Archive for 'Blog'

Volunteering to climb aboard a flight simulator under the watchful eyes of two senior training captains on a rostered day off is not generally regarded as ‘normal’ behaviour for a commercial pilot. However, when the aircraft involved is the newly arrived Airbus A380 and one’s licence renewal isn’t on the line, this is a case of pleasure rather than pain.

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Matt Hall

After such a long career on the edge of the flight envelope, the exposure to g-forces and the physical g-straining manoeuvres from Red Bull came quite naturally to Matt. However, in terms of hands on flying, it is his past exposure to low level operations that are most readily translated into Red Bull Air Racing. Down low, with city skylines in the background, an appreciation of turn rate and radius has aided Matt through the winding courses he has encountered.

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Brute Bearing

At first glance, the XSTOL looks to be a brute, able to take whatever is pitched at it. This is further underpinned by an engine/airframe combination that is one of the cheapest and simplest to operate. Yet, on closer examination, the features that give it this brutish bearing each have very valid design reasons that grossly outweigh aesthetic considerations.

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Romance is Back.

“One Six Right’ Is a film that can stir emotions in the most resilient aviator’s soul. Whether it is through a particular image or the words of an ageing aviator as he recalls seeing Lindbergh pass by, this film can get to you through its sheer honesty.

There is no pretentiousness in any aspect of this film; it does not need to boast. Underpinned by a musical score that is equally emotive, the viewer is lifted amongst the clouds ...

The ‘There and Back’ Jabiru J230 is now safely nestled in its hangar and I have had a short respite to absorb and reflect the wonderful experience of flying around Australia. In 18 days I flew in excess of 13,000 km and saw breathtaking scenery to the backdrop of some fascinating.

Along the way over $10,000 was raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and even more value was gained in promoting the awareness of their sterling cause. To aid my ...

The first Jabiru took flight in 1991 as part of founder Rodney Stiff’s vision to develop and promote affordable flying. From the humble lone J160 prototype, the company has gone on to become one of the stalwarts of what has become the Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) category.

Today over 1600 flying airframes and 6500 engines spread over 30 countries bear the Jabiru name. The J230/430 are the fastest selling members of ...

Australian designed and built, it is well positioned to step into the shoes of its ageing predecessors

As the various fleets of GA trainers continue to age, more questions than answers seem to arise about the future direction of the category of aircraft. Fortunately, one aircraft is offering a viable solution and best of all, its home grown!!

The Brumby is not only a standout example of an Australian venture doing ...

Corporate aviation is about meeting the specific needs of the discerning customer.

It is about arriving in style, in comfort,and most importantly, in time. But for pilots, the great news is that Cessna’s Citation X (X as in the Roman numeral for 10) also offers them first class service.

Sliding into the left hand seat of the Citation X is amply assisted by a large handle on the central windscreen ...

I have now been ‘There and Back’ and it feels fantastic!

The signs were good from the outset when the Toowoomba skies dawned clear with visibility beyond my eyes’ ability to focus. After eggs on toast with my cousin Bill we headed out to the airfield and readied the Jabiru for the final morning of his epic journey.

On such a morning the opportunity ...

From Toowoomba I will fly to Caboolture. Arriving there around 9am, there will be a chance to catch up with friends and say G’day.

From there the final leg will have me arrive at Bundaberg around 1:30pm in company with a formation of Jabirus. I can’t wait!

Come out and say hello, or at least chip in a dollar for the doctor.

The flight may end tomorrow, but the fundraising will continue a little longer with speaking engagements still ...

The decision to spend the night at Gunnedah proved to be the right one. The morning dawned without a cloud in the sky and the forecast to the north was just as good.

The hotel owner, a keen pilot, kindly drove me to the airport where the Jabiru was wearing a coat of water droplets from the night before.
A wipe down and walk around ...

The decision to stay the night in lovely Gunnedah seems to have been a good one.

After a night here with some heavy showers, the day has dawned without a cloud to be seen. The low cloud and rain has also pushed east beyond Toowoomba and the coastline.

As I stand here at Gunnedah Airport it looks to be a great day to commit aviation, so let’s go!

With Toowoomba out of reach on Friday, the signs are promising that Saturday will serve up some better weather for the final stage of this sector. On arrival there will be a chance to catch up with family and get ready for the final run go Bundaberg on Sunday.

Tonight also marks the conclusion of the Ricky Ponting auction, so if you haven’t bid, then there’s no time like the present. Similarly, donations are now nudging $9,000, so that target of ...

There’s an old saying in aviation that it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air, wishing you were on the ground. Todays events stand testament to the old adage.

My original plan to depart Mittagong for Toowoomba started to look awry on Thursday evening. The weather charts and forecasts suggested low cloud and rain ...