Port Macquarie News reports that local pilots are lamenting the potential loss of Port Macquarie Airport’s 696m-long grass runway, which will be closed the airport’s current Draft Master Plan is approved. The Port Macquarie MP claims the east-west grass runway is used infrequently and is closed for up to a third of each year because wet weather makes the ground unsuitable for use, but Hastings District Flying Club President Bill Coote argues its closer would be a dampener on General aviation as it will set up a dangerous situation of aircraft having to land in a strong crosswind on the main runway. The MP has identified the grass runway as a potential constraint to future development of the airport.
Airservices Australia has amended flight paths at Warrnambool Airport to avoid gas plumes from the soon-to-be completed Mortlake power station, The Standard reports. Pilots will now have to take higher paths to avoid the power station plume, which could pose a safety risk. An Airservices spokesperson said an assessment of the predicted gas plume revealed it could affect normal minimum sector altitude for instrument approach, but Warrnambool Airport Advisory Committee spokesman Stephen Lucas described the change as normal procedure.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in San Francisco on September 14, the US-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) expressed its strong support for an initiative to facilitate business aviation operations in the Asia Pacific region. GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce noted that the strong forecast for business aircraft deliveries, including rotorcraft, to the Asia Pacific region over the next several decades will require solutions to existing challenges such as a shortage of pilots and technical personnel, as well as insufficient infrastructure.
French manufacturer Lisa Airplanes has launched its Akoya – a two-seat composite amphibious LSA it says can land on snow, water or ground without the need for modifications. Powered by a 100hp Rotax and featuring foldable wings and hydrofoils connected to retractable landing gear outfitted with skis, Lisa expects its Akoya to have a max speed of over 120 knots. It’s expected to cost around 300,000 Euros.
Earlier this week a security guard found a feisty four-foot alligator chilling out under a car in the parking lot at Piper HQ at Vero Beach Municipal Airport. The coppers cornered the beast 90 minutes later and bystanders helped them tape its jaws shut. Now that’s something you don’t see every day…
How's this for industry talent? Entertainment at the charity BBQ at the upcoming Safeskies conference in Canberra (26-27 October) will be provided by the band Mid Life Crisis, comprised of musicians drawn from the aviation industry: Lead Guitar: Rob Lee, Consultant in Human Factors and Systems Safety; Group Captain, RAAF Specialist Reserve. Drums: Stuart Jones, Flying Operations Inspector, Standards Development and Future Technology Division – CASA. Rhythm Guitar: Joe Hattley, Team Leader Aviation Safety Investigations, ATSB. Vocals: Pieter van Dijk, Airworthiness Engineer, Airworthiness & Engineering Branch, Standards Development and Future Technology, CASA. Bass Guitar: Alex Zvargulis, IT specialist and Frequent Flyer. Special guest vocalist: Mr Geoff Leach, Manager Dangerous Goods Office, CAA United Kingdom, member of UK rock group "Plane Crazy'.
The versatile Akoya from Lisa Airplanes. (Lisa Airplanes)
