No amount of retrospection can ever reverse a tragedy; all it can do is highlight the causes for the diligent to learn from. The TransAsia crash in Taiwan looks to have two aspects to it: the failure and the crash. Although the cause of the failure won't be known until November, the cause of the crash looks like a procedural issue; simply, the pilot closed the throttle on the good engine instead of on the failed engine. It's easy to do, which is why pilots are trained that the first thing to do is positively identify the failed engine. That it can happen to a professional serves to highlight how easily it could happen to a private pilot.
The ATSB this week pointed out a rising trend in reported communication issues at non-controlled airports. Apparently in the last half of 2014 the number of incidents broke the five-year average. All of us at one stage or another will operate from a non-controlled airport, which means we have plenty of experience in making the calls necessary. However, I feel there is a bit of a schism is what people think is right and wrong. The CASA CAAP recommends very few calls to reduce congestion, which can lead to some pilots thinking those calls are all they need to make. As every approach, landing and circuit is different depending on the airport and traffic, the calls that are necessary will change from time to time as well. Therein lies the great Catch 22: it is when the circuit is busiest that you need to communicate the most, but that just adds to frequency congestion. It is, literally, your call.
Great news that the California Highway Patrol has selected the Airvan 8 for law enforcement and surveillance operations. Well done to the GippsAero/Mahindra team. Now for the fall-out. When the US Civil Air Patrol chose the GA8 some years ago, reports from the USA had Cessna kicking up a storm and successfully having some of the demand swung over to the C206. Will the Airvan have to weather a similar tempest over the CHP contract? Let's hope not.
Given the impact the Jabiru restrictions have had on their members, you could probably forgive RA-Aus for paying out on CASA over their decision to extend limitations past the 30 June deadline. That they have come out and said they are happy with the process the regulator has gone through has to be some sort of indication that we are moving towards a solution. When it happens, it will be a relief for both recreational and general aviation.
After a few phone calls asking about nominations for the Wings Awards, the Australian Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society has agreed to extend the deadline for another week. If you haven't got your submission in yet, you've now got until 10 July to get it done. Don't miss this extra chance to make sure worthy people are recognised. Nominate on the Australian Flying website now!
Matt Hall is racing at Budapest this weekend, and he's on a hot streak. Three straight podium finishes in three races shows that he's on the cusp of a race win, and there's no reason why he shouldn't push for the top spot on Sunday. The race is at 11.00 pm AEST Sunday night, and you can watch it live on the Red Bull Air Race website.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch