Australian Flying May-June 2023 has arrived with a bang! The latest issue is packed with the customary good stuff that keeps you abreast of the general aviation industry. We've tested a long Piper, examined SouthPAN closely, worked on some maintenance issues and looked back on the rotary aviation industry. There's plenty inside to suit the paletes of most aviators with good information and great entertainment.
Back with a Bang
Avalon 2023 is being hailed as one of the best ever. After four years away, the Australian International Airshow delivered the goods as a showcase for aviation of all sectors. Tony Self looks back.
Flight Test: Piper M350
Piper’s six-seat pressurised offering, the M350, provides owners with a chance to get above the flight levels without the extra cost of running a turbine. Paul Southwick hitched a ride to Brisbane, which gave him plenty of time to explore this very capable airframe.
Building SouthPAN
Space-based Augmentation System (SBAS) is coming to Australia within five years. But why do we want it and what does it mean for GA? Steve Hitchen spoke with the experts as he delved into the SouthPAN project.
Periodic Learning
It gets called the annual inspection or the 100-hourly, but its real name is the periodic inspection, and from an RAAus point of view, is still largely misunderstood by L1 maintainers. Steve Hitchen submitted his aircraft to a LAME and learnt a huge lesson about what it takes to do a periodic inspection properly.
Right Seat Rules
In the first of this brand new series on flight instruction, Jim Davis outlines his philosophy for flying instructors and the impacts their behaviour can have on a student and their progress.
Going Clubbing
With a business model based around membership, aero clubs are finding the going tough in the current environment. From rising aircraft prices to soaring maintenance costs, shortages of engineers and pressure from airport owners, aero clubs are fighting for survival on a number of fronts. Kreisha Ballantyne checks out the state of play.
Rotary aviation nominally began in 1923 with the first practical helicopter, but aircraft with rotors existed before then, they just weren’t very practical. Tony Self wanders through the history of rotorcraft and looks forward to a vibrant future for the sector.
It doesn't stop there, inside you'll find: Editorial, News, Rotors, Product, Down to Business, A Spot of Recreation, Safety Matters, What Can We Learn?, Kreisha of Habit and Short Final.
The latest Australian Flying is on the shelves waiting for you!