ICS Australasia PPP#27
The Australasian Tribe scheduled two Comanche Pilot Proficiency Program weekends in 2024
The first was scheduled for March and was to be held in Wentworth, bur events conspired against us and it had to be cancelled.
The second in Maryborough, QLD, is definitely going ahead!
Details for the PPP#27 at Maryborough. July 12-14 2024
Our PPP program is based upon the teachings of Larry Larkin (legendary US Comanche Instructor) adapted for Australian requirements. This course has also been adopted by the Comanche Flyer Foundation and is run regularly in both the US and Europe.
Led by experienced Comanche instructors and testing officers Tony Smith, David Miller and Nigel Wettenhall, the PPP weekend is a chance to immerse yourself in discussions and presentations on your Comanche’s Systems, Maintenance and how to fly your Comanche as enjoyably and safely as possible.
As well as a full day of ground seminars, attendees will have the opportunity to practice troubleshooting and emergency gear extensions on an Undercarriage System training aid.
The course is completed by undertaking a proficiency flight sequence with one of our instructors in your Comanche. This is not a flight review or test, but a chance to safely practice key techniques and gain confidence in your Comanche.
Anyone who is flying a Comanche (or contemplating flying one) is welcome to attend. You do not need to be an ICS member. If you are unsure of what the PPP is about or what value it can be of to you, feel free to send an email to chiefaus@comancheflyer.com.au with a contact number and one of the PPP Committee will call to answer your query.
I would like to thank QBE for once again sponsoring and supporting this Safety initiative and for the Maryborough and Monduran Aero Clubs for hosting us. I hope to see you at Maryborough.
FORMAT & SCHEDULE
From Friday July 5
Registered attendees will receive a registration pack by e-mail prior to the course. This pack identifies what you need to bring (particularly if participating in a proficiency flight) and includes a pre-course workbook that you should attempt to complete prior to attending.
Friday July 12
Aim to arrive by 2pm on Friday July 12 at Maryborough Airport (YMYB). The PPP will commence at 3pm with registrations and a briefing in the Maryborough Aero Club rooms.
Following this, we will transfer to the Carriers Arms Motel for dinner (and lots of Comanche talk).
Saturday July 13
Saturday morning starts with a 7:30am pick up at the motel with the seminars commencing at 8:15am. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided. The seminars will conclude by 5:30pm and transport back to the Motel will be provided. A group booking has been made at the White Lion Hotel Bistro for dinner.
Sunday July 14
Transportation will be provided to the airport from 7:30am. Sunday’s program consists of the proficiency flights (approx. 90 minutes each), continued practice of the emergency gear extension procedure and follow up discussions on Comanche Systems and Maintenance as required. Lunch will again be provided at the Aero Club.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Unfortunately, AVGAS is currently NOT available at Maryborough Airport. Pilots should aim to arrive with sufficient fuel to undertake the proficiency flight (minimum 2:30 on board) and to then proceed to their first refuelling point after the program.
ACCOMMODATION
Attendees are responsible for making their own accommodation bookings in Maryborough. To facilitate this, rooms have been reserved at the Carriers Arms Motel, 405 Alice Street, Maryborough QLD 4650; Phone: 07 4122 6670; Email: motel@carriersarms.com.au Web: www.carriersarms.com.au
Both Suites and Standard Plus rooms have been reserved and prices range from $125 to $131 per room (1 person) per night. The nightly cost for an extra person in the room is $15. Breakfast is available (extra) at the Motel.
Phone bookings are preferred and require name, address, mobile phone and payment card details.
Please identify yourself as attending the Comanche event to obtain the agreed room rates.
As this is a training weekend, no partner program has been organised though your partners are welcome to join us for the dinners.
PRICING
The course cost per attendee (whether flying or not) is $300.00 (Inc GST). This covers both the Flight and Ground School components, lunches and airport transfers. Breakfasts and both evening dinners are not included and are pay as you order. The course cost does not include any landing, parking or air navigation fees at Maryborough.
Pre-payment is required using the attached registration form as we have no facilities to accept payment on the weekend.
For ICS members, the club’s policy of refunding course costs for late cancellation due to unfavourable weather on departure or enroute applies.
INSURANCE BENEFIT
For those insured with QBE, the normal PPP insurance rebate is available to owners participating in both the ground and flight components. Please contact QBE or your broker to arrange. (Note that other aviation insurers will also honour this arrangement).
REGISTRATION
The registration process for the course is:
- Contact the carriers Arms Motel directly to book your accommodation (phone preferred: 07 4122 6670; Email: motel@carriersarms.com.au)
- Deposit the course fees by direct debit to the Tribe’s account: ICS Australasian Tribe, BSB 082 309, a/c 04-538-1169 using the reference YMYB and your name
- E-mail the completed registration form with your direct deposit receipt to chiefaus@comancheflyer.com.au. (
- Note: Registrations close Friday 17 July 2024
IMPORTANT HEALTH CONCERNS
We would like to try to avoid a repetition of outbreaks of covid and influenza that have occurred at previous fly-ins. Your Committee has therefore decided to require the following actions from all those planning to attend.
If you or any of your group have any cold or flu-like symptoms in the days prior to the fly-in, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND.
- Please do a RAT on the day prior to, and on the morning of departure to Wentworth. Only those with negative tests should attend.
- Should any of your group develop symptoms during the event, please isolate you and/or your group from the remaining parties and notify the organisers ASAP. We will endeavour to provide prompt advice and arrange for access to local care if needed.
Best regards,
David Miller
Tribe Chief, on behalf of the committee and the PPP team