Australian VTOL news

[Gonsky]

There is a very simple process for UAS operators, It didn't happen yesterday if has been happening for years. You can also quickly check on a UAS operator on the CASA website.

https://www.casa.gov.au/rpa-operator-ce ... te-holders

On another note Bristol has partnered with Vertical to look to electrify their fleet.

https://vertical-aerospace.com/vertical ... transport/

Regards,

[rickshaw]

Southern Hemisphere Fire Season Approaching? Message to our folks who maybe in the USA?

On 7 Oct 2021, HAI’s Jen Boyer was quoted as saying, “As the 2021 North American fire season winds down, the HAI Aerial Firefighting Safety Conference is now little more than a month away. Held in Boise, Idaho, on Nov. 16 and 17, the event will feature two keynote safety presentations in addition to legislative briefings from HAI and critical safety briefings and interagency updates from the US Forest Service and the US Department of the Interior.

With wildland firefighting seasons growing longer, hotter, and larger every year, aerial operators must remain one step ahead to ensure peak safety. A misstep or small change of events in the volatile fire environment can mean the difference between a job done safely and tragedy.

A safe firefighting operation, however, isn’t maintained on autopilot; it’s carefully planned, smartly executed, and judiciously reviewed for opportunities to improve. The presenters at this year’s conference will reveal steps operators can take to bring their approach to safety to the next level.

In the first keynote presentation, “Dealing with the Pressures of Complex Work Environments,” Chris Young of CY Consulting Solutions will take a close look at the internal and external pressures we put on ourselves as operators to do the job perfectly, on time, and on budget, and how that path can unwittingly set us up for failure. He’ll provide advice on how to manage our expectations and approach our jobs, customer relationships, and operations with a successful risk-mitigation mindset that protects lives, property, and reputations.

The second keynote speaker, Phoenix Heli-Flight CEO Paul Spring, will share his company’s successful experience with aircraft monitoring technology in his presentation, “Safety and Financial Benefits of Flight Data Monitoring.” His talk will include advice on how, when paired with a positive safety culture, flight data monitoring can significantly strengthen one’s safety precautions.

Through leader and employee buy-in, Spring has used FDM to protect staff and companies, productively review incidents, and quickly identify potential issues before they’ve led to trouble. During his presentation, he will explain how the technology has helped keep Phoenix Heli-Flight’s insurance premiums lower than the competition’s and paid for itself many times over.

Other presentations at the conference will address current legislative impacts on safety and the aerial firefighting community, and the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) in the aerial firefighting environment. The conference will be held at The Riverside Hotel and includes hosted meals and networking sessions. Attendance is free for HAI members and $95 for nonmembers. A discounted conference rate on rooms is available by calling + 1 208-343-1871 and identifying yourself as an attendee of the HAI Aerial Firefighting Safety.

[rickshaw]

CASA's Annual Report 2020/2021

On schedule, the report was released on 21 October 2021.

Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-News has started sorting out changes from last years report in detail.

Also, looking at the 62 submissions provided to the Senate Inquiry on GA aviation being run by Senator Susan McDonald. They overlap in some areas.

A complimentary subscription to e-News and Board Room Briefings is available, to make sure we all paddle in the same direction as COVID is brought under more control.

Next edition we have a special article on a developing serious heavy helicopter problem. The MCC(H) appears to be stuck in a committee's bottom drawer. Really messes up getting an ATPL (H). You know the rest. No heavy helicopter captains.

Just send your email to rotorcraftnews (at) outlook (dot) com

Editor: Rob
PS: Your email address is kept as private.

[Gonsky]

Sydney Seaplanes and Nautilus Helicopters:

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerosp ... 021-12-06/

Regards,

[Wannabe60Driver]

You can bet there are more ‘get out’ clauses in those contracts than I’ve had hot dinners. Four years for CASA to certify a new type with an all electric propulsion system? We’ll see about that.

[Gonsky]

https://evtol.com/features/joby-aviatio ... ification/

https://evtol.com/news/joby-aviation-us ... val-evtol/

https://evtolinsights.com/2021/05/beta- ... air-force/

FAA and EASA already have numerous VTOL airframes in the process of certification, for some time.

Regards,

[cupid stunt]

https://evtol.com/features/joby-aviation-faa-evtol-certification/

https://evtol.com/news/joby-aviation-us ... val-evtol/

https://evtolinsights.com/2021/05/beta- ... air-force/

FAA and EASA already have numerous VTOL airframes in the process of certification, for some time.

Regards,

So? Perhaps you should try droneslapper.com

[hand in pants]

I love the way these mobs bang on about how close they are to starting full on operations with electric flying taxis.
Mostly just hype. Nobody seems to want to acknowledge the simple fact that there is virtually nothing in place to do it.
Wentsky wants us to believe that there are thousands of airframes ready to be certified and run out to work. Don't think so. Might be one or two but not many more. And I'm not going to repeat myself with the legalities of the issue, they haven't changed.
Has anybody talked to local councils, local residents, no.
Media seems to think that electric taxis will be cheap, fast and reliable.
Think again. cost will be prohibitive, landing and take off sites will be very limited. Try getting approval from your local council for just one landing at your local park.
Noise will always be an issue. Access to controlled airspace will be an issue.
Media thinks you will be able to ring an air taxi to pick you up at your house, like a road taxi does, then fly you to the airport terminal, like a road taxi does. Really, it's going to be THAT EASY!!!!!
Some of you need to wake up and smell the facts.
Yes, it'll happen, but not for many years yet..............

[Gonsky]

I totally agree.

Imagine how stupid all these companies, airports and associated partners must be. They obviously have zero idea what they are all doing and one can quickly see they have put zero thought into anything.

For instance look how dumb these guys are,

https://lilium.com/newsroom-detail/stut ... an-network

No idea what so ever.

Regards,

[Gunga Din]

Go to that site that Not-Gone-Yetski quotes, and read the excuses at the very end:

These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Such statements are based on management’s belief or interpretation of information currently available. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on management’s current expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risk and uncertainties and subject to change at any time

(v) the failure of the Lilium Group and its current and future business partners to successfully develop and commercialize the Lilium Group’s business or significant delays in its ability to do so and (vi) the Lilium Group’s inability to secure or protect its intellectual property.

In other words, we can brag about anything we like, and it can all turn to worms. Buyer beware.

[rickshaw]

Australian MRH-90 helicopters to be taken out of service.

On 9 Dec ’21, The Australian newspaper announced the Australian Defence Force will scrap its entire fleet of troubled MRH-90 Taipan helicopters 16 years ahead of schedule, in favour of a new fleet of US Blackhawks and Seahawks.

It was reported the cost of 40 Blackhawks for Army and 12 Seahawks for Navy, both manufactured by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky, is expected to cost $7 billion.

However, the move could see Defence save up to $2.5 billion by 2037 – the initial planned retirement date of the Taipan fleet – given the costly maintenance required on the Taipans. Meanwhile, the Blackhawk fleet is expected to remain in operation into the 2040s.

According to media reports, Defence Minister Peter Dutton has already informed Taipan manufacturer Airbus of the Australian government’s decision to retire all 47 of its Taipan helicopters. Once regarded as “an extraordinarily advanced helicopter” by Chief of Defence Force Angus Campbell, the Taipan fleet, which entered service for the ADF in 2017, has been consistently plagued with operational and performance problems.

However, Defence has previously acknowledged that the MRH-90 Taipan fleet has not met contracted availability requirements and has exceeded operational cost expectations ahead of its planned withdrawal from service in 2037. The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) again listed the MRH program (AIR 9000 Phase 2, 4 and 6) as a “project of concern” in its 2019-20 Defence Major Projects report.

Speaking of the decision, Minister Dutton said: “The performance of the MRH-90 Taipan has been an ongoing and well-documented concern for Defence and there has been a significant effort at great expense to try to remediate those issues. “It is critically important there is a safe, reliable and capable utility helicopter available for our service men and women into the future, with reasonable and predictable operating costs.”

Meanwhile, the UH60 Black Hawk is billed as the most widely used utility helicopter variant in the world, with the UH60M variant in service with the US Army and other nations for over a decade. “The Australian government is exercising its right to understand what options are available to provide the necessary capability at a reasonable cost into the future,” Minister Dutton added.

[Gunga Din]

Waiting for the reply from the French, and then the Chinese.....

[rickshaw]

There really is a Santa Claus! He also needs ADS-B!

On 20 Dec ’21, the Australian Government announced the Aviation Recovery Framework, which includes ADS-B funding.

Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) has welcomed the announcement of an Aviation Recovery Framework, by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Barnaby Joyce MP. In his media release, the Deputy Prime Minister said "This policy framework is being put in place to help Australia’s aviation industry emerge bigger, better and stronger on the other side of the pandemic."

One of the key support measures being introduced in the Framework is funding of $30 million in rebates to recreational and general aviation operators for up to $5,000 or 50 percent of the cost of installing ADS-B technology.

RAAus CEO Matt Bouttell, said today that “We’re very grateful that the Deputy Prime Minister has invested in our industry. These measures will yield financial and safety benefits for many years to come. Furthermore, we’re encouraged to see that the RAAus submissions made to the Airservices Australia Class E Proposals earlier this year did not fall on deaf ears, and that our contribution whilst working across Government and it’s agencies has assisted in making the ADS-B funding become a reality.

“We see this this initiative as not only improving air traffic management surveillance and safety, but it will stimulate aircraft maintenance by supporting jobs and enabling the safe integration of new technology such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). From a financial perspective, this scheme will enable the retirement of costly enroute radar infrastructure and see other efficiencies be derived, resulting in savings being passed onto industry in the longer term."

After the announcement, Michael Monck, RAAus Chair, said “RAAus continues to participate in many Government and industry Working Groups, and we’re seen as a trusted advisor across many areas. Over the past few years, we’ve represented our members, and the industry more broadly, on the Deputy Prime Minister’s General Aviation Advisory Network (GAAN), the National Emerging Aviation Technologies Consultation Committee (NEAT CC), CASA’s Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and countless Technical Working Groups (TWGs), to name a few. We’d therefore welcome involvement in the Strategic Advisory Committee being established to oversee the rollout of the Aviation Recovery Framework.

“Our strategic involvement helps to influence the landscape and we’re grateful that the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the role RAAus plays across industry.”

RAAus will support our members as the scheme is rolled out, particularly those who choose not to take up this generous rebate, to minimise any operational effect. We will also continue to advocate that any airspace design changes resulting from this scheme are justified on safety grounds. The funding also increases the value for those who have already invested in ADS-B technology by making the technology available to more people and improving situational awareness for all users.

Finally, we congratulate Qantas for being brave and putting this forward as an initiative in their Future of Aviation Submission to support general and recreational aviation. This demonstrates the ability for all industry stakeholders to appreciate each other’s challenges and to work collaboratively across industry, even in areas they're not specifically involved in, to achieve outcomes for the greater good.

The Aviation Recovery Framework is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infras ... s/aviation.

Has AHIA received any concessions for helicopters? There are around more than 2,000 in Australia. Updates appreciated.

[rickshaw]

Congratulations! To the Australian Helicopter Industry!

Australia’s helicopter fleet has achieved an annual growth rate of 7.1% over past 18 months!

A very good result despite COVID restrictions.

From 30 June 2020 to 30 December 2021, the CASA RW registrations increased from 2,232 to 2,471. An increase of 239 in 18 months. As a result, the annual growth rate is now 7.1% pa.

The heavy and light fleet numbers showed very good results, the remainder also did well – averaging around twice the annual GDP.

Single engine piston numbers increased from 1,338 to 1,503 = 165 in 18 months or 8.2% pa.

Single engine turbine numbers increased from 628 to 677 = 49 in 18 months or 5.2% pa.

Multi-engine turbine below 5,700 kg moved from 185 to 199 = 14 or 5.0% pa.

Heavy turbine helicopters above 5,700 kg increased from 81 to 92 = 11 or 9.1% pa.

The strong growth of the above 5,700 kg fleet where most helicopters need two-pilots, will bring to light the almost non-existent Part 142 schools capable of providing Multi-crew Cooperation Certificates – MCC(H) for helicopter clients. The lack of the AUD$7,500+ course is blocking the promotion of co-pilots to command positions!

More soon …..

[Wannabe60Driver]

The strong growth of the above 5,700 kg fleet where most helicopters need two-pilots, will bring to light the almost non-existent Part 142 schools capable of providing Multi-crew Cooperation Certificates – MCC(H) for helicopter clients. The lack of the AUD$7,500+ course is blocking the promotion of co-pilots to command positions!

More soon …..

As far as I’m aware, there aren’t any providers running MCC courses in a rotary sim environment in Australia simply because it’s all about human factors and CASA doesn’t care if a CPL(H) holder needing the course for a co-pilot role does the course in a 737 sim.

Am I missing something?

[Fill-level]

You're correct any MCC certificate will do. The Heavy end of town will supply this course with a type rating along with a JOC certificate.

EASA - require a Helicopter type MCC course , which I think where all this is leading to - The New regs seem to be aligning with EASA in some parts .

[hand in pants]

Typical of todays caa, no idea. The only thing they are good for is making things more and more complicated. then they tell us it's in the inserts of safety (the latest catch phrase) not that they would know safety if it hit them in the face.

[rickshaw]

HELIFLITE DONATES R22 TO THE STOCKMAN’S HALL OF FAME

Heliflite proudly will be donating a refurbished Robinson R22 to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre based in Longreach, Queensland, in recognition of the iconic role the two-seater workhorse aircraft has played in changing the face of the rural and mustering landscape.

From its humble beginnings with its design and development from Frank Robinson’s own home to its eventual certification in 1979 the R22 has become the most common model of rotary-wing aircraft used for aerial stock mustering. Currently there are 651 R22s registered in Australia with almost 5,000 R22s having been produced.

The still very much contemporary R22 will be displayed against the proud and traditional heritage of the Australian stockman industry and will attract significant interest from locals and returning tourists.

“Thank you to Heliflite for donating the Robinson R22 helicopter to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. For many years this iconic aircraft has been
an essential tool for the men and women working the land,” said Lloyd Mills, Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame CEO.

Heliflite’s founder, MD Lyndsay Edmonds described the contribution of the R22 to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame as an honour and privilege for the company to play a role in the support of the museum and the people of the outback.

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre is Australia’s premier outback heritage institution. Since its opening in 1988, the Hall of Fame has played host to over one million interstate and international visitors. The Hall of Fame displays the history behind some of Australia’s most courageous explorers, stock workers and pastoralists. The R22 to be displayed has been refurbished by the Heliflite WA team and painted in the original scheme of Heliflite’s first imported R22 from 1980.

The R22 will be road freighted from Jandakot to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in early 2022.

[Wannabe60Driver]

I for one am very grateful the first 60 or so hours in my logbook are in a 22. They sure do teach you the basics.

[Gunga Din]

I had 7000 turbine hours before setting backside in an R22, and the first 2 hrs of the endorsement had my head reeling. But then I had a beer, told myself that it was just another helicopter, and the next day wrung its neck out. Flew about 1600 hrs mostly instructing in them, and it was a pretty darn good machine for it. Treat it well, and it will perform.

Film of some mustering ops show that it is not always treated well, but it still performs, a credit to Frank and his team. I met Frank at Heli Expo in Miami in 1993, and he was happy to talk to anybody who operated his machines, a lovely man.