Plane Crazy Down Under Podcast Por Southern Skies Media arte de portada

Plane Crazy Down Under

Plane Crazy Down Under

De: Southern Skies Media
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An aviation based podcast with an Australian/Pacific perspectiveCreativeCommons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0
Episodios
  • Australian Beechcraft Society's Pilot Proficiency Program 2026

    Australian Beechcraft Society's Pilot Proficiency Program 2026
    Feb 26 2026
    The Australian Beechcraft Society is holding their Pilot Proficiency Program for 2026 at Cowra from the 19th to 22nd of March, so if you own, fly or maintain Bonanzas and/or Barons, you're going to want to be there. There will be a comprehensive flying program, detailed maintenance reviews, and two days of presentations from specialists on the Bonanza and Baron, plus other speakers including Airservices, CASA, and Stralis Engineering.We caught up with representatives from the Australian Beechcraft Society along with two very experienced members of the American Bonanza Society who will be coming to Australia for the event. It's a great chat with something to learn even if you don't fly a Beechcraft.0:01:07 - We kick off the episode and oh wow, it's 2026 already. How did that happen?0:04:25 - We chat with Dave Porter and David Young from the Australian Beechcraft Society about their flying experience and how they became part of the Beechcraft world. The conversation includes how Textron Aviation now owns both Cessna and Beechcraft, an overview of the Society, and the importance of aircraft type clubs for operational and maintenance knowledge, plus lobbying with regulators on your behalf. We also touch on the range of Beechcraft types, including the aerobatic Bonanzas and T-34 Mentor, then discuss what to expect from the 2026 Pilot Proficiency Program, the importance of attending, and how to sign up for it.0:47:32 - We present a promotion for our latest podcast production: A History of the Future, then tell you a little about it.0:51:20 - We're joined by Bob Ripley & Tom Turner from the American Bonanza Society and, after the inevitable discussion about the weather, we talk about their backgrounds and aviation experience, the number of Bonanzas and Barons still flying, and the benefits the Society provides to members. We also talk about some of the things pilots and maintainers should be aware of with these aircraft and that there are specific items for not only different models, but also specific to serial number ranges. We wrap our chat by learning the specifics of what they're bringing to the Australian event, including a detailed walk-around specific to your aircraft's model and serial number, and what unique aspects they've identified about flying and maintaining these aircraft in Australia.1:30:26 - We talk briefly about Grant's trip to Singapore and introduce the next segment.1:32:24 - Grant talks with Jimmy Beeson, Textron's Vice President for Product Development, about identifying opportunities for updates and new developments, working with customers to assess their needs and obtain feedback on new ideas, the latest developments, and the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality when working with customers. The conversation also touches on Textron's recent closure of the Bonanza and Baron production lines, plus what to expect from the new Denali aircraft and when it's going to be in production.1:43:42 - We wrap up with summary of the Singapore Air Show, catching up with Brian Coleman while there, and then close out the episode.Links:Australian Beechcraft Society: abs.org.auABS PPP 2026: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFZSLrpE44American Bonanza Society: www.bonanza.orgTextron Aviation: txtav.comBeechcraft: beechcraft.txtav.comCessna: cessna.txtav.comA History of the Future: www.australiandefence.com.au/history-of-the-futureAustralian Defence Magazine: www.australiandefence.com.auSingapore Air Show: www.singaporeairshow.comCredits:Introduction voice over - Kevin HillierClosing credits - Terry DanielContact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com
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    1 h y 47 m
  • Talking E2 with Embraer & Virgin Australia

    Talking E2 with Embraer & Virgin Australia
    Oct 26 2025

    Many in Australia will have flown the Embraer E190 as there are a few flying here with Airnorth, Alliance Airlines (as QantasLink) and National Jet, plus the ones Virgin Australia used to operate back prior to COVID. The E190 and E195 include such wonderful features as large, well positioned windows (no bending down to look out horizontally), no middle seats, and good economics for the operators.

    The E190 and E195 are already impressive aircraft but Embraer have made them even better with their E2 versions, providing even more comfort and improved economics. It seems only fitting that Virgin Australia, in the form of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), are the first to operate the new E2s in Australian skies.

    This episode we talk to Embraer to learn more about the E2 and to VARA to learn why they selected it and how they're bringing the new airframe into operations.

    0:01:25 - We introduce the episode.

    0:03:49 - Raul Villaron, Vice President of Asia Pacific for Embraer Commercial Aviation joins us from Singapore to discuss all things E2. He explains the external differences between the original series and the E2s, the new technologies incorporated in their design, their improved passenger experience, and their operating economics that are allowing them to even replace older turboprops while also opening up routes that otherwise couldn't support a larger aircraft. Raul also provides a comparison of the E2s vs the Airbus A220 models, gives us an overview of the other E2 operators in the Asia/Pacific region, and talks about the support network already in place.

    0:32:31 - We introduce the next segment

    0:34:00 - Nathan Miller, Executive General Manager of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines in Western Australia steps us through VARA's need to replace its Fokker 100s, their assessment of available aircraft, and selection of the E190-E2. He also steps us through the unique aspects of operating Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) operations to the resources companies in Western Australia while also needing to cover airline operations, and the demands they place on aircraft in the region. We also get an insight to Nathan's love of aviation and his experiences when being on the delivery flight of the first aircraft, VH-E2A (how fitting is that rego? :) ).

    0:59:42 - We wrap up the episode and hint at what may be coming next.

    Links:

    • Maikha's video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheilffordd
    • Ben Jones' minature railway locomotive project https://www.facebook.com/buildingminiaturelocomotives

    Credits:

    • Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel: http://yourvoiceover.com.au
    • Episode artwork photo supplied by Embraer
    • Music tracks are "What You Wanted" and "Event Vibe" from Infraction via #InAudio https://inaudio.org/

    Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com
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    1 h y 5 m
  • Staying Cool at AusFly 2025

    Staying Cool at AusFly 2025
    Sep 23 2025
    It was a baking hot 42 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) under the scorching Australian sun when the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia held its AusFly 2025 event at Wentworth, New South Wales, during the middle of March. Grant was on the commentary team but Steve couldn't make it due to a scheduling conflict, so Grant recorded a stack of interviews at the event to give those who missed it a chance to catch up with the vendors and people who were there. There was camaraderie and enthusiasm despite the heat with the celebration of flying and the aviation community on display for everyone to enjoy. The interviews in this episode give a remarkable glimpse into the heart of Australia’s aviation scene, filled with lessons, laughter, and a shared love for the skies:0:04:33 - Matilda Mendham from the Freedom Formation talks about being the newest lady on the team, how she was introduced to flying, and her experiences so far in obtaining her license and subsequent ratings. She also covers her progression with the team from Smokey to now flying as Number Two on lead's right wing, along with the all important mantra: Fly good, don't suck!0:11:06 - Josh Larven from OzRunways' Customer Support team talks about new features, working with users, and the insights gained from watching people use the system. He also talks about the importance of developers learning to fly to help them appreciate how the system is used.0:18:22 - Every team needs a manager and Eddie Sieve holds down that role for the Freedom Formation while also flying as number three in the team's aerobatic element. He talks about how he got into flying, building his first aircraft, and discovering the Vans RV series of kit built aircraft. The discussion also includes how he obtained his aerobatic endorsement plus being with the Freedom Formation since it was just four them and they called themselves the Four Stooges (Grant did commentary for them at a number of their events). Eddie also tells us how the Freedom Formation wound up flying at the Pacific Air Show Gold Coast event in 2023, the fun they had at last year's event (pilot briefings were a favourite), what the team manager actually does, the importance of promoting the SAAA, and the team's sponsors who help make it all possible.0:35:59 - Paul McVitty from Flyleds talks us about the incredible landing light kits his company provides for home builders, especially those making RV series aircraft. His products are certainly bright, making Grant think he was back on a dance floor, while even air traffic controllers have commented on how far away they can see aircraft using his lights. Paul also explains how his products generate such intense light beams without wasting light, and the special versions designed for tailwheel configurations. 0:47:11 - FLTLT Larissa "Laz" Stephens originally thought that RAAF pilots were really smart, like astronauts, then she met one and immediately applied to join. Laz opens up about her career, her motivations behind pursuing aviation, and her experiences instructing on the PC-21. Larissa reflects on her journey from her first trial flight to now having flown multiple platforms, and what it's like teaching the next generation of pilots. She also talks about the aerobatic aircraft she owns with her husband and how much she enjoys the very different style of civilian flying as well as the military.0:58:29 - Ever thought about flying the P-51 Mustang? Chris Tulk and Frank Deeth get to do that and they were taking turns operating joy flights in VH-BOB, a Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation variant of the P-51D made in Melbourne back in 1947. The two share their extensive experiences with warbirds, military, airlines and general aviation. Chris recounts his diverse background in aviation, from his career flying military aircraft with the RAAF to the commercial airline sector and the beauty of flying historical planes. Frank reminisces about his early inspiration from his father who flew for the airlines, his passion for constructing home-built aircraft, and the unique opportunities he’s had flying various vintage airplanes, including the iconic Mustang and Spitfire.1:19:43 - It wouldn't be an airshow episode without chatting to Andrew Temby and Grant managed to grab a few minutes with him as he waited to refill his Extra 300 before flying home.Links:Sport Aircraft Association of Australia: saaa.asn.auAusFly: ausfly.com.auFreedom Formation: www.freedomformation.com.auOzRunways: www.ozrunways.comPacific Airshows Gold Coast: pacificairshowaus.comFlyLeds: flyleds.comRoyal Australian Air Force: www.airforce.gov.auMustang Joyflights in VH-BOB: mustangjoyflights.com.auCredits:Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel: http://yourvoiceover.com.auPost-production: Chris VisscherEpisode artwork photos were taken by GrantContact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com
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    1 h y 25 m
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