The September/October 2010 issue of Australian Flying is hot off the printing press and packed with all our usual flying tips, destinations features, entertaining and informative stories and much, much more for Australia’s active General Aviation and Recreational Aviation pilot community.
Here’s a brief snapshot of what you can read about in the new issue of Australian Flying.
* Flight test - Super Decathlon: Want an aircraft that can carry two adults and nearly 45kgs of bags for three hours and do aerobatics as well? The 40-year-old design that’s now known as the Super Decathlon from American Champhion Aircraft is your best bet. John Absolon puts this versatile aircraft through its paces about southeast Queensland’s skies.
* Destinations - Tasman Crossing: A Cirrus, a Diamond and a fuel-stacked RV-4 team up over the Tasman for an (almost) boys’ own adventure, calling in at Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands along the way. Shelley Ross details her recent Tasman crossing from Sydney to Kerikeri in a Cirrus SR22. Also, Philip Ayrton recounts making the same flight in his home-built RV-4.
* Using aircraft in your business: Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War is regularly quoted to inspire good business practices, but Sun Tzu didn’t know about aircraft! Steve Hitchen looks at the benefits of using aircraft for business and how to go about making it work, and concludes with what every company should know – that aircraft are not just for the high-fliers.
* Tips & Traps: Not all that comfortable with a long flight over strange territory? Jim Davis, founder of the Live Cowards’ Club, offers his tips to turn this potentially scary flight into one that is not only safe, but also a whole lot of fun.
* Engines - Mandating unleaded Avgas and the consequences. In the US formal regulatory proceedings are under way that could ultimately result in standards mandating the transition to unleaded Avgas. Aerospace technology and MRO industry journalist John Mulcair reports on these critical developments and examines the possible ramifications for aircraft owners and the wider GA industry.
* Reach for the Sky – Come rain, hail or shine: With the elements impeding his progress of late, Justin Grey works to make the most he can of his lessons with new instructor Bill Cooper, the new Chief Flying Instructor of Bankstown Airport-based Schofields Flying Club, as he progresses towards his training area solo.
* Undercarts: Steve Hitchen traces the fixed versus retractable undercarriage debate back to its roots and weighs up the pros and cons on both sides.
As well as these features, in Medical Matters Dr Olga Ward answers the following reader question: As I am getting older on in years the close vision is the one that seems to go. Glasses of various types work but are not the complete solution, then you have the contact lens things. Much advertising is about these days on various laser treatments, can you please tell me more about these options?
And resident Australian Flying flight sim aficionado Dave Tonks extols Orbx Simulation Systems and their recently released Tamworth package.
Also, there’s a limited number of spots still left to be filled on the new Australian Flying Reader Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB is a group of committed, passionate and reliable readers who provide us with feedback on each issue of the magazine and offer story suggestions for future issues. It is their role to provide us with some reader perspective and constructive critique, and thereby contribute to the magazine.
While no prior publishing experience is required, what is required is enthusiasm for the magazine and its overall success as Australia’s top General Aviation publication. And it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been an avid reader for two decades or two issues. These are volunteer positions, but joining the RAB is your ticket to an active role in the ongoing development of Australian Flying, and for your efforts you’ll receive a free copy of each issue of the magazine for the 12-month duration of the RAB’s tenure. And your name will appear with the rest of the AF team in the publisher’s panel of every issue.
So if you’re up for getting more involved in your magazine email Editor Justin Grey now at justingrey@yaffa.com.au with 150 words covering why you would like to be a member of the RAB, your aviation experience, and details of what you think you could contribute. The new RAB will be announced in a forthcoming issue of the magazine, so be quick and get your application in now.
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