The Delta variant of COVID-19 has changed the way Australia has to deal with the pandemic.
Vaccination is now our only option to combat this deadly airborne “enemy.”
July edition of Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-News has an interesting report on the need to change our focus on how we handle the Delta version of the Covid virus.
Adrian Schofield stated:
Pandemic Retains Tight Grip on Asia-Pacific Airlines. This is due to vaccination rates growing slowly for most Asian countries. Also, governments remain reluctant to ease order restrictions. While other parts of the world are beginning to open up to international travel, most of the key Asia-Pacific markets are seeing very little growth. This is a major headache for Asian airlines anxiously waiting for revenue opportunities to help spark recovery.
European countries, in particular, have been removing travel restrictions as their Covid-19 vaccination rates reach high levels. But in the Asia-Pacific region, vaccination rates have generally been much lower. New waves of more infectious strains have also made Asian governments more cautious about opening borders, and in many cases, even the gains made in domestic markets have been eroded due to heightened restrictions.
It is now accepted that vaccination programs are crucial to airlines hopes because they are widely considered the best avenue for resuming travel.
When countries have vaccination levels of 70% or higher, their governments will have more options to remove restrictions. However, Air Asia CEO, Javed Malik does not believe, that current bilateral bubbles are the answer to restarting international travel. “Vaccination is the key,” he said.
“Travel bubbles are too much of a short-term and restricted type of travel.”
END.
APAC rotorcraft operators will always be troubled when their 'heavy metal' cousins are gathering dust in some remote parking lot. But overall, the anticipated recession in wobbly wing activities has not occurred - more on this soon. Good news for most.
Australian VTOL news
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
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Fill-level
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Dec 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
rickshaw wrote:The Delta variant of COVID-19 has changed the way Australia has to deal with the pandemic.
Vaccination is now our only option to combat this deadly airborne “enemy.”
July edition of Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-News has an interesting report on the need to change our focus on how we handle the Delta version of the Covid virus.
Adrian Schofield stated:
Pandemic Retains Tight Grip on Asia-Pacific Airlines. This is due to vaccination rates growing slowly for most Asian countries. Also, governments remain reluctant to ease order restrictions. While other parts of the world are beginning to open up to international travel, most of the key Asia-Pacific markets are seeing very little growth. This is a major headache for Asian airlines anxiously waiting for revenue opportunities to help spark recovery.
European countries, in particular, have been removing travel restrictions as their Covid-19 vaccination rates reach high levels. But in the Asia-Pacific region, vaccination rates have generally been much lower. New waves of more infectious strains have also made Asian governments more cautious about opening borders, and in many cases, even the gains made in domestic markets have been eroded due to heightened restrictions.
It is now accepted that vaccination programs are crucial to airlines hopes because they are widely considered the best avenue for resuming travel.
When countries have vaccination levels of 70% or higher, their governments will have more options to remove restrictions. However, Air Asia CEO, Javed Malik does not believe, that current bilateral bubbles are the answer to restarting international travel. “Vaccination is the key,” he said.
“Travel bubbles are too much of a short-term and restricted type of travel.”
END.
APAC rotorcraft operators will always be troubled when their 'heavy metal' cousins are gathering dust in some remote parking lot. But overall, the anticipated recession in wobbly wing activities has not occurred - more on this soon. Good news for most.
political statements need removing from bladeslapper
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Chopper Guy
- Silver Wings
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Oct 2011
Re: Australian VTOL news
Fill-level wrote: political statements need removing from bladeslapper
I agree... you either need to let free speech reign and allow all comments (political, health related, conspiracy etc) to remain or conversely remove all comments.
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FerrariFlyer
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1540
- Joined: Aug 2006
Re: Australian VTOL news
Is it a political statement from someone, or simply an excerpt from an article highlighting the issues caused in broader aviation circles?
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Thank you well said.
rickshaw.
rickshaw.
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Surprise approval of skydive venture by one of the most hard-line local governments.
Congratulations to all concerned for achieving such a historical consensus.
Skydive Australia and Sea World Helicopters launched their helicopter skydive experience on Australia’s Gold Coast during July 2021. The nation’s only helicopter tandem skydive experience has landed in Queensland, with participants given the chance to be dropped right on top one of the state’s most iconic tourist beaches, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia.
A media report stated after leaving from the Sea World helipad, it takes about 10 minutes to get to 10,000 feet over the jump zone above Main Beach. The jumpers initially start their descent with a free fall followed by a five-minute float down to the beach.
A company spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We are delighted that the Gold Coast City Council has supported our vision to deliver this wonderful new tourism product for the region with our highly experienced partners, Sea World Helicopters, at a time when we are all looking at how we can help get the tourism industry back on its feet again.”
An industry observer commented at the success of obtaining support from ATC organisations at Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airports. The latter is only 25 km south of Main Beach with a nearby approach from the north.
In the past, the Gold Coast was very anti-helicopter, due to the number of retirees in the area. They mainly had noise and perceived safety issues as their reason for protests.
Congratulations to all concerned for achieving such a historical consensus.
Skydive Australia and Sea World Helicopters launched their helicopter skydive experience on Australia’s Gold Coast during July 2021. The nation’s only helicopter tandem skydive experience has landed in Queensland, with participants given the chance to be dropped right on top one of the state’s most iconic tourist beaches, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia.
A media report stated after leaving from the Sea World helipad, it takes about 10 minutes to get to 10,000 feet over the jump zone above Main Beach. The jumpers initially start their descent with a free fall followed by a five-minute float down to the beach.
A company spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We are delighted that the Gold Coast City Council has supported our vision to deliver this wonderful new tourism product for the region with our highly experienced partners, Sea World Helicopters, at a time when we are all looking at how we can help get the tourism industry back on its feet again.”
An industry observer commented at the success of obtaining support from ATC organisations at Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airports. The latter is only 25 km south of Main Beach with a nearby approach from the north.
In the past, the Gold Coast was very anti-helicopter, due to the number of retirees in the area. They mainly had noise and perceived safety issues as their reason for protests.
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Gunga Din
- Silver Wings
- Posts: 74
- Joined: Jan 2021
Re: Australian VTOL news
We did this back in the 90s, Hevilift provided the B212, we took the jumpers to 10,000 over Cessnock, but it was winter, we were skimming under the cloudbase, and the jumpers standing on the skids were getting covered in snow! Darn cold with the doors open, too!
Doing it on the beach is far more pleasant. Well done.
Doing it on the beach is far more pleasant. Well done.
Arm, arm, I Gunga Din, the door slockt.
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Olympic Games 2032. Estimated helicopter fleet changes next eleven years.
The 2032 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXV Olympiad and also known as Brisbane 2032, is an international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 23 July to 8 August 2032, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Brisbane 2032 will be the third Summer Games to be held in Australia after the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Victoria and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Good news for the rotorcraft industry; both drones and helicopters. Brisbane needed some cheerful news as the COVID-19 variant “Delta” is causing chaos in Australia – so the exciting announcement has arrived not too soon!
A report is being prepared by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) to share with industry. It will start World Expo 88, also known as Expo 88, which was a specialized Expo held in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, during a six-month period between Saturday, 30 April 1988 and Sunday, 30 October 1988, inclusive.
The theme of the Expo was "Leisure in the Age of Technology", and the mascot for the Expo was an Australian platypus named Expo Oz.
Organizer's forecasted 7 million visitors, but 14 million eventually turned up - big boost then for City and Country Helicopters (Official World Expo 88 Helicopter Service). Every major international event since then has provided a boost several years prior and six months beyond a similar event.
Looking back ten years from 30 June '21 the CASA register increased from 1,874 to 2,433 or 559 helicopters. (2.65% pa growth)
Looking forward eleven years to 2032 and assuming the growth rate stays the same then today’s 2,433 would grow at 2.65% pa, over eleven years to 3,332 as the Games start.
In summary, the fleet increased by 559 helicopters over the past decade. The next eleven years it is estimated the fleet will grow by a further 899 helicopters to 3,332 machines.
The future load upon our 41 schools over the next eleven years represents a need for at least 2,770 ATPL(H)/CPLH for fleet growth and normal attrition.
Overall good news for helicopter schools and MROs – say 320,000 training hours.
A very detailed report pending as attrition rates vary with each group and the new CASR’S may increase training overheads, but TBA after RAPBA research is completed.
However, the current RW annual growth, despite COVID, is 4.5% pa. (Three decades ago it was 6 to 7% or 2-3 times increase in GDP). More info will be after RAPBA gets the pilot and engineers templates finished - this will occur when CASA Annual Report for 2020-2021 is released in early October. If increase is double that of past decade, then we may have a problem with staff for schools iaw CASR Part 61 - Flight Crew Licensing. There already is a shortage of instructors and testing officers.
The 2032 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXV Olympiad and also known as Brisbane 2032, is an international multi-sport event scheduled to take place from 23 July to 8 August 2032, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Brisbane 2032 will be the third Summer Games to be held in Australia after the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Victoria and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Good news for the rotorcraft industry; both drones and helicopters. Brisbane needed some cheerful news as the COVID-19 variant “Delta” is causing chaos in Australia – so the exciting announcement has arrived not too soon!
A report is being prepared by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) to share with industry. It will start World Expo 88, also known as Expo 88, which was a specialized Expo held in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, during a six-month period between Saturday, 30 April 1988 and Sunday, 30 October 1988, inclusive.
The theme of the Expo was "Leisure in the Age of Technology", and the mascot for the Expo was an Australian platypus named Expo Oz.
Organizer's forecasted 7 million visitors, but 14 million eventually turned up - big boost then for City and Country Helicopters (Official World Expo 88 Helicopter Service). Every major international event since then has provided a boost several years prior and six months beyond a similar event.
Looking back ten years from 30 June '21 the CASA register increased from 1,874 to 2,433 or 559 helicopters. (2.65% pa growth)
Looking forward eleven years to 2032 and assuming the growth rate stays the same then today’s 2,433 would grow at 2.65% pa, over eleven years to 3,332 as the Games start.
In summary, the fleet increased by 559 helicopters over the past decade. The next eleven years it is estimated the fleet will grow by a further 899 helicopters to 3,332 machines.
The future load upon our 41 schools over the next eleven years represents a need for at least 2,770 ATPL(H)/CPLH for fleet growth and normal attrition.
Overall good news for helicopter schools and MROs – say 320,000 training hours.
A very detailed report pending as attrition rates vary with each group and the new CASR’S may increase training overheads, but TBA after RAPBA research is completed.
However, the current RW annual growth, despite COVID, is 4.5% pa. (Three decades ago it was 6 to 7% or 2-3 times increase in GDP). More info will be after RAPBA gets the pilot and engineers templates finished - this will occur when CASA Annual Report for 2020-2021 is released in early October. If increase is double that of past decade, then we may have a problem with staff for schools iaw CASR Part 61 - Flight Crew Licensing. There already is a shortage of instructors and testing officers.
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
WoDaRC Postponed until 15 and 16 NOV 2021
Placed here on behalf of Carillon Conference Management (CCM). Tel: +61 (0) 7 3368 2644, E: admin@ccm.com.au. W: http://www.ccm.com.au.
Unfortunately, we must advise the World of Drones & Robotics Congress 2021 (WoDaRC) will now be held on the new dates of 15 and 16 November 2021. The venue will remain the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland, Australia. This has not been an easy decision. Although the lockdown in Brisbane has ended, many other cities and regions around the nation, including Sydney and Melbourne, remain in lockdown which are unlikely to be lifted in time for the original WoDaRC dates next week. Further, current travel restrictions prevent participants from many parts around Australia from being able to enter Queensland and/or the very real prospect of quarantine on return to their home locations. Added to this, we received many communications from Queensland-based delegates expressing their concerns about participating in a major gathering so close to the recent outbreak. Many delegates, sponsors and exhibitors have contacted us asking us to postpone the event so that they can attend and major stakeholders have also requested a postponement.
God Bless the Delta Virus.
Phone just ringing watch the next post - thanks moderators for you patience. Bad news.
Placed here on behalf of Carillon Conference Management (CCM). Tel: +61 (0) 7 3368 2644, E: admin@ccm.com.au. W: http://www.ccm.com.au.
Unfortunately, we must advise the World of Drones & Robotics Congress 2021 (WoDaRC) will now be held on the new dates of 15 and 16 November 2021. The venue will remain the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland, Australia. This has not been an easy decision. Although the lockdown in Brisbane has ended, many other cities and regions around the nation, including Sydney and Melbourne, remain in lockdown which are unlikely to be lifted in time for the original WoDaRC dates next week. Further, current travel restrictions prevent participants from many parts around Australia from being able to enter Queensland and/or the very real prospect of quarantine on return to their home locations. Added to this, we received many communications from Queensland-based delegates expressing their concerns about participating in a major gathering so close to the recent outbreak. Many delegates, sponsors and exhibitors have contacted us asking us to postpone the event so that they can attend and major stakeholders have also requested a postponement.
God Bless the Delta Virus.
Phone just ringing watch the next post - thanks moderators for you patience. Bad news.
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
AVALON AIRSHOW 2021 Cancelled.
The organizers of AVALON 2021 have officially confirmed the cancellation of this year’s airshow, following its earlier postponement, due to “increased uncertainty” and the spread of COVID-19. The AMDA Foundation, which organizes the iconic Australian airshow and exhibition, said it had to make the “difficult decision” in order to minimize risk and disruption for both industry participants and attendees.
The next AVALON event is now scheduled for 2023, currently expected to take place from 28 February to 5 March 2023.
It comes just days after Melbourne entered its sixth lockdown since the beginning of the pandemic, while Sydney entered the seventh week of its current lockdown, both sparked by outbreaks of the Delta variant. “The pandemic has already required the AVALON organizing team to work through many past challenges in respect of the 2021 event, including postponement from its original planned dates,” said Ian Honnery, CEO of the AMDA Foundation. “However, recent developments as a consequence of the COVID-19 Delta strain have highlighted that the environment has become more unpredictable. Delivering such a highly complex, hallmark event in these challenging circumstances would involve risks of uncertainty for attendees, participants, industry and the Australian public.
“Therefore, in order to minimize uncertainty and disruption to attendees and participants, the difficult decision has been taken now that AVALON 2021 will not go ahead.”
I am sure we all feel for the folks who have tried to manage such a huge event - they did their best. Lesson here for all of Australia, follow medical advice and get ahead of the bug!
The organizers of AVALON 2021 have officially confirmed the cancellation of this year’s airshow, following its earlier postponement, due to “increased uncertainty” and the spread of COVID-19. The AMDA Foundation, which organizes the iconic Australian airshow and exhibition, said it had to make the “difficult decision” in order to minimize risk and disruption for both industry participants and attendees.
The next AVALON event is now scheduled for 2023, currently expected to take place from 28 February to 5 March 2023.
It comes just days after Melbourne entered its sixth lockdown since the beginning of the pandemic, while Sydney entered the seventh week of its current lockdown, both sparked by outbreaks of the Delta variant. “The pandemic has already required the AVALON organizing team to work through many past challenges in respect of the 2021 event, including postponement from its original planned dates,” said Ian Honnery, CEO of the AMDA Foundation. “However, recent developments as a consequence of the COVID-19 Delta strain have highlighted that the environment has become more unpredictable. Delivering such a highly complex, hallmark event in these challenging circumstances would involve risks of uncertainty for attendees, participants, industry and the Australian public.
“Therefore, in order to minimize uncertainty and disruption to attendees and participants, the difficult decision has been taken now that AVALON 2021 will not go ahead.”
I am sure we all feel for the folks who have tried to manage such a huge event - they did their best. Lesson here for all of Australia, follow medical advice and get ahead of the bug!
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Australian Tender Alert issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
RFIQFES300117 - Mapping software applications for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Request for Information. Issued: Wed 11 Aug closing Fri 3 Sep 2021.
Regions: Cairns & Far North Queensland, Mount Isa & North West Region, The Central West
South West & Darling Downs, Townsville, Mackay, Whitsunday Region, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Wide Bay Burnett, South East Queensland, Interstate and International.
More info. Search ‘RFIQFES300117’ at https://qtenders.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders
Best of luck – Rob, CEO of RAPBA.
RFIQFES300117 - Mapping software applications for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Request for Information. Issued: Wed 11 Aug closing Fri 3 Sep 2021.
Regions: Cairns & Far North Queensland, Mount Isa & North West Region, The Central West
South West & Darling Downs, Townsville, Mackay, Whitsunday Region, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Wide Bay Burnett, South East Queensland, Interstate and International.
More info. Search ‘RFIQFES300117’ at https://qtenders.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders
Best of luck – Rob, CEO of RAPBA.
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Australian Turbine Helicopter Fleet – Upward Trend in Growth Rate.
Source: Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) – 17 Aug 2021.
RAPBA has advised their members of changes in CASA data in relation to rates of annual growth.
CASA Helicopter Registration changes from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2021 (13 months) showed:
RW register increased from 2,334 to 2,441 (+107) an annual growth rate of 4.2%
(But due to a COVID pause early in the year, the past three months show a rate almost 5%)
Single engine turbine numbers moved from 643 to 665 (+22) an annual growth rate of 3.2%.
However, multi-engine turbine numbers increased from 266 to 290 (+24), an annual growth rate of 8.3%
Within the multi-engine listing; below 5,700 kg from 185 to 199 (+14), an annual growth rate of 7.6%
Multi-engine above 5,700 kg from 81 to 91 (+10) an annual growth rate of 11.4%
Next report will relook at the single piston engine group and their location in Australia – maybe some useful advice for those watching where the tourism industry is creating opportunities.
Good news in the flood of bad geopolitical and pandemic reports. More pressure on our schools - the heavy above 5700 kg operators.
Rob
Source: Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) – 17 Aug 2021.
RAPBA has advised their members of changes in CASA data in relation to rates of annual growth.
CASA Helicopter Registration changes from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2021 (13 months) showed:
RW register increased from 2,334 to 2,441 (+107) an annual growth rate of 4.2%
(But due to a COVID pause early in the year, the past three months show a rate almost 5%)
Single engine turbine numbers moved from 643 to 665 (+22) an annual growth rate of 3.2%.
However, multi-engine turbine numbers increased from 266 to 290 (+24), an annual growth rate of 8.3%
Within the multi-engine listing; below 5,700 kg from 185 to 199 (+14), an annual growth rate of 7.6%
Multi-engine above 5,700 kg from 81 to 91 (+10) an annual growth rate of 11.4%
Next report will relook at the single piston engine group and their location in Australia – maybe some useful advice for those watching where the tourism industry is creating opportunities.
Good news in the flood of bad geopolitical and pandemic reports. More pressure on our schools - the heavy above 5700 kg operators.
Rob
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association Safety News.
August 2021 USHST monthly safety report.
The US Helicopter Safety Team continues to work on the implementation of 16 helicopter-safety enhancements developed through data-driven analysis of 104 fatal accidents. The report shows that the USA has 12,000+ civilian helicopters, flown by 32,000+ pilots. The USHST uses a rolling five-year average of fatal accidents. For example, from 2017 to 2021 the fatal rate was 0.72/100,000 flying hours. This was the result of their overall accident rate being 3.83/100,000 flying hours.
The previous five years 2016-2020 the fatal rate was 0.69/100,000 flying hours the result of an accident rate of 3.78/100,000.
The USHST’s goal is reduce the 5-year average fatal accident rate to 0.55/100,00 by 2025. This would need an accident rate of 2.93/100,000.
Top three highest accident groups are: Private operators; HEMS and agricultural operations. This is somewhat different to Australia & New Zealand.
APAC readers may ask how does the US loss rates compare with Australia? An ATSB report 2014–2019 shows the general aviation accident then was 8.14/100,000 hours. More than twice the USA. But the fatal rate was less at 0.68/100,000 hours. A surprise here – maybe caused by the greater percentage of slower light helicopter accidents. Mustering folk are usually going slower than a turbine driver going IIMC?
Any thoughts on this?
August 2021 USHST monthly safety report.
The US Helicopter Safety Team continues to work on the implementation of 16 helicopter-safety enhancements developed through data-driven analysis of 104 fatal accidents. The report shows that the USA has 12,000+ civilian helicopters, flown by 32,000+ pilots. The USHST uses a rolling five-year average of fatal accidents. For example, from 2017 to 2021 the fatal rate was 0.72/100,000 flying hours. This was the result of their overall accident rate being 3.83/100,000 flying hours.
The previous five years 2016-2020 the fatal rate was 0.69/100,000 flying hours the result of an accident rate of 3.78/100,000.
The USHST’s goal is reduce the 5-year average fatal accident rate to 0.55/100,00 by 2025. This would need an accident rate of 2.93/100,000.
Top three highest accident groups are: Private operators; HEMS and agricultural operations. This is somewhat different to Australia & New Zealand.
APAC readers may ask how does the US loss rates compare with Australia? An ATSB report 2014–2019 shows the general aviation accident then was 8.14/100,000 hours. More than twice the USA. But the fatal rate was less at 0.68/100,000 hours. A surprise here – maybe caused by the greater percentage of slower light helicopter accidents. Mustering folk are usually going slower than a turbine driver going IIMC?
Any thoughts on this?
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Yakking
- 2nd Dan
- Posts: 476
- Joined: Oct 2007
Re: Australian VTOL news
rickshaw wrote:Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association Safety News.
August 2021 USHST monthly safety report.
The USHST’s goal is reduce the 5-year average fatal accident rate to 0.55/100,00 by 2025. This would need an accident rate of 2.93/100,000.
Did it mention how the USHST was planning to achieve this goal?
I wish I had a catchy saying like everyone else...
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Yes - in great detail - backed by HAI and FAA.
More soon.
Rickshawl
More soon.
Rickshawl
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Tue 7 Sep ’21. Fuel problems continue – Senator Susan McDonald told by NT helicopter operators.
One of many issues raised by operators was the fuel problem with 100LL avgas which it was claimed is damaging cylinders of helicopters. A media report stated Paul Blore from Outback Helicopter Airwork recommended 100LL be removed from the market to prevent further damage to cylinders in piston engines.
Some operators have been able to source 100/130 fuel, which they say has alleviated the problem.
"Our recommendation is to go back to the original 100/130 fuel," he told the senators. "Since 2017, I've replaced 49 cylinders. For example, I bought a new aircraft not long ago, over $600,000 worth, and in the first 170 hours of I've had to replace three cylinders. All under 200 hours: that's less than 5% of the life of that aircraft engine.”
"And this is a common problem; we don't seem to get the life out of the engines with low-lead. Since I've changed over to the leaded fuel, it's cured the problem."
Blore found support from Warwick Curr of Alice Springs Helicopters. “I've been very fortunate," Curr said. "As soon as we received our first shipment of 100/130, we were able to get all of our clients onto the same fuel. I guess for a while I was the only person to be able to do that, and the results were immediate. We haven't had a cylinder failure since those first drums came into our possession.”
"Our recommendation is that 100LL should just be removed from the marketplace; it's not fit for use."
The senate inquiry is scheduled to hold several more public hearings between now and December when the final report is due to be tabled. The CEO of the Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) has advised members a large amount of detailed technical information was recently provided - now undergoing a review. Hopefully this will be checked and published in coming editions of RAPBA’s Board Room Briefings.
RAPBA is seeking to help end this high risk airworthiness deficiency before a fatal accident occurs. This issue appears to have been examined by the AHIA and their excellent report was published in 2018. It looked back over years prior. (See website and Facebook). Almost five years ago!
One of many issues raised by operators was the fuel problem with 100LL avgas which it was claimed is damaging cylinders of helicopters. A media report stated Paul Blore from Outback Helicopter Airwork recommended 100LL be removed from the market to prevent further damage to cylinders in piston engines.
Some operators have been able to source 100/130 fuel, which they say has alleviated the problem.
"Our recommendation is to go back to the original 100/130 fuel," he told the senators. "Since 2017, I've replaced 49 cylinders. For example, I bought a new aircraft not long ago, over $600,000 worth, and in the first 170 hours of I've had to replace three cylinders. All under 200 hours: that's less than 5% of the life of that aircraft engine.”
"And this is a common problem; we don't seem to get the life out of the engines with low-lead. Since I've changed over to the leaded fuel, it's cured the problem."
Blore found support from Warwick Curr of Alice Springs Helicopters. “I've been very fortunate," Curr said. "As soon as we received our first shipment of 100/130, we were able to get all of our clients onto the same fuel. I guess for a while I was the only person to be able to do that, and the results were immediate. We haven't had a cylinder failure since those first drums came into our possession.”
"Our recommendation is that 100LL should just be removed from the marketplace; it's not fit for use."
The senate inquiry is scheduled to hold several more public hearings between now and December when the final report is due to be tabled. The CEO of the Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) has advised members a large amount of detailed technical information was recently provided - now undergoing a review. Hopefully this will be checked and published in coming editions of RAPBA’s Board Room Briefings.
RAPBA is seeking to help end this high risk airworthiness deficiency before a fatal accident occurs. This issue appears to have been examined by the AHIA and their excellent report was published in 2018. It looked back over years prior. (See website and Facebook). Almost five years ago!
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rickshaw
- Gold Wings
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Jul 2017
Re: Australian VTOL news
Drones in Victoria are working overtime.
Three days of anti-vax protests, followed by an earth quake. Endless TV news services re-transmitting incidents.
Media sources say Vic Police has around 50 drones. (NSW now has 100). After action reports will be helpful to our many drone (RPAS) operators.
Great effort by those on the frontline.
Three days of anti-vax protests, followed by an earth quake. Endless TV news services re-transmitting incidents.
Media sources say Vic Police has around 50 drones. (NSW now has 100). After action reports will be helpful to our many drone (RPAS) operators.
Great effort by those on the frontline.
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godfather007
- 2nd Dan
- Posts: 363
- Joined: Apr 2008
Re: Australian VTOL news
Droneslapper.
Last post on site 30.04.2019
Fill it up..
Last post on site 30.04.2019
Fill it up..
There is always an option.
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hand in pants
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1615
- Joined: Sep 2006
Re: Australian VTOL news
I wonder if all of the police "drone operators" are "licenced/approved/legal". I also wonder if caa has been involved with them. I also wonder what exemptions to current rules they might be operating with.
Seems to have been very quick to go from none to hundreds.
Seems to have been very quick to go from none to hundreds.
Hand in Pants, I'm thinking, my god, that IS huge!!!!!!!!
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Twistgrip
- 4th Dan
- Posts: 1167
- Joined: Sep 2006
Re: Australian VTOL news
It seems we will be seeing them all over our beaches as well this summer, which as we know transiting up and down the coast adds another hazard to be aware of.
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.9news.com.au/article/7b7dfc76-5711-486b-bbb7-bdcf9f310cc6
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.9news.com.au/article/7b7dfc76-5711-486b-bbb7-bdcf9f310cc6
"You can watch things happen, you can make things happen or you can wonder what happened"
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