Out of a PA28, PA28R or C182, I'd chose the 182 hands down for your trip.

Firstly, you'll have extra shade due to the high wing, which is a must this time of year.

Secondly, you'll have at least 100-150 litres of extra fuel you can carry, depending on the 182 you pick up. That will give you much more choice when it comes to refuelling, and help you avoid the places that cost $2.50-$3 a litre.

Finally, with the high wing you'll be able to get a better view and some great photos.

Last time I saw him was in August 09 and he was very much alive ! Still doing the minibus tours, but lives in town now, his son runs the station.

As for choice of a/c - I'd say definitely the 182, especially if you intend to fly into strips like Carisbrooke. On a hot day (not really unknown out there :E ) an Archer might struggle. Fuel also being a consideration, as Ando1Bar says. If you can find a long-range 182 and can tanker fuel into places like Birdsville (think I paid 2,70 there last year :eek: ) you'll have more beer money :ok:

It's all slowly coming together, all based on all of your fantastic feedback.

So far I'm (roughly) thinking MMB, Broken Hill, Cooper Pedy, Alice Springs, Mt Isa, Longreach (quite possibly via Winton), Lightning Ridge, Canberra, MMB, though no where near set in stone, so if anyone has any further suggestions, please let me know.

A few quick questions for those of you who have been out there. Should one take a aircraft equipped with a HF radio?
Also, if I were to approach some potential employers on the way, would you recommend wearing a full uniform, or is just casual attire suitable in that particular circumstance given that I am not apply for a job as such? (I know this detracts from the general purpose of this thread, but thought it was worthwhile asking).

Cheers :ok:

WBB

WBB

If the plane you hires comes with a HF then that is an added bonus, but if it doesn't then I wouldn’t be too worried. From my experience flying in the outback even at 500feet there is usually at least one other plane monitoring centre who can relay a message if needed and most are listening on 121.5 if something really gets out of hand.

As for approaching employers i would be wearing neat casual, maybe a pair of jeans and neat shirt. I wouldn’t worry about a uniform (but that’s just me)

Ill put in another vote for a 182. There’s nothing better than knowing that you have heaps of fuel in the tanks when flying in the outback especially when its a pvt flight

Line Driver

Your flight plan sounds perfect! Plenty of both kinds of aus flying, eastcost and other.

I'm going to second the 182 as well. I've never flown one but Having flown A36 in the center, there is nothing worse than sitting in a glasshouse with no ventilation. Dont worry too much about the HF make sure you have an ELT and plenty of water/rations/first aid. If something does happen its going to be a long wait for help.

If you get an a/c with HF then all the better, but not a deal breaker if not. You could also rent/borrow a satphone, might be of even more help out there.

One trick to survival in seriously remote places is to have a note of the timetable of commercial traffic in the area you'll be flying in or overflying it. That way you can maximise the battery life of your handheld, making distress calls only when you've got a reasonable chance of someone listening.

The usual advice re loads of water (yes it's heavy, but you can't survive without it!), rations and emergency kit applies.

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy!

PS: One more thing. Be aware that there are very few maintenance facilities out there.

A 182 hands down. Use your Phillips, prior to departure, so you can unscrew the little support arm so as to able to open the window fully. Anything that catches your eye, come round for a closer look. If you've
plenty of gas just poke around here and there and have the camera ready.
Never be afraid to go off track where warranted. Hire a sat phone is good, if you haven't HF. Then just have a friend carry your flight note and ring or text them of your progress. Works like a charm for peace of mind.

Where not to go in "The Wet"
 

Hi Wannabe,

Have a great trip, and a safe one.

At the time of year you're going, avoid coastal areas north of lat 17 degrees south, November to March is "The Wet" season.

Yes, you can still get around ok up there, but you need to be flexible with schedules to work around nature doing her annual bit up there.

Even if you need to stay tied down somewhere for a few days, bad things can still happen.

Here's some shots during Cyclone Larry showing what happened to a properly tied down C150.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...03_larry17.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...h_DSC01389.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...h_DSC01391.jpg

Search on proone for this and you can read pages and pages of advice on how to approach your landings. Perfect Landing C182

Places to visit
 

Hi all, just to add my two cents...
Schute Harbour is a fun approach, and you get to stay in Aerlie Beach which is tough ;)
Karumba is a cool little spot up in the gulf if you like barra fishing, and if you keep your eyes peeled turning base you might catch the ICE COLD BEER sign painted on the roof of the pub.
If anywhere near Bourke I recommend staying at Commeroo Camel Station, the people that run the place are great.
Just some advice on aircraft type, I put some K's under a Piper warrior a little while ago, and its probably not the best thing to doing long legs on hot days with someone else. unless you get along VERY well, id recommend maybe a 182.

easiest way to sort out your landings in a 182? go do some jump flying :ok:

although most of the 182's i've flown for the last few years have had bigger donks up front & hence run out of elevator around 60 kts, the best consistant landings are flapless to 10 degrees 65 kts short final touching at about 60 kts.

The key is to make sure your looking waaaayyyy down the runway!

Well guys and girls, it's all coming together. I'l be heading off in the next week or two and thanks to your awesome feedback have what should be a fantastic route.

If anyone has any specific prep pointers or last minute locations, let us know.

:ok:

If you're still going to Alice, you must call in to Dalhousie Springs. Bit hot for a dip maybe but wow! Seeing the green in the middle of the desert is pretty cool.

Good on ya, mate :ok: Have a safe trip and let us know how it went !

Happy landings.