In the last few months I have been busy helping to establish an aero club at my local airport. As we sat around in a circle of chairs only a few weeks ago, I wondered if someone would write about this moment in 100 years time. It's probably a flight of fancy, but that is exactly what has happened to the small group that founded the Royal Victorian Aero Club (then the Australian Aero Club) at Point Cook 100 years ago. Their little gathering created an enduring institution and kicked-off flying for leisure in this country, and the centenary celebrations for Royal Vic have catapulted those men back into the limelight. Their legacy has been a boon to aviation.
In the USA the search for unleaded avgas goes on, with four fuels short-listed for testing and approval. It's inevitable that 100LL will go, as pressure from US environmental groups will force the change. However, it looks like there'll be no approvals until 2018, so we've got a few more flying hours out of 100LL yet.
Victoria continues to splash cash on regional airports. Last week it was Lethbridge, this week it's Portland. The program has rejuvenated some tired-looking airports and the cash is more than welcome. Previous governments have done little. However, an election looms for the state in November, and the incumbents are beginning to look a bit shaky. If there is a change, we can only hope the new team sees the regional airports as important assets and keeps the program going. There's still a lot of work to do.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch