9 FEBRUARY 2023
ISSUE 377 Photo: CCN
News
Coast “betrayed” by poor handling of bushfire relief funding See page 6
Out&About
PEP11 is back ... The controversial PEP 11 permit for offshore gas drilling is back on the agenda, with the Federal Government and Asset Energy agreeing last week to end a Federal Court challenge over former PM Scott Morrison’s refusal of a licence renewal.
Chef Daniel’s A Pinch of Salt Beer battered fish and chips See page 20
Business
See page 3 Surf Rider and Save our Coast paddle out protest at Terrigal Beach last summer
Aero club named best in Australia Against fierce competition from other aero clubs around Australia the Central Coast Aero Club (CCAC), which operates at Warnervale Airport, has been awarded the prestigious Aero Club of the Year Award for 2022. Announced recently by Australian Flying, The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority ( CASA) Wings Award recognises the achievements of pilots, instructors, clubs and services in general aviation. This is the description given where aerial fire fighting, recreational flying and flight training and scenic flights using light aircraft take place. “From the moment a pilot first learns to fly, the operation of the airport, the aircraft and the qualification of the
Photo: Andrew Smith
Central Coast Aero Club has been named the best in the country
instructors all take place within strict rules set out by CASA,” CCAC spokesperson Allan Cooper said. “So (for commercial aircraft passengers) it’s good to know the pilot will have been trained in that way or will have met the same very high standards required to occupy the Captain’s left hand seat or as a First Officer the right hand seat.”
CCAC operates under the leadership and guidance of CEO and Senior Instructor Andrew Smith. Fly aways, quiz shows, monthly competitions and successful lobbying have been a large part of the success of the club. “The club has been driven to modernise, with a focus on arranging Paul Bennet Air Shows, installing
concrete pads to flood-proof tie down areas (for aircraft parking), replacing outdated fuel delivery systems and hosting a new CASA-approved simulator,” Cooper said. “The club has risen from a position of weakness five years ago to a position of strength and credibility. “By exposing thousands of members plus thousands of the general public to general aviation via air shows, gaining goodwill through free charity flights for disabled children and regaining the full runway length after campaigning for tree removal, the CCAC has placed itself firmly on the WAC (World Aeronautical Chart ) as a solid club.”
WITHAM’S COFFEE Delivering the finest Arabica beans, roasted to order, direct to your home, office or cafe. Witham’s Delivering Coffee Perfection. ORDER ONLINE
(02) 9482 1122 withams.com.au
Source: Media release, Feb 4 Central Coast Aero Club
Major boost for conservatorium upgrade See page 21
Sport
Graham takes gold in Deer Valley See page 32
Puzzles page 18