Sky Diving at Barwon Heads
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: australia
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A friend and myself were passing through the area one day and noticed a Pilatus Turboporter operating as the sky-diving aircraft. It was still in the Army paint job and everything.
As my friend matt is as big an aerosexual as myself we stopped at Barwon Heads airfield and went in to ask if we could charter it for a joy flight.
We were directed to some guy who came out and said that unfortunately it was for sky-diving only and pax weren't allowed. Fair enough.
But as the aircraft returned to the loading area for another group he added that there were 'some exceptions' and gave us a kind of creepy knowing gaze.
We looked over to see a young attractive female exit the aircraft.
As Matt and I looked back and forth between the young lady and the grinning sky-diving chap, we decided that this was not the sport for us and that the depiction of sky divers in the movie Drop Zone was strangely accurate...
As my friend matt is as big an aerosexual as myself we stopped at Barwon Heads airfield and went in to ask if we could charter it for a joy flight.
We were directed to some guy who came out and said that unfortunately it was for sky-diving only and pax weren't allowed. Fair enough.
But as the aircraft returned to the loading area for another group he added that there were 'some exceptions' and gave us a kind of creepy knowing gaze.
We looked over to see a young attractive female exit the aircraft.
As Matt and I looked back and forth between the young lady and the grinning sky-diving chap, we decided that this was not the sport for us and that the depiction of sky divers in the movie Drop Zone was strangely accurate...
Join Date: Oct 2007
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To all the dirt darts -- take note
The AAT yesterday handed down their decision on whether skydiving would return to Barwon Heads.
The decision despite what all the darts were expecting is "THE TRIBUNAL AFFIRMS THE DECISION UNDER REVIEW" that means NO SKYDIVING AT BHA.
"the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates there are substantial safety problems associated with the conduct of concurrent parachuting and general aviation activities at BHA"
"it is imperative that there be a sound relationship between the groups involved in different activities at an airfield"
"Unfortunately, there is no evidence of any such co-operartion at BHA"
The evidence indicates to me that the lack of co-operation has its genesis in the clear disregard by parachutists"
"When the general aviation users of BHA complained about this activity, rather than Mr McWilliam taking positive steps to ensure strict regulatory compliance, he adopted a defensive approach, simply denying any wrongdoing"
"that was the root cause of the problem"
To all the dirt darts who enjoyed their jumping at BHA you may now understand why the problem and why CASA were forced to put into place the instrument banning parachuting within 4.8km. Safety for all in the air.
For now try another reputable jump zone and enjoy your sport.
The AAT yesterday handed down their decision on whether skydiving would return to Barwon Heads.
The decision despite what all the darts were expecting is "THE TRIBUNAL AFFIRMS THE DECISION UNDER REVIEW" that means NO SKYDIVING AT BHA.
"the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates there are substantial safety problems associated with the conduct of concurrent parachuting and general aviation activities at BHA"
"it is imperative that there be a sound relationship between the groups involved in different activities at an airfield"
"Unfortunately, there is no evidence of any such co-operartion at BHA"
The evidence indicates to me that the lack of co-operation has its genesis in the clear disregard by parachutists"
"When the general aviation users of BHA complained about this activity, rather than Mr McWilliam taking positive steps to ensure strict regulatory compliance, he adopted a defensive approach, simply denying any wrongdoing"
"that was the root cause of the problem"
To all the dirt darts who enjoyed their jumping at BHA you may now understand why the problem and why CASA were forced to put into place the instrument banning parachuting within 4.8km. Safety for all in the air.
For now try another reputable jump zone and enjoy your sport.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Good to see that a decision has finally been handed down by the AAT with common sence prevailing backing CASAs decision to make an area safe for flying.
A strong rumor has been mentioned that McSkydive is now eyeing off Yarrawonga as an alternative site, and has made approaches to the local authorities.
Lets see where that one goes. Does a leopard change his spots?
Yarrawonga is bigger and is a very active aerodrome, a few more aeroplanes to dice with?
Perhaps now those at BHA can get on with developing the airport.
A strong rumor has been mentioned that McSkydive is now eyeing off Yarrawonga as an alternative site, and has made approaches to the local authorities.
Lets see where that one goes. Does a leopard change his spots?
Yarrawonga is bigger and is a very active aerodrome, a few more aeroplanes to dice with?
Perhaps now those at BHA can get on with developing the airport.
Last edited by John Walters; 8th Aug 2008 at 00:03.
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Sunfish the trikes are here to stay, they fly in a controlled and safe manner with radio and obey the rules. Transient machines do go past and around here so do not tarnish all. Otherwise you may stay away if you wish or come on in and have a meal on a Saturday night!! A bar b que is on most Sunday's at 1230hrs. hangar in front of club house (trike owners run it)
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Great News for BHA. No irresponsible chutes.
To sunfish, get a life enjoy all forms of aviation, have a fly with a responsible trike and gyro pilot instead of spending all your time in a tinny, you'll find a different form of flying and enjoyment, get the wind in the hair.
I had your attitude for many years that airline & GA flying was the only form. How wrong I was. I now enjoy getting into other toys whenever I can. Beats flying the bigbirds for enjoyment.
To sunfish, get a life enjoy all forms of aviation, have a fly with a responsible trike and gyro pilot instead of spending all your time in a tinny, you'll find a different form of flying and enjoyment, get the wind in the hair.
I had your attitude for many years that airline & GA flying was the only form. How wrong I was. I now enjoy getting into other toys whenever I can. Beats flying the bigbirds for enjoyment.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Sunfish, mate we can all share the airspace. GA, Ultralights, RPT and even skydivers. It's only some who give a shocking reputation for the rest. Many skydiving ops are carried out in good harmonious circumstances with everyone else at airports far buisier than BH.
As for trikes, nothing improves your eyes outside discipline more than a broadcast from one somehwere in the same circuit to where you're headed.
As for trikes, nothing improves your eyes outside discipline more than a broadcast from one somehwere in the same circuit to where you're headed.
Back to the topic - parrot shooting...
Finally some verifiable truth.
McWilliam and Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2008] AATA 687 (6 August 2008)
Illuminating reading.
Finally some verifiable truth.
McWilliam and Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2008] AATA 687 (6 August 2008)
Illuminating reading.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Not only radio all the navigation equipment that would put most ga aircraft to shame, the fellas are serious pilots and some do fly GA aircraft as well. Sunfish make haste and get down for an enjoyable time. You may even get a ride in a new 2 seat auto gyro. (with all the good gear as well)
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theinsider
As you purport to be an expert on the skydiving activities at BHA can you explain to me what the following statements made by AAT Member Mr Egon Fice in his decision mean?
In fact, the descriptions provided by many of the witnesses, are not, in my opinion, fanciful or fabricated. Some of the reports were provided by persons who made descents through cloud and others by experienced pilots.
When the general aviation users of BHA complained about this activity, rather than Mr McWilliam taking positive steps to ensure strict regulatory compliance, he adopted a defensive approach, simply denying any wrongdoing. In my opinion, that was the root cause of the problem.
The evidence indicates to me that the lack of co-operation has its genesis in the clear disregard by parachutists for the prohibition placed on jumping through cloud and when weather conditions were less than suitable for that activity.
pol
As you purport to be an expert on the skydiving activities at BHA can you explain to me what the following statements made by AAT Member Mr Egon Fice in his decision mean?
In fact, the descriptions provided by many of the witnesses, are not, in my opinion, fanciful or fabricated. Some of the reports were provided by persons who made descents through cloud and others by experienced pilots.
When the general aviation users of BHA complained about this activity, rather than Mr McWilliam taking positive steps to ensure strict regulatory compliance, he adopted a defensive approach, simply denying any wrongdoing. In my opinion, that was the root cause of the problem.
The evidence indicates to me that the lack of co-operation has its genesis in the clear disregard by parachutists for the prohibition placed on jumping through cloud and when weather conditions were less than suitable for that activity.
pol
Last edited by pol; 11th Aug 2008 at 11:32.
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theinsider
4th June 2008
Well it looks like we will be sky diving at Barwon Heads again very soon ...........A victory for common sense at last looks like the boys at the aero club have finally got on with things more productive like flying planes .........Great to be home again and soon we will be jumping again at the old Barwon Heads Airport YIPEEEEEEEE
Well Well Well
You’re right a victory with common sense prevailing.
As to coming home, don’t bring your bags you won’t be staying.
YIPEEEEEEEE
inbetweenthesheets
4th June 2008
Well it looks like we will be sky diving at Barwon Heads again very soon ...........A victory for common sense at last looks like the boys at the aero club have finally got on with things more productive like flying planes .........Great to be home again and soon we will be jumping again at the old Barwon Heads Airport YIPEEEEEEEE
Well Well Well
You’re right a victory with common sense prevailing.
As to coming home, don’t bring your bags you won’t be staying.
YIPEEEEEEEE
inbetweenthesheets
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A thorough and comprehensive ruling.
Despite all the controversy and hype the ruling by Mr. Egon Fice is thorough and comprehensive. He has presented a balanced view after hearing all the evidence.
I can only hope that anyone who considers involvement with Mr McWilliam reads this report.
The culture of disregard for safety has been characteristic of the skydive operations at Barwon Heads airport. This has been known for many years and is fully demonstrated in the evidence and the ruling of the AAT.
Who ever hosts McWilliam as a skydive operator will inherit the same disregard for authority and safe practice.
I can only hope that anyone who considers involvement with Mr McWilliam reads this report.
The culture of disregard for safety has been characteristic of the skydive operations at Barwon Heads airport. This has been known for many years and is fully demonstrated in the evidence and the ruling of the AAT.
Who ever hosts McWilliam as a skydive operator will inherit the same disregard for authority and safe practice.
