Yesterday I flew up to Exmouth. I stopped in Geraldton and Carnarvon for fuel and the total flight time was just over 6 hours. I had easterlies at the start which became south easterlies as I went further north. I found that 6500ft was a good height , above the thermals and associated turbulence, but still with a good 100knot+ ground speed. I was collected from the airport by Gav and had a great time last night. (slightly hungover this morning)
I got some pretty shots on the way up.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Perth to Exmouth
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Fun in the Dark
I've been practising my night navigation and stress testing the aircraft before I head off, I've had some problems with the electrical system, but I am hoping they are fixed now. One more proving flight and I'm off around Australia. I've changed the route to include Ayers Rock, it's got to be worth a photo.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Kalgoorlie
I flew to Kalgoorlie this afternoon. I left at 1pm as I wanted to get
there during daylight the first time and it gave me a chance to refuel
and have a coffee before flying back in the dark. The plane performed
perfectly, although the ADF gets confused sometimes. It was exactly 3hrs
flying there and 3.5hrs flying back with a headwind. I'm glad I have
started using the GPS as it came in handy when I was out of VOR range
and the ADF was playing games. I got some great video and photos, but I
suspect that the SD card is playing up as I cannot read them at the
moment, hopefully I'll be able to recover something.
there during daylight the first time and it gave me a chance to refuel
and have a coffee before flying back in the dark. The plane performed
perfectly, although the ADF gets confused sometimes. It was exactly 3hrs
flying there and 3.5hrs flying back with a headwind. I'm glad I have
started using the GPS as it came in handy when I was out of VOR range
and the ADF was playing games. I got some great video and photos, but I
suspect that the SD card is playing up as I cannot read them at the
moment, hopefully I'll be able to recover something.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Fuelishly Optimistic
route to verify that the strips are serviceable and that they have fuel.
It seems that when the ERSA states that fuel is available it means that
at some point it was/maybe available. I get a lot of responses like, we
only have a 3000L tank here and it's half full at the moment, if there
is still some left when you get here... And we should have fuel again
this week, of course they said they were going to deliver 3 weeks ago...
All the airfields without automated pumps charge between $100-200
call-out fee after hours, got to avoid that one!
I have a BP card that I can use at some places, this is the map I am
planning around now that I realise fuel is going to determine my route
more than I originally thought.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Flight Around Oz
I'm planning to fly around Oz in the next couple of weeks to build hours and experience before I take my commercial flight test. I'm still working on the exact route, but it will look something like this. I have a good mixture of airspace and large populated areas and designated remote areas. I've got huge bitumen strips at international airports and tiny gravel strips at remote communities and mine sites and even a remote station planned so far, I have even got a military base or two in the plan at the moment.
Over the next few days I will be ringing each of the smaller airfields to verify that they are open and have fuel and to check on any local regulations that might apply. One the route is determined I can start working out the timing and see how many days this will take.
I am really tempted to go via Ayers Rock as I suspect it would be worth the visit, I am still deciding on that.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
CSU & Retracts
Yay! I passed my flight test in the RG and now have the complex aircraft
endorsement. It means that with the exception of the minimum hours
requirement I have met all the pre-requisites for a commercial licence
flight test. In order to build hours and experience and because I am in
desperate need of another adventure i am heading off to circumnavigate
Australia, clockwise, next week.
I'll be planning the trip over the next few days and contacting friends
along the way.
endorsement. It means that with the exception of the minimum hours
requirement I have met all the pre-requisites for a commercial licence
flight test. In order to build hours and experience and because I am in
desperate need of another adventure i am heading off to circumnavigate
Australia, clockwise, next week.
I'll be planning the trip over the next few days and contacting friends
along the way.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Photos from last night.
More pretty lights!
During the Right Hand Orbit of the City.
That's Perth City down there, see the new Ferris Wheel?
All those pretty lights!
I said "Karl make sure the flash is turned off as I really need my night vision!" Luckily I was talking to Clearance Delivery and looking at my flight plan so it had little effect.
Checking everything prior to Taxi.
On the ground during the pre-flight.Night Scenic Flight
Now that I am a qualified Night Rated pilot, Karl was keen to have me show him what the city looks like from above when it's dark. I took him over the City where I did a couple of orbits at 2500ft before we headed off to Rottnest via Observation City. Then back over the city and on to Jandakot. I extended my downwind for spacing on arrival at Jandakot and as a result had to use more power than usual and had a rather flat approach to 06, then I started braking before I had raised the flaps and got a couple of chirps out of the main tyres before I retracted the flaps and made the exit I wanted. I was relaxed and really enjoyed the flight. As usual Karl took a camera with him and some of his photos and video follows.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Night Rating Flight Test
I passed my night rating flight test tonight! Yay! I'm getting stuck
into my CSU and retracts endorsement at the moment and hope to have it
done next week. Then I have to decide if I want to get my taildragger or
head off on a long trip somewhere.
into my CSU and retracts endorsement at the moment and hope to have it
done next week. Then I have to decide if I want to get my taildragger or
head off on a long trip somewhere.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Wongan Hills
Karl and I flew to Wongan Hills today. I wanted to know why my night
circuits there had felt so strange, I know now, the strip is on a hill
above the town and that creates the illusion of being high on
base/final. I've got my night rating flight test tomorrow night, I could
not get an overfly of Perth today, but I am hoping I get one tomorrow
for the test. I'm also starting my CSU and retracts endorsement tomorrow
and I hope that once I have completed that next week I will be able to
get my tail dragger and float-plane endorsements out of the way soon too.
circuits there had felt so strange, I know now, the strip is on a hill
above the town and that creates the illusion of being high on
base/final. I've got my night rating flight test tomorrow night, I could
not get an overfly of Perth today, but I am hoping I get one tomorrow
for the test. I'm also starting my CSU and retracts endorsement tomorrow
and I hope that once I have completed that next week I will be able to
get my tail dragger and float-plane endorsements out of the way soon too.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Collie
I flew down to collie to have lunch with a friend today. So many trees!
Definitely not as much fun as the last time I flew down there in my hang
glider!
Definitely not as much fun as the last time I flew down there in my hang
glider!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Night Rating
I have completed the required Night training and my instructor thinks I
am ready for the flight test. It is booked for the 8th.
am ready for the flight test. It is booked for the 8th.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Night Nav
Last night I flew to Narrogin and back, practising NDB intercepts in the
dark over Pingelly. It was 3.4hrs of night flying and I was happy with
my navigation and landings. I'm still having a hard time with outbound
to inbound intercepts, but will practice until i get the hang of it
today. Tonight I am flying, Jandakot - Perth - Wongan Hills - Cunderdin
- Perth - Jandakot and it will be another long flight with plenty of
practice. If I do well again tonight I should have my night rating
flight test next.
dark over Pingelly. It was 3.4hrs of night flying and I was happy with
my navigation and landings. I'm still having a hard time with outbound
to inbound intercepts, but will practice until i get the hang of it
today. Tonight I am flying, Jandakot - Perth - Wongan Hills - Cunderdin
- Perth - Jandakot and it will be another long flight with plenty of
practice. If I do well again tonight I should have my night rating
flight test next.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A good Cott Day
flew safely and had fun. It was just great to fly Cott again after a
lack of westerlies for the last couple of months. No night flying at the
moment due low cloud and rain showers. Fingers crossed it clears up and
I can continue with my night navs later this week.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Rottnest by Night
there over the ocean. Then I did the remaining solo time in the circuit
at Jandakot, no problems, I was enjoying it and did most of the landings
without the landing light. It's hard to fly in the circuit and take
photos, and it was dark and the multi second exposure was never going to
work well from a plane.
Into my Navs next, the wheatbelt by night should be interesting!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Solo Night Flying
Tonight I clocked up another 1.7hrs after dark. Flying Solo was easy and
relaxed. Once the tower goes to bed and Jandakot reverts to a CTAF it
seems to get busier, but spacing is no problem, I think it is actually
easier to spot the aircraft in the circuit as they make their calls at
night. I practiced flapless and all flap and with and without landing
light and felt very comfortable.
My instructor is unavailable for a couple of days, but on Friday I have
my first Night Navigation Exercise, using the Perth VOR for orientation
and going through controlled airspace. I should be ready for my Night
Rating flight test towards the end of next week if I have no problem
with the 2 additional navigation exercises next week.
relaxed. Once the tower goes to bed and Jandakot reverts to a CTAF it
seems to get busier, but spacing is no problem, I think it is actually
easier to spot the aircraft in the circuit as they make their calls at
night. I practiced flapless and all flap and with and without landing
light and felt very comfortable.
My instructor is unavailable for a couple of days, but on Friday I have
my first Night Navigation Exercise, using the Perth VOR for orientation
and going through controlled airspace. I should be ready for my Night
Rating flight test towards the end of next week if I have no problem
with the 2 additional navigation exercises next week.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Night VFR Progress
I have done almost 4.5Hrs of dual night circuits now and I have been
deemed safe and consistent. The next 2 hours are solo night circuits and
then its into the night navigation. I think I have the hang of NDB
intercepts and it will be fun to put the theory into use.
deemed safe and consistent. The next 2 hours are solo night circuits and
then its into the night navigation. I think I have the hang of NDB
intercepts and it will be fun to put the theory into use.
Friday, March 06, 2009
More Night Flying
More circuits tonight, I was much more relaxed than last night knowing
what to expect now. The total electrical failure was really not that big
a deal, I had to keep a red filtered torch handy and when the instructor
killed all the lights I turned it on and stuck it onto some velcro I had
cunningly put in a useful location and I was able to see the most
important instruments that allowed me to fly safely.
Landing without flaps in the dark was starting to become routine after
another 1.7hrs. One more session of circuits to consolidate and then
it's off into the countryside at night for the navigation exercises.
what to expect now. The total electrical failure was really not that big
a deal, I had to keep a red filtered torch handy and when the instructor
killed all the lights I turned it on and stuck it onto some velcro I had
cunningly put in a useful location and I was able to see the most
important instruments that allowed me to fly safely.
Landing without flaps in the dark was starting to become routine after
another 1.7hrs. One more session of circuits to consolidate and then
it's off into the countryside at night for the navigation exercises.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Night Rating
I started my night rating tonight, 1.6hrs and about 10 touch and goes in
the dark. Wow, so different. Flying on instruments is fairly easy, but
initially I had some problems orienting myself because things look so
different at night. It does not help that all the runway lights are on
and so it's easy to glance out of the window and look down the other
runway, confusing at first. I got the hang of it, so much so that the
last 5 landings were without the landing light, I flared too high and
dropped in on the first landing, but I only made that mistake once. It's
quite hard to land at night, even with the landing light on, with the
landing light off it was far trickier. Tomorrow my training progresses
to a full electrical failure so landing without flaps and with no lights
at all and a red lensed torch in one hand, or in my teeth or somewhere
useful.
There is just something crazy about flying a single engined aircraft at
night, it has that same feeling as when I go swimming in the ocean at
night and it is all black everywhere and there is that feeling that
there is something down there in the dark somewhere, but I'm not sure
exactly what.
the dark. Wow, so different. Flying on instruments is fairly easy, but
initially I had some problems orienting myself because things look so
different at night. It does not help that all the runway lights are on
and so it's easy to glance out of the window and look down the other
runway, confusing at first. I got the hang of it, so much so that the
last 5 landings were without the landing light, I flared too high and
dropped in on the first landing, but I only made that mistake once. It's
quite hard to land at night, even with the landing light on, with the
landing light off it was far trickier. Tomorrow my training progresses
to a full electrical failure so landing without flaps and with no lights
at all and a red lensed torch in one hand, or in my teeth or somewhere
useful.
There is just something crazy about flying a single engined aircraft at
night, it has that same feeling as when I go swimming in the ocean at
night and it is all black everywhere and there is that feeling that
there is something down there in the dark somewhere, but I'm not sure
exactly what.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
No More CPL Exams!
I passed my last commercial written exam today, Yay!
I am currently doing my night rating, circuits at Jandakot in the dark
tonight!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Yay! RAA Ultralight Licence!
RAA pilots licence too. Next on the list is my night rating. I flew 5.4
hrs today, half in my Piper and half in a Jabiru 160.
On the way back at around 7pm I took a photo of the back of Mt Bakewell.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Photos
As per usual find the photographic records of my latest exploits on
Flickr, you should know to look by now!
Flickr, you should know to look by now!
Telstra Aaargghh
Optus Aarrgh too. I decided that nothing could make me want to give any
more money to the Evil monopoly called Telstra. So I ported my number
across to Optus as they have the next best coverage. All went well, up
to the point that they killed my number and it got lost in cyberspace. I
am now waiting for Optus to rediscover it and make it work. It means I
am without a working mobile at the moment. If you are trying to call me,
perhaps it will be possible again tomorrow.
more money to the Evil monopoly called Telstra. So I ported my number
across to Optus as they have the next best coverage. All went well, up
to the point that they killed my number and it got lost in cyberspace. I
am now waiting for Optus to rediscover it and make it work. It means I
am without a working mobile at the moment. If you are trying to call me,
perhaps it will be possible again tomorrow.
Ultralight Licence
Last Friday I flew out to Wyalkatchem and clocked up another 2.2Hrs in
the Jabiru J160C, it takes my total RAA Ultralight 3 Axis time to 3.2
Hours and puts me only a couple of hours away from my RAA Ultralight 3
Axis licence. I need to get my RAA Microlight license sorted and then I
will be qualified to fly almost everything fixed(ish) wing.
Next on the road to my commercial pilot flight test is my night rating
that I hope to start in the next few weeks and my Constant Speed and
Retractable Undercarriage endorsement. I am also planning to do my
taildragger endorsement once I feel I have truly mastered the stick and
rudder technique that I am improving at all the time.
MTW is due for her 50Hrly service and I am hoping to get it done in the
next couple of days so that I can fly up to Exmouth and beyond in my
quest for 200+Hrs.
I am starting to realise that my initial plan to get my IREX out of the
way early was going to be doing things in the wrong order and it is now
on hold until after I pass my commercial flight test.
the Jabiru J160C, it takes my total RAA Ultralight 3 Axis time to 3.2
Hours and puts me only a couple of hours away from my RAA Ultralight 3
Axis licence. I need to get my RAA Microlight license sorted and then I
will be qualified to fly almost everything fixed(ish) wing.
Next on the road to my commercial pilot flight test is my night rating
that I hope to start in the next few weeks and my Constant Speed and
Retractable Undercarriage endorsement. I am also planning to do my
taildragger endorsement once I feel I have truly mastered the stick and
rudder technique that I am improving at all the time.
MTW is due for her 50Hrly service and I am hoping to get it done in the
next couple of days so that I can fly up to Exmouth and beyond in my
quest for 200+Hrs.
I am starting to realise that my initial plan to get my IREX out of the
way early was going to be doing things in the wrong order and it is now
on hold until after I pass my commercial flight test.
Putting baby to bed.
Back at Jandakot I put MTW back in her parking spot. She looks heavier than she is, honest.
Leaving Rotto
Leaving Rottnest some low cloud started to come in, but it was only at 500ft and streeting so I was able to depart clear of cloud, it looked worse upwind so maybe the timing was fortunate.
Perth City
On the way out to Rotto I did the mandatory orbit over the city so Karl could get some shots, less haze than last time!
Waterproof Camera
Not waterproof! After surviving diving trips down below 15 Meters for some inexplicable reason my Pentax filled up with water when we were snorkelling at Rottnest. It might possibly come back to life when it dries, but I doubt it, it was really full when I took the cover off. This was the only tiny little issue in an otherwise great day, until a small jellyfish managed to swim up inside my board shorts and the discomfort at having been stung was mostly tempered by the fact that I managed to get it out just before it got to first base!.
Rotto
I'm trying to work my way through all the aerodromes/strips in WA as I build hours and experience on the way to my commercial licence. On the spur of the minute this morning Karl and I headed out to Rottnest for lunch and went snorkelling afterwards. It was great Xwind practice, a bit of rotor behind the hills on arrival and a huge 90' crosswind on departure, but no problems.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Not quite a smile ;-)
navigation was perfect, the flight & landing were perfect too & a
charming waitress just put some of my favourite food in front of me.
This must be what I look like when I am really happy ;-)
Short Video
Karl got the T/O at Leeuwin and the landing at Jandakot. Here it is.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=gC3GPUb4qwM
This is the second attempt! the first one failed after a Youtube codec incompatibility issue. Works now!
It was slightly tail leaving Leeuwin, but less than 5 knots and I definitely wanted to be going down hill and away from the big trees. I used every inch of available ground and it was an easy T/O.
Coming into Jandakot I arrived in the circuit just behind a Fire Spotter who decided to do a right hand circuit for 24, this upset the guy who was already doing a left hand circuit in a Sportstar and so I joined the left hand circuit downwind as I could keep both aircraft visual and I flew a nice slow base and final to make sure they were both well clear of the runway by the time I got there. It was my first entry into Jandakot after hours when it becomes a CTAF-R and it was quite strange to have an empty tower. I was confident it was a left hand circuit and how to proceed, but have to admit I was momentarily thrown by the firespotter when he did his right hand circuit.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=gC3GPUb4qwM
This is the second attempt! the first one failed after a Youtube codec incompatibility issue. Works now!
It was slightly tail leaving Leeuwin, but less than 5 knots and I definitely wanted to be going down hill and away from the big trees. I used every inch of available ground and it was an easy T/O.
Coming into Jandakot I arrived in the circuit just behind a Fire Spotter who decided to do a right hand circuit for 24, this upset the guy who was already doing a left hand circuit in a Sportstar and so I joined the left hand circuit downwind as I could keep both aircraft visual and I flew a nice slow base and final to make sure they were both well clear of the runway by the time I got there. It was my first entry into Jandakot after hours when it becomes a CTAF-R and it was quite strange to have an empty tower. I was confident it was a left hand circuit and how to proceed, but have to admit I was momentarily thrown by the firespotter when he did his right hand circuit.
Smile you idiot!
I just flew down to Leeuwin in my plane and am about to enjoy a gourmet lunch, whats with the long face?
Jandakot to Leeuwin Estate and back...
I was thinking about flying up to Exmouth for the weekend, but after
seeing the temperature was 40'C+ and realising that I would be incurring
hundreds of dollars to call the Mobil fuel people out on the weekend in
Carnarvon I decided instead to fly down to Margaret river with Karl. We
flew into the private strip at the Leeuwin Estate (after I signed the
indemnity form) and despite the warning about it having a radical slope
and being a scary gravel strip it turned out to be just fine. We left
around midday and I did an orbit of the city so Karl could get some
shots of the Australia day preparations. Then we headed down the coast
to Leeuwin Estate via Bunbury. As we tracked from Bunbury to Leeuwin
estate I had a few moments of trepidation as the Margeret River strip
was easily visible but it took a while to spot the Leeuwin strip, but as
always dead reckoning worked and the GPS stayed switched off.
We landed on 34 and I did a textbook short field landing and was at
walking pace long before the drop off I was warned about.
It was only a short walk from where we parked the plane to the
restaurant where we were absolutely spoilt with the impeccable service
and amazing cuisine. I am uploading Karls photos to Flikr at the moment
and they should be online soon. Karl also got the Take Off at Leewin and
the Landing at Jandakot on film and that will be on You-Tube as soon as
I get a chance to upload it.
seeing the temperature was 40'C+ and realising that I would be incurring
hundreds of dollars to call the Mobil fuel people out on the weekend in
Carnarvon I decided instead to fly down to Margaret river with Karl. We
flew into the private strip at the Leeuwin Estate (after I signed the
indemnity form) and despite the warning about it having a radical slope
and being a scary gravel strip it turned out to be just fine. We left
around midday and I did an orbit of the city so Karl could get some
shots of the Australia day preparations. Then we headed down the coast
to Leeuwin Estate via Bunbury. As we tracked from Bunbury to Leeuwin
estate I had a few moments of trepidation as the Margeret River strip
was easily visible but it took a while to spot the Leeuwin strip, but as
always dead reckoning worked and the GPS stayed switched off.
We landed on 34 and I did a textbook short field landing and was at
walking pace long before the drop off I was warned about.
It was only a short walk from where we parked the plane to the
restaurant where we were absolutely spoilt with the impeccable service
and amazing cuisine. I am uploading Karls photos to Flikr at the moment
and they should be online soon. Karl also got the Take Off at Leewin and
the Landing at Jandakot on film and that will be on You-Tube as soon as
I get a chance to upload it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Passing Bakewell
I passed in between Northam (on the left) and Mt Bakewell and York on the right on the way to Wylie.
Leaving Perth
Today I flew from Jandakot to Wyalkatchem and back, I was hoping to get my RAA 3 Axis Ultralight license sorted, I have to go back next week as we ran out of time today. It was a nice flight, dead reckoning all the way and gee it works well. I have a tracklog from the GPS I turned on just so I could see my ground speed.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
PPL-A!
I passed my PPL-A flight test today! Now I am a fully qualified
unrestricted pilot with an aeroplane, a good feeling. I am studying for
my IREX exam at the moment, with the plan being to resume my commercial
pilot training in a month when I will have 250Hrs and have passed all my
commercial written exams and my Irex exam.
unrestricted pilot with an aeroplane, a good feeling. I am studying for
my IREX exam at the moment, with the plan being to resume my commercial
pilot training in a month when I will have 250Hrs and have passed all my
commercial written exams and my Irex exam.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Update 2009
Happy New Year. 2009 has arrived and I saw it in with friends and had a
relaxing time over the holiday season. Finally I have my PPL flight test
booked for later this week and cannot wait to cross that one off the list.
Some moron smashed the passenger side window of my car last night and
stole my Sat Nav and whatever else he could carry away with him into the
night. I have seriously lost count, but that is at least the 10th time I
have had my car broken into in Perth, I guess that's why we rank No1 in
Australia for theft. I did not even bother to report it to the Police,
they seriously don't care, the last couple of times they talked me out
of making a report, I guess to make their figures look better.
relaxing time over the holiday season. Finally I have my PPL flight test
booked for later this week and cannot wait to cross that one off the list.
Some moron smashed the passenger side window of my car last night and
stole my Sat Nav and whatever else he could carry away with him into the
night. I have seriously lost count, but that is at least the 10th time I
have had my car broken into in Perth, I guess that's why we rank No1 in
Australia for theft. I did not even bother to report it to the Police,
they seriously don't care, the last couple of times they talked me out
of making a report, I guess to make their figures look better.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A new favourite
I just saw the film "Den brysomme mannen" (The Bothersome Man) for the
first time and loved it.
first time and loved it.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Salt Lake
I did a 3.5Hr solo navigation exercise yesterday and practised using the VOR and NDB instruments. My flight took me over Armadale, Canning Dam, Mount Dale, Beverly, Cunderdun, Wyalkatchem, Ballidu, Northam, Clackline , The Lakes, Canning Dam, Byford, Forrestdale Lake before returning to JT. It was quite thermic and bumpy under the CUs, but at least the air was cool up there. Just past Wongan Hills I saw this salt lake and thought the cloud refection's looked worth a photo.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
On Track
I passed Performance and Planning and Meteorology this week, just 2 more
CPL exams to go next week (Navigation and Aerodynamics) and the written
exams are complete! I'll start studying for my instrument rating
straight away, but don't plan to take the exam for a couple of months.
I've got a huge solo nav planned for tomorrow, about 4hrs all over the
wheat belt with my first chance to practice using VORs and NDBs for
position fixes in the real world, it seems easy enough in X-Plane ;-)
CPL exams to go next week (Navigation and Aerodynamics) and the written
exams are complete! I'll start studying for my instrument rating
straight away, but don't plan to take the exam for a couple of months.
I've got a huge solo nav planned for tomorrow, about 4hrs all over the
wheat belt with my first chance to practice using VORs and NDBs for
position fixes in the real world, it seems easy enough in X-Plane ;-)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Looking Down
Looking up the Swan River towards Perth.
The Fremantle Docks.
Clear Right, Ahead, Left, turn Left. (Looking down on Lauch)
Approaching Cott from the South.
After a fun fly at Cott yesterday and with today being NW but with a swing to the west in the afternoon, I thought there might be some hang gliders down at Cott. On my way to Murray Field (ok, a slight detour) for some xwind practice I flew over Cott, but no one was there.
It was 90 degrees crossing RWY 23 and gusty and hard work, but I enjoyed every second of it and all the landings were soft and controlled on the centreline. I used the only 2 stages of flap and extra airspeed as recomended in the POH and it meant a little more float that usual, but no problemo.
Cott!
Jason flies his Fun 1603/12/08 was a good Cott day. Many were there, all had fun.
Karl got some video of me, and here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubcHyr5hso
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
MTW
I did another 2 hours in MTW today. It was hot. 36'C on the ground. I
was soaked in sweat before I got into the air, once clear of airspace I
enjoyed a little while at 4000ft where the outside air was a relatively
cool 18'C. I got the aircraft trimmed at 2500RPM and 4000ft indicated
and then got the gps to average the ground speed over a 2 minute run, I
spent 2 mins going first South, then West, then East, then North and at
the end had accurate average speeds for the 2 mins in each direction.
When I got home I worked out that the density altitude was over 5000ft
and 2500RPMs equates to approx 72.5% throttle. The result of the timed
runs was a 104knot average speed, this was actually pretty close to what
the ASI was showing me after I dialled in the height and outside air temp.
The book says I should be doing 108knots in this configuration, so I am
within 5% after 30 years, nothing to complain about there.
With the aircraft leaned correctly 2500RPM burns 28 litres per hour of
fuel, this equates to 14.6 litres per hundred kilometres at a ground
speed (assuming NIL wind) of 191km/h and gives a max range of 5 Hours 40
Mins plus a 45 Min reserve or 1073km or 580nm.
was soaked in sweat before I got into the air, once clear of airspace I
enjoyed a little while at 4000ft where the outside air was a relatively
cool 18'C. I got the aircraft trimmed at 2500RPM and 4000ft indicated
and then got the gps to average the ground speed over a 2 minute run, I
spent 2 mins going first South, then West, then East, then North and at
the end had accurate average speeds for the 2 mins in each direction.
When I got home I worked out that the density altitude was over 5000ft
and 2500RPMs equates to approx 72.5% throttle. The result of the timed
runs was a 104knot average speed, this was actually pretty close to what
the ASI was showing me after I dialled in the height and outside air temp.
The book says I should be doing 108knots in this configuration, so I am
within 5% after 30 years, nothing to complain about there.
With the aircraft leaned correctly 2500RPM burns 28 litres per hour of
fuel, this equates to 14.6 litres per hundred kilometres at a ground
speed (assuming NIL wind) of 191km/h and gives a max range of 5 Hours 40
Mins plus a 45 Min reserve or 1073km or 580nm.
I spent another hour doing unusual circuits at Murray Field and then
30mins of PFL practice before returning to Jandakot.
On track.
MTW is behaving well, 15hrs and down just one quart of oil. Today I flew
down to Murray Field and spent over an hour doing circuits, there was
not much crosswind, but it was a bit bumpy and I did a few flap less and
glide approaches and all nice tight circuits. Then I flew around the
training area waiting for someone to say echo on the Perth Radar
frequency, when they did I closed the throttle and simulated an engine
failure. I got 3 in and they are getting smoother each time. Each day
this week will be a mix of study and flying as I have my PPL flight test
and the last of my commercial written exams to complete in the next 3
weeks. My next CPL exam is Performance and that's probably why I have
echo on the brain at the moment!
down to Murray Field and spent over an hour doing circuits, there was
not much crosswind, but it was a bit bumpy and I did a few flap less and
glide approaches and all nice tight circuits. Then I flew around the
training area waiting for someone to say echo on the Perth Radar
frequency, when they did I closed the throttle and simulated an engine
failure. I got 3 in and they are getting smoother each time. Each day
this week will be a mix of study and flying as I have my PPL flight test
and the last of my commercial written exams to complete in the next 3
weeks. My next CPL exam is Performance and that's probably why I have
echo on the brain at the moment!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Testing times
I've completed all the required Navs for my PPL. I've also started my
CPL exams. The next month is going to be very busy for me as I try to
complete all my CPL exams. MTW is going great, I have done 12hrs on her
now and she is only down 1 Quart of oil, that could well have come out
of the breather so I am very happy with the engine condition. I'm
getting more comfortable in her, and yesterday I practised my flap less
crosswind landings and I'm pleased with everything.
CPL exams. The next month is going to be very busy for me as I try to
complete all my CPL exams. MTW is going great, I have done 12hrs on her
now and she is only down 1 Quart of oil, that could well have come out
of the breather so I am very happy with the engine condition. I'm
getting more comfortable in her, and yesterday I practised my flap less
crosswind landings and I'm pleased with everything.
Economy cruise is about 100knots when she is heavy and that equates to
about 28lt/hr or flat out she can manage about 115knots at 35lt/hr. So
far I have not been above 4500ft and I am keen to see how she performs
at her optimum height of around 8000ft.
She pulls up in around 100m for a properly executed short field landing,
but needs much more room to T/O (600m) and climb performance is never
impressive. Never any problem getting back down though ;-)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Long Nav
Did I mention it was a 3Hr 54 Minute Flight! The piper has about a 5
Hour Endurance at 2650RPM or 90% throttle. If I can live with 100knots
I should be able to get her down to 75% throttle and less fuel burn.
Hour Endurance at 2650RPM or 90% throttle. If I can live with 100knots
I should be able to get her down to 75% throttle and less fuel burn.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Observation City
Here I am tracking South down the coast towards Fremantle after popping out over Observation City.
Perth Airport
After being sent way north I was vectored in over Perth Airport, not something you see often from a small VFR aircraft.
Salt lakes
When you are navigating with a map these are invaluable, along with Major Roads and Railways and Grain Silos, Towns and Rivers.
Nav6
My last Solo Navigation exercise before my PPL flight test went well and really tested my ability and confidence. It was from Jandakot to Corragin then Beverly and finally Northam before returning to Jandakot via a corner of controlled airspace. It was a hot and thermic day and quite bumpy, but the Piper is so much more stable than a 172, easier and more relaxing to fly. The DG stayed wonderfully aligned with the compass, requiring regular checking but no regular changes.
I have yet to work out the average speeds and fuel burn, but I am guessing that I was averaging about 110knots and 36lph. I had to dodge gliders at Beverly and deal with crosswinds and rotor at all 3 airfields, but it was no problem. On the way out I had to track around a fire at Canning Damn as the smoke meant no VMC was possible. When I got back to clackline and got my transponder code I was initially told there was no entry into controlled airspace, that was until it became apparent that there was no VMC possible anywhere near canning damn and I was vectored north of Perth before getting an overfly to Observation city and an awesome flight down the coast, returning to Jandakot via the Power House in Fremantle.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Cott!
Monday was an excellent Cott day, Karl, Mike, Jason, Rob, Caine, Gavin,
Shaun and myself were all there and we all flew. I got Karl, Rob and
Caine to fly my glider and everybody loves a Fun 160. It was gusty at
times and off to the North as well, but everyone did great, safe top
landings all round. Karl was up for ages and flew like a champ in
changeable and tricky conditions.
I'm still waiting for MTW to be ready for our adventures together,
impatiently.
Shaun and myself were all there and we all flew. I got Karl, Rob and
Caine to fly my glider and everybody loves a Fun 160. It was gusty at
times and off to the North as well, but everyone did great, safe top
landings all round. Karl was up for ages and flew like a champ in
changeable and tricky conditions.
I'm still waiting for MTW to be ready for our adventures together,
impatiently.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Piper Cherokee PA28-140
She was born in 1976 and factory corrosion proofed. Despite having been unloved and unused for the last couple of years she is in great shape, mechanically excellent and with a full set of night VFR instruments and all working accessories. 150Hp is not going to make her an amazing performer, but she flies nicely and I can't wait to get to know her better. Even with a 1940's technology 5.2 litre push rod engine she still manages to get MPG that shames some cars driving on the road today.
Solo Nav
This was taken by me on the way back from Bunbury in a Cessna 172.
In theory I am just 2 more flights away from my PPL flight test.
There are a heap more photos from the flight from Jandakot to Boddington and Bunbury and then back to Jandakot on my Flikr site.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
PPLA
I passed my PPLA theory exam! Yay again!
Weather permitting I am flying down to Bunbury by myself tomorrow as my
first Solo Navigation exercise.
Only 3 more Nav flights before I have my flight test and get my full
licence, fingers crossed.
Weather permitting that could be next week. Yay!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Jandakot
My PPL is going great and I hope to have my Navs completed within a few weeks. I stitched together some shots of Jandakot to create a panorama view. Last week I became a member of the RAA and did an hour in a Jabiru 160C and I should have my RAA licence before my PPL if all goes according to plan.
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