– Steve Hitchen
Aviation loves an anniversary party. They're moments to celebrate longevity and success, something that has eluded many GA start-ups along aviation's historical timeline. This year there seems to quite an accumulation of anniversaries right across the GA spectrum. In the helicopter world, Sikorsky is turning 100 and Robinson 50. Business jet maker Dassault celebrates 60 years this year, and it has been 75 years since the Pascale brothers completed their first aeroplane. It has been 40 years since recreational aviation in Australia became a formal thing, first with the Australian Ultralight Federation and now with RAAus. So there's a stack of reasons for the industry to celebrate right there. And there's another. A certain GA magazine, which was founded in 1963 is, of course, turning 60 itself. It's been a hell of a ride for Australian Flying, but you get the feeling the journey is a long way from over. We're going to mark the milestone a bit later this year with a special edition, so keep your eyes out for that one. Are there anymore major milestones coming up this year? If so, let us know.
It's not surprising that the GA MRO industry generally supports the move to modular licences based on exclusions. It has the potential to unclog the training pipeline a bit and put more hands on spanner sooner. To summarise, a Part 66 engineer licence can be issued before the candidate has studied all the modules relating to GA maintenance. They just can't work on the systems they haven't qualified for. This means people can get to work sooner and worry about adding other qualifications down the track. An engineer will be able to work on a Victa Airtourer without having had to study retractable undercart systems, or do a 100-hourly on a Bonanza without being qualified on pressurisation. It will get people working on basic aircraft quicker. But a majority of support is not consensus, and some people believe a modular system will water down LAME qualifications and become unworkable in some circumstances. For example, an engineer with powerplant qualifications, but not airframe, can't sign-off on a new maintenance release for a C172 because an annual inspection requires work on both. However, qualifications are one thing; employability is another, and if MROs don't want an engineer who has only powerplant or only airframe, then they'll turn them around and tell them to come back later. I have faith that the MRO industry will find a happy spot with this provided they are given the opportunity, which it seems CASA is going to hand them.
David Bell was a giant of the general aviation community; a bloke with relentless passion for aviation and over half a century of experience dealing with operators, customers and government departments. His death this week means aviation has lost one of its most ardent advocates and a gentleman of the old school. You don't get to be around GA for 50+ years and not accumulate a plethora of great yarns, especially when part of your career was spent in PNG. It didn't take much to tickle the stories out of Dave; he always had a good one locked and loaded, ready to fire off in your direction at an industry reception or around the dinner table. He knew his stuff. He knew the people, the machines and the market place. He wrote the Down to Business column for Australian Flying for three years and he did with enthusiasm. Dave was an asset to us and we knew it. If I ever needed to clarify something or needed expert opinion or feedback, one phone call to Dave would do it. There was a lot he did in the background that probably didn't garner the accolades that it should have. I suppose that was what the OAM was for. Thanks, Dave. We are better off for you having been a part of us.
Pilot supply company FlightStore has come up with a doozy of a competition. It gives you the chance to win a Bose A20 noise canceling headset worth $1870. This model is often thought of as the pinnacle of aviation headsets, and you have the chance to get one on your head absolutely free. FlightStore has donated the prize as a competition to correspond with our current March-April issue, so entries are open until 30 April. All it takes is to go to the Australian Flying website, fill in your details and answer the simplest question you'll ever be asked. That's all it might take for you to rock up for you next flight carrying a Bose A20. Get onto it now. And on the subject of competitions ...
Australian Flying has teamed up with PilotTrain to create a competition where you could win one of five copies of Jim Davis' new book Flight Tests. This book is in my own library and is a valuable document that gives you an insider's view of how to pass a flight test, no matter how nervous you might be. Flight Tests will arm you with weapons to impress the examiner, especially in the small airmanship matters that you don't think they're watching for. Examiners all over Australia will be unimpressed that Jim has given away so many secrets! To enter the draw to get a free copy, go to the Australian Flying website and fill in your details. Entries close on 14 April. Good luck.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch