Presidents Report – February 2023

Steve Nelson is holidaying overseas until the 7th of February and I have been asked to write this month’s news.

The Spring that wasn’t has suddenly, and happily, changed into a very aviation friendly Summer. This should give us all a great opportunity to catch up with our flying recency; an absolutely essential element for safe operations.

Speaking of Aviation Safety, three SACSA members attended the CASA AvSafety Pilot Seminar at Murray Bridge on the 19th of November. These briefings are very well presented (some light refreshments included) and we should all try to attend one in the coming months.   The 2023 seminars will focus on bad weather and VFR flying. Upcoming seminars are at Parafield 8th of February, Port Pirie 30th of April and Port Adelaide on the 1st of June; full details are on the CASA AvSafety website.  Aside from the physical presence seminars there is a wealth of online safety material on the AvSafety Pilot hub.

Staying with Commonwealth Government matters, the 50% rebate for the ADSB hardware is closing in May, or until funds are exhausted. Heather and I installed a SkyEcho 2 and I believe that it is a very worthwhile addition to situational awareness. A fairly straightforward device to setup, it interfaces with your EFB and displays participating aircraft.   Don’t miss out on getting something back from the tax man!

If you haven’t done so already, please pay your annual subscription for 2023.  Direct EFT to the Club bank account is the easiest way to renew. See renewal details below or on our website.

On the 18th of March we are running another Bunnings BBQ fundraiser at Windsor Gardens. The morning shift starts at 0830 and the afternoon starts at 1230. We are in need of another 5 volunteers, so if you can help, please contact Treasurer Greg Tabe via our website or Email Greg Tabe.

The RV Australia Association formed up in Echuca last year and decided to have the next flyin and AGM at Goolwa 24th-26th of March this year. A meeting to sort out logistics etc is planned for the 11th of February but it is likely that volunteers will be needed for marshalling aircraft, ground transport etc.  More details to follow but please put the dates into your diary at this stage.

Early planning is underway for the long club flyaway. This year the idea is to depart late in May or early in June and fly to White Cliffs, Birdsville, Mount Isa, Karumba, Horn (& Thursday) Islands, Cooktown, Undara, Shute Harbour, Bundaberg, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Cowra then home. If you are interested in joining this two and a half week trip please talk to Greg Tabe.

The next club meeting is on Wednesday the 8th of February at the West Adelaide Football Club starting at 1830 for dinner. Please book via the website.  Our guest speaker will be Josh Brown who will give us an introduction to the P8 Poseidon aircraft. Josh is an experienced RAAF pilot and has participated in the acquisition programme, including operating with the US Navy before commencing P8 operations at RAAF Edinburgh. Space at the WAFC is limited so please ensure that you book your spot on our website.

Safe flying,

John Siebert

Councillor