» SUMMER newsletter - DECEMBER 2009

From the CFI

  

With Christmas approaching, the decorations and presents have been in the stores for too long already. Christmas means different things to different people, but for pilots the summer months offer brilliant opportunities for scenic flights, and destinations like the Hunter Valley. Take the opportunity while the good weather is here !

And, in the spirit of Christmas giving, many of you have friends who are learning to fly, or who would like to give it a go; at the heliport, we have gift vouchers for all occasions. Whether for scenic flights, TIF's or flight credit for students who are further along in their training, it's pretty hard to think of a better Christmas present than a helicopter flight !

Christmas barbeque - Saturday 19th December

At midday we'll be pushing the helicopters away, closing the hangar, and lighting the barbeque. All past and present customers, students and staff are invited.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Bill Miller
CP/CFI, Managing Director
Bankstown Helicopters

Recent Developments

  

Victor 1 extended
CASA issued a new ERSA and charts in November, with revised information for the airspace and radio frequencies around Sydney. When you get your new VTC you will notice an important change when using R405 to get to or from the coast: The northern boundary of Victor 1 is now Long Reef,

This change has been made because there was confusion about the most appropriate radio frequency to be used between Sydney Heads and Long Reef. The R405 and Victor 1 rules were not consistent, and it was possible that aeroplanes and helicopters would be on different frequencies in this area.

This change makes it clear that all aircraft should monitor 120.8 when OCTA south of Long Reef, which removes the confusion and improves safety. We strongly encourage you to fly with the latest documentation.

Orange
Our training base at Orange continues to grow. The group of regular students are all making good progress towards their licences, and the first two instructors trained there passed their flight tests at the end of November. Congratulations to Alex and Mark!

New Jetranger
Our new Jetranger has been flying regularly and has just had its first 100-hourly. Several pilots have now completed endorsements, and both Jetrangers are putting in good hours doing training and charter. Come out to the heliport sometime and have a go at flying a turbine!

From the Instructors

Milestones Achieved

Weather
We've had some pretty good dust storms this year, ranging from the multi-day red dust, to a recent day when it all cleared up about lunchtime. Dust doesn't just mean that the helicopters need a good wash and vacuum afterwards, it can seriously compromise flight safety. Dust storms can lead to a loss of visual reference, which can be extremely dangerous in any aircraft, but especially in a helicopter.

When you get your weather briefing before going flying, if there is anything which you are unsure about, please ask one of the instructors to explain it to you. We are here to help everyone, not just the students currently training for their licences, and a few minutes discussion can clarify the situation and help keep everyone safe.

Congratulations to the following pilots who have passed flight tests recently:

FIRST SOLO
Andre Shahin
Brian Munroe
Graham Hansen

PPL
Jason Sultana
Ross Jackson

NVFR
Richard Johns

CPL
George Hancock

Flight Instructor
Joel Stewart
Dominic Brachet
Alex Brett
Mark Jeffress

The last word

It's no secret that Sydney is windy at this time of year ! Most aviation wind socks are calibrated and you can get a good idea of the wind strength by observing the angle of the windsock. A windsock which is fully extended (parallel to the ground) means the wind strength is about 25-30 knots, half extended (about 45o) is about 12-15 knots, and so on.