A single-engine aircraft en route from Bankstown in Sydney to Moree was forced to make an emergency landing at 1820hrs last night after the pilot of the unidentified aircraft was unable to extend the landing-gear

After holding for 40 minutes trying to rectify the problem the 50-year-old Victorian pilot landed wheels-up with the local Emergency Services in attendance - the pilot was uninjured

In a flight reminiscent of Bundaberg's Bert Hinkler and his solo-flight from England to Australia in 1928 - UK's Dave Sykes has completed his epic solo UK to OZ adventure in a weight-shift controlled microlight trike - and becomes the first person to do so - landing at Sydney's Bankstown airport around two hours ago (see post date/time top right)

A charted Cessna 206 with six people on board flying on an outback adventure flight has made an emergency landing on the remote western side of Lake Eyre in South OZ




The 6-seater high-wing was forced to land after an apparent engine problem - there were no reported injuries

In a new application filed August 15 Lawyers lodged a claim for more than $900,000 against Hempel Aviation and the estate of Barry Hempel - includes Barry's widow Mariane Hempel as the estate's beneficiary - the flying school's chief executive officer Gordon Craig along with chief pilot Michael Lawrence and CASA




Claimant Samantha Hare - the 33-year-old girlfriend of passenger Ian Lovell - purchased a $495 gift voucher for a one-hour flight as a birthday present for her partner in 2008