AirCentre Aviation News Digest - November 2004

Week Two
2004

Drama Over Changes to VFR Flight in Controlled Areas
Private Pilot Groups Highlight Airservices Poor Airspace Design

OZ Airspace - Drama Continues Over Changes to VFR Flight in Controlled Areas

November 11
The changes to OZ airspace procedures - effective November 26 - have the Private Pilot Fraternity in a spin

As mentioned back in September "There has been no consideration for the safety of private light aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules" especially when there is changing weather conditions, unless an emergency is declared which, based on past performance of the regulatory system, will result in a "loss of pilot licence" (PPL's cost about $10,000 to obtain)

It is the opinion of this News Desk that a "Duty of Care" for VFR flight is non-existent in the Airservices new airspace procedures which return to the pattern of the 70's wherein a number of private light aircraft flying VFR proceedures were lost in the vicinity of major airports hubs after the introduction of radar in the late 60's

The high risk of having a system outside what has been proven successful for light aircraft operations around the world is fraught with danger of litigation - if not but when there is a VFR accident after a "clearance not available - remain clear of controlled airspace" instruction issued

Ultralight Pilot Fails in Conviction Appeal

Two Pilots Survive - Laidley and Roma

November 11
Bill Morris - the ultralight flying instructor convicted by the courts back in April for low-flying - has lost his appeal and will now spend the next two months at a government funded "Public Tourist Resort" (See "It's On Again!")

The 59-year-old new father had separated from his Russian born wife who absconded with their eight-month-old baby which also happened to be Bill's only child (at 59 - a real true-blue stud!)

"...his estranged wife had concealed where she was living in the central Queensland town of Biloela"

Media reports have Bill as "...the first Pilot in Australia to be jailed for buzzing a house"

November 16
Bill's Legal Team has sought another appeal with the Courts

Media:- The Courier-Mail

November 14
A 45-year-old crop-duster pilot spraying chemicals on crops near the Laidley showground west of Archerfield was injured when the Piper Pawnee he was flying struck powerlines and impacted the ground

The pilot sustained serious head and chest injuries; media reports have them as non life-threatening

November 13
An ultralight aircraft from Tasmania appears to have stalled and impacted the ground on short final when approaching Roma airport

The pilot was found lying on the ground next to his severely damaged machine; he was not sure what had happened but had intended landing to refuel

Media:- The Courier-Mail

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