Ozaeros Newsletter September 2022

The latest in the irregular series of Ozaeros Newsletters.

Super Decathlon Make-Over

VH-UPG required the fabric on the underbelly to be replaced so we took the opportunity to tart up the rest of the airframe with things like:

the PowerFlo exhaust also needed replacing so it now has a standard exhaust with the cowl reworked to standard configuration with new trim to be applied
aileron, elevator and rudder control system done over
landing gear refurbished all round

It now has an AV8 CO monitor mounted on the instrument panel. You only need to know a few things about it:

the MUTE button turns it on and off as you will need to do as it has its own battery - hold for a second
you will get the first alarm at 35 ppm which is the OH&S recommended exposure limit ongoing however note that FAR 23 design regulations only require that aircraft have normal CO levels less than 50 ppm - this may indicate an issue to be investigated but don't be unduly alarmed
you will get the high alarm at 200 ppm and that is a clear indication that you have a problem so get some fresh air and land ASAP
incidentally, those chemical spot detectors will not provide a warning until concentrations rise to the 200 to 400 PPM range and it can take so long for the color change to take place that you could easily become impaired before you notice it - so they are comparatively useless!

The SkyEcho is mounted onto one of the tubes in the cabin and it will provide ADSB out information for others as well as ATSB in for us. You will need to turn it on by also holding the button for a second.

It is expected back online by 16th September.

News and

The cowl on UPG being reworked and will be repainted with different trim.

The CO monitor is mounted conveniently on the panel. Now. where can we mount our phones to get traffic alerts from AvPlan?

I often remind pilots of the correct way to connect the Hooker harness - this video is from the Hooker manufacturer explaining why! https://youtu.be/nLtU4LxfE5U

Jackson had his first ever flight, including aerobatics, earlier this year in Cessna 152 Aerobat VH-HEZ. Checkout the video here https://youtu.be/us89Lz73-JU

HEZ is looking swish on the ramp at Tyabb.

Finally, some good news - fuel prices are starting to go down so the hire rate for UPG will be reduced accordingly.

Rumours

I heard a rumour about a Decathlon having a control jam due to FOD while flying an aerobatic contest some years ago. Just a rumour however it serves as a good reminder to be aware of FOD in these aircraft. Even the Cessna 152 Aerobat HEZ suffered FOD recently and, fortunately, it was found by the pilot during the pre-flight inspection.

Louis Delacretaz and Patrick Byrne have each bought a tailwheel, aerobatic aeroplane since gaining the endorsements with Ozaeros. Louis has an RV-7 and Patrick has a Giles 202. Here's the Giles with former happy owner David Knowles.

Rumour from the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre about on the spot fines and that they are targeting secure zones such as Moorabbin Airport. A reminder online here.

A good read here by well-known test pilot Chris Taylor, The Infamous Five!

Aerobatic Contests

I tried to go to the Qld Aerobatic Championships in July however they were postponed until late August due to weather. It also looks like I will miss the National Aerobatic Championships at Temora in October. That is not a good time of the year for Melbourne aerobatic pilots as it is the wettest month of the year. I wouldn't make a commitment in advance to fly to any event at that time of the year.

I see that the National Championships are to be flown per the 2021 rules despite the 2022 rules being finaalised at the start of the year and were to be published by the end of January? It doesn't look as if there is prior practice available at Temora prior to the contest? Would any of the Ozaeros Team be interested in a training camp prior? Super Decathlon VH-UPG is available for the contest subject to being in the care of a trusted pilot/instructor.

My view, based on the average number of cloudy days, clear days and days with rain, the Melbourne aerobatic season is December to April.

If anyone is interested in the 2023 Victorian Aerobatic Championships please email David.

Aerobatic competitions are for everybody - here is 17 yr old Jett Bennet and 78 yr old Peter Scott who competed in the recent Qld Aerobatic Championships.

David Mamet once said "Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." which is my mantra for fencing as well as aerobatic competitions.

It seems to me that there are issues with spin training in this country. A recent report by the ATSB highlighted it with recommendations for aerobatic pilots and aerobatic flight instructors. An ATSB report back in 2014 should've provided a similar alert. Read my discussion paper here http://aerobaticsaustralia.net/spin-training-issues/

Somewhat related is the CASA proposal to increase the privileges of Gr1 flight instructors. Read my discussion paper here http://aerobaticsaustralia.net/flight-instructor-gr1-extended-privileges/

Ozaeros Flight Instructors

David Prossor and Adam Thomson are also available as independent flight instructors for training in Super Decathlon VH-UPG.

David is well-known as an aviation journalist and the master of tailwheel flying!

Adam flies big jets as a day job. He has much experience as a tailwheel and aerobatic instructor in Decathlons and Pitts.

Happy Flying

I will be competing at the World Veteran Fencing Championships in October so I will be away from about the 6th to the 20th. I have an important fencing contest in Melbourne on 29-31 October which clashes with the National Aerobatic Championships.

Looking forward to seeing you at the airport or an aerobatic contest soon - keep in touch - email David.

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david.pilkington@ozaeros.com.au

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Ozaeros · Unit 9 · 392-394 Bay Street · Brighton, VIC 3186 · Australia