10,000 HOUR MILESTONE
Congratulations to our Head of Operations and Flight Examiner, Alex Poole, on reaching the remarkable milestone of 10,000 flight hours. Achieving this level of experience speaks volumes about Alex’s dedication, skill, and passion for aviation. Clocking 10,000 hours in the sky is no small feat—it requires years of disciplined flying, a deep commitment to safety, and a consistent focus on honing piloting skills.
Reaching 10,000 flight hours is not only a personal accomplishment but also an asset to Melbourne Heli, where Alex’s expertise and seasoned judgment enhance the safety and experience for everyone on board. His wealth of experience is invaluable to both colleagues and new pilots, who benefit from his insights and guidance. Alex’s journey serves as an inspiration within our team, reminding us all of the rewards that come with dedication to aviation. Congratulations again to Alex on this extraordinary achievement!
CASA Part 61 Plain English Guide
CASA has recently released the latest iteration of their Plain English Guide for Part 61 Flight Crew Licensing, specifically tailored for the helicopter category. This latest guide provides essential information for pilots and operators, covering licensing requirements, pathways, and the detailed competencies necessary for various helicopter operations. It serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand or update their knowledge of regulatory standards within the industry. We encourage everyone in our community to review this guide and ensure they’re up-to-date on the latest regulatory insights provided by CASA.
Student News
This month Rory Musinskas passed his Commercial Pilot License check ride with flying colours. With two examiners in the aircraft with him (our own Alex Poole being assessed as an examiner under the watchful eye of Nick McManus), Rory not only passed the requisite license requirements, but also obtained his low level rating at the same time. From all of us here at Melbourne Heli, we want to wish Rory a huge congratulations on this significant milestone.
Staff and Graduate News
In October Jason hit two significant milestones: the passing of his Grade 2 Flight Instructor Rating, and later his helicopter instrument rating. As Melbourne Heli’s newest Grade 2 instructor, Jason will now be able to exercise additional authorities when instructing, such as sending sending off students on their first solo, assessing knowledge deficiency reports, and operating with less supervision from more senior instructors. All of us have seen how hard Jason has worked towards these goals and wish him a hearty congratulations.
Do you have permission?
Obtaining landing permissions is a crucial responsibility for pilots. The En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) includes the PPR (Prior Permission Required) notation for specific airfields and landing sites, which serves as a critical reminder that pilots must secure authorisation before attempting to land. PPR requirements are typically in place to manage limited resources at an airfield, such as parking space, fuel, and other services, or to accommodate specific local procedures and restrictions, such as private property rights or environmental protections.
Adhering to PPR regulations reflects a pilot’s professionalism and commitment to aviation safety and respect for property. Landing without prior permission can disrupt scheduled operations, pose safety risks, and lead to potential legal consequences. By seeking and obtaining landing permissions, pilots contribute to the safe and efficient operation of airfields, help maintain positive relations with property owners, and prevent unintended conflicts with other airspace users. For pilots, understanding and respecting PPR requirements in the ERSA is essential, as it reinforces not only operational readiness but also the broader culture of safety and responsibility in aviation.
New Drip Trays
Students and other pilots may have noticed the six new black plastic drip trays that are around the hangar. In an effort to minimise oil mess, please include the proper placement of these trays under aircraft after completing your flight.
