EDITORIAL

Hello there,

A new year, a new AGM, a new election, new Committee and a new Editor.
We have old faces but also new ones on the Committee and a new and dynamic new president, full of enthusiasm and new ideas. Welcome on board Tony.

But why me as Editor?
What did I do wrong to get the job ? The most frustrating job of them all. The frustration is not the amount of work but the trouble the Editor has to go through to get CONTENT for the magazine. This content can only come from the Members themselves. We all have a story to tell, some jokes, some flying adventure we want to share with other members. Something like the "I loined to fly from dat" in the American Flying Magazine. So please, put pen to paper and write that Pulitzer Price article…. Because without content, the magazine is just (as someone said recently) just a record of the musical chairs of the Bar Roster…

I would like to thank Mike Bairtow for his efforts in the past and for his help in getting me restarted at the job.

As you can see on the preceding page, not all the contacts, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are complete. I would appreciate getting the missing information. Thank you.

The opinions expressed in the Fly About are not necessary those of the Committee…and I would like to add that I shall do my best but if someone think he/she can do a better job, I shall retire very gracefully…

Happy landings,

Editor



FROM THE PRESIDENT

May I, at the outset, thank you for your support at the recent Club Election. I am honoured to serve as your president and will do my best to ensure that the interests of all members are taken into account as we enter a challenging year.
I would like to pay tribute to all those who nominated for positions and were not elected. The fact that so many members were prepared to contribute their time and expertise to the Club is testimony to the commitment of our membership body and I hope that their enthusiasm will be repeated in future elections.
The strength of the vote for the Committee you elected represents an unequivocal mandate for the adjudications they will be called on to make over the next 12 months. As your president I welcome this, but I would like to assure the membership at large that all points of view will be taken into account before any significant decisions regarding operations at Northam are made.
We move into the Club year 2005-06 with the wonderful news that we have won a $109,700 grant from the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS). This, in conjunction with self-supporting loans we are negotiating with the Northam Town Council, will enable us to begin the urgently-needed upgrade of the runway surface and other airfield works. Our thanks are due to Denis Beresford, who was responsible for the RADS submission.
Other matters which I hope will attract the input of as many club members as possible include:
" The long-term future of Northam Airport. This is to be addressed shortly by an independent consultant appointed by the Shire and Town Councils who will be asked to recommend, after taking submissions from interested parties, how the airfield should be managed and developed in forthcoming years. The Club will make a submission and I urge all other stakeholders - including individual pilots, aircraft operators and hangar owners - to contribute their views.
" The role of NAC in the future management of the airfield. Should we continue as an airport operator or would members be happier if we confined our activities to flying operations? Who should operate the airport?
" Recreational aircraft - we need to formulate, as soon as possible, a policy on non-VH aircraft which takes into account the reasonable aspirations of fliers operating under CASA-designated Recreational Aircraft Association procedures, consistent with good aviation practice and the preservation of local amenity. I recently had a pleasant and constructive meeting with Steve Vette and Mike Brady at the airfield to discuss their proposals and look forward to ongoing contacts with ultralight operators. I also attended, at their invitation, a fly-in at Beacon, where Steve took me for a flight in his Thruster. Great experience!
" Increasing the utilization of Club aircraft. Negotiations will continue to attract an outside flying school to Northam to operate in conjunction with the Northam Aero Club. Other initiatives to increase our student pilot numbers, and thereby the hours our aircraft fly, are being actively pursued. Any additional suggestions from members will be welcomed.
" Airfield rules. We will need to compile a new set of regulations for the safe and efficient operation of the airport once the consultant has delivered his report and the recreational aircraft policy has been established. Please let the Committee know if you have any helpful ideas. " Hangar and taxiway plans. The imminent consultant's report on the airfield's future will allow the Club to proceed with the granting of hangar site approvals subject to the recommendations contained therein and Town and Shire bylaws. We need to get this process going as soon as possible.

May I close by thanking the previous Committee members and office holders for their selfless efforts on behalf of us all. I look forward to working with the new Committee to achieve the things we all want in a spirit of harmony and cooperation.

Tony Rees
9299 6342
0412 645508
tonyrees@iprimus.com.a

THE 2005/06 COMMITTEE

President: Tony Rees
Immediate Past President: Dave Rose
Vice-President: Steve Yeates
Secretary: Les Ballantyne
Treasurer: Joy Flegeltaub
Committee members: Dave Bell, Matt Bignell, Graeme King, Claude Meunier, Gren Putland.
There was a casual vacancy for a sixth Committee member because Len Ballantyne, an existing Committee member, was elected to the office of Secretary. The Committee decided at its meeting on August 15, in accordance with Paragraph 16 (b) of the Club Constitution, not to fill the vacancy.

CLUB OFFICERS

Club Captain: Ray Howell
Flying Instructor: Kevin Lathbury
Aircraft: Steve Yeates
Aircraft bookings: Matt Bignell
House and Grounds: Matt Bignell, Dave Bell, Graeme King
Bar Manager: Mike Bairstow
Fly About: Claude Meunier


LESS PAIN, MORE GAIN

A little of the pain of paying flying bills has gone, thanks to our treasurer. Joy has arranged for members to pay direct from their bank via internet to the Club's account.
At the bottom left-hand corner of each flying invoice is the Club's account name, its BSB and Account number (if your bank's netpay program requires a reference number, just put in 0). Simply use these to transfer funds from your account to the Club's. It will cost you less (no cheques, no postage), will save you time, and mean less work for Joy.



2004/2005 REPORT

At the start of my term as President the Club had just installed a new engine into P.G.L. one of the Club's Cessna 172's and still had approx. $20,000.00 to be paid towards this work, with a balance in the Club's bank account of approx. $30,000.00 to cover this cost.
Although the Northam Aero Club has two Cessna 172 aircraft due to the retirement of our instructor Colin Ekert the Club didn't at that time have an Instructor in charge although negotiations were underway with Mr. Mike Calvert to fill this position. Mike was eventually signed up on the 31st. July 2004 but unfortunately due to personal reasons Mike had to resign his position on the 2nd. September 2004.
Immediately upon receipt of Mike Calvert's resignation the Club advertised for a new instructor in charge with six applications being received, four from the Eastern States and Two from W.A.
After much deliberation Steve Yeates was selected to fill this position mainly due to his previous involvement as Club Instructor and being a member living locally he could offer some mid week instruction.

Things at last seemed to be getting back on track but the Northam Aero Club was struck another blow when in December Steve Yeates advised that due to medical reasons would be unable to fill his position as Club Instructor in charge!!!!!

During this difficult period from July to December a Grade 3 instructor Kevin Lathbury assisted when possible with some instruction and on hearing the Club's predicament volunteered at his own cost to upgrade his Grade 3 to a Grade 2 instructor rating. This Kevin did and was duly appointed Instructor in charge. Since then Kevin has been working to bring the flight training area of the Northam Aero Club back in line and has also assisted in both the Club competitions and the Sunday Flyers Fly-ins. I would personally like to thank Kevin for the dedication and support he has given to the Club over the last 12 months.

At the beginning of the Club year I formed two sub committees one being the fund raising Committee chaired by Denis Beresford and the other being the Flying sub committee chaired by myself. Both these Committees played an important role in the Club programme over the last 12 months with the fund raising Committee organising a raffle for a large Aerial Photograph of Northam donated by Mr. Ian Jacobs of Aerial Agricultural Photography to help raise funds and also Denis's hard work in preparing our application for funding under the Regional Airport Development Scheme (R.A.D.S.).

Apart from the Aircraft requirements it also became apparent that all the existing hanger leases had been taken so plans were made to develop a further 15-16 new leases to run at the rear of the existing hangers. The infra structure for these new leases was also required with an application for a R.A.D.S. grant being made by Denis Beresford for new taxi ways and also a second coat of Bitumen on the existing runway to finalise the runway work as planned.

This part of the year also saw a move to introduce Ultra light and Alternative recreational aircraft operation to Northam and after some lively discussions it was moved in Committee that the Committee develop a policy of what Aircraft would be allowed to operate at the Northam Airfield taking into account the safety and impact upon the environs. Whilst the Committee were deliberating this turn of events certain Club members and committee members representing parties wishing to operate Ultra lights and Alternative recreational aircraft from the Northam Airfield approached the Northam Shire and Council with issues relating to their rights to operate from the Airfield. The Northam Council not having a clear understanding of these issues associated with Ultra lights and Alternative recreational aircraft and in discussion with the Shire of Northam proposed in a letter to Northam Aero Club on the 7th. December 2004 to put forward that both Councils fund an independent study of the operation of the Airfield to cover the following issues:-

1. Future management structure of the Airfield. This will include clearly defining the management role of the aero Club.
2. Planning and future design for hangers and new taxiways for the Airfield
. 3. Capacity of the Airfield to not only house planes but also the number of movements from the Airfield before the local amenity is impacted.
4. The potential to develop the ultra light site. If there is an opportunity then it may be feasible for both Councils to seek external funding through Federal and State Government to develop a purpose built site remote from the current Airfield to house ultra lights.

Based upon the Council letter of the 7th, December 2004 and further discussion with interested parties both Councils have now made provision in their 2005/2006 budget to undertake a study of the Airfield, if this expenditure is approved then the study should commence shortly, in the interim it was suggested that a hold be placed upon some of the Aero Club plans for hanger leases etc. until the results of the study and it's recommendations are known.
The Club also received a request from Amity Aviation who were considering moving their operation from Jandakot to Northam to use the Club Aircraft and Briefing room as part of their flight training.
Discussions and proposals were put to Amity who at this point in time are still unsure which way they will go. There are still possibilities in this area that could be taken on board by the new Committee if so desired.

During the year two of our long standing members Robyn Stewart and Claude Meunier were each awarded the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia awards in recognition of their contribution to the Aero Club movement, these are very prestigious awards that not only reflect upon the recipient but also on the Northam aero club and I am sure that we all offer our congratulations to Robyn and Claude on these awards.

The social and Flying programme for this year has been very active and great fun to organise and participate in.
In September representatives of Northam Aero Club attended the C.A.S.A. E-space seminar in Perth.
October saw the first Sunday Flyers outing of the year, a Fly-In to Wongon Hills, both Club Cessna 172's and two privately owned aircraft were joined for a B.B.Q. lunch at Wongon by other flying enthusiasts from the local areas to make this a great day.
In November the Club held a precision circuit seminar as part of its rusty pilots programme and was also represented by Ray Howell and myself at the West Australian light Aircraft Championships held at Murray Field.
December marking the traditional Christmas lunch with Father Christmas arriving from the North Pole by means of Claude's helicopter. This was a great day thoroughly enjoyed by everyone thanks to Claude for using his helicopter as Santa's sleigh.

January most people were on holiday but we started again in February with a Sunday Flyers trip to Rotto to practice controlled Airspace techniques and the traditional Rotto cross wind landing.
March was another busy month with the Club being involved in the Cunderdin Air show by putting on a static display with C.M.P. being parked next to the Club marque to promote the Northam Aero Club by displaying photographs of Club activities and distributing Northam Aero Club leaflets. The Northam Aero Club also had the privilege in being part of the air show opening event with a demonstration in conjunction with the Royal aero Club of an inter Club competition involving a flour bombing exercise followed by a spot landing which I believe N.A.C. won!!.
The final Sunday Flyers outing for the year was our visit to our gliding cousins at Narrogin also a great day was had by all with an invitation to return and stay overnight at the bunkhouse and enjoy a B.B.Q. and a cold one or two.
Apart from the above activities Ray Howell our Club Captain put on no fewer than eleven flying competition events during the year, well done Ray.
The year was rounded of by a very successful, well attended Annual presentation dinner that was enjoyed by all.

As I stated at the beginning of my report the Club started the year owing $20,000.00 on P.G.L. engine with $30,000.00 in the bank account and without an instructor, the Club finished the year fully owning both it's Aircraft. In spite of all the difficulties and challenges encountered during the year I am pleased to report that the Club has paid off all it's outstanding accounts on P.G.L's engine installation, has assets in it's Club room, Briefing room and hanger buildings, now has a flying instructor in charge, has no outstanding debts apart from the day to day running expenses and has some $29,000.00 in it's bank account.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those Club and Committee members who have given me support and encouragement and have worked tirelessly for the Club over the last 12 months and believe that with this sort of enthusiasm the Northam Aero Club has a great future.

David Rose



CLUB CAPTAIN'S REPORT

Sunday the 14th August saw the pilots competing to fly in the HMAS Northam Competition.

The idea for the comp is that part of the Northam airstrip becomes the deck of an aircraft carrier with the pilot required to take off leaving the ground before he/she gets to the end of the carrier and be able to land by pulling up before he/she gets to the end of the carrier. Another problem facing the pilot is not to land before he/she gets to the carrier deck which would be fatal if you were landing on a real carrier.

The circuits were carrier out in perfect weather with the winner being Errol Croft, and in second place our new president Tony Rees with Ian Berry in third place.

Next comp will be on Saturday 11th of September and will probably be away from the strip depending on the weather.

Ray Howell
Club Captain


From the Committee

HIRE RATES FOR C172 AIRCRAFT

Dual Hire……………$190 per hour
Private Hire……..….$140 per hour
TIFs………………………$70 each

Block hire for a minimum of 40 hours
To be completed within a 12 months
duration from the date of purchase:
Dual Hire……...$180 per hour
Private Hire…..$130 per hour

Instructor only
(Pilot provides own aircraft…$70 per hour

Landing fees & AirServices Charges
To be paid by pilots or students.
Hire of Life Jackets….$10 per jacket





OSHKOSH 2005

If Jerusalem is the place for Jews and Christians and Mecca for Muslims, Oshkosh is the place for Aviators.
As in my previous visits, I was again very much impressed. More than 11,000 visiting aircrafts, that is more than the total Australian fleet, airline and RAAF included were there, landing in less than 5 days. 90% of them with their pilots camping alongside their aircrafts, some of them with just a tarp thrown over the wing. Something unthinkable here. Our leaders probably think we are more stupid than our American counterpart. Oshkosh is big, huge, entirely manned by volunteers. There are some 150 seminars, lectures and conferences every day for 7 days. It is impossible to see everything. One has to be selective and choose what to see and what to do. Ad there is a lot of walking to do. The weather was perfect, a bit on the warm side for them who are not really used to the heat.
The 2 main attractions were both designs by Rutan: the Virgin Atlantic Jet that Steve Fosset flew non-stop around the world. That was beating the Voyager (also a Rutan design) who flew around the world but with a crew of 2 on board. Steve lost some full during the flight due a malfunction. Now that this has been corrected, he intends to do it again but this time by adding another 4,000 miles crossing the Atlantic a second time and finishing in Europe after overflying the US. The other was Space Ship One. A combination of a carrier aircraft and of the Space ship itself. The White Knight did lift the small space ship to some 60,000 feet. From there with its rocket engine the space ship climbed to 100,000 feet. All this on private funding. Oshkosh is clean, tidy and orderly. There is not a single piece of paper, drinking straw, can or bottle on the ground. If one would be foolish enough to do that, there would be someone to pick it up and put it in a bin. A bit different with the ton or so of rubbish we left at Anzac Cove last time. And there is no PM to say that rubbishing is "normal" in Australia. Shame on ya PM…
I was very much impressed by the new "glass cockpit" displays being now available for most of the new homebuilt designs. Most of them have 2 large screens, one with flying and engine instruments and the other a colour moving map. Also impressive was the new small jet engines. I also saw the 2 competitive Diesel engines but personally I do not think that is the way to go. The automobile industry did the transition from leaded gas to unleaded without big drama, changing valves, valve guides and seats and sometimes pistons. This is certainly less traumatic and expensive than redesigning a Diesel from scratch. Future will tell.
I did meet a lot of old friends and made new ones. I tried to meet as many as possible of our around the World pilots, the Earthrounders and that was great.
Oshkosh has also a great Museum very well worth seeing. I also took a helicopter ride in a Bell 47 with a pilot bored to death of flying the same old circuit days after days. There were also rides in the ol' Ford Trimotor. The aerobatic were excellent. What did impressed me was a small Hiller helicopter almost riding on top a biplane and then suddenly starting flying backward at full speed. There were always at least 3 aerobatic displays, at 3 different levels: very low, low and at normal height while dozens of Harwards were parading above.
The military big irons were there too, very noisy and so powerful, one wonder why they need wings at all, being all power. I would certainly recommend a visit to Oshkosh to any one interested in aviation.




FUN WITH THE ULTRALIGHTERS AT BEACON

Two club members flew their aircraft to Beacon on July 30 to join a three ultralights from Northam (Dick Whittington's Jabiru, Steve Vette's Thruster and Dave Bell's Trike) and several from other towns in a friendly fly-in. Graeme King brought his Victa, accompanied by Steve Yeates. Tony Rees and Frank Kotai flew the Cessna 210 owned by Gaylen Nisich and Frank. Pictured with the 210 are (from left): Graeme King, Tony Rees, Steve Yeates, Mike Brady, Frank Kotai and Steve Vette. In the other photo Tony gets some tips from Steve Vette before taking his first flight in a Thruster.