Australian VTOL news

General stuff that gets thrown about when Helicopter Pilots shoot the Breeze.
Gonsky
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby Gonsky » Wed Dec 23 2020, 20:57

Australia Prepares for UAM with EmbraerX and Airservices CONOPS

https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/12/2 ... 7-50822406

Regards,
'Mankind has a perfect record in aviation - we have never left one up there!'
rickshaw
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Thu Dec 24 2020, 18:51

Gonsky - Thanks

The new CONOPS publication which can be down loaded for free is essential reading when looking ahead to 2021 and beyond.

Hope aviation folks can take the time to see how an embryo industry is evolving. At least it is a start - the sharing of research data. Older grumpy bums will no doubt say it will never go ahead? Maybe some folks around Winton - Longreach said that about QANTAS a long time ago? or McDonalds ..... ?

But innovation is the name of the game today - the winner in this odd endeavour will follow Bill Gates' path in their lifetime.

Oh - one last thought - the billions of dollars spent by investors on R&D is amazing!

Gonsky, good heads up - timely and appreciated.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby hand in pants » Mon Dec 28 2020, 03:45

I have been in aviation for 32 years (sounding like Wentsky now) and have watched it change. Some change has been required and some not.
Now many will say I'm not a fan of drones, and I use the term "drones" in a general way. But, I do think that drones are the way of the future for a number of sectors of the helicopter industry.
But, not for a while yet.
What I'm not a fan of is the obvious bull s#!t that comes with them at this early stage. The wild claims of air taxi services being up and running in the next couple of years when they don't have an aircraft, they don't have a licensing system, they don't have training requirements, they don't have airspace approvals, they don't have local council approvals for landing sites and the list goes on. The dumb media love all of this and promote it endlessly, all with out checking facts, talking to people who actually know. UAV's are happening now, and there is some control over them, small drones are happening now and there is absolutely no control over them and it's too late to gain control of them.
I do think that there will AWAYS be a huge requirement for manned helicopters, EMS, media, off shore, sightseeing, power line survey and others.
There will be lots of jobs for up-coming pilots to sit at a desk and operate an un-manned aircraft, to never actually leave the ground. And these people will claim to be a "pilot".
Fortunately for me, none of this will happen in my lifetime. It'll take too long. As soon as caa are involved it will turn to mud, thick sticky mud. You'll have idiots writing rules for things they know nothing about. The training requirements will be stupid. The licensing rules unworkable and the operating rules will be a weak joke. I hope that doesn't happen, but they have the runs on the board so I'll put money on it.
Then there are the local councils, and yes they will be involved if you want landing sites to make an aerial taxi system work. And with councils comes the activist groups, the environmental groups, the serial complainers, the wingers, the space cadets and more.
So I can sit comfortably at home and not have to worry too much about the moron next door ordering a slab to be delivered by drone.
:twisted:
Hand in Pants, I'm thinking, my god, that IS huge!!!!!!!!
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby Twistgrip » Thu Dec 31 2020, 01:40

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/12007092

To touch on HIP’s points above, and I agree there is and will be a place for UAV’s / Drones but this is exactly the delusional drivel that’s going on. 1000 helicopters operating in Melbourne, that’s what?,half of the Australian fleet based there?. Could you imagine the outrage. Better start building a few heliports then :wink:
"You can watch things happen, you can make things happen or you can wonder what happened"
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby Heli-Ops » Fri Jan 1 2021, 19:53

You'll have idiots writing rules for things they know nothing about.


Dont CASA do that already :wink:
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Tue Jan 5 2021, 19:19

Australian HeliMods Secures Government Grant

Source: Media reports – November 2020.

HeliMods has received AUD$150,000 under the new Defence Global Competitiveness Grants program.

“HeliMods has used its funding to purchase plant and equipment to manufacture large, machined components used in the modification and upgrade of military and paramilitary helicopters," Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said recently.

The grant will assist HeliMods in boosting its capacity to make components with shorter lead times, increasing export opportunities into North America and Europe. “In 2019, while leading a major defence trade expo with Australian companies, I announced HeliMods had received funding support to help them on the global stage," said the Minister.

The Australian Defence Export Office was set up to provide practical assistance to small businesses and help them become export ready. “I believe that the Sunshine Coast (Qld) has the skills and the drive for innovation to play a part in developing critical new sovereign defence capability in Australia,” Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said.

“HeliMods’ ability to deliver world-leading capabilities is known throughout Australia, and sought globally, as proven by growing export opportunities into North America, Europe and Asia."

HeliMods was founded in 2002 by Australian entrepreneur, Will Shrapnel – a qualified engineer, pilot, aircraft technician and businessman. What started as a one-man operation has grown to now become a leading enterprise, with world-renowned, vertically integrated capability in advanced digital design, engineering, manufacturing, certification, integration, and support of aircraft mission systems.

HeliMods remains founder-owned and led, supported by a growing team of over 40 internationally experienced engineers, designers, technicians, and technologists working in a high-performance culture that encourages agility and innovation.

Belated Congratulations! Good news for 2021 as the pandemic setbacks for the aviation industry are still occurring.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Fri Jan 15 2021, 20:30

Interesting Australian firefighting development.

A recent media release stated a demonstration of cutting-edge Australian technology now leading the way in early detection, fighting and extinguishing fires would be held at 10:00 am, Wed 20 Jan ’21 Noosa Aerodrome, Lake Weyba Drive, Noosaville, Qld, Australia. The event will involve several key players. Fireball.International's FUEGO Intelligence system will detect a real fire (demonstration) in real-time using artificial intelligence; this will be followed by McDermott Helicopters filling the Helitak expandable water tank and then dropping the water with precision to extinguish the fire.

The recent Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements identified the need to attack a fire ASAP before it can spread. (Reminds us of the COVID-19 pandemic??)

Industry folks are invited to attend. However, the event is being streamed worldwide to stakeholders who are unable to be there.

The link to view the demonstration live is https://www.broadcastinglive.tv/fireball-international.

The demonstration will be at 1000 am AEST (Brisbane time which is UTC+10)

Copy of Media Release is available from Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) at robsrich [@] bigpond [.] com

Our thanks to Bladeslapper Australia for allowing us to share this update with the global community - RAPBA.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Fri Jan 15 2021, 20:42

New CEO of New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority.

During December 2020 it was announced Keith Manch will be the next Director of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority. He will be joining the Authority in February 2021.

At present Keith Manch is the Chief Executive and Director of Maritime New Zealand, which is the national regulatory, compliance and response agency for the safety, security, and environmental protection of coastal and inland waterways.

It is a Crown entity set up in 1993 and is governed by a five-member Board appointed by the Minister of Transport under the Maritime Transport Act 1994. The organisation has approximately 250 staff located in 10 NZ regional offices. Their head office is in Wellington. The Marine Pollution Response Centre in Auckland and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand is in Lower Hutt.

Their mission is to lead and support the maritime community to take responsibility for ensuring our seas are safe, secure, and clean, on behalf of all New Zealanders.

Many NZ industry commentators have welcomed the news of a “hands-on” senior executive from an important regulatory body taking over the helm at the CAA.

Congratulations to Keith on his selection.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Tue Jan 19 2021, 08:02

Queensland Government Tender - Closing 5 Feb 2021

We have just receiver notification of Queensland Government’s Tender for the provision of reconnaissance drones fitted with cameras for tracking and monitoring of heavy road vehicles.

Title: NHVR516 - Mobile ANPR Cameras

Tender Issued by National Heavy Vehicle Regulator UNSPSC: Information Technology Broadcasting and Telecommunications - (50%); UNSPSC 2: Cameras - (30%) and UNSPSC 3: Target or reconnaissance drones - (20%)

Due to approaching deadline of 5 Feb 2021, we have provided our readers with QTenders contact information. Please note Qld has recently changed Tender Website details as follows:

The Qtenders site has moved and is now at https://qtenders.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders

Any genuine emails regarding QTenders will direct you to a website starting with: https://www.qtenders.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders.

Emails coming from the QTenders always end either in @hpw.qld.gov.au or @ptd.zendesk.com

Qtenders System Support. Business Hours – 8:30 AM to 5 PM. (AEST) Brisbane time - UTC+10 hours. P: 07 3215 3699. E: bsu@hpw.qld.gov.au

Suggested tips:

• Log into QTenders site, find the tender by name above. Then register your interest or company. (Patience needed).

• Send ROI to the POC so they can keep you informed of changes. (Very important as they may add to their requirements.

We try our best to share emerging business opportunities with our readers in these difficult COVID-19 times.

Kindest regards and best of luck to ROI folks!
rickshaw
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Sun Jan 24 2021, 10:47

Australian Robinson Helicopter Numbers in January 2021

According to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) data, current to 24 Jan 2021, the Australian helicopter fleet numbers 2,338. This makes Australia the fourth largest helicopter operator in the world. The Robinson Helicopter Company dominates the Australian register with 1,239 machines, or 52% of all helicopter registrations.

Looking back to 30 Jun 2020, the CASA Annual Report stated the Australian helicopter register had 2,335 listed. The fleet then consisted of 1,338 single engine piston and 628 single engine turbine helicopters. Multiengine machines below 5,700 kg totalled 185 and the heavier twin engine rotorcraft above 5,700 kg were 81. Amateur built were shown as 103.

It appears the Australian register has only increased by three helicopters over seven months, effectively a continuation of an almost zero growth over the past eighteen months. By comparison, the general aviation aeroplane listings are still in a negative growth situation.

Due to increasing demand for cattle as shown by current firm prices, strong export orders and the widespread heavy rain in most drought areas indicates a busy year for the mustering industry. But the COVID-19 concessions for check and training are now about to expire. Both industry and the regulator have warned of a possible pilot shortage (and technical staff) as we enter the 2021 mustering season. These shortages will be caused, in part, by the training industry being not able to requalify the workforce in sufficient time to cope with the rural industry and the expansion of our tourist activities in remote areas.

Robinson Helicopter Fleet – Update January 2021. Robinson R22 and R44 piston engine numbers make up 85% of the Australian piston fleet. A very large percentage of the Robinson fleet are used for cattle mustering in northern regions of Australia. Federal statistics state the mustering fleet probably logs more hours than all other operations combined. Mustering operations create jobs for many of the 4,400 licensed helicopter pilots in Australia.

Data current to 24 Jan 2021 shows Robinson registrations make up 1,238 of the 2,388 helicopters (52%).

Robinson R22 models. R22 – 11, R22A – 4, R22B – 615 and R22M – 9. A total of 639.

Robinson R44 models. R44 – 332 and R44 II – 236. A total R44 = 568.

Robinson R66 models. There are 32 on the register.

Registrations by state and territories

Robinson R22 (639). ACT – Nil, NSW – 86, NT – 107, QLD – 299, SA – 7, TAS – Nil, VIC – 14 and WA – 126.

Robinson R44 (568). ACT – 4, NSW – 131, NT – 62, QLD – 193, SA – 17, TAS – 9, VIC – 85 and
WA – 67.

This data has been shared by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-News. They are currently assisting others with the provision of Robinson Safety Courses to areas needing of refresher and currency training. The new courses have been upgraded to cover single pilot CRM (Human Factors) applicable to wire avoidance in low level operations. More info: Editor 0415 641 774.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Thu Jan 28 2021, 11:00

Role of Robinson helicopters during Australia’s aerial mustering season. (Updated 28 Jan 21).

According to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) data, current to 24 Jan 2021, the Australian helicopter fleet number is 2,338. This makes Australia the fourth largest civilian helicopter operator in the world. The Robinson Helicopter Company dominates the Australian register with 1,239 machines, or 52% of all helicopter registrations.

Looking back to 30 Jun 2020, the CASA Annual Report 2019/2020 stated the Australian helicopter register had 2,335 listed. The fleet then consisted of 1,338 single engine piston and 628 single engine turbine helicopters. Multiengine machines below 5,700 kg totalled 185 and the heavier twin engine rotorcraft above 5,700 kg were 81. Amateur built helicopters were shown as 103. Since 30 June 2020, the helicopter register has only grown by three helicopters.

Due to increasing demand for cattle as shown by rising beef prices, strong export orders and the widespread heavy rain in most drought areas, it has been suggested it will be a busy year for the helicopter mustering industry during 2021.

CASA COVID -19 concessions now ending. CASA COVID-19 concessions for extensions to mandatory check and training deadlines are now about to expire, with little possibility of any further concessions due to safety considerations, according to CASA’s acting DAS/CEO Graeme Crawford.

As a result, both industry and the regulator have warned of a possible pilot shortage (and technical staff) as we enter the 2021 mustering season, which commences in late February to early March in most areas. These shortages will be caused, in part, by the training industry not being able to requalify the workforce in sufficient time to cope with the increasing rural industry demands and the expansion of tourist activities in our remote areas.

Robinson Helicopter Fleet. Australia’s Robinson fleet is the world’s second largest light helicopter fleet after the USA. On 24 January 2021, Robinson R22 and R44 piston engine numbers made up 85% of the Australian piston fleet. A very large percentage of the Robinson fleet are used for cattle mustering in northern regions of Australia. Federal statistics state the mustering fleet probably log more hours than all other helicopter operations combined.

Mustering operations create jobs for many of the 4,400 licensed helicopter pilots in Australia. The number of helicopter aviation companies that hold an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) is estimated to be 240. However, Robinson data can become confused when a large number of cattle producers muster livestock over their own property using their own private pilot licence holders.

Robinson Helicopters by Model
. Potential mustering clients or future pilot graduates can refer to the list of CASA Aircraft Registrations to see the breakdown on various models. At present there are 639 Robinson two seat R22s. The model numbers are R22 – 11, R22A – 4, R22B – 615 and R22M – 9.

The four seat Robinson R44 registrations are growing steadily and will probably overtake the R22 numbers in a few years. There are 568 R44 helicopter consisting of R44 – 332 and R44 II – 236.

Robinson’s five seat turbine powered R66 model is slowly being accepted in Australia, there are now 32 on the register. It appears they are becoming popular with wealthier private owners. However, due to significant differences in purchase and operating costs, the R66 cannot compete easily with the R44 on commercial work where performance challenges such as hot and high conditions are not a problem.

Registrations by state and territories. The piston engined Robinson helicopters are predominantly located north of the Brisbane line. The fleet scoreboard is as follows:

1. Queensland – 492,
2. New South Wales – 217,
3. Western Australia – 193,
4. Northern Territory – 169,
5. Victoria – 99,
6. South Australia – 24,
7. Tasmania – 9, and
8. Australian Capital Territory – 4.

Understandably, the number of flying schools within each state or territory is in proportion to the Robinson helicopter statistics. The Robinson R22 is still the dominant training helicopter for flying schools providing entry-level training.

Fleet data, in detail, by model.

Robinson R22 Australia (639). ACT – Nil, NSW – 86, NT – 107, QLD – 299, SA – 7, TAS – Nil, VIC – 14 and WA – 126.

Robinson R44 Australia (568). ACT – 4, NSW – 131, NT – 62, QLD – 193, SA – 17, TAS – 9, VIC – 85 and
WA – 67.

This data has been provided by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd in order flying schools can help foster the re-establishment of the Robinson Safety Courses. The rising accident rate and a sharp rise in insurance premiums is a matter of concern to all. The new courses now need to have single pilot CRM (human factors) material to strengthen the wire avoidance techniques discussion. This knowledge is essential when operating in the somewhat high risk low-level operational environment.

Also, industry key players are aware of the need for schools to strengthen their overall training profile to make up for any deskilling which may have occurred during the delayed check training timelines approved by the regulator due to the pandemic. This applies to both pilots undergoing refresher training and their instructors

For more info: Email robsrich@bigpond.com or call +61 (0) 415 641 774. (Brisbane time UTC+10).
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Tue Feb 2 2021, 10:20

HAI Responds to Industry Voices and cancels HAI HELI-EXPO 2021

HAI, Alexandria, Va. Jan. 20, 2021. Responding to an increasing number of voices from across the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) industry, Helicopter Association International (HAI) has made the difficult decision to cancel HAI HELI-EXPO 2021.

HAI will not reschedule this year’s event. Instead, the association will redirect its efforts to producing HAI HELI-EXPO 2022, which will be held on 7–10 March 2022 in Dallas, Texas, a city that has traditionally been a hub of rotorcraft operations. HAI HELI-EXPO® has long served as a venue where the international VTOL industry annually gathers—to connect, learn, and conduct $2 billion in business.

“Please understand that we did not make this decision lightly,” says James Viola, President, and CEO of HAI. “HAI is here to support our members and customers. Leading up to mid-January, the majority of industry voices who contacted us supported holding Expo as long as health and safety protocols were in place. We took extraordinary steps, working with our partners in New Orleans, to be able to conduct a safe event.”

Asia-Pacific readers are hoping Rotortech 2021 can keep on course – now being held in June 2021.

Let’s hope the vaccines can ease the pandemic. So, keep washing your hands and remember the 1.5 rule in relation to wearing of masks.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Tue Feb 2 2021, 10:34

Start of Australian Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses for 2021

V2 Helicopters is providing the first of their 2021 pre-muster and tourism focussed Robinson Helicopter Safety courses at Archerfield, Qld on Sat 20 to Sun 21 February. The courses are being conducted by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific (Facilitator - Rob Rich). V2 Helicopters are the course hosts. Post course Helicopter Flight Reviews, endorsements other mandatory check rides can be provided by V2 Helicopters. (Coordinator - Lenny Parratt).

The insurance industry has advised the general aviation industry that global insurance rates have been steadily increasing. Insurance providers claim this is due to the increasing accident rates and the resulting cost of claims becoming inflated by extra legal costs and tougher compensation settlements.

The new Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses will now include modules on low level wire avoidance and associated single pilot CRM human factors. This is becoming a requirement for some insurance companies. Many cattle mustering clients have made this upgraded training compulsory for pilots operating helicopters on their mustering contracts. (Certificate provided). The RSC will include accident-avoidance techniques, technical updates and tips from experienced tourist pilots and instructors. This is to ensure attendees heading out to their helicopter scenic and mustering jobs are fully refreshed, current and aviation business wise.

The two-day classroom training is $390 incl GST. A course manual and other documents will be provided. Fee includes morning and afternoon teas, and healthy light lunches.
Bookings are essential. Due to limited room size, we suggest you book as soon as possible.
Call Rob Rich, course facilitator: 0415 641 774 or email: robsrich@bigpond.com

Flight proficiency flights: Attendees may wish to stay on to complete any check flights required employer or insurance company. Flight check ride enquiries should be directed to V2 Helicopters reception on (07) 3274 6666.

More info. Call Rob Rich on 0415 641 774 or email robsrich [@ bigpond (.)com.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Wed Feb 10 2021, 02:00

Robinson Helicopter Safety Course - 20 to 21 Feb '21.

Archerfield Qld

Only three seats left! Bookings:

Class Room Course - two days. $390. T: 0415 641 774 E: robsrich (at) bigpond.com

Helicopter check rides: Recency, low-level, endorsements, etc. T: 07 3274 6666. E: info (at) V2helicopters.com.au

Facilitated by Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd and hosted at V2 Helicopters.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby Gonsky » Thu Feb 11 2021, 07:28

'Mankind has a perfect record in aviation - we have never left one up there!'
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Sun Mar 7 2021, 07:14

First Australian Robinson Helicopter Safety Course for 2021

Held at Wacol, Brisbane, Qld. 20-21 February 2021

Industry Helping Industry

Due to the rising accident rates within the Australian Robinson Helicopter fleet, three Brisbane based companies teamed up to run the first of an updated series of the Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses, which now include human factors associated with wire avoidance techniques during low-level aerial work operations.

Insurers are again warning helicopter owners of potential problems with obtaining insurance due to the alleged increase in the number of accidents. This includes insurance of the helicopter (hull insurance) and personal insurance for the pilot (post-accident trauma and death).

This is a major threat to the Robinson fleet which make up more than half of the CASA Helicopter Register. During 2019 industry commentators called for the reintroduction the RSC which in the past proved be a solution when a similar situation arose several decades ago.

As a result, late in 2020, three Brisbane based companies teamed up to launch the first Robinson Helicopter Safety Course late February of 2021.

The three companies were:

GeoSim Technologies Pty Ltd. Provider of the venue and training facilities. The new classroom was withing the Vulcan Firefighting Simulation Centre being setup by Charles du Plessis, Managing Director. Charles took the inaugural class on a tour of the training centre now undergoing the final stages of construction.

V2 Helicopters. Offered to be host the first 2021 course designed as a pre-muster and tourist industry safety course. Host was Roger Mohr, CEO and Head of Operations. He was assisted by Len Parrett and Shane Woods. Attendees appreciated the time spent with V2 staff; many industry related questions were asked by all. V2 was able to later provide check flights if required by an employer, contractor or insurance provider.

Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd. Course designer and facilitator, Rob Rich, CEO. Previously has conducted more than 105 courses, graduating 3,500 attendees. The RSC will include accident-avoidance techniques, technical updates and tips from experienced tourist pilots and instructors. This ensures attendees heading out to their 2021 jobs are refreshed, current and aviation business wise.

Rob Rich said the general aviation industry global insurance premiums have been steadily increasing. Insurance providers claim this is due to the increasing accident rates. In particular, of major concern to insurers is the cost of claims becoming inflated by “extra legal costs and tougher compensation settlements.”

Unfortunately, it appears we are following the US legal system where “huge payouts” are forcing premiums to be increased to cover future contingencies.

The updated Australian Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses will now include modules on low level wire avoidance and associated single pilot CRM human factors. This is becoming a requirement for some insurance companies. Many cattle mustering clients have made this upgraded training compulsory for pilots operating helicopters on their mustering contracts.

The students were well looked after by Charles and Helen du Plessis, who provided a catering service in their brand-new board room. The Vulcan Firefighting Simulation Centre is still under construction and hopefully will be operational later in 2021. Minor delays have been caused by suppliers encountering COVID-19 restrictions from time to time.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby Wannabe60Driver » Mon Mar 8 2021, 00:12

Yes- aviation insurance in Australia is tough simply because there are very few players and they’re able to dictate whatever minimum hours, turbine starts, water landings etc etc that they like.

Given that the number of companies that actually hold the paper (not brokers or middlemen) can easily be counted on one hand, can you please provide a concrete example of a single one that will reduce an insurance premium based on completion of this course?
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Wed Mar 10 2021, 01:51

Australian Helicopter Schools Directory April 2021 (draft)

The Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association (RAPBA) has sent a copy of their draft school directory for checking by the folks listed. RAPBA has reported, as a surprise to many, the list had grown from around 35 to more than around 45 active school over the past year or so, despite the COVID-19 crisis. Also, it appears most schools are facing a shortage of instructors as a larger than normal number of student are in training at present.

The age-old yardstick for measuring the industry’s health is the current CPL(H) enrolments at Advanced Flight Theory on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Apparently, their classroom which holds more than 20 is almost full according to an industry source. Upon graduation, the students will be heading to their preferred flying school to obtain their commercial licence.

These instructor shortages are confirmed after all job advertisements from various sources are gathered together. Fortunately, there is an increasing list of pilot jobs, driven in part by the drought recovery in rural areas and the marked increase in tourism due to the closure of our international borders.

So really, even the most pessimistic observers would agree this upward trend in the helicopter industry is most welcome.

But …. aeroplane training industry is all bad news.

Respected The Australian aviation writer, Robyn Ironside, stated “Flight schools in nosedive due to COVID.” Her recent report was very sobering, when compared to the RW situation.

Robyn wrote aeroplane flight training schools are struggling to stay open. With no international students and domestic demand for pilots nosediving, flight training schools are struggling to survive until borders reopen. Already three major flight training academies in the region have called in receivers, including Soar Aviation, China Southern West Australian Flying College and L3 Harris commercial aviation.

And the future for at least two other large schools is becoming more uncertain the longer international borders remain closed. Flight Training Adelaide CEO, Pine Pienaar, said he had already let 25 per cent of his staff go, and recently farewelled another 28 people. Of the school’s 72 aircraft, only 36 were in use. And although close to 200 international students wanted to enrol in the flight training school, they were unable to get to Australia because of the border closure. “I had 450 students in the college in March last year,” he said.“

#End Robyn's quotes..

On 10 Mar 2021, helicopter school numbers are 41. However, maybe half a dozen have remote bases, so the numbers of school locations are about 46.

Schools A-Z.
NSW – 13
NT – 1
QLD – 15
SA – 3
TAS – 2
VIC – 4
WA – 3

Total = 41

Draft school list effective 10 Mar 2021 to follow.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Wed Mar 10 2021, 02:03

Australian Helicopter Schools Directory April 2021 (draft) - Lists

We need your updates ASAP but not later than COB Fri 26 Mar 2021. The April edition of our directory will be emailed out on Sat 27 Mar 2021 - to 5,200+ complimentary subscribers now on our listings. This will include and our new Asia-Pacific (APAC) data base. Send to robsrich@bigpond.com

New South Wales - 12
Air & TG Helicopters.
Bankstown Helicopters.
Central West Helicopter School.
Fleet Helicopters.
Forest Air Helicopters.
Helifly.
Helicopter Transport and Training.
Hughes Helicopters.
Hunter Valley Helicopters.
Skyline Aviation.
Touchdown Training.
United Aero Training.

Northern Territory – 1
Ansett Aviation.

Queensland - 15
Aeropower Flight School.
Airwork Helicopters.
Blackberry Aviation & Flightscope Helicopters.
Blue Tongue Helicopter Services.
Elite Aviation Academy.
GBR Helicopters.
Helibiz Whitsunday.
Helitec.
LifeFlight Australia.
Professional Helicopter Services.
Queensland Helicopter School.
Surf Life Saving QLD.
Townsville Helicopters.
Utility Helicopters.
V2 Helicopters.

South Australia - 3
Flight Training Adelaide.
Helistar.
South Coast Helicopters.

Tasmania - 2
Rotor-Lift Helicopters.
Tasmanian Air Tours.

Victoria – 4
Helicraft Academy.
Melbourne Helicopters Pty Ltd.
Professional Helicopter Services.
The Helicopter Group.

Western Australia - 3
Australian Helicopter Academy.
Corsair Helicopter Flight Training.
Heli West.

Theory schools, simulator centres and non-technical aviation course providers list is being prepared.

Not on the current list? Or you note a school that has closed, then please contact the author, Rob Rich, 0415 641 774 robsrich@bigpond.com.
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Re: Australian VTOL news

Postby rickshaw » Sat Mar 13 2021, 20:02

Tender: Aerial Application of Mosquito Control Product.
Turbine Helicopter. Closing 6 Apr 2021

Number - ITT2042. Released - Sat, 13 Mar 2021.
Closing - Tue, 6 Apr 2021, Brisbane, Queensland.


To our valued subscribers and helicopter operators,

If you need the complete suite of tender documents, please contact Rob at E: robsrich@bigpond.com. We have downloaded the list of publications from their website for you as the deadline is very close!

Kindest regards,

Rob Rich – Editor
Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific E-news & Board Room Briefings
E: robsrich@bigpond.com

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