Schofields Flying Club Ltd - 60 Birch Street Bankstown Airport 2200
(PO Box 200, Georges Hall, NSW 2198 AUSTRALIA)
Phone: +61 2 9709 8488 Email: mail@schofields-flying-club.com.au
SCHOFIELDS FLYING CLUB NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2008
Welcome to the February 2008 edition of Schofields News. There are the most of the usual plus some new features -
Ask the CFI by Patrick Watson,
X-File X083 (Kawasaki Ki.83) by Anthony Coleiro,
Our new Clubhouse at 60 Birch St viewed
from space on a clear, moon-lit night Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 8 by Les Rapolti, Comps Update by John Hook & Peter Cunningham, Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 9 by Wayne Russell, A Flying Career Beyond Mach 1 by Peter 'Topper' Tippner, Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 11 by John Carswell, and The Last Word from Latrodectus. As well, there's some of the usual administrivia that you've come to expect. So, read on and enjoy!
Our new Clubhouse at 60 Birch St viewed
from space on a clear, moon-lit night Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 8 by Les Rapolti, Comps Update by John Hook & Peter Cunningham, Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 9 by Wayne Russell, A Flying Career Beyond Mach 1 by Peter 'Topper' Tippner, Opal Flyaway 2007 - Day 11 by John Carswell, and The Last Word from Latrodectus. As well, there's some of the usual administrivia that you've come to expect. So, read on and enjoy!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held at our new Clubhouse at 7:30pm on Monday, April 21. Come along to hear and discuss reports on how your Club is progressing and to vote for your new Committee. Please join us if you can. Those members interested in nominating for election to the new Committee can download a Nomination Pack (182kB pdf). Closing date for nominations is 9:00am on Monday, March 17.
NEW MEMBERS: Welcome to January New Members Matthew Kline, James Rice, Eun Seog Kang, Allan Bligh, Matthew Simmons, Kurt Newman, Raymond White, Rodney Boyce, Danial Finnerty, Mikolaj Skatviski, Gavin Brown, Adrian Davie, Matthew Maunsell, Stephen Bock and Ilija Marjanovic. Welcome to February New Members Tim Roberts, Michael Cassidy, Matthew Jack, Solomon Jude, James Sweeney, David Kent, Cindi Hemmila, Christopher Nabb, Maxim Voronkov, Gaurang Gahoi, Parampal Sidhu, Lynn Edwards and Edward Gomes. Prospective New Members of the Club can download a Membership Application Form (174kB pdf) here. Note that it is still necessary for new members to attend the Club in person with photo identification before applications can be processed.
DUTY PILOT DRAW: The Volunteer Duty Pilot Monthly Draw for January ($50 free flying) went to David Jaffray and Leonie Mazumdar. The Volunteer Duty Pilot Monthly Draw for February ($50 free flying) went to Sean McBain and John Carswell. The Club appreciates the efforts our tireless band of volunteers generously give in helping their Club and this is one small way of saying thank you!
LUCKY DOOR PRIZE: The Lucky Door Prize of 1 hour flying (drawn at the Members' Open Day on Sunday, 10th February) was won by Louie Elias. Congratulations!
VMC TRACKER provides a graphical display of which airports are VMC or IFR conditions it also allows you to zoom to any airport in Australian with a hi-res map. There is even a mobile version on the site that provides TAF's and METAR'S to your mobile phone. Link provided by Club member, Matt Perkins.
Ilija Marjanovic
Andrew Jordan LATE DEPARTURES & ARRIVALS: Flights departing or returning after 5pm should be booked only after prior arrangement with a staff member, instructor or committee member regarding out of hours operating procedures.
FIRST SOLO: Congratulations to Ilija Marjanovic (pictured, left) who was sent solo on 24 January 2008 in PA28 IJK by instructor Tom Blazevic. Well done, Ilija!
ANDREW JORDAN UPDATE: Andrew Jordan (pictured, right) did all his ab initio training at the Club but got sent to Tassie with work before he could do his GFPT. He went to the CFI at Cambridge, did a conversion on a C172 and passed the GFPT with flying colours, Andrew was, and still is, a very dedicated student and will be continuing his training with the Club. He couldn't wait to get back to show us his logbook entries. Andrew will be doing his NAV training with Wayne Russell.
FROM THE TOWER: The February-March 2008 issue of From the Tower, Bankstown's Air Traffic Control news circular, is now available (195kB pdf). It's aim is to provide the Bankstown aviation community with a bi-monthly source of news and information from an ATC point of view. You can download previous issues from our Downloads page.
NEW CLUBHOUSE: The Club is now located in our new Clubhouse at 60 Birch Street, Bankstown Airport. The new telephone number is 9709-8488 and the FAX number is now 9707-1045. The e-mail and postal addresses are unchanged. More details in the February Newsletter.
DIARY DATES: The Club has a number of social and flying activities planned for 2008 and you will be able to check out the full details on our Coming Events page in the next few weeks.
| Sun | 02 | March | Club Competition | Warnervale |
| Sat | 08 | March | Interclub Competition | Narromine |
| Mon | 17 | March | Closing date for nominations for the Committee (9:00am) Committee Meeting |
New Clubhouse |
| Fri | 21 | March | Public holiday (Good Friday) | |
| Mon | 24 | March | Public holiday (Easter Monday) | |
| Sun | 30 | March | Last Light Drinks | New Clubhouse |
| Mon | 21 | April | 2008 Annual General Meeting (from 7:30pm) Nomination Pack | New Clubhouse |
| Fri | 25 | April | Public Holiday (Anzac Day) | |
| Sun | 27 | April | Last Light Drinks | New Clubhouse |
Patrick Watson
I hope you are enjoying our new Clubhouse. A marked difference from the old one - I'm sure you will agree. Are you getting lost whilst taxiing? If you are having any taxiing problems, or confused about which way to go, make sure you err on the safe side and ask the Ground Controller for taxi guidance. Take an airport map with you. You'll find one in last month's Newsletter. Or there are spare copies available at the Reception.
If you received a clearance to take off from Sierra One, how embarrassing it would be if you didn't know where it is, or couldn't find it? Solution - always take a map!
Watch out for White Gable Markers or white Cones. If you go past one without a clearance, you will have an incident report for Runway Incursion. That of course is the least of your worries. You may also collide with another aeroplane legitimately on the runway.
White Cones Day VFR Syllabus
You do have one don't you? If you are training for any licence or rating, you should have a syllabus. Otherwise, how do you know what training is required? Or what standard is required?
CASA recently advised that there will be additional items to the latest version (4) of the Day VFR Syllabus to be released soon.
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English Communication in the Aviation Environment |
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Manage Flight - Single Pilot Human Factors |
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Threat and Error Management |
I suggest you download Issue 4 of the Day VFR Syllabus (Aeroplane) from the CASA website.
English Proficiency
From next month (March), all new pilots will have to be assessed for English Language proficiency as part of their licence test. If you have an existing licence you will not have to be assessed - unless you want to, or are planning to fly overseas. If you are planning to fly overseas, a pass grade in the English Language proficiency test is mandatory. The highest level is level 6. I have a CASA Delegation to conduct assessment tests for Level 6 English proficiency. So come to me if you want and I'll assess you. Don't forget, it is mandatory for all new pilots, or if you wish to fly overseas. If you fail, you will have to be referred to Griffith or Swinbourne University for further assessment and suggested remedial work. Contact me if you want further information.
Operations Manual
When you sign out for a flight in a Schoie's aeroplane, you sign the Flight Authorisation Sheet which in part states that you will comply with all of the requirements specified in the Company Operations Manual. A bit tough if you never get to read the Manual. To remedy this situation, I have made available a copy of the Manual for you, it is to be kept in the Planning Room. I suggest you read it at your leisure. A lot of it refers to Charter and Flight Training, however it also covers the requirements for all - including private - Schofields Flying Club operations. So it behoves you to be familiar with it. Remember, if things go wrong, ignorance of the rules is no excuse.
Cessna 150 flap Theory Courses
We have a full spectrum of theory courses available for you this year. Some have started already. To let you know more about what's on offer for you, we plan to have a Theory Course Open Day to be held on Sunday, TBA April at 11:30 am. Please come and get a full rundown on all of our theory courses followed by a free sausage sizzle. I will be there to answer any of your questions.
Last month's question
A couple of months ago, I asked the question why the C152 uses flaps for Take-off and best angle of climb. Why is this seemingly more efficient when we know that use of any flap decreases the lift/drag ratio. In other words, drag always increases more than lift. Doesn't it? I've had no answers. Too hard for you? Even professional pilots and instructors? Have a go!
This month's question
Try this months question - real easy one to make up for the previous (too hard) one. An Air Traffic controller requires an aircraft to lose some time by completing an orbit and at the same time wants him to descend from 10000 feet. This is his message: "Alpha Bravo Charlie, to lose time I'll get you to do a half standard rate 360 and descend to 6000 (feet)." Your question: "What rate of descent is required to simultaneously complete the orbit and arrive at 6000 feet?"
'Til next month - happy flying.
Patrick Watson
Chief Pilot - Chief Flying Instructor
In 1943, the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company was awarded a contract from the Japanese Army Air Force for a heavily armed long-range high altitude fighter. Initially the design team had considered a single-engine aircraft but no single powerplant could meet the specifications required, so a twin-engine layout was adopted at an early stage of the programme.
The Kawasaki Ki.83 - a high altitude fighter The aircraft was an exceptionally clean all-metal stressed skin two-seat mid-wing monoplane. It was powered by a pair of 1,930 hp turbo-supercharged HA.211ru 18-cylinder radial engines and armed with a pair each of heavy forward firing 30 mm and 20 mm cannons. The aircraft also had a small internal bomb bay, which could carry 2 x 110 lb bombs. The aircraft had an estimated endurance of 7 hours 30 minutes and a maximum speed of 704 km/h. For its size the aircraft had remarkable manoeuvrability and performance.
Four prototypes were built and the first one flew in October 1944. The aircraft proved extremely manoeuvrable and could execute a 2,200 ft diameter loop in 31 seconds from an entry speed of 648 km/h. The Navy also showed interest in the aircraft as land based interceptors. The four prototypes were still under test when the war came to an end. Plans for quantity production had not even been finalised.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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The Complete Book of Fighters - William Green Gordon Swanborough |
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War Planes of the Second World War - Fighters Volume Three - William Green |
Anthony Coleiro
Kings Canyon - not to be missed!
Well, long before the flyaway started, Carole, Ben and I had already made up our minds to visit Kings Canyon - one of the 10 "not to be missed" sights in the Northern Territory. With only an overnight stay at Ayers Rock and three nights at Alice Springs, we had the perfect opportunity as The Canyon was almost on-route anyway.
So, the plan was to get a lift out to the airport, do the fly around The Rock and The Olgas and then head for Kings Creek Station to arrive in time for breakfast.
Day 8: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Saturday, 8th September 2007
But, could we get going at 6.00am? You bet ya! After our arrival, we would then be transported to Kings Canyon, about 20 kms down the road. As it happened, Nelson Crawshaw drew the short straw and was appointed to take us to the airport along with Alan and Maz Searle and Ron Koenig who had decided to join us on this little side trip.Saturday, 8th September 2007
The morning was crisp and cool and, before departing for the airport, we had another opportunity to take even more pictures of Ayers Rock, but this time at dawn. Nevertheless, we were itching to get going to miss the heat of the day during the 4 hour walk around the rim of The Canyon. When we arrived at the airport, the planes had already been refuelled the day before, so after doing our checks it was time to climb aboard and take off.
When making our taxi call, one of the local operators was also taxiing for a "scenic" and quite happily suggested we follow him and also advised that this early in the day, procedures were a little more relaxed and we could take our time and should enjoy our flight. So, off we went.
Now, if you think Ayers Rock and The Olgas are spectacular from the ground, then an early morning flight at 3000ft makes for some wonderful photo opportunities. The route published on the VTC allows people on both sides of the plane to take full advantage of both monumental formations. So, with one stage of flap and the power set to slow us down, Ben and I took our turns at the controls while the other took photos, and Carole of course had it all to herself in the back.
Finally, we had to break off from this part of our flight, climb to 4,500ft and hit the "go to" button on the GPS for Kings Creek Station - less than an hour away.
During our flight, we talked back and forth with Alan Searle mainly about what happened to Ron, as we had not heard him make any calls - yet we had taxied past him at the airport.
Kings Canyon waterfall After a call on the radio and our mobile phone, we finally found out he was on his way but a little delayed as he had decided to clean his plane before taking off. Better late than never I suppose!
Our arrival at Kings Creek Station was greeted with a rather severe cross wind but nevertheless, well within the tolerances of the aircraft. The strip itself is red dirt but long, hard and perfect. Before long, Alan had also landed and we were taken back to the station where we spent about an hour having breakfast, looking at the local camels, testing out various stock whips (Alan apparently has a fetish about whips), before Ron finally arrived. Without too much more delay, we were finally transferred to Kings Canyon.
Now, Kings Canyon forms a "V" shape with the Valley of the Kings running down the middle and surrounded on two sides by a 270 metre cliff face. There are two walks you can do, one up the valley taking about 1½ hours and the second walk around the rim, taking about 4 hours. Ben and I were the only ones doing the rim walk and after making arrangements to be picked up at 2.30pm, we started the long vertical climb up the rim.
The first 200-300 steps are almost straight up and people have died on the first part of the walk. However, once you get to the rim, it is reasonably effortless to wander around provided you take the usual precautions of wearing a hat and taking plenty of water. The rock itself is wonderfully red and rusty, embedded with stratas of other types of rock somewhat reminiscent of the beehive formations of the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley. The path is well marked and the formations vary around every corner making it as much an adventure as well as spectacular.
Many times along the walk, you come to the edge of The Canyon with its shear cliff face and magnificent view out to the west where the country simply disappears into the never never. Although Ben and I have been here before, Kings Canyon's awesome beauty is overwhelming and it surely rivals Ayers Rock and the Olgas.
Around the middle of the rim, you descend a series of wooden steps to the Garden of Eden where there is always water and a pool where you can take a swim during the heat of the day.
Kings Canyon - Garden of Eden We had the Garden to ourselves and Ben was determined to have a dip while I was equally determined to stay dry. Either way, it was an opportunity to get out of the sun and relax for half an hour or so before climbing out and continuing our walk.
As we walked and marvelled at the cliffs that in parts hang vertically out over the valley below it was quite possible to solve the world's problems in such a surreal landscape. However, when we descended to the car park below, reality set in along with a number of tour buses and I realised that Kings Canyon over time would/should become as well known as some of the other icons of the Australian landscape.
Promptly, at 2.30pm, our driver arrived with Carole and within 45 minutes we were back at the airstrip and ready for departure to Alice Springs.
Now, during the whole trip we had trouble getting a green light on the front wheel but found that if we wiped away excess oil from the engine sump, the green light came on first time every time. Obviously, the oil was dripping onto the micro-switch and fouling the switch which took a lot of effort and anxiety to turn green. So, part of our procedure was to get Ben to lay under the engine, reach up and wipe away any excess oil before start up. I mention this because Ben never complained about having to do this in all conditions including the red dirt of Kings Creek airstrip - for which I am very grateful.
Our route to Alice Springs at first took us in the opposite direction for one last look at Kings Canyon from the air and after a number of orbits, Alice Springs here we come.
With the VTC on our laps we identified the appropriate reporting point and were directed by the tower past the water tower to a left base for Runway 35, the shorter of the two runways. This meant a long taxi across to the other side of the airport where we were directed to park with other aircraft from our group.
By this time, we needed to hurry as we were being picked up at our motel at 5.00pm for an evening BBQ - but then that's someone else's story.
Les Rapolti
John Hook & Peter Cunningham Warnervale Flying Competition - Sunday March 2, 2008
For our next competition at Warnervale on Sunday 2nd March we will add a Steep Turn under the hood to our instrument flying. The sequence is instrument flight, steep turn , forced landing from 2,500', and spot landing. This will be the last opportunity to practice prior to the Interclub Competition to be held at Narromine the following weekend.
Why not join us and fly Warrior SFK for $80 with an instructor - you can add a 3rd circuit for $20 if you are out of currency. Just ring the club on 9709 8488 to add your name to the list. If weather is doubtful Sunday, please ring the club to find out if we are going or contact Peter Cunningham on 0412 515 645.
If anyone is interested we would like a pilot to ferry Warrior SFK to YWVA and another to fly back and this can be done dual at private hire rates - it takes about 45 minutes and is a great opportunity to lean or re-learn the GA lane.
If you'd like to join us, please phone the club on 9709 8488 and add your name and phone number to the list.
ACCOMMODATION IN NARROMINE
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How about this for a weekend away! The Narromine Interclub is on Saturday 8th March and the sequence will be similar to the club competition. Warrior SFK will be available at private hire rates, or you can bring your own aircraft. SFC has a proud track record and you can add to that, regardless of your ability - this is a competition for all and an opportunity to meet pilots from other clubs with a presentation dinner Saturday evening. If you'd like to join us, please put your name down and phone number on the list at the club and indicate if you would like to share motel accommodation on either Friday or Saturday nights or both so we can arrange a shared booking. If you are training, why not talk your instructor into coming so you can combine a navigation exercise with the competition?
Accommodation and competition details are available in the panel to the right, but if you need assistance with bookings, please don't hesitate to call Peter Cunningham.
John Hook & Peter Cunningham
Sports Flying Sub-Committee
The 'Ghan' pulls into Alice Springs
Today we were picked up by Tailormade Tours in their 4 x 4 bus looking very clean and neat. We had two ladies from another motel accompanying us on our day tour to Palm Valley, Ms Jan Lyons from Carlingford and Ms Honor Collins from Oatlands. Jan is a well seasoned traveller but it was Honor's first trip away into the outback so her eyes were wide open all day.
Day 9: Alice Springs
Sunday, 9th Sep 07
We travelled for about 2 hours on a sealed road towards the West MacDonnell Ranges, our tour guide and driver Happy Harry kept us informed all the way. We passed through Owen Springs Cattle Station to the Finke River one of the oldest watercourses in the world.Sunday, 9th Sep 07
We left the bitumen just past Hermannsburg township and headed off for the Finke River which we traversed along for some miles until we came to a sweet little spot where we were given coffee, tea and cake and bickies and that all went down well.
After finishing morning tea Harry engaged the other two wheels and off we went very slowly (just as well) it was good to have someone driving who knew his job.
We had three walks today as part of our tour the first was the longest and hardest but everyone did it, we left our bus and climbed up to the top of the ridge created by the Finke at Palm Valley, we were overlooking the mighty Livistonia Mariae Palms this is the only place in the world these trees exist, the view from the top of the rim was great along with many trees and plants. Harry explained how the local aboriginals used the plants for medicine. After walking along the ridge for ¾ hour we descended into the valley floor via a set of timber stairs and walked back to the bus through the Palms and White Ghost Gums scattered along the floor. Canons and Nikons going off.
Alice Springs from Anzac Hill Back at the bus we started to travel out of the valley and Harry threw us out and told us where to go and drove off in the bus alone, we walked down the dry river bed through the ancient cycads just brilliant the photo opportunities were different every 50 meters, this walk only took about ½ an hour and very easy going.
Harry found us walking along like Browns cows and herded us into the bus for another short 4 x 4 trip to Kalarranga Lookout (mind blowing) only 10 minute climb but well worth the effort the views of the Amphitheatre were unbelievable in every direction.
Disengaging 4 x 4 at this stage we started to leave the Finke and head for The Historic Precinct of Hermannsburg for lunch, we were lucky enough to see a herd of brumbies en-route, this town started its life as a Lutheran Mission in 1877 and its most famous son was Albert Namatjira. Things in this town are not real good the average life span of a house is 10 years and cost about $600k each to build, the town was cleaned up about 3 weeks before we arrived not for us but Mr John Howard P.M. Fortunately Mal Bruff M.P. visits unannounced and sees things as they really are and he calls it like it is. (Enough politics.)
After a lovely lunch and a look through the Mission and Art Gallery we were back into our bus for the town tour and trip home. It was a long day but very rewarding it was the first time I had done this tour and found it fascinating Harry kept everyone informed all day and there was nothing asked that he didn't know the answer to I would recommend this tour to anyone going to the Alice and also make sure you use Tailormade Tours it's their town. I have enclosed a few photos of this tour just to wet your appetite.
Wayne Russell
Our recent special guest from the RAAF, fighter pilot Peter TOPPER Tippner has kindly provided an article for our newsletter about how he started in GA and went on to a career in the ADF now flying F/A-18 Hornets. I am sure you will enjoy reading this as much as I did. As a postscript it is pleasing to note that a couple of our younger members are now going through the process of the ADF interview and I know one of them was inspired by Toppers visit.
Peter Blackbourn (Director - Clubhouse Services & Events)
'Topper' Tippner
I guess I always wanted to fly ever since I was a young boy. When I was 15 I started flying lessons at one of the local flying schools down at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne. After that first flight I was hooked and got a part time job after school to help Mum and Dad finance my flying lessons. By the time I was 17 I had around 40 hours in light aircraft ranging from the Grumman AA1B to Skyfox Gazelles to Cessna 172's. I simply loved flying and it quickly became apparent that the only real way I was going to make a career in aviation was to join the Military.
In January 2001, the year after I finished year 12, I packed my bags and spent the next 3 years at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra studying a Bachelor of Science. Unfortunately due to academic and Military commitments my flying in the GA realm was put on hold. In fact, I would not have my hands on the controls of an aircraft until 2004 when I started RAAF Pilots Course on the CT4 aircraft in Tamworth. It was at Tamworth where we learnt the basic skills of being a military aviator. How to fly circuits, navigate, fly in close formation and various aerobatics. Whilst I loved being back in the air, the course was fast pace, demanding, and cut throat (which I soon discovered was the case with every Military flying course I have completed since).
Having graduated from Basic Flight Training School some 7 months after starting, I was off to RAAF Pearce in Perth to learn how to fly the Pilatus PC-9. Western Australia was a lovely place to fly around and it was there where we did a lot of instrument flying
'Topper' in his F/A-18 Hornet (and a LOT of practice emergencies) and really got to develop our aircraft captaincy skills. Flying a tandem seat aircraft was also great. There was no-one sitting next to you interrupting the view of the outside world ... just a beautiful wrap around canopy. Many grueling flights and late nights of studying later and I graduated with my set of RAAF Pilot Wings and was posted onto fly Fast Jet aircraft.
For the next 18 months I would learn to operate the BAe Hawk Lead in Fighter in various tactical scenarios. This was where I noticed the difference between the GA flying I had previously experienced and Military Aviation. No longer was it a case of commuting from A to B or bashing the circuit area. Flying had to become second nature and I found that the majority of my brain space had to be focused on the tactical situation I was presented with.
2OCU (No 2. Operation Conversion Unit) was the last step in my training and it was there where I learnt to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. The course is run over a 6 month period at RAAF Williamtown (Newcastle) and is split into two main areas. Air to Air (dogfighting and the like) and Air to Ground (bombing). The course was by far the hardest thing I had ever done in my life but also the most satisfying. After all, you graduate as a Fighter Pilot and get to fly the Hornet at faster than the speed of sound every day.
If I had to summarise what it's like to go from flying GA to flying Hornets in a few words, I would say challenging yet rewarding. For people that love flying as much as I do, I believe flying for the Military is a very rewarding career. You get to fly a single seat aircraft, faster than the speed of sound, pull 7.5g, travel the world and get there a lot faster than those airliners!
FLGOFF Peter "TOPPER" Tippner
Birdsville Pub is close to the aerodrome
T he day dawned bright and windless as we happy campers departed the Desert Palms Resort in Alice Springs for the Tours trip to the world famous Birdsville. After the usual refueling and checking the weather, the push to Birdsville was on. Alan and Maz were gazumped from their lead position by Richard and Helen in their RV6. A short while later Bill Larken and I departed.
Alice Springs out bound on the 090 Radial to Birdsville in HQR, Alice Springs control tower breathed a sigh of relief as the last of our group departed the Alice Springs Control zone.
Day 11: Alice Springs - Birdsville
Monday, 10th September 2007
I must say they were verry helpfull on the way in, even providing a ''Follow Me'' car after we landed at the airport. The flight to Birdsville took us 3.0 hrs and at 5500 ft the air was calm and reasonably clear. Very good for photos and the video camera. Some of the others scooted along at 1500 ft for better photo moments. We enjoyed the vast panorama from up high, and gave us a greater appreciation of the outback.Monday, 10th September 2007
Soon Birdsville appeared out of the haze and after landing we secured little HQR and ajourned to the world renowned Birdsville pub. After 23 years of motoring around the country with AJ Van Lines, I finally sat down in the pub and ordered a VB Beer, it was wonderfull, so much so I had another. The tour director[Sheridan] came up with some bad news at this stage, the tour of Birdsville was off, the driver's licence haden't come thru and the new manager knew nothing. Another beer was called for. Later on we migrated to the wonderfull vista of the Birdsville Caravan Park. Sorting out the cabins was organised by Sheridan and the helpfull manageress of the Park. Most of us ended up overlooking the expance of the Diamantina River and the sand flats. Ron wandered down to photo some of the wildlife.
The Pub is an oasis in dry, dusty Birdsville After settling into our cabins we headed over to the larger than life ''Birdsville Working Show". This has to be seen to be believed, John, the owner has the most amazing collection of artefacts, horse drawn buggies, sheep shears, model cars, etc etc etc, even a old style shop set up in his display. All his explanations and demonstrations of how every thing worked given in a loud Australian drawl, even a cardboard gramophone that worked. Also included was a mule driven chaff cutter. Every home should have one. A verry entertaining man he was. The crowd oohed and arred at every thing. Brand new Akubras, old baseballcaps and everything in between nodding in unison.
Retiring to the splendors of the Caravan Park for a well needed shower and for some, a short rest from the days activities and to prepare for the evenings festivities at the focal point of life in Birdsville. Dinner at the pub. Everything else is shut. The pub resturant was the focal point of the evening, the food was plentefull and a really good quality. Alan managed to order first and got served last, Ron had half the Australian Coat of Arms, Bill finished his dinner and a equally large desert, with most of us sitting in awe of his trencherman skills, Ben regaled us with his tales of gliding in England. Les sat and pondered life with a glass of red. Wayne and Stephen argued the pros and cons of Poms vs Aussies, we won.
After a day of contrasts from the greenness [in parts] of The Alice to dry dusty Birdsville we wandered back to the Caravan Park to sleep and look forward to Longreach via Windorah. At least the flies had buggered off.
John Carswell
THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR: A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay and, if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would re-board in 50 minutes. Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. Another passenger had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her seeing eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight. He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her and, calling her by name said, "Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs." Picture this: all the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines! True story. Remember - things aren't always as they appear!FEEDBACK AND CONTRIBUTIONS: Well, that's your Newsletter for this month, and possibly the last for a while. With help in the form of contributions it might have been possible to produce a newsletter every month. With the exception of an endless supply of X-Files (thanks, Tony), I don't have any articles for any future editions of the Newsletter - not even any flyaway reports. Nevertheless, check the latest news on the Club's website at www.schofields-flying-club.com.au. Contributions, comments, feedback, and suggestions to latrodectus@schofields-flying-club.com.au.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator.
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