CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
FUEL MANAGEMENT
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06
BATTLE OF BRITAIN 81ST ANNIVERSARY - DAWN PATROL 17
SIR NORMAN BREARLEY COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT 20
by Mick Harcourt
by David Royans
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
Tarmac Topics
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
Photo Credit - Duncan Watkinson
PATRON Kim Beazley, AC Governor of Western Australia
Welcome to our new club members Marco Gabbiani
Daniel O’Connor
Kim Halliday
Anthony Fisher
Michael Grubelich
William Michell
COMMITTEE
Breon Banwait
Nathan Vitanza
Scott Rogers
Denyse White
Ray Challen
Stuart Archibald
Laurel Borromei
Josh Czepulkouski
Luke Rosielle
David Hill
Steven Akker
Jaroslaw Hryniewicki
Bernard Vaughan
President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au
Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130
Lachlan Holden Julia Chapman Richard Hill
rathbone@iinet.net.au
Kudakwashe Makanza
Jim di Menna Treasurer
Simon Harrison
0419 434 283 Jim.diMenna@zetta.com.au
Brent Stephens
Mick Harcourt
Harrison Hayes
Club Captain 0402 800 862 mickh@iprimus.net.au
Karen Pye Ian Guy
Andrew Eldridge Committee Member 0438 220 703 andrew.eldridge@bigpond.com
Russell Philip Committee Member 0427 999 261 raphilip@westnet.com.au
Stephen Pearce Committee Member spearce@outlook.com.au
Vaughan Emery Committee Member 0412 923 494 vaughanemery@bigpond.com
Haydn Vernon Committee Member haydn.vernon@gemcorail.com.au
To download our Members Guide visit our Website - royalaeroclubwa.com.au
CEO REPORT
Written by David Currey I was very fortunate to participate in the epic Derby flight in mid-September, celebrating 100 years of scheduled passenger carrying flights in Australia. Besides the stunning scenery, camaraderie and seeing new places, the flight certainly helped boost the confidence of many participants. “I have learnt so much” was a common saying by many pilots on their return to Perth. There is talk that Kangaroo Island might be on the cards for members to visit next year. The flight to Derby also saw the introduction of Norm, the Club mascot. Norm the quokka has a logbook and can be taken on a flight by any member. All we ask is that you take a photograph of Norm at your destination, send the photograph to our social media page and fill in Norm’s logbook. It will be interesting to see how far Norm travels in a year. Thank you to Coril and her team for organising a simply stunning Annual Dinner. The gasps of astonishment as the doors to the ballroom were opened to reveal the amazing décor are a tribute to Coril’s creative flair and organising skills. The event is the highlight of the Club’s social calendar,
ship subscriptions remaining at 2020 levels. Doug Brooks
which is evident by the effort made by participants to look
was unanimously voted to be a Life Member of the Club.
their very best. A big thank you to Trevor and Terence Tang
We extend our condolences to the Adkins family on the pass-
for implementing two very generous scholarships. Congrat-
ing of Reg Adkins, a club stalwart and significant contributor
ulations to all members who received awards.
to aviation in Western Australia.
The weather Gods have certainly been helping the WA farm-
The Club’s Young Eagles program is progressing very well,
ers, but this has not helped aviators. Many training and pri-
with 14 participants enjoying the experience of learning
vate hire flights have had to be cancelled due to weather.
about general aviation. Many thanks to the volunteers
This means that the demand for Club aircraft will be intense as the weather becomes more suitable for flying, so please
who help support this important club program.
make sure you book your training/private hire flight well in
The Club promoted learning to fly at the Koorda agricultur-al
advance to avoid disappointment. Good airmanship also
show and attended the White Gum fly-in. Club member
requires you to make sure you take off and return the air-
Sarel Breet will be promoting the Sling at the Serpentine
craft within your booking time.
fly-in. It is important that the Club is seen to be supporting
The 2021 AGM saw an unchanged Committee and member-
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
aviation to the wider community, not confining its activities
I am very pleased to report, that in keeping with the strategic
to Jandakot and Murrayfield.
plan, Murrayfield Airport has seen the start of a road leading to potential hangar sites. The cross-over on Lakes Road
The lead up to Christmas sees a club event almost every
has been completed and the contract to build a limestone
weekend. YMUL will be busier than usual with an open day
road has been awarded. A significant amount of work will
on 23 October, to commemorate 90 years of Tiger Moths,
be required to map out the next phase in the development
the WALACs on 12/13 November and the Greg Hill Memorial
of hangar sites.
Trophy on 20 November. More details will be in the weekly newsletter. Mick Harcourt and the Flying Committee put a
Please remember to take Norm with you on your next flight
great deal of time and effort into organising activities for
and help him become the most travelled mascot in Australia.
members, so please come and support these events as
Safe and happy flying.
much as possible.
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Written by Mick Harcourt
On Saturday 23 October, there will be an Open Day at Murrayfield, the main theme being the 90th anniversary of the
As always, at this time of year, the sun starts shining for a lot
de Havilland Tiger Moth. There will be several of these and
longer and with it, brings a promise of great flying weather,
many other vintage aircraft on display for everyone to see.
so let’s take advantage of this!
Also attending will be representatives from the Aviation Heritage Museum with some of their saleable products and
We have had quite a program for RACWA Members so far
model aircraft on display. A coffee and sandwich vehicle
this year, including flying, seminars, pilot maintenance
will be on site as well as a sausage sizzle for those that get
programs, New Members dates and a host of other
a bit peckish!
activities to keep us all interested, especially during those
The Western Australian Light Aircraft (WALAC will be held
bad weather non-flying times!
at Murrayfield on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 November, with
So, we keep moving, with open days, visiting other Clubs
the formation competition being held at Jandakot on the
for breakfast and many flying events to both near and far
Friday evening and the rest of the comps at Murrayfield.
destinations.
There will be a presentation dinner at Jandakot in the Club Lounge on Saturday evening.
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Former Club Captain, the late Greg Hill, will once again be
As you will be aware, the YMUL and YPJT Comps are usually
remembered with the Greg Hill Memorial Trophy competed
held on the Second (YMUL) and Last (YPJT) Sundays of the
for by three teams of three – one from the instructors, one
month, however, December throws things out a bit with the
from the members and one from the students. This will be
run up to Christmas, so the dates will be changed to Sunday
held on Saturday 20 November and if you are not selected
5th at YMUL and Sunday 12th at YPJT.
to compete, it would be a great gesture to come along and
Incidentally, at the Jandakot competition, a Rudder Circuit,
barrack for whichever team you support.
on 28 November, we will start the Big Breakfast again and
It’s all for fun and the winning team get to have their name
if last year was anything to go by, it will be important to
engraved on the trophy, currently held in the Trophy Cabinet
pre-book your tucker or you might miss out!
at the top of the stairs!
Looking to January a trip down to the south coast for an
Moving on to December - on Saturday 4th the Lancaster flight will
overnight stay at Augusta is being planned and more details
take place with a briefing under the very aircraft at the
will be available soon.
Bullcreek Museum at 1pm, then we return to Jandakot to
Safe and happy flying.
make good a flight along the dams and escarpment from 3:30pm.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
FUEL MANAGEMENT - FROM THE HEAD OF OPERATIONS Written by David Royans
had slowly discharged the missing 45 litres overboard. The defect was traced to the lower O-ring on the fuel strainer
In the last Tarmac Topics we discussed the importance of
bowl leaking. Only a well-maintained fuel log alerted the
understanding the fuel system in the aircraft you fly. This
pilot to the problem.
is an understanding of a technical system, so we are aware
The fuel on board should be managed such that it is avail-
of the anomalies that can occur.
able at all times to the engine and assists in maintaining
The human side to the fuel system in flight is how the pilot
the balance of the aircraft. The availability is always more
manages the fuel on board - or possibly not on board!
important than the balance – but the balance should not be simply ignored. With the C172 for example, you select
A recent incident experienced by a RACWA pilot highlighted
both tanks and, provided there are no defects, the fuel will
the importance of managing fuel on board and knowing how
flow to the engine from both tanks uninterrupted – if you
much fuel you SHOULD have – as opposed to how much
are flying in balance! If you select Right or Left tank, the fuel
fuel you DO have.
The pilot departed Geraldton for Meekatharra with 180 litres
will flow from that tank only. This is a reasonably simple
of fuel on board. 90lt flight fuel, a fixed reserve of 42lt and
set up. With other systems, fuel may only be available to
a margin of 48lt. Approximately 30 minutes from Meekat-
the engine(s) from one fuel tank at a time, with the pilot
harra, the pilot noticed a fuel discrepancy start to develop.
managing which tank is delivering the fuel. With this type
Within a comfortable range to Meekatharra, with the fuel
of system, the amount of fuel in each tank should be by
indicated on board, he opted to continue to Meekatharra,
the pilot’s design – not through luck. Regularly checking
whilst continuing to assess options if the need arose. A safe
your fuel and changing tanks, when necessary, can avoid a
landing was made and the engine was shut down with a
sub-optimal fuel situation. A poorly managed fuel system
check of the fuel on board reading 45 litres, thus indicating
can see the engine stop due to fuel starvation, with possibly
45 litres of fuel less than should have been. An inspection
hundreds of litres of fuel actually on board the aircraft. A
of the aircraft found the fuel strainer bowl was leaking and
forced landing due to this type of fuel starvation is not an engine failure, it is a pilot error.
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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To aid the pilot in managing this dilemma we have fuel gaug-
is your tool to know how much fuel you SHOULD have on
es. The issue here is that if we suffer some form of electrical
board, and where that fuel is. The fuel log will not change
failure, the fuel gauges may become unreliable or even read
anything, however comparing it with the fuel gauges may
zero. Another issue is that a correctly functioning fuel gauge
alert you to the fact you have a fuel discrepancy.
will not recognise a fuel leak – it will continue to indicate
Remember, when the fuel gauges are hovering around “Emp-
exactly how much fuel is on board – all the way to empty,
ty” you may wish to question their accuracy – but they are
which may be well before expected.
accurate enough to say you do not have much fuel!
The main defence we have against these issues is managing the fuel and keeping an accurate fuel log. The fuel log
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Written by David Currey Secretary
Subscriptions Membership fees remain unchanged at follows:
The Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 29
Ordinary memberships
September, thank you to all members that attended. At the
Ordinary member
meeting there were three key agenda items:
Country member
$209
Committee
Senior member
$168
Junior member
$168
The 2021/2022 committee is:
Member for life
$2,990
Ray Challen
President
Associate memberships
Bruce Rathbone
Vice President
Associate member
$75
Jim Di Menna
Treasurer
Retired member
$25
Mick Harcourt
Club Captain
Social member
$30
Andrew Eldridge
Committee
Corporate member
$1,678
Russell Philip
Committee
Steve Pearce
Committee
Haydn Vernon
Committee
Vaughan Emery
Committee
$299
Life member Mr Doug Brooks (member 358) was awarded Life Membership of the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
ACHIEVERS Congratulations to all of our achievers for the months of August and September. We are very proud to see so many people reaching new heights in their flight training with us.
FIRST SOLO
Allan Moi - First Solo - August
James Crawford - First Solo - August
Juan Trazona - First Solo - August
Lucas Geidans - First Solo - August
Mitchel Lawson - First Solo - August
Phillip Edwards - First Solo - August
Aiden Glen - First Solo - September
Cameron Guelfi - First Solo - September
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Geoff Mills - First Solo - September
Harrison Hayes - First Solo - September
Jake Doyle - First Solo - September
Peter Hill - First Solo - September
Samuel Richards - First Solo - September
Sean Martin - First Solo - September
RECREATIONAL PILOT LICENCE (RPL)
Sean Rivers-Malet - First Solo - September
Kenny Chan - RPL - August
Craig Lines - RPL - August
Aaron Keirath - RPL - September
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Dirk Bevilaqua - RPL - September
TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
James Crawford - RPL - September
Kim Halliday - RPL - September
Mitchel Lawson - RPL - September
PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)
Scott Rogers - RPL - September
Rex Borchers - PPL - August
Anthony Barbaro - PPL - August
Emily Philippe - PPL - September
Roneesha James - PPL - September
Fletcher Burt - CPL - August
Adrian Denny - CPL - September
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL)
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Ash Dewing - CPL - September
James Minchin - CPL - September
MURRAYFIELD MATTERS Written by Harrison O’Brien Instructor in Charge
Congratulations to Harrison Hayes for achieving his first solo on the 5th of September. It is clear Harrison has a passion for flying. His enthusiasm for aviation shows each time he comes in for a lesson. A well-deserved milestone for Harrison.
Greetings from Murrayfield. The spring weather looks like it has finally arrived!
The Murrayfield Open Day is scheduled for the 23rd of Octo-
Congratulations to Siva Muniandy for achieving his first solo on the
ber. Come down for your chance to see some beautiful flying
13th of August. Siva showed perseverance and determination
machines both on the ground and in the air. Fancy a ride
through his flight training and it finally paid off on the 13th
in a 1940’s de Havilland Tigermoth? Now is your chance!
with Siva flying a good circuit with a smooth landing.
Trial flights and scenic flights will also be available as well as other fun activities.
YAK in Murrayfield
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
WHERE DID THE OIL GO? Written by Reece Bateson Safety Manager
Tips for checking the oil. • Know the minimum and maximum permissible quantities for the aircraft.
Checking the oil is a critical element of every pre-flight inspection. Pilots must know the minimum and maxi-
• Know the type of oil required – usually labelled on the
mum oil quantities for their aircraft and the oil should
inside of the oil flap - straight oil (black bottle from
be within those limits. If the oil level is getting close
the RACWA hangar) is usually used during engine
to the bottom of the permissible range then it is good
run-ins.
practice to top it up prior to commencing the flight.
• Take a rag out to the aircraft to wipe the dipstick
There have been several incidents recently where oil
when checking the oil – if it looks like there is no oil
has been added over the maximum permissible level
on the dip stick wipe it off first and check again. Even if
requiring the engineers to drain the sump.
the oil level is getting low it would be extremely unusual for there to be no oil at all on the dipstick.
Usually, the oil is easy to see on the dipstick with the
• Top the oil up if it is getting close to the bottom of
colour ranging from a honey colour to nearly black,
the permissible range by:
however fresh, clean oil can be colourless and very difficult to see, particularly when the engine is warm.
• Confirming the correct oil type / grade
So, if you can’t see anything on the dipstick, don’t just
• Collect the oil from the hangar, complete the details
add oil and over fill it - double check and if required
on the sign out sheet, along with a funnel and rag.
ask an instructor for assistance.
• Carefully pour the complete quart of oil into the engine sump, using the funnel and avoiding spills. • Wipe down any oil drips • Record the oil used on the VDO card
This dipstick has oil over the 5 quart mark
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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C-152 in maintenance
MAINTENANCE MATTERS Written by Gig Papa-Adams Engineering Manager
Light aircraft must endure more vibration, temperature change, heavy landings etc. than most other transportation. So, it is not hard to see that components can and do fail.
Defects are part and parcel of flying aircraft. For pilots it
When you find a defect, what is it the LAME wants from
means a cancelled flight or change of aircraft. For a LAME
you?
it can mean a quick easy fix all the way through to a night-
For a start, that you understand the MR system and what
mare of epic proportions.
should be endorsed on a maintenance release.
An aircraft is basically a bunch of ‘stuff’ stuck together to
Any defect or major defect must go on the MR. Unfortu-
make something that will take off, fly and land without fall-
nately, Regulation 50 of CAR doesn’t differentiate between
ing apart any time soon. The very fact that they need to do
defect and major defect.
this means they must be strong enough to support themselves and passengers but light enough to take to the air.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
In the event that the defect is major and the defective/dam-
Our responsibility to the pilots and passengers is immense
aged item is required for the intended flight, the aircraft
and we feel it at all times. We have a moral obligation to
must not be flown and the maintenance release ceases to
ensure safety to the best of our ability. I have often told a
be in force until the defect is rectified.
young LAME that I don’t mind if a mistake is brought to my attention, everyone makes mistakes, but make a mistake
So basically, if the failed item is a primary requirement for
and try to hide it and I can’t work with them ever again. As
flight or mission, it needs to go on the MR.
engineers we have a moral obligation to report our own
If it is not required then it can still go on the MR but can be
failures, even if it may mean losing our jobs. We sign off
noted as “not required for xxx” e.g. RH seat adjustment
on those obligations every day as we complete worksheets
jammed – not required for solo flight. Therefore, you are
and fill in log books.
making note of the defect but effectively closing the
So work with the engineers - we are a team. Talk to us, ques-
entry thus not flying with an open entry. It also means that if a dual flight were to go ahead the PIC would see the defect and either request the defect get repaired or choose another aircraft.
tion us and give us as much details as possible if you find a defect. We take every one seriously. We have a creed that every LAME should uphold;
CAAP43-01 V2.0 is a good document to read if you want some understanding of maintenance releases.
Upon my honour, I swear that I shall hold on
Give us as much details about the defect symptoms as pos-
sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred
sible, especially if it is an engine issue. Try not to diagnose
upon me as a qualified aircraft maintenance
the defect just give us the symptoms.
engineer/technician. Knowing well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon
Sometimes it may seem that an aircraft will have the same
my skill and judgement, I shall never knowingly
defect one, two or even three days in a row. This can hap-
subject others to risks which I would not be
pen with intermittent faults and especially with indication
willing to assume for myself, or for those dear
systems.
to me.
Say a CHT is not reading correctly. We change the gauge and on all test runs, the CHT operated perfectly. Next day we receive a CHT defect again. Did we disturb the wires? Was it a wiring issue that changing the gauge masked? Let’s
In discharging this trust, I pledge myself never to undertake work or approve work which I feel to be beyond the limits of my knowledge,
check the wiring.
nor shall I allow any non-qualified superior to
Everything looks good and the CHT is working again and
persuade me to approve aircraft or equipment
nothing we can do can make it fail. Out it goes, only to come
as airworthy against my better judgement, nor
in the next day with a failed CHT. It turns out the probe
shall I permit my judgement to be influenced
assembly wire terminal on one of the wires had a loose
by money or any other personal gain, nor
screw under the shielding and only open-circuited once the aircraft was in the air due to vibration. This can be a com-
shall I pass as airworthy aircraft or equipment
mon occurrence, although once you get to know an aircraft
about which I am in doubt either as a result
you can usually pinpoint the problem without a huge time
of direct inspection or uncertainty regarding
investment.
the ability of others who worked on it to
As engineers, our primary goal is to make sure the aircraft
accomplish their work satisfactorily.
are airworthy, it is our biggest point of pride and we chose aviation because it gives us the opportunity to work in an
Jerry Lederer, Founder, Flight Safety
industry that demands excellence in our work. We are per-
Foundation
fectionists, and slightly OCD, and aviation allows us to work to the highest level possible.
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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Norms Adventure - Leeuwin Estate
NORM, THE QUOKKA ‘Please take me with you’ pleads Norm, the Quokka. The Club has a new social member, Norm the Quokka. Norm would love to be a passenger on your next flight to explore the many airfields of WA. We’ve given Norm his own logbook. If you are the pilot in command could you please fill it in and take a photo of Norm somewhere on your journey so we can share details of his travels on our social media pages. Norm’s introduction to aviation was on 15 September when he was part of the squadron of aircraft heading to Derby and back to Jandakot. Since then, he’s filled a whole page in his logbook! If you would like to take Norm for a flight, please ‘book’ him when you make your booking with the Operations team.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM
Written by Alexander Hartner
ry wing aircraft, including the R22, R44 and a number of larger helicopters.
In September the Club recommenced the Young Eagles
On Day 4 of the program we looked at some smaller air-
Program, previously on hold due to COVID. We ran another
craft. WARMS, the WA Radio Modellers, showed us the
series of weekend sessions specifically aimed at our young-
adoption of UAV / drones into many industries. We hope
er members. Open to children aged 8 to 14, the program
this gives the participants some insight into the current
offered access to opportunities which are not generally
state of radio-controlled aviation.
available. The available slots were quickly filled for this
Day 5 of the program included presentations on basic
program and we are hoping to run another one early next
navigation and weather, as well as an overview into flight
year. Thanks to the support of the many volunteers, the
planning. Using the simulator as well as virtual reality, we
sessions were a great success.
got to apply these elements, as well as those from the
Day 1 consisted of a presentation about the Club’s history,
previous sessions on radio calls and effects of control, into
which gave the 14 participants an informative introduction.
a practical application.
This was followed by a tour of Club facilities, services on
To finish up the program, participants had the option of
offer, the hangar and aircraft.
either a scenic or trial flight early in October.
Day 2 started with an effects of controls briefing, then
We have to thank all the volunteers including Marco Surace,
pre-flight inspections, and finished up with a short intro-
Andrew Brown, Andrew Eldridge, Emily Phillippe, Anthony
duction to radio calls. A Club Instructor covered the effects
Barbaro, Tony Fry and especially Taylor for putting this
of control briefing, which provided a useful foundation for
program together.
the simulator and real world flying later on in the program. Emily Philippe, one of the WAAC students helped out on the day with the presentation of the pre-flight inspections giving a very extensive and comprehensive demonstration. Marco Surace gave a presentation on radio calls which was well received by the participants. On Day 3 of the program we visited the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bullcreek, followed by a visit to Flight City where one lucky participant got to experience the Boeing 777 Simulator and flew from Innsbruck, Austria to Venice, Italy. Thanks to John Goldsmith for inviting us to Flight City. As a special treat, we toured Jandakot Airport. Thanks to Bryce from Jandakot Airport Holdings, we were able to arrange an airside tour by bus. Going up the strip, we looked at all the different aircraft at Jandakot, as well as the emergency protocols in place. To complete the day, Callum Harrison, a Helicopter Instructor at Heliwest offered to give us an introduction to rota-
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
Young Eagles participants at Flight City hosted by John Goldsmith
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BATTLE OF BRITAIN 81ST ANNIVERSARY - DAWN PATROL
Written by Squadron Leader Paul Falconer-West RAAF Ret’d
A total of 28 aircraft were divided into eight flights, depending on aircraft type and performance. A briefing by Mick Harcourt and David Schneiker was held at 0500hrs in the
Every year the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia com-
RACWA hangar. The weather forecast was cloudy and pos-
memorates and honours the memory of the actions and
sible fog for departures from Jandakot which were to be
sacrifices of the Battle of Britain Air Crew by having a Dawn
in the following flights: DUXFORD, HURRICANE, METEOR,
Patrol across the City of Perth and over the Kings Park
SPITFIRE, TANGMERE, HENLEY, BIGGIN, and DORNIER.
War Memorial.
The weather was cold and CAVOK. The flights were to
On Saturday, 11 September 2021 the Western Australian
scramble at 0550hrs from Jandakot RWY24R. Jandakot
contribution to the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
RWY24R to 1500ft – Yangebup Lake – Woodman Point –
was carried out from Jandakot in two major phases. The
Fremantle – Kings Park War Memorial – Herdsman Lake
first was a Battle of Britain Commemorative Dawn Patrol
– Observation City(1000ft) – Fremantle – Yangebup Lake
over Perth followed by the second which was at the Royal
– Overhead join for Jandakot RWY24R.
Aero Club of Western Australia (RACWA) clubrooms.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
The de Havilland participation came in the DORNIER flight: DH82A Tiger Moths VH-FAS(A17-37)(Mick Harcourt and Caroline Watson), VH-CKF(A17-421)(David and Hans Schneiker), VH-NOV(A17-757) (Barry Markham and Paul Falconer-West) and No 4 was DHC-1 Chipmunk, VH-POR(John Douglas and S Correl) were in DORNIER FLT. Engines were started at 0550hrs and all flights completed their Dawn Patrol in crisp and clear conditions. On the return to Jandakot there was fog and low cloud for RWY24R. All flights joined overhead for RWY24R and were “Mission Accomplished” after formation and single landings. Werner Buhlmann joined the DORNIER flight at Yangebup Lake in Tiger Moth VH-DWD(A17-201) and returned to Serpentine Airfield from RWY12. A RACWA mess breakfast was held at the club rooms. Mick Harcourt invited me, to deliver a short Battle of Britain address after the breakfast. The RAF had 2936 aircrew, flying Hurricane and Spitfires mainly, from many countries to fight in the Battle of Britain (10Jul-31Oct40). 537 died. The RAAF had 35 aircrew in the Battle. Ten were killed. Of that 35, eight became aces (5 or more enemy aircraft shot down). Flight Lieutenant Pat Hughes of Cooma, NSW scored 14 before he was brought down on 7 Sep 40 with his aircraft being struck by debris from an exploding bomber which he was attacking. He was in the ten highest scoring fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain. If it had not been for the few who had defeated the Luftwaffe in the skies of Britain, we would not be commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of these FEW men at today’s Dawn Patrol. Lest we Forget! It had been a moving commemoration. The de Havilland name is alive and flourishing in Western Australia. Many World War II aircrew trained on Tiger Moths before proceeding onto advanced training and then operations.
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
SIR NORMAN BREARLEY COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT
Written by Iain Currill For me the Sir Norman Brearley Commemorative Flight can be simply summed up; it was simply just an awesome experience and adventure. We had awesome weather, awesome flying over a range of epic scenery, an awesome group of people, a great mix of aircraft ranging from Jim Dowell’s Cessna C340 (notwithstanding them bragging about the air conditioning after landing in 40-degree temperatures in Derby…) through a bunch of RVs, a range of C172s and assorted others to the undisputed Queen of the fleet in Kevin Bailey’s Stinson Reliant Gullwing; an absolutely stunning airplane.
To match the original route, the ‘official’
dinner as well as the chance to present
commemorative flight route started in
the Day 1 “Top Gun”, “Dipstick of the
Geraldton on Thursday 16th Septem-
Day” and “Dodgy Duck” (for the ‘dodgi-
ber. This resulted in most heading up
est’ act of the day) awards and to start
to Geraldton as early as they could get
to collect fines for a broad range of mis-
organised on Wednesday to beat the
demeanours.
bad weather heading through Perth with the even smarter ones having headed up on the Tuesday. Mid-West Aero Club turned on a great welcome for us with a short sun-downer before we all jumped on the bus (which Wendy Mann had kindly ‘volunteered’ her husband to drive) into Geraldton.
Day 1 of the official trip saw us depart Geraldton for Onslow via a fuel stop in Carnarvon. A range of scenic routes were taken including but not limited to trips over the Pink Lake, the Kalbarri gorges, Coral Bay, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Exmouth and assorted other spots enroute. A number of aircraft routed
Our first night together in Geraldton
via Murchison House Station where
gave us the opportunity for a quick
Bob Fawcett and Edward Broad are
briefing on the next day’s events over
buried in the homestead cemetery hav-
Iain Currill showing the 22 aircraft to some locals
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
20
Some of the aircraft on the flight
ing crashed and been tragically killed
in but crew members within the same
delays completely threw out the careful-
during the first scheduled flight on 5th
aircraft being more than happy to dob
ly planned and sequenced arrivals into
December 1921. (Ref: http://www.spir-
each other in to help boost the fines
Broome, the tower crews in both
itsofansett.com/legends/brealey.html .
total to support the (to be nominated
Kar-ratha and Broome could not have
Regardless of the route taken to arrive
charity in Derby.
been
in Onslow all agreed that it had been a great day’s flying over some epic scenery.
Day 2 of the official trip saw us head from Onslow to Broome with most heading to Karratha to refuel whilst a
The Ashburton Shire turned on an awe-
few (as it turned out the smart ones…
some welcome function for us all before
decided to head to Port Hedland
a brief ceremony to unveil a plaque
instead. Unfortunately the refuelling
commemorating the significance of
at Karratha took a little longer than
the event.
planned due to a series of unfortunate
Our second night saw us all gather together again for dinner and the obligatory briefing, prize giving and fines session which by Day #2 had gained significant momentum with not only different aircraft being willing to dob each other
events but even the “BOF-fer boys" (Mick Harcourt, Haydn Vernon & Mike Burns) managed to get to Broome before dark despite spending the best part of 3hrs
more
accommodating
and
helpful to a group of 22 itinerant aircraft who – at least in the case of Karratha – arrived in quick succession with
limited
familiarity
of
local
procedures and protocols. The Karratha tower crew reported that they hadn’t been called “Jandakot Ground” so many times in ages (although no one admitted to it…) and also advised that we all helped them set a daily movement record for Karratha since the last cyclone.
on the ground in Karratha waiting for
Day 3 of the official trip saw us spend
the refueller…. Whilst the Karratha
the morning in Broome to support the airport open day – including the unveil-
21
TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
Participants of the Commemorative Flight
ing of a commemorative plaque - before
visit Horizontal Falls, a couple went to
And we can’t forget Norm who took his
making the short hop across to Derby
Cockatoo Island, some went to Broome
first club flights on the trip. Norm lives
to arrive for their “Sunset over a Cen-
for a few bonus days, others went to Mt
at Club Ops and is always looking for
tury” commemorative event scheduled
Augustus or Cheela Plains with a split
a flight so if you are going somewhere
for 16:00; after the obligatory final prize
in return routes between “down the
please take him with you.
giving and fines session of course!
middle” through Newman and Meeka
Landing at around 15:00 into 40-degree
or back around the coast. Regardless
temperatures we were all amazed to
of the route taken, all seemed to agree
see around 250 people out at the air-
that it was a great trip.
port to watch the aircraft arrive and be part of the celebration.
Despite the
heat, a significant number of the Derby locals present took the opportunity to take a guided tour out onto the tarmac
Apart from the awesome flying and scenery, what made the trip for me was the group of people that came along and the reception that we got at all the
The trip was particularly special for the
ports along the route. I found it quite
crews in 2 aircraft. Ray Challen had two
humbling to be part of something that
of Sir Norman Brearley’s granddaugh-
had so much significance and attract-
ters – Sally & Kate Bennison – onboard
ed so much interest at all the points
for the trip north from Jandakot to Der-
we stopped at along the way. It was a
by; neither of them had flown much in
privilege and somewhat humbling to be
Again a plaque celebrating the cente-
light aircraft previously so it was quite
part of something that was so specif-
nary of the first flight was unveiled at
an introduction for them!
Wendy
ic and meant so much to so many – a
Derby. “Fines Mistress” Helena Robben
Mann’s crew of “Pink Ladies” was an
sentiment shared by many on the trip
also took the opportunity to hand over
extract from who’s who in WA aviation
I think.
the fines collected during the trip to the
with Wendy, Susan Ward, Leonie Davis,
sonal highlights was talking with various
Derby Native Wildlife charity; a total
Bette Rees-Oakes, Robyn Stuart and
people from the Shire at Derby who all
of $601 had been ‘donated’ along the
Marie Norris (filling in for Jenny Hough-
commented “you guys look like you are
route – an outstanding effort.
ton who was stuck in Victoria but did
having so much fun” – which we did!
to have a look at the aircraft.
With the official flight ending in Derby everyone headed for home on a “choose your own adventure” routing; a number of us took the opportunity to fly over/
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
come along in cardboard cut-out form!) and certainly won the award for best in-flight catering of any aircraft on the trip!
22
On this note, one of my per-
Talk has already started about where we should go next year – don’t miss out!
KOORDA SHOW Written by Adam Bettles – SMT Student
on that day. Although I was put in charge of the day, I must thank my mother Enza who lives up in Koorda and told
On the 4th of September the Royal Aero Club brought the
me that the town would like the Club up there because
Sling up to the Koorda Show to provide trial flights and
without her, none of this would be possible. I must also
give general information on the Club and how to become
thank James Minchin and Ryan Flynn for volunteering their
a pilot. This was a day to celebrate as it turned into a fly-
whole weekend to come up and sit in a stall all day with
in with home-built aircraft from Serpentine, other
Ryan deciding to sleep in a swag in minus four-degree
members in Club aircraft and an interesting arrival by David
weather, while James and I slept in warm beds, and we
Currey in the Grob.
cannot forget Michael Sonneman who was the pilot that
The day went amazingly well with five trial flights and
made the customers day. I hope that this day inspires more
countless items of club merchandise being sold on the
events like this in the future and I will be the first one to
day. Mick Harcourt gave us the greatest memory of the
put my hand up for the show next year..
day with the Sling orbiting the showgrounds as he was giving a play-by-play commentary on how to get in there
Koorda Show from the air
23
TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
THE OLD FLIERS GROUP August Meeting Written by Steve Rogers
September Meeting Written by Steve Rogers
The National Ballooning Championships at Northam had
Three fine speakers presented stories at this meeting.
been cancelled due to the difficulty of contestants coming
This date happened to be the 75th anniversary of the found-
in from interstate.
ing of Cathay Pacific and former Cathay Captain Peter Yates
Judge Ruth Wilson had promised to give a talk to the OFG,
brought along his former colleagues to celebrate.
but this was not going to happen as Ruth lives in NSW.
Peter spoke of how a war time partnership of an Australian
One of our members had heard noted aviation commenta-
and an American and a ‘mercy flight” of “Betsy” resulted
tor, Geoffrey Thomas give a talk to a group and suggested
in the formation of this international airline.
we approach him. This we did and Geoffrey was happy
Bevan Marshall then asked the question “What does Jan-
to oblige. He thought that his talk “F35 and the future of
dakot mean to you?”
aviation” would be a suitable subject.
Is it the place, the aeroplanes, or the people?
Geoffrey is an aviation writer at the West Australian, aviation
Bevan spoke fondly of people who have made a difference
commentator on Channel Seven and owns AirLineRatings.
in his life such as Frank Colquhoun, Vivian Chappell, Don
His summation of why the RAAF made a good choice when
Ende, Doug Spears, Slim Summerfield, Rob Poynton, Robin
it came to buying the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Miller, Alan Wright, Ivan Burrows, Bernie Baldwin, Frank
was full of factual information. The second part of his talk
Greenslade, Ian Dunn, Cliff Brown, Gavin Green, Harry
was titled “the Future of air travel”
Smeulders, Rod Lawrence, and John Ridley.
Perhaps it could have been entitled “Does air travel have a
You get a strong sense of the passion for aviation that
future?” Air freight is keeping planes flying. The growth of
these folk possessed.
aviation in the past 25 years was decimated with COVID.
Vern Benjamin lived in South Africa during the troubled
40% of the World’s trade by value is carried by air. 90% of this used to go in the bellies of passenger planes.
years when the UN placed an embargo on military imports.
We need planes flying. Airbus have predicted that it won’t
Supplying and maintaining an Air Force was very difficult
be until 2025 before air travel returns to pre-2020 levels.
especially during the “Border wars” period.
We hope to have Geoffrey return in the future to share
Vern will return to complete his story.
his stories.
Bulletin No 183 September 2021 Geoffrey Thomas
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
Peter Yates
24
Doug and Roma at Arivina Estate
LIFE MEMBERSHIP DOUG BROOKS Doug Brooks has been a member of the Club for over 45
Doug is a regular member of the Saturday lunch group of
years. Learning to fly as a penniless 18-year old, Doug put
members who meet in the Club café. He prefers the flexi-
everything he had into his flying training. He was a promi-
bility of a helicopter these days and is a frequent visitor to
nent participant in all club flying activities and was joined by
Margaret River and Dunsborough restaurants that provide
his wife Roma to ensure the many social events organised
a landing pad for VH-HQT.
by club members in the 1980s and 1990s were a success.
Murrayfield Airport has benefited from Doug’s generosity
Doug’s belief in the importance of the Club’s existence
in providing a roller and water tanker from time to time for
resulted in the club receiving unsecured funding to tide the
John Ridgway and Tim Smale to use to keep runway 09/27
Club through an extremely difficult financial period. With-
in good condition.
out this support, it is very questionable whether the Club
At the 2021 Annual General Meeting Doug was unanimously
would have survived this period.
voted to become a life member of the Club.
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
STAFF AND MEMBER NEWS We farewelled Toni Weston in September, after almost eight years working in the hangar. During this time, Toni completed her apprenticeship and became a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME, licensed initially in airframes and more recently, adding piston engines to her license. The Club actively supports the training of future LAMEs, as the aviation industry is critically short of these skills. Unfortunately, many larger aviation organisations do not share this investment in the future of the industry, preferring to recruit already trained LAMEs from smaller organisations such as the Club. We wish Toni all the best in the next stage of her career. David Currey, Toni Weston with her LAME Licensed & Glen Caple
VALE – REGINALD CHARLES ADKINS Reg Adkins was born on 7 October 1926 in Highgate, Perth. Reg went to school in Mt Lawley and later to Guildford Grammar School. He appeared to enjoy his upbringing. He joined the school Cadets and learnt to march and strip down and assemble guns in record time. This led to Reg being mustered to armory when he later joined the RAAF. Working on aircraft maintenance, bombs, ammunition, he volunteered and was posted to Japan after the war on occupational duties for several years. Once on leave from Japan, Reg answered a RACWA ad and got his Pilot Licence in just 28 days at Maylands, then went back to the RAAF. Reg was discharged from the RAAF and Reg and Alwyn Adkins
decided to get his CPL and Instructor Rating and worked
ROYAL AERO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)
26
On behalf of the family, thank you for the Club’s contribu-
as an instructor for some time at Maylands.
tion to the celebration of Dad’s life. It really made the day
That is where he met the love of his life, the lovely redhead
extra special for us. I’m not sure though that the “Shirley
in the Aero Club office, Shirley. After they married, Reg
Adkins” would have been happy with playing second fid-
joined ANA flying DC3s and then decided to go over to
dle in the flypast! Being THE boss, I think she probably
England to try his luck in Airline Flying. There was not much
thought she should lead! She’s probably giving Dad a rev
on offer so he came back to WA and joined MMA. In Reg’s
about that now.
book ‘I flew for MMA’ he tells of all the great experiences he had flying DC3s up to the Fokker F28s.
Kind regards,
Reg had a long and full life as an Airline Pilot and retired
Alwyn Adkins
reasonably early in life with 18,000 hours in his logbook. Shirley got involved in flying big time after her boys, Alwyn and Neil grew up. Having gained her PPL, she was involved in Aerobatics, Formation and all the Club Competitions. Reg and Shirley travelled extensively for many years visiting Airshows in many countries. They would camp in their campervan outside the airport to get in early to the best seats. They visited Oshkosh many times and flew in some vintage and Classic Aircraft. Shirley got more involved in aviation serving as President of Australia Women Pilots’ Association, President of RACWA and President of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia. She met many distinguished people worldwide. Reg was very supportive and was always at her side helping and promoting. They were great supporters of everything that took place at RACWA for four decades. Reg and Shirley would volunteer to go and pick up newly acquired aircraft for the Club, mostly from over east. Coming back on one trip in a Mooney, VH-ECH, Reg was so impressed with all the radio and navigation gear, he said ‘it’s got more gear than my F28’ They travelled as Australian representatives to FAI and other international conferences and got to know many folks from other clubs and aviation centres worldwide. They owned a Tiger Moth VH-CKF and flew in many air trial and Club events and when it got a bit cold for the bones, they sold the Tiger and brought a lovely C140 cabin aircraft for more comfort. The C140 took them all over Australia. Reg will be fondly remembered for his love of flying, his enthusiasm for the Club and his devotion to Shirley. His love and support were instrumental in Shirley achieving so much in her time. Reg passed away as a result of a fall at the grand old age of 94.
Reg and Shirley Adkins
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TARMAC TOPICS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
Photo Credit - Caroline Watson
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