Stationair8:
I had a flick through the logbook, hired a C172 VH-RLG from RVAC in Feb 87 and a check flight with instructor W Chapel, while on a lunchbreak from Ron's theory class, must have been a bit short had to put in the old Bankcard that week.
I had my first flying lesson at RVAC in Feb 1987, with Wayne Chapel.
Also did my theory at Ron's. Amazing reading this thread - how changed it all must be, I haven't been there since about 1998.
No mention yet of Wardy's Cafe? Wardy and free-lance charter pilot Paul Hurst "Thirsty Hursty" drinking each other under the table each night. Or Hursty filling "hoots" hooten's car to the roof with horse manure after being undercut of a free-lance job?