February 2013 - Royal Aero Club of Western Australia

February 2013
http://www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Australia $4.00 (Inc. GST)
ISSN 1833-6116
9 7 7 1 8 3 3 6 1 1 6 0 2
Official Publication of the
Royal Aero Club of Western
Australia (Inc.)
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 1

Contact Us
2
Contacts
Main Office & Operations:
41 Eagle Drive,
Jandakot Airport,
JANDAKOT, W.A. 6164
Phones: 08 9417 0000
Fax: 08 9417 0040
Email: info@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Web: www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Flickr: Royal Aero Club WA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/royalaeroclubwa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/royalaeroclubwa
Murrayfield Operations:
Lakes Road,
NAMBEELUP, W.A., 6210
Phone: 08 9581 6222
Fax: 08 9583 3922
Email: murrayfield@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Racwa Team Members:
General Manager: David Currey
Club Secretary: Patrick Ng
CFI (VFR): Trevor Jones
CFI (IFR) Wayne Clemesha
CFI (IT) / Murrayfield: John Douglas
Chief Engineer: Glen Caple
Finance & Admin.: Patrick Ng
Client Services: Rick Ennis
OIC Murrayfield: Michael Chlopek
Tarmac Topics:
Publisher: The Royal Aero Club of
Western Australia (Inc.)
ABN 19 537 624 305
Editor: editor@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Publishing / Advertising Manager:
Shelley Cruden
Ph. 0423 892 084
tarmactopics@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Printer: Mike Severn (Success Print)
Ph. 9279 3214
mike@successprint.com.au
Deadlines
The deadline for receiving articles and photos for the following
month's edition is the 17th of each month.
In This Issue
Features
Flying Fun 6
Skyshow Australia Day 2013 8-9
Aviation History 11
Theory & Knowledge 12
The Past and the Future 15
Regular Items
News 3
Around the Club 5
Flying at Mandurah 7
Club Captain's Corner 10
Words of Wisdom 13
On A Lighter Note 14
Contact Us 2
Club Diary & Coming Events 4
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC
Governor Of Western Australia
Andrew Eldridge
President:
0438 220 703 or 08 9221 4336
Andrew.Eldridge@bigpond.com
Craig Dawson
Vice President:
0419 924 204
dawson@iinet.net.au
Vacant
Treasurer:
Craig Hensley
Club Captain:
0439 528 733
craighensley@y7mail.com
Jim Jenkins
Director:
0414 345 196
jim@telama.com.au
Linda Maule
Director
0411 480 909
Linda.Maule@correctiveservices.wa.gov.au
Rod Garnaut
Director:
0411 700 336
rod@jetsetnorthlands.com.au
Martin Jones
Director:
0417 181 773
martin.jones47@aol.com
Mitchell Wells:
Director:
0400 700 824
mwells@amadeus.net.au
Patron
Committee
To Advertise
Advertise in Tarmac Topics now. For details, check http://www.
royalaeroclubwa.com.au or contact Shelley Cruden on 0423 892
084 or tarmactopics@royalaeroclubwa.com.au.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in TARMAC TOPICS are those of the authors and do not
necessarily represent those of Racwa, nor does it automatically endorse products
advertised. Racwa retains the right to reject or edit submissions for publication
to conform with Racwa policies or due to space constraints. Aviation regulatory
matters are mentioned as general information only - readers should obtain the
current status immediately before flight operations. No responsibility is taken for
any loss or damage suffered by any person or entity attributed to the content of
any article or advertisement published in this magazine. Reproduction of material
published in this magazine is permitted after approval has been obtained from
the Publisher of Tarmac Topics, and on the condition the article/photo source is
acknowledged.
Cover Photo: Getting ready for the Warbirds Formation as part of
Skyshow 2013 on Australia Day. Photo: Gary Evans

From the GM's Desk
2013 is here to stay – for the next 11 months at least! The
inexorable creep of time makes us only too aware of making
the most of life. For those considering upgrading their
aviation skills - make a command decision and contact the Club
within the next week to plan your upgrade. Don't procrastinate -
that generally results in goals never being attained.
The unseasonal wet weather experienced in December / January
might have been welcomed by the local flora, but aviators had
to grit their teeth and accept grounding as the safer option. It is
hoped that the remainder of summer and autumn will live up to
expectations and deliver good flying weather to everyone.
The weekly communications email reflects the large range of
activities the Club offers its members. These include seminars,
competitions, fly-ins, dinners, the annual Bun Run and many
other ways in which you can indulge your passion. 2013 is already
promising to be full of activity with our long awaited strategic
planning process commencing shortly, a CASA audit in mid
February, the welcome reopening of the Club bar run by volunteers
and a revamp of the College and Club websites.
Our club is growing from strength to strength, thanks to members
volunteering their time to perform a myriad of functions – which
include runway inspections and a busy bee at Murrayfield, cleaning
the upstairs windows of the clubhouse, sorting out the members’
bar, fixing the upstairs PA system, commencing a strategic planning
process, arranging fly-aways and competitions, to name but a
few of the activities. This is your club and the more members get
involved, the greater the club spirit.
I am aware that most members try to find a non-paying parking
space at the club house, which has resulted in congestion. The Club
has a plan to add a few more parking bays within the existing leased
area, but this would be at a cost. Due to the low utilisation of all
three public parking areas at Jandakot Airport, I am hoping that the
powers that be will follow the Bankstown Airport experience and
Muzz Buzz
comes to Racwa
Muzz Buzz is proud to announce that it has opened at the
Royal Aero Club!
The cafe features a full dine in and take away menu for
hungry patrons, amazing views of the Jandakot runways and our
very special Muzz Buzz blend of coffee by our trained Baristas.
Muzz Buzz Aviators Lounge is run by Chantel & Chad McBain who
officially opened the doors on January 14th. Chantel & Chad have
had extensive experience with Muzz Buzz, working previously at
stores in the city and around the CBD; so we are confident you will
get a great cup of coffee and a filling bite to eat. Muzz Buzz look
forward to meeting all of the Aero Club members, so please come
on down and say hello!
MB Aviators Lounge
will be open from
7am to 3pm Monday
to Sunday, and for
special functions at
the venue. If you
like to organise any
meetings or functions
- call Chantel directly
on 0426 241 556.
The Muzz Buzz team of Chantal
McBain, Joyce Reynolds and
Linda McBain
revoke paid public parking.
The introduction of Muzz Buzz has
been well received by staff and
members. Please support this new
initiative as well as the members’ bar
on Friday evenings.
David Currey, General Manager
Your Ideas Are
Welcome
Beginning 1st February 2013 the Committee will enlist the
expertise of James Benjamin to coordinate and facilitate
the development of a long term Strategic Business Plan
(SBP) for the Club and College. James is a member and current
PPL student and has always had a strong passion for aviation.
He has also had a long and successful career in business,
sales and marketing with many associated awards. James is
very generously conducting this project ‘pro-bono‘ and the
Committee are enormously grateful!
The purpose of the SBP will be to lead and guide both entities
from current survival mode through to greater and ongoing
marketing opportunities and stronger long term financial
security. Firstly James will be facilitating selected ‘one-on-one’
Needs Analysis Q & A’s with staff, students and members. Each
Q & A should take around 20 minutes. James will also listen
to past students now employed in the aviation sector, industry
employers including airlines, statutory authorities including
CASA, Air Services, Jandakot Airport Holdings and other
relevant authorities in Federal, State and Local Government.
Secondly, James will be using the Needs Analysis findings to
develop the SBP which will include Leadership, Management,
Finance, Marketing, Lead Generation, Lead Conversion and
Client Fulfillment. It is expected that the new SBP will be
completed by 31st May 2013. Please contact James on mob
0416 043 974 or at james.benjamin@westnet.com.au by 28th
February if you have ideas and views that you would like to
share for the advancement of our Club and College.
Insurance Excess
All aircraft hired through the Club are covered by the
Club’s insurance. In the event of an incident where
an aircraft is damaged, the pilot in command may be
required to pay the insurance excess. A minimum excess of
$1,000 for single engine aircraft and $2,000 for twins is in force.
The excess for 2013 is as follows:
M201 (JDY only) $2,300
P68B, PA44 $2,000
C172R $1,900
C182RG, M201 (JXC only) $1,700
M201, DH82A $1,200
C172, C172, DHC1 $1,000
The Club is offering the opportunity to insure against having to
pay this excess in the event that you are pilot in command of an
aircraft that sustains damage. The cost of this option is $85.00
(incl GST) and will be effective from date of payment to 31
January 2014 There is no obligation to take out this insurance
– it is an option that the Club is offering to its members.
If you are making an electronic payment, you must indicate
your membership number followed by the narration ‘insurex’.
News
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 3

What's On?
4
February
3 YMUL Working Bee
9 Learn to Fly Seminar
10 YMUL Comp -Flour Bombing
18 ATPL course starts
19 Aviation Workshop
22 Formation Friday
22 Industry Presentation
22 Old Fliers Group
23 Club Captain's Presentation Dinner
24 YPJT Comp - Instrument Circuit
March
9 Learn to Fly Seminar
10 YMUL Comp -PFL & ALAC Practice
11 PPL (full time) course starts
18 CPL Block B course starts
19 Aviation Workshop Evening
21-23 ALAC, La Trobe
28 Formation Friday (change due to Good Friday)
29 Rottnest Bun Run
TBA Industry Presentation
RFACA Learn to
Fly Competition
Enrol for your CPL or Instructor Rating and become
eligible to win a prize that could really advance your
aviation career.
Two Scholarships of $7,700 are available
Contact Operations on 9417 0000
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
Club Diary
Later
5 Apr Old Fliers Group 100th meeting
6-7 Apr FlyAway to Kalgoorlie
14 Northam Open Day & Junior Hawks
22 Apr Mathematics course starts
26 Apr Old Fliers Group
28 Apr YPJT Comp
5 May YMUL Comp - Mystery Flight
6 May Certificate IV course starts
13 May BAK (full time) course starts
20 May CPL Block A course starts
26 May YPJT Comp - Hold your Water
3 Jun Irex/PIFR course starts
9 Jun YMUL Comp - HMAS Murrayfield
24 Jun PPL (full time) course starts
24 Jun ATPL course starts
Regular Events
Aviation Workshop Evening
3rd Tuesday of the month
Formation Friday
Last Friday of the month
Industry Presentation
Last Friday of the month
Old Fliers Group
Last Friday of the month
Jandakot Challenge
Last Sunday of the month
Coming Events
Industry
Presentations
4pm - last Friday of each month
Come along - hear the presentation and BBQ afterwards.
More details - contact Operations on 9417 0000

Competition
Winners
The Club conducts competitions twice
a month, on the second Saturday at
Murrayfield and on the last Sunday of
each month at Jandakot. All members are
encouraged to participate in these events
whenever possible. These competitions
will help you improve your aviation skills
and help members meet one another.
Students are especially encouraged to participate in competitions to help
develop their skills and learn tips from other competitors.
Hi Visibility Vests
Getting used to wearing vests - Greg Yarrick
conducts a pre-flight inspection under the
watchful eye of instructor Greg Ramshwa
January saw the
introduction of hi-visibility
vests at Jandakot Airport
to further improve safety. Hivisibility
vests must be worn
by the pilot-in-command
when crossing a taxiway.
The vests do not have to be
worn by passengers, as they
are under the escort of their
pilot. The vests do not have to
be worn whilst on the apron
in front of the clubhouse, or
walking to the hangar or the C152s
parked next to the clubhouse as
this does not require the pilot to cross a taxiway. However, the Club believes
that members should get used to wearing the vests if embarking on a flight
and should wear them irrespective of whether the pilot has to cross a
taxiway or not. The Club requires all students to wear the vests, even when
accompanied by an instructor who is wearing a hi-visibility vest.
Colin Gosling came to WA in the early '70s with his wife Sheila,
whom he met in Pakistan when he was commissioned to
build a dam as a civil engineer from the UK.
Colin and Sheila joined the Royal Aero Club and were very active
on various Committees. Colin learnt to fly in the University
Squadron in London, and took a keen interest in competition
and formation flying. He represented the Club at ALACs on
several occasions. Sheila was on the Social Committee and was
responsible for introducing the famous Prawn Nights of old.
Colin served on the main committee for many years as well as
Vice President and President.
He will be best remembered for his contribution to the club
as engineer & designer/project manager for two of the more
significant developments in the Club's history. Firstly - the design
and building of the old members lounge/bar, which followed a
discussion over a few beers in the old kitchen bar about extending
a patio over the back lawn. How long and wide can we make it,
Vale - Colin Gosling
Bernard Baldwin
Another great aviation icon has gone to the great
hangar in the sky. Bernard (Bernie) Baldwin
passed away peacefully with his wife Anne at his
side. As a LAME & friend, he looked after many of us for
years and will no doubt continue to do so from above.
Cleaning
A big
thanks
to Gary
Evans
and Craig
Hensley
for giving
the
upstairs
windows
a much
needed
clean.
etc. Colin came back with some ideas, and the depth of the bar
was regulated by the max span of the steel (32 feet). That was
the catalyst, a lot of people volunteered help and materials, and
so Colin’s plans became a reality in 1979.
In 1991 after the Club talked about expanding for years but
couldn't settle on a concept, Colin, now a partner in a city
Engineering Company, came to the rescue again and presented
plans and specifications for the Club facilities we see today.
It still required a fair bit of “Engineering” for the concept to
be accepted (“you can’t build on the front lawn, etc.”), but
commonsense prevailed. Colin was made a Life Member of the
Club.
He moved back to Devon in the UK after the Club rebuild in
1994. He passed away on Friday 11 January after a short illness
aged 86.He is survived by his wife, Sheila, and children Andrew
and Kate.
Around The Club
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 5

6
A Scenic Flight over Sydney Harbour
help thinking what a perfect day it was for a flight over
Sydney Harbour. It was 11am on the 31st of December
2012, not a cloud in the sky, mild conditions and I was finally
doing what had been on my “bucket list” for some time – a
flight over the harbour with the promise of spectacular views
of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and surrounding
areas. A work colleague was joining me as passenger and official
photographer! Following is an account of the main elements of
the flight from a pilot’s perspective.
Being relatively unfamiliar with Sydney airspace, planning for
the flight commenced a week or so before the actual flight.
As can be found in the ERSA, a Sydney Harbour Scenic flight
commences at Long Reef which is north of the Sydney Heads
and Manly Beach. (See figure 1 below). ATC will at their
discretion, provide clearance for either a Harbour Scenic 1 or 2.
Route 1 takes you straight
to Sydney Harbour Bridge
where you can conduct
two left hand orbits before
tracking for North Head
and Manly Beach, while
Route 2 takes you west
to the Chatswood CBD
for two left hand orbits
and then direct to Manly
Beach. All routes are flown
at 1,500' and the orbits
have to be conducted
within a prescribed area
as outlined in the ERSA or
as directed by ATC.
Extract from CASA's Sydney Basic Visual Pilot Guide
Flying Fun As I departed Bankstown in VH-KKB (C152), I couldn’t
As a clearance isn’t issued until you are in the air, it is important
to be familiar with both routes and be prepared for one or the
other.
Another issue to deal with is how to get to and from Long Reef.
As I was flying from Bankstown, the most direct route is to fly
north to Parramatta following the lane to Hornsby and then
east to Baha’i Temple near the coast. Figure 2 below shows the
planned route.
Sydney VTC extract - Bankstown to Long Reef
After submitting a flight plan to NAIPS (at the Schofields Flying
Club), we settled into KKB and requested a taxi clearance from
Bankstown Ground (119.9) calling “unfamiliar”. The ground
controller was very helpful and provided guidance to the runup
bay and holding point.
We departed on 29R which necessitated a crosswind (right
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
turn) departure to the north to an altitude of 1,000 feet. Unlike
Jandakot where departures are always 1,000 feet and arrivals
are 1,500 feet, at Bankstown departure and arrivals altitudes
are different depending on the runway in use. For runway 29,
departures are 1,000 feet and arrivals are 1,500 feet, but for
runway 11 departures are made at 1,500 feet and arrivals are at
1,000 feet. (Check the ERSA for details).
Once outside of the Bankstown control area, I climbed to 1,500
feet and set course for Parramatta and the lane. It is essential
that you familiarise yourself with the visual references such as
Parramatta CBD, Rosehill race course, Pennant Hills and Hornsby
including the Hornsby hospital as it is easy to inadvertently fly into
controlled airspace. West of the lane is the Richmond (military)
control area and above is Sydney control area at 2000 feet and as
low as 700 feet to the north east. As you can see from Figure 2,
there is little margin for error when tracking in the lanes.
I had the benefit of going up with an instructor from Schofields
earlier in 2012 who showed me the visual references and I would
highly recommend
doing this if it is your
first time into and out
of Bankstown. Good
sources of information
are CASA’s Sydney
Basin Pilot Guide and
CASA’s On Track which
has pictures and videos
showing you what to
expect.
Baha'i Temple
At Hornsby I turned east and headed for the
coast and Baha’i Temple which is a good visual reference - see
picture. When tracking to and from the coast, it is important to
stay well clear (north) of the 700 feet and 1,000 feet steps of the
Sydney control area. A track from Hornsby direct to Baha’i Temple
will ensure this.
Once established on track to Baha’i Temple, I requested a clearance
from Sydney Centre (125.8) and was assigned a transponder code
(0553). As we approach Baha’i Temple, I was handed off to Sydney
Approach (126.1) for a final clearance. To our delight we got a
Harbour Scenic 1 clearance which provides the best views of the
harbour. I then tracked from Long Reef to Sydney Harbour Bridge
where I conducted two left hand orbits.
To say the scenery is spectacular is an understatement and I wish
we could have done a few more orbits. We had a terrific view of
the entire harbour and CBD and confirmed what I already knew
that Sydney is truly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The
“official photographer’s” memory card was quickly filling up!
As it was New Year’s Eve, preparations and anticipation for the
fireworks were well and truly underway and there were quite a
few helicopters (mainly television crews I think) flying below us.
The return to
Bankstown was
uneventful and
essentially a
reversal of the
outbound course.
The only difference
being an intercept
of the entry lane
at Round Corner to
track to Prospect
Sydney Harbour

Hello all.
Firstly, I hope this article finds everyone safe and well after
the holidays. I was very busy between Christmas and New
Year with my full time students who were ready to keep working
hard, despite the hot 38+ degree days.
I write this article now watching the filming of a German TV show
at Murrayfield. Our CFI, Trevor Jones is flying our Seminole, making
his movie debut. Good coverage for Racwa along with a donation
from the film crew.
It's has been a very busy month for Byron and I. Currently we have
5 students full time flying during the week and another 6 part time.
We also have at least 2 more waiting to
start at the end of January. Needless
to say it's busy. However with the
current presence of 2 C152's and a part
time C172, we can still have an aircraft
available for members to hire. I currently
have 2 members waiting to get their
Mooney endorsement to utilise VH-UDQ
here. I should have my teaching approval
before the end of January, and encourage
any members who would like to get their
Mooney endorsement to please contact
A Scenic Flight over Sydney
Harbour (cont.)
Reservoir, the preferred reporting
point for entry into Bankstown from
the north.
Not only was the flight memorable
because of the wonderful scenery but
for me it was also a real confidence
builder tackling unfamiliar airspace. I
highly recommend it to any pilot who
is going to spend time in Sydney.
OK Melbourne, here we come!
Jim Di Menna, #9052
Opera House and Sydney CBD
Winners
Jandakot Comp. -
Fastest Circuit
1st Mick Harcourt
2nd Sylvia Byers
3rd Michael Stenson
Murrayfield Matters
VH-KKB Panel
me and we can arrange a time and
program.
Recently an email came out stating that
high visibility vests need to be worn on
the movement areas at Jandakot. I can
assure you that it's not a requirement
at Murrayfield and the parking is still
very much free.
On February 3rd, we are holding a Busy Bee at Murrayfield.
In preparation for an upcoming CASA audit, I will be arranging
a skip bin to finally clean out some of the surplus items that
have accumulated here over the years.
We invite you to join us, with lunch and
refreshments provided - many hands will
make light work.
Sometime in February I plan to hold a
members' barbecue, to welcome new
students and also give me a chance to
meet members and pilots I have not yet
had the fortune to meet.
I have taken some happy snaps of the
filming day.
Until next month.
Michael Chlopek
Membership Fees
Overdue
Have you paid your
Membership fees for
2013? Remember
- they're overdue now, so
you're at risk of losing your
membership. Pay them without
delay.
Any request to change your current
membership type should be submitted
in writing or by email to the Secretary
(accounts@royalaeroclubwa.com.au).
Rottnest Island
Fly neighbourly
Avoid flying over the Settlement and
continuous repetitive circuits
Use East/West approaches in most
recent (3/6/10) NDB flight paths
Maintain height
Reduce engine revs ASAP
Follow designated flight paths
NO TRAINING FLIGHTS between 6pm-8am
Flying at Mandurah
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 7

Skyshow Australia Day 2013
8
Vintage Formation was led
by Mick Harcourt (C152).
Members of the team were
Barry Markham (Tiger Moth),
Bert Filippi (Kokusi), Werner
Buhlmann & Carl Ende
(Stearmans), Rod Edwards
(Silver Centenary), Frac Smit
(Great Lakes) and Peter Cash
(Culp)
Barry Markham's
Tiger Moth
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
“Smoke on”- Sue Clarke
refilling her smoke machine!
Beech 18 from Geraldton
Nice to see the fire
bomber not having to
put out a fire!
Skyshow air traffic
controllers Trent Donovan
and Jenny Schmidt
Werner
Buhlmann
in a Boeing
Stearman
Adrian
Thomas'
T-6

Skywriters extraordinaire –
Carrie Munro and Shannae
Terril
Cessna & Chipmunk
Formation
The skydiving team
departing from the
clubhouse
An Aerial Perspective
On the ramp
awaiting
performance
time
Mooney Formation over the
Swan River at dusk
It must be a lot of
aerodymanc drag, but
a wonderful symbol of
Australia Day
Photo credits to: David
Currey, Rick Ennis, and Neville
Murphy
Skyshow Australia Day 2013
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 9

Club Captain's Corner
10
G'day Members
The past month has
been fairly quiet with the
Christmas and New Year period,
so there is very little to report on
past Club activities, apart from
the Instrument Circuit combined
with a Low Level Spot Landing
comp at Murrayfield. This once
again saw a good turn out of competitors. The scheduled Flour
Bombing had to be deferred and will be held this month on
February 10th. The overall winner at Murrayfield was Rod
Garnaut.
There is, however, a plethora of upcoming events to look
forward to over the next few months - so get your pencils out
and mark them in your diary so you don't miss out.
At short notice, we have been asked to organise a Working Bee
at Murrayfield for the first weekend of this month so if you're
reading this and it's not yet February 3rd, try and get down
the freeway to lend a hand getting Your Airport ready for a
CASA inspection. As usual there is plenty to be done, and all
assistance will be greatly appreciated. Any whipper snippers,
pitch forks and other gardening tools will be put to good use
and if you've been checked out on the tractor or lawn mower
you'll have plenty to do. A BBQ breakfast from 8:30am, lunch
and refreshments will be provided as well as a deserved beer
or two after the chores are done. Work commences at 9am but
we won't send you away if you're a bit late.
We have the usual competitions on Sunday 10th at YMUL
(Flour Bombing) and Sunday 24th at YPJT (Instrument Circuit).
The bar will be open after the Jandakot comp for members and
staff to come and enjoy a refreshing beverage or two.
Make sure you set aside Saturday February 23rd for the Club
Captain's Presentation Dinner upstairs at the Aero Club. Tickets
are a very reasonable $40ea and there will be dancing and a
Competitions
On February 10th (the second Sunday of the month), we will
have some Flour Bombing at Murrayfield after a BBQ breakfast
in the morning. The comp at Jandakot on February 24th (the
last Sunday of the month), will be an Instrument Circuit,
followed by a BBQ and refreshments in the bar for all members
and staff.
There will an ALAC Practice Day at Murrayfield on March
10th, however it's not restricted to ALAC Competitors. All are
welcome to come along and scores will be counted toward the
Murrayfield and Club Champion scores.
Club Captain's Presentation Dinner
On Saturday, February 23rd, the Flying Committee is proud to
invite all Members and Staff to the Inaugural Club Captain's
Presentation Dinner. This dinner is to celebrate the efforts of
all our competitors and the help of our volunteers. Monthly
competition winners will be presented with their medals and
there will be awards for Jandakot Champion, Murrayfield
Champion and Club Champion. The main goal of the evening is
to build on Club Spirit, camraderie and enjoy a social evening
with fellow aviators. The catering will be done by Spit Roast
Catering and there will be some light entertainment. Ticket
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
From the Club Captain
Mark Your Calendar
band playing. It's a great excuse to get out and enjoy a night out
with fellow members and support the club.
ALAC is on next month from the 20th - 23rd, and if you haven't
been before, I'd recommend you have a go. The high level of
competition at our monthly comps is on a par with the nationals,
as indicated by the strong performance put in by the team we
send each year. It's a great way to improve your standard of
competitiveness and enjoy a week of flying, meeting members
from other clubs and enjoying the competition. Everyone has a
great time and I'm sure this year will be no different.
As soon as ALAC is over, we have the Rottnest Island Bun Run
on Good Friday, March 29th. This is a fund raising event with
proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Waived
landing fees by Rottnest Island Authority and Jandakot Airport
Holdings are collected and added to our raffle and seafood BBQ
proceeds along with a generous donation from the Rottnest
Island Bakery. It's then donated to this very worthwhile cause. Be
sure to get your name and aircraft callsign up on the noticeboard
so the arrangements can be made - don't miss out on a terrific
day. With Easter a bit early this year it should be a beautiful day.
Following the Bun Run, we have organised a Fly In to Kalgoorlie
on April 6th & 7th, there have been plenty of enquiries so book
early and get a crew together. For further information contact
Keith Lindbeck at keith@keithlindbeck.com.au or on 0412 419
468.
The Northam Aero Club will play host to the competitors on
Sunday April 14th, so don't go to Murrayfield - get yourself to
Northam and enjoy some country hospitality. The Junior Hawks
will also be in attendance enjoying the Northam Open Day. All
are welcome to come along and help make it a success.
If all those events don't give you an excuse to get some flying
done, then you may as well hand your licence in and give it away.
Get yourself involved in some of the Club Activities - they are put
on for you, so don't miss out! It's up to you.
Happy Landings
Craig Hensley, Club Captain
prices will be kept to a minimum to make it an affordable night
for all.
Rottnest Island Bun Run
Good Friday is on March 29th, which means it's time to head
overseas and pick up the best Hot Cross Buns known to man.
Forget about the Landing Fees - they are going to a good cause
in the RFDS. Join in and make this year the best Bun Run ever.
ALAC
With WALAC behind us, it's time to start planning for ALAC and
The Wings International, on March 19-23, 2013 in Victoria at La
Trobe Valley. Details are on the RFACA website and Racwa once
again will have a member representing Australia against the
Kiwis in the Wings International.
Fly-Ins
Kalgoorlie
We are planning a Fly In to Kal on April 6-7, 2013.
Northam Invasion & Junior Hawks
The Northam Aero Club will host the Murrayfield Comp at it's
Open Day on April 14, and the Junior Hawks will hold their first
Flying Day of 2013 there as well.

Chance Vought F4U Corsair
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
Beoing B-17G Flying Fortress
De Havilland DH-104 Dove
Short Sunderland V
Aviation Museums of Europe
Duxford, Cambridge, England
The Mecca of historical aviation enthusiasts Fairey Swordfish Mk III
in the UK, Duxford, an ex WW2 Airfield, is
administered by the Imperial War Museum
(IWM) and is home to not only a huge array of
historical static aircraft, but many that also are in
flying condition and are regularly seen in the skies
overhead.
Duxford is about a 45 minute train ride from Kings
Cross Station (KX) in London, which for me, was
after a two and a half hour journey by train from
Darlington in the north, also preceded by a one hour
drive from Nunthorpe village, where I was staying.
No stranger to early rises in the name of ‘aviation’
- I was up at 0430 and on my way a little later. I fed
the parking meter at Darlington Station (8 quid) and
boarded the southbound train shortly afterwards.
Rail travel in Britain is quite efficient if not a little
over priced at times, but a great way of getting
around the country and beating the traffic.
Arriving at KX, I met up with my son Gavin and we
got on the Cambridge train. There was a special bus
laid on to go to Duxford from Cambridge station
and the journey took around half an hour through
the historic University town. By now, it was around
11.30 and we filed in through the entrance, which
also doubles as a very comprehensive souvenir
shop.
That day, there was an Airshow happening, so there
was all manner of aircraft on display outside, in
the air and inside as well – a virtual Aladdin’s cave
to any enthusiast and a walk back through many McDonnell Douglas F4J Phantom
historical chapters of aviation.
I believe this is better explained in the pictures rather than me trying to describe
everything, suffice to say that I had a great day. The weather was perfect with blue skies
throughout most of the day.
The show was a masterpiece of organisation featuring Spitfires, Hurricanes, B17’s,
Mustangs, F15’s, Tornados, Messerschmitt and many more culminating with the RAF
Red Arrows in their BAE Hawks putting a final perfect stamp to the day.
Queuing in the UK is ‘par for the course’ and after an hour’s wait we got a bus back to
Cambridge where Gav and I parted company, him back to London, me back to the north
via Peterborough and Darlington, where I got home around Midnight – a long day, but
well worth the effort – a fantastic journey, no….. pilgrimage would be more accurate!
Mick Harcourt #2390
Aviation History
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 11

Theory & Knowledge
12
Proud WAAC graduates, Thomas
Delmourmel, Kovieva Fremy and Ricardo
Jardim post in front of the Achievers Bell
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
On Schedule
Friday 25
February was
a significant
day for the Western
Australian Aviation
College (WAAC)
with three students
completing their
Advanced Diploma in
Aviation. What made
the day so special, was
that the students were the first to undertake the course
within the revised time frame.
In mid 2011, the Certificate IV and Advanced Diploma
courses were restructured to ensure that students could
complete the qualifications in the minimum amount
of time. The integration between theory provision
and flying training was also restructured to ensure the
courses met market expectations. “We try to mirror the
aviation industry as much as possible” explained General
Manager David Currey. “One of the areas where training
was extended occurred when students delayed writing
their CASA exams, which then postpones the CPL flying
training.” The College now books the exams in advance
to ensure students follow the syllabus. This is what
commercial pilots experience when joining an airline
– they need to adhere to the airline’s internal training
regime. College students are thus better prepared when
entering the industry. The ground lecturers continually
reinforce the necessity of adopting a discipline of studying
so that students progress according to the syllabus. “Self
discipline is an essential trait for a commercial pilot, and
we go to great lengths to make our students aware of this
requirement” said Chief Ground Instructor, Derek Hauton.
January also saw three students from the April 2012
course successfully complete their CPL flight test and
Pearls of wisdom from the College’s latest CPLs:
"Take control of your training and stay focused."
"You won’t succeed if you do not prepare for each flight."
"Be determined – any goal is achievable."
New Members
Hans Born, Nicole Jurgens, John Warr, Ashley Hawton,
Aaron Day, Jessica McCaskie, Prakash Neelakandan,
Thorin Lyons, Nicholas Waterman, Wesley Luies, Anna
Guth, Brian Johnson, Wyatt Rawson, Gabriel Romeo,
Willem Punt, Aleksander Balteskard, Aydan Murray,
Michael Smith, Jeffrey Fuller, Paul White, Steven Gurr,
Shiwen (Kevin) Lu, Robert Newall, Craig Broadfoot
First Solos
Aaron Day, Mike Sebastian, Phil Manning, Aleksander
Balteskard, Trevor Beer, Anna Guth, Andrew Thompson,
Jeffrey Fuller
GFPT
Paul Tanner, Dean Jenkins, Christopher Lickfold, Robert
Lightfoot, Neil Stummer, Stuart McDonald
qualify with a Certificate
IV in Aviation. This course
used to take over a year,
but with close monitoring
from WAAC coordinator
David Royans, the
Certificate IV has been
reduced to 9 months.
Ensuring that students
finish on time requires
constant supervision,
as there are a myriad of
factors that can delay the
training. “Students want
to fly and are appreciative
of our efforts to keep
them on track” stated
David Royans.
The College also offers
BAK, PPL, CPL, IREX
and ATPL theory with
extras such as Morse
code, Dangerous Goods,
Occupational Health
& Safety and pilot
maintenance to ensure a
well rounded pilot.
New Commercial Pilots
within 9 months. JD with
Nelson Marques (top),
Jamie Hall (middle) and
Cameron Mapley (bottom)
More Gremlins...
More gremlins got to the note last month about what
to do if you've missed receiving your paper copy of
Tarmac Topics.
You still need to contact Ann Garrett, but her email address was
incorrectly published - it is agarrett@royalaeroclubwa.com.au.
This Month's Achievers
PPL
Brett Byworth, Luke Teong, Patrick Burke, Patrick
Rees, Anton Leptich, Paul Fong, Steven Ostaszewskyj,
Mauro Balzarini (Italian licence conversion), Anton
Leptich
CPL
Keegan Monteiro, Jamie Hall
Night VFR Rating
Shahmir Ahmadinezhad (Multi Engine), Elliott Gosling
Flight Instructor Rating
Christophe Hannecart, Adam Hunter
A Warm Welcome to our New
Members, and Congratulations
Everyone

From the desk of the Chief Ground
Instructor
In my last article, I gave my view on why training plays a vital part
in aviation. We, in the College, are here to support the Flying
Instructors and make our students’ transition to the cockpit
environment as painless as possible. Improved technology has
come a long way since I started flying around the world with only
a sextant and this helps make aircraft operation safer and more
efficient. However along with better technology comes different
kind of risks!
The transition to two-man operation of large jets was introduced
too early in my view and the technology at the time wasn’t really
ready. A number of incidents/accidents could have been avoided
if a slower and more measured transition to two-man operation
had been adopted. A simple example - with two pilots on the flight
deck and each believing they heard a different clearance from
ATC - who heard correctly? This was usually resolved easily with
a third crew member on the flight deck and, of late, is resolved
by using data linking. Other problems that have resulted from
improved technology are those of boredom and complacency.
Here in Australia we place great reliance on GPS these days,
but how many people realise that Southern Australia is one of
the worst places in the world for reliable GPS operation? GPS is
undoubtedly a terrific navaid and, with suitable and expensive
enhancements it is possible to get centimetric accuracy, but not
in a Cessna 152/172. Similarly, how do you check waypoint coordinates
after insertion into the system? I recall an early incident
where an airliner transiting the North Atlantic deviated 600nm
off track due to the decimal point being in the wrong place in the
waypoint co-ordinates. This aircraft came close to running out
of fuel! Waypoint co-ordinates need to be checked, preferably
by someone else, and using a different method – for example
if you just check the digits and the
decimal point is in the wrong place,
it is quite likely that the same mistake
will be made on the check. If however,
the check is done by noting the tracks and distances between
waypoints, any error would likely be highlighted.
As GPS is potentially very accurate, complacency can easily
take hold of a pilot. Constant cross checking with navigation
information from other sources is important, if you are taking
your airmanship seriously.
Boredom, particularly in large transport aircraft, is increasingly
difficult to combat. An airline pilot is more of a manager and
systems operator these days, with very little pure piloting
required. When something does happen - today’s technology
thinks faster than you or I, and also reacts quicker than a human
being. A big problem with the complex automation in airliners
is understanding why the aircraft has started to do what it is
doing – it will usually be correct but even an experienced pilot
may have difficulty in quickly identifying why.
We try to make you aware of these kind of issues during our
training programme, not so we can add to your workload but
we want you to stay safe and enjoy your flying career.
Finally a brain teaser for you. You are flying in a commercial
airliner (freighter) which is carrying a large number of birds
in cages. The steward is preparing lunch at the forward galley
& accidentally drops an empty water jug on the floor with a
loud bang. All the birds fly off of their perches and around their
cages. At that instant is the aircraft the same weight as before
or is it now lighter? Answers on a postcard to our performance
instructor!
Words of Wisdom
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 13

On a Lighter Note
14
The Club Reclaims Ownership
The Club is once again in control of the members’ bar. The closure of the Runway
Restaurant and Bar provided the Club with the opportunity to split the bar from
the catering function. For some time, Committee and management had been
concerned that commercial realities were preventing the bar from opening for functions
such as the monthly aviation workshops.
The bar will be run by volunteers on a roster system. John Ridgeway has devoted much of
his time cleaning the bar, servicing the equipment and preparing the bar for operations.
The Club is currently in discussions with the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
regarding an appropriate licence under which to operate. The Club has always operated
under the authority of the Jandakot Airport lease, since the airport is on Federal land.
However, the move to a State Licence will be considerably more cost effective.
There is still a lot of work to be done before the bar can once again be a true reflection
of the Club espirit de corps and camaraderie. It is open on Friday evenings and member
support is needed. The prices are in line with other club bars which are operated by
volunteers.
The Swamp
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
Glen Caple, John Douglas & Mick
Harcourt discussing the old days
when the Club managed the bar
John Ridgeway ensuring Mick
Harcourt doesn't run dry.
Cartoons used with permission. See more at www.swamp.com.au

Old Fliers Group (OFG)
On October 28th, 2003, Hal Sutton, Brian
John and Roy Hamilton gathered a few longstanding
Royal Aero Club members together
for lunch at the club restaurant. From then on the
group slowly expanded at monthly meetings on the
last Friday of the month. The April 2004 meeting
attracted over a dozen members and friends to hear
the first Speaker of the Day, Stan Schur. He spoke
about flying in Rhodesia and the Rhodesian Air
Force. After that meeting, Bulletin #1 was produced
and mailed to about twenty members for the May
2004 meeting. This successful format has continued.
The July 2004 meeting saw the group move to the
Pilot’s Bar to accommodate twenty-four members.
They heard Ron Minchin’s talk on Stirlings, glider
towing and his D-Day experiences. Meetings in the
Pilot’s Bar lasted five months, during which time
the folding doors were opened and the members
overflowed into the main lounge. The November
2004 meeting, with over forty members in
attendance, was the last at that location.
In January 2005 we were in the main lounge for the
first time so that sixty members could hear Denis
Gorton tell of the joys (and tribulations) of building
his own aeroplane. It was necessary to use a PA system. At the
March 2005 meeting, Doreen Newell, as a Mini Speaker, told of
her experiences as an air hostess with MMA in the 1950s. Both
a Mini Speaker and a Speaker of the Day have entertained from
then on.
Soon after, PowerPoint presentations were introduced to assist
speakers. Numbers have gradually increased to the point where
we are bursting at the seams - the highest attendance number
has been about 110, while the average is about 85.
The continued success of the OFG is obviously due to the moving
stories from our speakers. It is not a requirement that the quality
of delivery be professional. There was one early speaker who had
to be continually prompted by his wife as he lost concentration,
over and over – but was a powerful story of his experience as a
commando, being air-dropped into France for D-Day. He was a
hero in the true sense of the word; he seemed to thrive on action
and danger.
Some of the stories have been hidden for many years. One
speaker opened by saying “I have not told this story to anyone in
sixty-one years – not even to my wife and children.” His story of
WWII brought both laughter, and at times, moist eyes to some of
the audience.
Lunch is served at noon, after which Brian John opens most
meetings by welcoming members and their guests. The speakers
get under way around 1.00pm and meetings usually finish about
2pm. Brian Hernan has a passion for aviation history and gives
invaluable support to speakers with research and presentation.
Stan Schur is our videographer and makes a DVD of the meetings.
These DVDs will be donated to the State Archives of WA for
posterity. Most of the stories relate to Western Australian
aviation, past and present; WWII stories, and Australian and
international aviation matters too.
Some extraordinary stories have come from former pilots
(including fighter, aircraft carrier, bomber, airline pilots),
prisoners-of-war, etc. which leave us in awe. Quite a number of
these men and women began training at the Royal Aero Club of
WA. We recognise the importance of recording their experiences
and a grant from Lotterywest enables this to happen.
Some of the Old Fliers felt that the DVDs were important
historical record and that steps needed to be taken to
make them more freely available. What better way to do
this than the Internet? A “Channel” on YouTube called
oldfliersgroup was created: http://www.youtube.com/user/
OldFliersGroup?feature=mhee. Thanks to Steve Rogers, a
selection of DVDs have been edited, formatted and labeled
before being uploaded.
There are now 65 talks on the oldfliersgroup channel taken
from thirty meetings. It is gratifying to see over 1000 hits
although there has been little promotion. There are also links
to twenty other sites, most of them major world aviation sites.
Also, we have been invited by the Third Year Media Class of
Murdoch University to submit a case for them to create and
design our own website. This is valued at more than $10,000
and will substantially improve our visibility. We invite you to
go to YouTube and check out the stories that interest you. The
range of subject matter is amazing and growing.
As we continue, we offer a BIG thank you to all of our previous
speakers who gave of their time to share their stories with
us, some speakers very emotional at recounting events both
pleasant and some not so. If YOU have a story that should be
told, let us know.
On Friday 25th January 2013 we will hold our 98th meeting,
and in March we will celebrate our 100th meeting.
For Sale -
Piper Cherokee Share
¼ share in Piper
Cherokee 140 VH-CTL for
sale
Friendly share, Cheap
Flying, $5000
Call 0467 244 332 or 0407 033 737
The Past and the Future
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au February 2013 15

16
N
KAREL AVE
ROBINSON WAY
AERO
CLUB
February 2013 Tarmac Topics
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For a sensational “Fly In” coffee experience,
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