also a kiwi, now in Perth
No need to read back info and qnh - leave it at info
establishing communication isnt really required - blow stright into your initial contact call
joining altitude is 500ft above circuit height, which for high performace aircraft is 1500ft - (IE join at 2000ft) generally people join 45deg downwind or on a 3mile final. our standard overhead rejoin is called an overfly(if im not mistaken)
VFR here have requirements for alternates - learn them!
NZ no one gives a crap if ur a bad pilot, or running dodgy (TBH) BUT here, you can be "ramped" (checked for compliance) so have uptodate info and charts, if the plate is out of date, DO NOT TAKE IT IN THE PLANE - even if your not going to use that exact chart
IFR rules are different, definitely worth a read.
there is the ability to overstock people on your aircraft - 2 kids under 14 to a seat if combined weight is 77kg or below, and babies can be in proper restraints - HOWEVER - there is a limit to how many people you can have - light aircraft i think 6seat and below, can have 1 additional pax, and 12seat you can have 2 overstocked (look up those figures, im pretty hazy on that and CBF looking them up right now
(gawd im helpful
)
also be aware that when she get really hot here, light aircraft wont fly - NZ its just drop in performance, but outback aus, in the sticks its **** scary
read your interception info, they can actually do damage to you here
you need a flightplan to fly on controlled airspace (NAIPS)
crusiing levels are east west (east odd +500VFR and west even +500)
also radio requirements are deffirent
cruising levels are expected above 5000 (like 3000 in NZ) but do attempt to comply below
some aerodromes have visual flight guides, read them first
if you dont know the aerodrome, tell them (ATC) and "request detailed Taxi Instructions" when your inevitably lost on the ground
if you are going to use an EFB get familiar with the law - RE: screen size min 200mm (also have full battery, and a backup doesnt hurt, that will help you if you get ramped)
thats all for now - if you get bored, read the law, and you will want to go home, it makes NZ law look well written
anyone in perth keen for a beer?