight GA Aircraft, a twin-engine King Air, and a 50-seater luxury coach plus the odd mini-bus for the pilots and an SUV when the weather rained upon us!!

And rained it did, with 4” or 100mm in and around Broken Hill the night we arrived!!!

Our safety committee did well recommending the GA Aircraft remain in Mildura and avoid the unsavoury weather including heavy rain, low cloud and poor visibility.

There were so many highlights experienced by our touring group on the “Tango” for brevity’s sake they included:

A fabulous pre-Tango shared platter styled dinner at the Longrain Restaurant in Melbourne;
Flying above and around the 12 Apostles, then seeing them at ground level;
Walking the Otway Treetops on the way to the Great Ocean Road;
Coaching to the Ansett Air Museum in Hamilton;
Visiting the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum by day and by night;
Experiencing a campsite-oven dinner hosted by Pres Nardia and the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin;
The amazing flora of the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens;
Enjoying local wines and fine produce at Trentham Estate, Mildura and Balgownie Estates, Bendigo;
Broken Hill Royal Flying Doctors, the Broken Hill Aero club lunch and cocktails at the Sculptures on sunset;
Local touring in Broken Hill with the Big Picture, the Line of Load arranged by our IFFR member Bruce Church;
Dining with the Rotary Club of Broken Hill during its weekly meeting at the Musician’s Club;
Sight-seeing the highlights of “Mad Max”, the art and food in Silverton including lunch at the Silverton pub;
Plying the Murray River on the PV “Rothbury” in Mildura & the oldest Paddle Steamer “Adelaide” in Echuca;
Echuca attractions including the National Holden Museum and the Great Aussie Beer Shed;
Showing off Australia’s unique “Silo Art” heading to Warracknabeal, Mildura plus returning thru Rochester;
Accommodation was very comfortable, providing the best available locally during our extensive travels;
Traditional Aussie food and a selection of drinks kept the inner man or woman happy in readiness for experiencing the next day’s adventure;
Finally our “Tango Reflections” dinner at Element Hotel with great wine, fine food, and fellowship to finish.

Thanks to the many “Tango” organisers, all the hotel staff, the various GA Aircraft providers, Kirkhope Aviation providing the King Air with our caring and very personable pilot Rob; lastly, but definitely not the least, our wonderful, exceedingly popular and very careful coach driver Ellen in our big Grey Alston Coach.

To view the full article and photos head to the IFFR website

Applying for an ASIC

July 7, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by AIDA

Apply for an ASIC is an easy straightforward process with Aviation ID Australia!

Before applying for Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), simply contact the airport/s you are likely to attend to check if you need an ASIC.

Applying online with us is simple, we will prompt you to upload documents and a current passport style photo. It’s best to have these documents on-hand before you start, but you can always email us later with any missing documents. You can find a list of usable documents on our website: FAQs Everything you need to know about ASIC Cards (aviationidaustralia.net.au)

You will also be asked to provide your ‘operational need’. If you’re a pilot, your pilot’s licence is perfect. Or, if you need an ASIC for your job, a letter from your employer. As you complete the online application, we provide pop-ups to help you, like how to take your own passport-style photograph.

Once we have processed your application, we will email you the details of where to complete your In-Person ID Check, including a list of the original documents you need to take with you. The In-Person ID Check only takes a few minutes.

When the background is completed by AusCheck and approval is received, we will print and post your ASIC providing you with tracking details. It’s that simple!

ASIC Renewal – ASIC Card – Aviation ID Australia

CASA to work with aviation sector on 5G

June 22, 2023August 15, 2023

Article supplied by CASA. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will work with the aviation industry and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on the introduction of expanded 5G services in Australia.

CASA has worked closely with ACMA to ensure that the roll-out of wireless broadband services, including 5G, in the 3.7 – 4.0 GHz band (mid-band) can be done in a way that ensures the safety of aircraft and acknowledges the importance of Australian aviation.

This includes measures mitigating against potential interference by 5G to radio altimeters (radalts) used in aircraft to determine height above terrain. Information from radalts is displayed to pilots and used by other safety systems.

Radio altimeters operate in the 4.2 – 4.4 GHz range and mid-band 5G transmissions have been introduced without issue in several jurisdictions. However, the introduction of 5G transmissions in 3.7 – 3.98 GHz range in the United States raised concerns about possible interference with radio altimeters, particularly during low altitude operations during take-off and landing near airports.

After introducing measures to mitigate the possibility of interference, the US Federal Aviation Administration now requires operators to upgrade or replace radalts failing to meet a minimum performance level for aircraft landing procedures that are reliant on this equipment.

Australia will see a range of mitigations on deployments above 3.7 GHz until 31 March 2026. This is designed to protect against the risk of 5G interfering with radio altimeters and minimise disruptions to aviation operations.

The mitigations will restrict wireless broadband deployments in the 3.7-4.0 GHz band around runways and approaches identified by CASA at 21 airports nationally where landings using radio altimeters are permitted. There will also be limits on power and unwanted emissions.

We do not expect to impose operational limits on air operators during this interim period. However, operators will need to upgrade radalts that do not meet minimum performance levels before the interim period ends. We will liaise with industry about the applicable performance standards for radalts and available options for upgrading.

CASA is monitoring developments internationally as 5G is rolled out and we are confident the interim measures put in place by ACMA will ensure continued safe aviation operations.

Ongoing mitigations after 2026 will include a 200 MHz buffer between wireless broadband and radio altimeter frequencies as well as limits on power and unwanted emissions.

We encourage pilots to report any spurious radio altimeters incidents by using our defect reporting form or to the ATSB via their notification form.

CASA issued its latest airworthiness bulletin on the 5G issue on 4 March 2022 and a revised version is due out soon.

Further information is available on the ACMA 5G and aviation page.