Week in brief September 23 2011

The following comes from the Board of Directors of the Reno Air Racing Association following that horrific incident at this year’s Reno Air Race on Friday September 16. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the tragic accident this past Friday. Words cannot adequately express the sympathy and sadness we feel for those who were lost or injured, for their families, and for those who are grieving in our community and all around the world. We can only begin to understand the pain that many are feeling today. We share your sorrow and pray for comfort and solace in this difficult time. While our hearts are heavy, we also want to acknowledge our deep appreciation for the amazing efforts of emergency crews, first responders, servicemen and women, and selfless citizens who worked so valiantly to help those in need. Their courage and compassion in the face of adversity was truly extraordinary and nothing short of heroic. Please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences. A memorial service for the 10 victims (pilot and nine spectators) of the incident is being held this coming Sunday September 25 in Reno.


In their first collaboration to date, charity organisations Wings For Kids Australia and Down Syndrome Victoria are hosting a family day sausage sizzle on Saturday September 24 (tomorrow) at Moorabbin Airport from 1100 to 1600. Wings For Kids is a new volunteer and sponsorship-based initiative that aims to give the gift of flight to kids with illnesses and disabilities. At the event tomorrow, 15 families with kid/s with down syndrome will receive an educational tour of the airport grounds, a tour of the Moorabbin Air Museum, a visit to an aero mechanic’s hanger, an introduction to an aircraft or helicopter and a scenic flight, followed by having a photo taken with the aircraft/helicopter and pilot for keepsake and a bag of treats to take home. The event is nobly being supported by Matilda Air Services, Air BP Moorabbin, Peter Bini's Flight Training, Helicopter Group, Professional Helicopter Services, Royal Victorian Aero Club, Turbo Aero Maintenance, Oxford Aviation Academy, Coles, Creative Cats, Mocha Monkey, and Vino Bambino. For more info on the event visit the Wings For Kids Australia Facebook page.


Piper has announced that it has received fleetwide FAA approval permitting owners and operators of Piper Meridian single-engine turboprop business aircraft to operate from unpaved runways. This significant upgrade to the Meridian’s performance package was accomplished through extensive operational flight testing by Piper’s engineering team. With its expanded performance and the ability to operate from unpaved surfaces, the Piper Meridian can now take off and land on grass and dirt landing strips. The below changes to the Piper Meridian Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) reflect new unpaved take-off and landing distances.
- Baseline (paved) Take-off Distance
Ground roll: 1650ft (503m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2438ft (74 m)
-Unpaved (dry grass) Take-off Distance
Ground roll: 1980ft (604m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2926ft (892m)
- Baseline (paved) Landing Distance
Ground roll: 1020ft (311m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2110ft (643m)
- Unpaved (dry grass) Landing Distance
Ground roll: 1224ft (373m)
Total over 50-ft. obstacle: 2532ft (891m)


The RAAF has this week accepted the delivery of a fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter during a ceremony at Boeing’s final assembly facility in Long Beach. Australian C-17s were part of the relief mission to Japan following a devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. The fleet delivered more than 1 million pounds of cargo, including water cannons to help cool the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. RAAF C-17s also conducted relief operations following a major earthquake in Christchurch and floods in Pakistan and Australia.


And while on the RAAF, our Air Force has also it has completed its first flight of its A39-002 KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The aircraft took off from RAAF Base Amberley for a two hour, 45 minute flight over Roma and the Sunshine Coast before returning to base. Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare says the flight was the next step towards the new air tanker entering service. “It’s an Airbus aeroplane which has been converted into a flying petrol station, which will allow our Hornets, Super Hornets, C-17s and Wedgetail to be refuelled in the air. It can carry more than 100 tonnes of fuel, and can itself be refuelled by another tanker mid-flight. This means these planes can fly further without having to return to base, making them more effective.” The RAAF received two KC-30As in June and expects another two to be handed over by year’s end.


Long-serving Qantas ambassador John Travolta has signed up to promote Bombardier’s Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets. An avid pilot, Travolta owns a Learjet 24 and recently added a pre-owned Challenger 601 to his jet fleet. The Oscar-nominated actor also and previously owned a Canadair De Havilland.