CASA Raids Meatbombers.
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Backdoorbandit,
You too can't be serious....with your attitude, I would probably be correct in suggesting you might be the one to cause the grief when operating outside of 50 miles (what that has got to do with anything ??????) I think you might be suffering the same fate as utedrivingpilot....you guys really do need to change the water a bit more frequently!
Anyhow, on another note; MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and SAFE FLYING for the rest of your days!
You too can't be serious....with your attitude, I would probably be correct in suggesting you might be the one to cause the grief when operating outside of 50 miles (what that has got to do with anything ??????) I think you might be suffering the same fate as utedrivingpilot....you guys really do need to change the water a bit more frequently!
Anyhow, on another note; MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and SAFE FLYING for the rest of your days!
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Gday
Now that the kiddys have got the prezzys open and spread around the place I can catch up.
BackdoorBandit
I won’t lower myself and engage in a slanging match.
Whoever dropped that note in your letterbox is poorly misinformed.
bongo driver
Both operators in the area and the APF have a policy of Duty of Don’t Care, it gets in way of profits, but we are working very hard to change their attitudes.
Cheers Q
Now that the kiddys have got the prezzys open and spread around the place I can catch up.
BackdoorBandit
I won’t lower myself and engage in a slanging match.
Whoever dropped that note in your letterbox is poorly misinformed.
bongo driver
Both operators in the area and the APF have a policy of Duty of Don’t Care, it gets in way of profits, but we are working very hard to change their attitudes.
Cheers Q
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I noticed a meat-bomber mob at Caloundra a few weeks ago. They seem to be using a Russian twin (a Let?) that doesn't look like it's on the VH register. Anyone know anything about them?
Happy new year all.
Happy new year all.
OzExpat. Was this the beast?
If it's the aircraft I'm thinking of, it's a US FAA Certified, Walter engined LET 420, possibly US registered N420LT, if I recall correctly.
It was originally a demonstrator. I had a ride on it and was very impressed with it's STOL performance. I suspect it would do very well in PNG.
I seem to recall the problem in Australia was that it was slightly over 5,700 kg max gross weight, placing it in the air transport category - with all the additional costs and restrictions of that category of operation.
I was also impressed with the Walter engine. No HSI's, 3,500 hour TBO and guaranteed factory exchange price around US$50,000. I think Pratt's are a significant shareholder in Walter. And the trailing arm U/C and outboard multi disk brakes look solid enough to graft onto a Road Train or a D9!
One thing I do remember - indeed, will never forget - was the cockpit clock. So big you'd need a bloody engine sling and hoist to remove it!
Check this link. It doesn't quite show the clock, but it's immediately above the fan.
What have you planned for midnight tonight? If you're still in Brisvegas I'm glad I'm home in the Outback!!
If it's the aircraft I'm thinking of, it's a US FAA Certified, Walter engined LET 420, possibly US registered N420LT, if I recall correctly.
It was originally a demonstrator. I had a ride on it and was very impressed with it's STOL performance. I suspect it would do very well in PNG.
I seem to recall the problem in Australia was that it was slightly over 5,700 kg max gross weight, placing it in the air transport category - with all the additional costs and restrictions of that category of operation.
I was also impressed with the Walter engine. No HSI's, 3,500 hour TBO and guaranteed factory exchange price around US$50,000. I think Pratt's are a significant shareholder in Walter. And the trailing arm U/C and outboard multi disk brakes look solid enough to graft onto a Road Train or a D9!
One thing I do remember - indeed, will never forget - was the cockpit clock. So big you'd need a bloody engine sling and hoist to remove it!
Check this link. It doesn't quite show the clock, but it's immediately above the fan.
What have you planned for midnight tonight? If you're still in Brisvegas I'm glad I'm home in the Outback!!
Last edited by Torres; 31st Dec 2003 at 13:52.
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I was wondering how long it would take for somebody to mention the oddball Let at Caloundra.
The aircraft is not on the Australian register and as such is not subject to our licencing requirements for either pilot or lame or approved maintenance schedule. The aircraft is registered in Sierra Leone (Africa). Naturally any pilot flying the aircraft or lame conducting & certifying any maintenance on it will of course be appropriately trained, checked and certified by the regulatory authority of Sierra Leone.
The FAA audit regards Sierra Leone as a "Register of Convenience".
Disco Stu
The aircraft is not on the Australian register and as such is not subject to our licencing requirements for either pilot or lame or approved maintenance schedule. The aircraft is registered in Sierra Leone (Africa). Naturally any pilot flying the aircraft or lame conducting & certifying any maintenance on it will of course be appropriately trained, checked and certified by the regulatory authority of Sierra Leone.
The FAA audit regards Sierra Leone as a "Register of Convenience".
Disco Stu
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Gday
I watched that Let operate out of Coloundra during the year they seem to carry out their opps very professionally, the days I watched were 8 8ths blue so can't comment about them dropping through cloud, the best part is they drop away from the field so as not to endanger the lives of the other airport users in the circuit.
I wish you all a safe and successful new year.
Cheers Q
I watched that Let operate out of Coloundra during the year they seem to carry out their opps very professionally, the days I watched were 8 8ths blue so can't comment about them dropping through cloud, the best part is they drop away from the field so as not to endanger the lives of the other airport users in the circuit.
I wish you all a safe and successful new year.
Cheers Q
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I saw the Let also , and like you Toores was reasaonably impressed. From not close inspection its a soundly built type. I would imagine the crew would be having a French experience though. And sconning themselves on the clock.
The Walters don't seem to be moving down here. Are they elsewhere?
Is the machine operating under 'Experimental Category'. I had a feeling that they were! Or did this not work?
There was certainly a big Bell helicopter in this category at Caloundra. A Bell 407?, very big Huey looking Bell and I think pushed pretty hard on bushfire work.
The Walters don't seem to be moving down here. Are they elsewhere?
Is the machine operating under 'Experimental Category'. I had a feeling that they were! Or did this not work?
There was certainly a big Bell helicopter in this category at Caloundra. A Bell 407?, very big Huey looking Bell and I think pushed pretty hard on bushfire work.
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QNIM
A couple of corrections for you.
As the wx here is mostly as you describe it (8/8ths blue) there are still the odd days (like right now) when it is not, and yes they still drop every morning at 0900ish rain, hail or shine so to speak. I can hear the LET now in fact.
As for dropping away from the airfield, yes they do mostly, but they will still drop on the field when it suits them irrespective of the circuit traffic at the time.
Disco Stu
A couple of corrections for you.
As the wx here is mostly as you describe it (8/8ths blue) there are still the odd days (like right now) when it is not, and yes they still drop every morning at 0900ish rain, hail or shine so to speak. I can hear the LET now in fact.
As for dropping away from the airfield, yes they do mostly, but they will still drop on the field when it suits them irrespective of the circuit traffic at the time.
Disco Stu
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G'day Torres, sorry to be so late getting back to this topic, but I got sidetracked on NYE... 
No, I'm not in Brisvegas, but yer still pretty safe anyway! The LET that I saw was this one...
Agree that they'd probably do well in PNG, especially considering ease and apparent simplicity of maintenance! Not sure how it might stack up against the venerable Twotter, but probably not enuf money to buy them... the industry is still pretty sick. 
No, I'm not in Brisvegas, but yer still pretty safe anyway! The LET that I saw was this one...Agree that they'd probably do well in PNG, especially considering ease and apparent simplicity of maintenance!
Not sure how it might stack up against the venerable Twotter, but probably not enuf money to buy them... the industry is still pretty sick.
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Gday Disc Stu
Seems they are all the same, stuff the regs and other users it gets in the way of profits.
I think the only way to pull them into line is as an earlier poster suggested make them operate as a commercial as it is anyway, requiring an AOC and a CP and the audits as the rest of us have put up with.
I feel better now.
Cheers Q
Seems they are all the same, stuff the regs and other users it gets in the way of profits.
I think the only way to pull them into line is as an earlier poster suggested make them operate as a commercial as it is anyway, requiring an AOC and a CP and the audits as the rest of us have put up with.
I feel better now.
Cheers Q
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QNIM
Oh dear....you really are a sad sad person! I feel a bit sorry for you in a way.
I have been reading this thread and come to the conclusion that you and your should be partner PROPSWINGA are all of the same breed!
REACTIVE and very bitter pilots that have never really made it in the industry. We sometimes like to class you guys as airport nazi's. Have you ever thought of developing some interpersonal skills and taking a PROACTIVE approach to some of the unsafe or dangerous practises that you wittness? Such as communicating with the people concerned (on there level if that's what it takes) and actually helping with the situation and applying some of your seemingly infanite knowledge!
I was a profesional jump pilot (yes..thats right....getting a nice pay packet keeping within the regs) at a very busy DZ in Oz a while ago and had to deal with an airport nazi such as yourself who could not comunicate with the DZ operator. He had CASA out with a folder of reports full of crap about cloud, traffic separation, circuits....etc...bla bla. CASA after a cup of coffee and a look at our very sweet turbine with some discussion on the regs were satisfied with our "Profesional operation".
I then took a PROACTIVE approach and communicated a bit more with the local flying school and airport nazi......and what do ya know.....we all worked it out and the airport was a happy safe place.
Ya see....the point of all this QNIM is.......that some of us like to fly. HEAPS of flying. And will do anything the right way to make it happin! You on the other hand are just a winger! If you want to make the sky's a safer place....be PROACTIVE aye?
PS. What do you mean by "put up with audits etc.."?
PPS. What do you mean by "only a grade 3"? Does this mean that you have to have a 2 or better to achieve god status like yourself?
PROPSWINGA
Ahhh well... I could not help but comment on your someone is going to get killed rubbish.
Do you know how many aircraft movements and flying hours are done each year around the world by jump planes?
It would astonish you if you looked! And what the fatality/flying hours ratio is in jump ops (from the aircraft ops that is)? Its a hell of a lot better than simple GA!! Or even compare commercial charter. Know your facts before spouting more REACTIVE rubbish.
Safe flying..and jumping everyone.
Bluesky's
G
Oh dear....you really are a sad sad person! I feel a bit sorry for you in a way.
I have been reading this thread and come to the conclusion that you and your should be partner PROPSWINGA are all of the same breed!
REACTIVE and very bitter pilots that have never really made it in the industry. We sometimes like to class you guys as airport nazi's. Have you ever thought of developing some interpersonal skills and taking a PROACTIVE approach to some of the unsafe or dangerous practises that you wittness? Such as communicating with the people concerned (on there level if that's what it takes) and actually helping with the situation and applying some of your seemingly infanite knowledge!
I was a profesional jump pilot (yes..thats right....getting a nice pay packet keeping within the regs) at a very busy DZ in Oz a while ago and had to deal with an airport nazi such as yourself who could not comunicate with the DZ operator. He had CASA out with a folder of reports full of crap about cloud, traffic separation, circuits....etc...bla bla. CASA after a cup of coffee and a look at our very sweet turbine with some discussion on the regs were satisfied with our "Profesional operation".
I then took a PROACTIVE approach and communicated a bit more with the local flying school and airport nazi......and what do ya know.....we all worked it out and the airport was a happy safe place.
Ya see....the point of all this QNIM is.......that some of us like to fly. HEAPS of flying. And will do anything the right way to make it happin! You on the other hand are just a winger! If you want to make the sky's a safer place....be PROACTIVE aye?
PS. What do you mean by "put up with audits etc.."?
PPS. What do you mean by "only a grade 3"? Does this mean that you have to have a 2 or better to achieve god status like yourself?
PROPSWINGA
Ahhh well... I could not help but comment on your someone is going to get killed rubbish.
Do you know how many aircraft movements and flying hours are done each year around the world by jump planes?
It would astonish you if you looked! And what the fatality/flying hours ratio is in jump ops (from the aircraft ops that is)? Its a hell of a lot better than simple GA!! Or even compare commercial charter. Know your facts before spouting more REACTIVE rubbish.
Safe flying..and jumping everyone.
Bluesky's
G
PPRuNeaholic
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I honestly don't know mate. It never occurred to me to take a photo of it because I've seen Cubs before. I only photographed the Let because I'd never seen one. I'm not local to the area but am pretty sure that at least one of the other contributors to this thread lives somewhere nearby and can find out for you.
Sorry that I can't be more helpful.
Sorry that I can't be more helpful.
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GW_04
Well said, I have to agree with you. Myself also spending quite some time as a jump pilot a few years ago, Loved the time, gained a lot of experience. Believe it or not, some from skydivers, these skydivers who are also pilots. I think a lot of the anger might come from some of these people who are sitting on the ground watching these a/c (Turbine/Multi) go up and down all day, whilst they are stuck on the ground polishing there shiny gold bars.
The safety record of jump flying is not too bad, as maybe compared to that of the weekend warriors. Considering the amount of movement created by Skydiving ops, I would say that the safety record is not too bad.
I know of a few airfields that are owned by skydiving mobs, one mentioned so far. And the owners are nice enough to let these people keep their a/c there and use the airfield. Then what do they do?? they turn around and complain... Its like buying a house on the boundry of sydney airport and complaining about the noise.
I agree with some of the posts on here, and in no way condone flying a roll of high speed tape through the soup for $10 bucks a load. However if the pilot and a/c are equiped then flying in a less than perfect day is ok. Be assertive and dont do anything you dont want to do, as being under private ops, you as the pilot in command are responsible for the a/c, the passangers and the flight. Not the operator.
Well said, I have to agree with you. Myself also spending quite some time as a jump pilot a few years ago, Loved the time, gained a lot of experience. Believe it or not, some from skydivers, these skydivers who are also pilots. I think a lot of the anger might come from some of these people who are sitting on the ground watching these a/c (Turbine/Multi) go up and down all day, whilst they are stuck on the ground polishing there shiny gold bars.
The safety record of jump flying is not too bad, as maybe compared to that of the weekend warriors. Considering the amount of movement created by Skydiving ops, I would say that the safety record is not too bad.
I know of a few airfields that are owned by skydiving mobs, one mentioned so far. And the owners are nice enough to let these people keep their a/c there and use the airfield. Then what do they do?? they turn around and complain... Its like buying a house on the boundry of sydney airport and complaining about the noise.
I agree with some of the posts on here, and in no way condone flying a roll of high speed tape through the soup for $10 bucks a load. However if the pilot and a/c are equiped then flying in a less than perfect day is ok. Be assertive and dont do anything you dont want to do, as being under private ops, you as the pilot in command are responsible for the a/c, the passangers and the flight. Not the operator.
Last edited by Harry_Porter; 5th Jan 2004 at 16:04.
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Harry-Porter
The fact that the PIC is responsible for everything relating to compliance with regulations in these so called private operations is the problem for the most part. The operator, who normally does the hiring and firing, does not have to have any proven knowledge of CAA regs. If having to comply with regulations costs the operator money, then it very often also costs the PIC his job. If the PIC does not comply with regs and an incident or accident occurs it is no skin off operators nose, he can plead ignorance, how can he comply with rules and regulations when there is no requirement to have any knowledge of them. The buck gets passed to the PIC. This is a very easy cop out for the regulatory authority. They(regulators) presumably are there to ensure compliance without the threat of losing their jobs. How to make the job easier?? Pass the buck to PIC.
Prospector
The fact that the PIC is responsible for everything relating to compliance with regulations in these so called private operations is the problem for the most part. The operator, who normally does the hiring and firing, does not have to have any proven knowledge of CAA regs. If having to comply with regulations costs the operator money, then it very often also costs the PIC his job. If the PIC does not comply with regs and an incident or accident occurs it is no skin off operators nose, he can plead ignorance, how can he comply with rules and regulations when there is no requirement to have any knowledge of them. The buck gets passed to the PIC. This is a very easy cop out for the regulatory authority. They(regulators) presumably are there to ensure compliance without the threat of losing their jobs. How to make the job easier?? Pass the buck to PIC.
Prospector
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GW_04,
You really do have some serious issues boyoh! Statistics DO NOT bear out what you claim is fact.....one organisation around here had FIVE (yes 5) engine failures over last 2 years ALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION!!! Now.. that is not a bad claim to fame eh what?
Nobody killed.....luckily, but bear in mind that they are usually within gliding distance of the place they just departed from, then there is nothing unusual in the success rate either.
BUT THIS IN NO WAY negates the pilots responsibility to make sure he departs with sufficient fuel (plus reserves) for the planned trip.
Whether one likes it or not; this industry in OZ needs a bl**dy good shake up AND FAST before we end up with a whole pile of funerals to go to and everybody asking; "WHAT WENT WRONG"!
You really do have some serious issues boyoh! Statistics DO NOT bear out what you claim is fact.....one organisation around here had FIVE (yes 5) engine failures over last 2 years ALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION!!! Now.. that is not a bad claim to fame eh what?
Nobody killed.....luckily, but bear in mind that they are usually within gliding distance of the place they just departed from, then there is nothing unusual in the success rate either. BUT THIS IN NO WAY negates the pilots responsibility to make sure he departs with sufficient fuel (plus reserves) for the planned trip. Whether one likes it or not; this industry in OZ needs a bl**dy good shake up AND FAST before we end up with a whole pile of funerals to go to and everybody asking; "WHAT WENT WRONG"!