For obvious reasons, aircraft are built light and generally only incorporate a safety factor of an extra one-third above the maximum required design load — unlike a truck that has a safety factor of approximately ten times the maximum required design load. Operating an aircraft with a light load, off of smooth surfaces, using long […]

I had assumed that being editor of this magazine absolved me of any responsibility to write anything. However, the persuasion of one R. Shorrock sees me at the keyboard… I was fortunate enough to be asked by Alliance to do some work on their brand new three-bay hangar in Rockhampton once it was completed. It’s […]

On the Cessna 210 series, external hydraulic leaks (identified by red oil) have become increasingly common. These leaks often appear around or underneath the main landing gear (MLG) pivots. The hydraulic fluid could be from either the wheel brake system or the landing gear retraction system. To help determine the source, it’s important to regularly […]

For those members who were unable to attend the Launceston Fly-In and general meeting, this is a quick review of what was covered during the technical talk. We began with a review of recently issued FAA and CASA airworthiness directives (ADs) that may affect Cessna 200 series aircraft owners. 1. AD/CESS210/177 2023-02-17 – Carry Thru […]

Electric Trim Runaway, Strong Burning Smell, Smoke, or Fire in the Cockpit Once confirmed, immediate action is required: turn the aircraft’s main electrical master switch OFF. We all know where to find that switch quickly. This action isolates approximately 99% of the aircraft’s electrical power — the power supplied to the main and avionics bus […]

I would like to raise awareness of a few basic — but critical — facts that every pilot must keep in mind, especially when operating an aircraft below 500 feet AGL. Unfortunately, incidents caused by inattention or simply not being taught or reminded of these principles continue to occur just as frequently today — if […]