Plane Crazy Down Under

Tyabb, Parafield, NatFly, Whew! :)

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:05:05 +0000

Steve wasn’t kidding when he said that “Autumn means Airshows” down here in Australia. We’ve been kept pretty busy lately with:

The Tyabb Airshow:Our full coverage of the show is in Episode 85 along with ATC Ben’s answers to a few interesting ATC questions. We’ve also just released Steven Pam’s excellent work producing our video . . . → Read More: Tyabb, Parafield, NatFly, Whew! :)

PCDU Episode 86: One Fine Day at Parafield

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:08:55 +0000

Thanks to OzRunways, Steve was able to get to Adelaide to cover the Parafield Airshow 2012. He & Bas recorded a number of interviews, including:

Chris Sperou
The Roulettes
Tammy Augostin
David Hales from 5DME

And much more, including Pieter Johnson's next "From Up Here to Down There" segment and an update from the B24 Liberator Restoration Project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 86: One Fine Day at Parafield

PCDU Episode 85: Tyabb Air Show 2012 & ATC Ben Answers Your Questions

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:22:41 +0000

After a long break from the show, Ben Ippolito (aka ATC Ben) returns in this packed episode to tell us about getting current again, wrap up the Tyabb airshow and answer some of your ATC questions. Our Tyabb coverage includes:

Matt Hall
Mark Pracy talking about the Reno crash
The formation & operation of the Southern Knights
ATC Ben talks about re-gaining proficiency and ATC Q&A session

We also introduce a new sponsor (OzRunways) and with lots of airshows coming up, we're looking for more :) . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 85: Tyabb Air Show 2012 & ATC Ben Answers Your Questions

Going to NatFly?

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:05:19 +0000

The Easter long weekend will once again see members of the Recreational Aviation Association making their way to Temora, NSW for the NatFly 2012 event. Once again we’ll be in attendance recording interviews with exhibitors, attendees and organisers so we can produce another episode packed full of great RA-Aus content (like we did last year . . . → Read More: Going to NatFly?

PCDU Episode 84: Geoff Whitty: Pidgin Tales

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:37:41 +0000

This episode we're joined by Kathy Mexted & her brother Geoff Whitty to talk about his adventures running aviation operations & airports in Papua New Guinea. We then talk to Tammy Augostin, the Promotion & Marketing Manager of the Parafield Airshow before featuring Anthony Crichton-Browne's chat with a Blackhawk pilot and Anthony Simmons' latest View from the Lounge segment. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 84: Geoff Whitty: Pidgin Tales

A Day at Tyabb

steve — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:20:04 +0000

Wanna know what the PCDU team was doing at the 2012 Tyabb Airshow??

Here’s a quick teaser……

Respect for the Replica Builders

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:08:44 +0000

Aviation has a rich & storied history with over 100 years separating our current complex, high speed & long range aircraft from those produced of wood, metal & fabric during our fledgling beginnings as we first pushed into the sphere of powered, heavier than air flight.

While grainy photos & stuttering films can try . . . → Read More: Respect for the Replica Builders

PCDU Episode 83: Replicate This!

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:29:26 +0000

This episode we dip into aviation's rich & storied history as we chat with a few replica builders who are working hard to preserve our access to our fledgling beginnings as we first pushed into the sphere of powered, heavier than air flight. (show title image supplied by Project 2014) This episode includes:

Bristol Military Boxkite flying replica being built by Geoff Matthews & Ron Gretton AM
BE2a static replica being built by Andrew Willox.
Richard Gardner, Charman of the Trustees at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust
Replica of Eugene Ely's Curtis Pusher by Bob Coolbaugh& Andrew King
The Barnstorming Movie with Paul Glenshaw & Andrew King followed by a chat with Paul about the Wright Brothers movie he has reassembled

. . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 83: Replicate This!

Yes, we are keeping up with Owen Zupp :)

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:42:34 +0000

We’re keeping up with Owen Zupp and so too can you by listening to Episode 82. Featuring a great chat with Owen about some of his latest projects, we also have a couple of great interviews Steve recorded in Mildura, a new segment from Pieter Johnson and more.

Episode 82's Cover Art

Click here . . . → Read More: Yes, we are keeping up with Owen Zupp :)

PCDU Episode 82: Keeping up with Owen Zupp

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:36:44 +0000

Our good friend Owen Zupp takes time out from his very busy schedule to hang out & chat with us about his new blog, flight testing the GA8 Airvan and much more. We also include chats with Ken Wright OAM from the RAAF 2OTU Museum and Noel Breetag at the RAAF Catalina Museum plus Pieter Johnson has a great chat with Paul Fowler about the Spitfire Project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 82: Keeping up with Owen Zupp

Are you keeping up with Owen’s blog?

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:10:43 +0000

We’ve had Owen Zupp on our show a number of times, including our next episode that’s due out in a week or so. Aside from flying airliners, Owen also flies light aircraft (including a Jabiru around Australia), writes books & articles and is a lot of fun to chat with.

If you’ve been following . . . → Read More: Are you keeping up with Owen’s blog?

Episode 81 – An Infrequent Flyer Goes To Europe

steve — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:27:33 +0000

Our first show for 2012 is hosted by Steve Visscher and Anthony Simmons. Anthony recently travelled to the United Kingdom where he attended the Imperial War Museum at Duxford on their final flying display for 2011. The theme centred around the Korean War, the aircraft that flew and the people that flew them. Anthony presents a . . . → Read More: Episode 81 – An Infrequent Flyer Goes To Europe

PCDU Episode 81: An Infrequent Flyer goes to Europe

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:18:52 +0000

There’s been a few delays in getting our first episode for 2012 out but what can you expect with the Summer heat to enjoy and games of Cricket to watch (or avoid :). It is with Cricket in mind that our very own Infrequent Flyer, Anthony Simmons, took some time out of his European adventures . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 81: An Infrequent Flyer goes to Europe

2012 Series Is About To Begin!

steve — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:53:58 +0000

Christmas and New years have come and gone and with the usual festivities over, the PCDU team are back on deck and preparing for an exciting year of podcasting.

Plans are being made for attending several local aviation events, including Natfly, Tyabb Air Show, and the Parafield Air Show. We have been already recorded . . . → Read More: 2012 Series Is About To Begin!

Episode 80 Now Available!

steve — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:42:57 +0000

As 2011 draws to a close, our final show for 2011 has gone live on the feed for you to enjoy. Farewell 2011 (Tom Cruise Wraps My Dolmades), is the 80th show in the series and our 30th show for the year.

Anthony “The Infrequent Flyer” Simmons joins us this time around as we cover . . . → Read More: Episode 80 Now Available!

PCDU Episode 80: Farewell 2011 (aka “Tom Cruise wraps my Dolmades” :)

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:49:15 +0000

All good things must come to an end and so too must the year 2011. It has been an amazing year of growth for PCDU as we’ve covered Avalon 2011, NatFly 2011 and Oshkosh 2011 along with a number of major events (eg: Qantas grounding) and added some new voices to the team. So as . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 80: Farewell 2011 (aka “Tom Cruise wraps my Dolmades” :)

PCDU Episode 79: Flying Low

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:50:07 +0000

Steve’s finally picked up his instructor’s rating although it’s in trains, not aircraft, but don’t worry, we’re not switching the show over to Train Crazy Down Under :)

Once again we’re joined by Kathy Mexted and this time we’re discussing what’s involved in being an Ag Pilot and how the industry has developed here in . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 79: Flying Low

PCDU and Aus Air Services Christmas Fly In – Tooradin Victoria – December 17th

steve — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:26:33 +0000

Come and join us on December 17th at Tooradin Airport (YTDN) as we dust off the mobile studio and have some fun with our friends at Aus Air Services

Grant, Steve and Anthony “The Infrequent Flyer” Simmons will be in attendance to record an episode of the show, assisted by . . . → Read More: PCDU and Aus Air Services Christmas Fly In – Tooradin Victoria – December 17th

We’re chatting with Tim Smith

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:35:15 +0000

In our latest episode (Tim Smith: Flying Saved My Life) we get to hang out with Melbourne comedian Tim Smith, recording an hilarious chat about his flying. A lot of fun and some great stories along with some serious & important points.

It’s also a relatively short episode, which after our previous one on the . . . → Read More: We’re chatting with Tim Smith

PCDU Episode 78: Tim Smith: Flying Saved My Life

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:18:28 +0000

Many people in Australia know of Tim Smith, a Melbourne comedian who’s worked on television and in radio for years. What many people don’t know is that Tim is a pilot who is working towards his goal of running charter operations taking people around Australia, visiting places many folks have never heard of let alone . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 78: Tim Smith: Flying Saved My Life

Dreamliner Visits Auckland

steve — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:34:40 +0000

The Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” is branching out further and further around the globe lately as the evaluation programme continues.

With the recent entry into service of the type with launch customer All Nippon Airways, interest has intensified in our region with Air New Zealand, QANTAS & Jetstar eagerly awaiting deliver of their airframes.

On Friday, . . . → Read More: Dreamliner Visits Auckland

PCDU Episode 77: Qantas Crisis: After the Grounding

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:35:41 +0000

Almost one year after the QF32 incident, Qantas is again in the news around the world and for a short time again appeared to be on the brink of a major disaster. At 5pm on Saturday the 29th of October, Alan Joyce (CEO of Qantas) announced that he & the board of directors had decided . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 77: Qantas Crisis: After the Grounding

Coverage of the Qantas Grounding, including an appearance on Al Jazeera

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:03:57 +0000

In response to the momentous news that Alan Joyce (CEO) and the board of directors at Qantas had decided to ground the entire airline on Saturday afternoon, Steve & Grant launched into gear to assemble a broad collection of interviews & discussions about the event. The result is a hefty 2 hour, 15 minute episode . . . → Read More: Coverage of the Qantas Grounding, including an appearance on Al Jazeera

PCDU Episode 76: Air Wilpena

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:48:17 +0000

A few episodes ago we introduced Kathy Mexted as a new member our group of occasional PCDU contributors and this episode she’s back with some great content. She recently took a few friends in a Bonanza out to Wilpena Pound in South Australia, a trip that would usually take many days to achieve by road . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 76: Air Wilpena

PCDU Episode 75: Talking Aerobatics with Anthony Crichton-Browne

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:43:57 +0000

Today we’re joined by Anthony Crichton-Browne, a commercial airline pilot who also likes to take his Pitts Special out for a spin (and a few other fun manoeuvres :) In addition to chatting with Anthony, we also run a chat with Grant Piper (President of the Australian Aerobatic Club) about Australia’s recent involvement in the . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 75: Talking Aerobatics with Anthony Crichton-Browne

Plane Crazy Down Under – Out and About!

steve — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:11:25 +0000

The team with the mobile studio at Coldstream

Not all PCDU material is recorded in the studio and over Skype. We also get out and about in the aviation community with our mobile studio. We can attend your aviation event to record interviews or entire shows, provide commentary, or entertain your guests with pre recorded . . . → Read More: Plane Crazy Down Under – Out and About!

PCDU Episode 74: Kiwi User Fees … and other issues

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:53:02 +0000

We’re joined by our mate Dan Morris from New Zealand to discuss some news from the Land of the Long White Cloud. Topics include:

Air Traffic Control in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake, especially the problems they encountered due to centralising all area controllers in one location How user fees in New Zealand have . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 74: Kiwi User Fees … and other issues

PCDU Episode 73: Oshkosh: The Greatest Show on Earth

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:12:26 +0000

Today Steve & Grant are chatting with Bas Scheffers, reviewing their experiences at EAA‘s AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. We talk about the long haul across the Pacific via V Australia 777 and Qantas A380, arriving in Chicago on their hottest day in 10 years and then hanging out with Rob Mark, his family and his ever . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 73: Oshkosh: The Greatest Show on Earth

PCDU Episode 72: Oshcast #3 – Hugging your Roo

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:47:02 +0000

As all good things must come to an end, so too must our time at Oshkosh 2011. It’s been an incredible event for us and an eye-opener to just how large this Mecca of all things aviation truly is. With our final day at the show, we’ve produced a chunky episode packed full of *some* . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 72: Oshcast #3 – Hugging your Roo

PCDU Episode 71: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #2

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:28:05 +0000

We’re still here at Oshkosh and working hard despite heat, humidity, rain, storms and sore feet. There’s something about being at the greatest aviation event in the world & surrounded by over 10,000 aircraft that makes all those hassles fade away :)

While the only way to really appreciate & experience Oshkosh is to be . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 71: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #2

PCDU Episode 70: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #1

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:01:43 +0000

Steve & Grant are at Oshkosh along with Bas Scheffers, David Vanderhoof and a large number of other aviation podcasters, swimming in the sea of aviation that is AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. Grant & Bas have been here since Saturday while Steve & David arrived on Sunday. We’ve recorded with the Airplane Geeks, producing an episode . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 70: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #1

Our Oshkosh 2011 Coverage (Oshcasts 1, 2 & 3 and Beyond)

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:04:08 +0000

AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 was an incredible experience for the team from PCDU, one that we’re all still getting over. There was so much to do & see and so many wonderful people to meet, naturally we weren’t able to do all we would have liked to. One of the tasks we had that fell by . . . → Read More: Our Oshkosh 2011 Coverage (Oshcasts 1, 2 & 3 and Beyond)

PCDU Episode 69: Carbonated

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:16:11 +0000

Ben Morgan from Aviation Advertiser returns to join us in a discussion of current events in the Australian aviation scene. Following a quick intro, the first topic we discuss is the Carbon Tax our government is proposing to implement. We do try to keep the discussion coming back to the impacts this tax is . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 69: Carbonated

What do you want from Oshkosh 2011?

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:19:22 +0000

It is our intention to cover Oshkosh from a “down under” perspective to the best of our ability. We’ll be looking for the Aussie/Kiwi angle from attendees to volunteers to businesses to government agencies. We plan to produce three episodes during the week of the show and provide constant coverage on our home page, at . . . → Read More: What do you want from Oshkosh 2011?

PCDU Episode 68: Flyabout to Memory Lane

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:18:44 +0000

We open this episode having a chat with James Williams of the LifeStyle PodNetwork, Australia’s global podcast network. We are very happy to announce that we’ve been invited to join and we talk with James about the network, why they invited us to join and what it means to be a part of their community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 68: Flyabout to Memory Lane

We’re going to Oshkosh 2011!

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:55:03 +0000

As announced in our latest episode (Episode 67: Team Pracy: Racing, JetRides & Aircraft Imports), Steve & Grant will be going to Oshkosh 2011. YAY!!!! :)

Thanks to a generous offer from Team Pracy (see JetRide Australia, Aircraft Imports and Pracy Racing), we’re going to be at Oshkosh 2011 for the whole week. We’re also . . . → Read More: We’re going to Oshkosh 2011!

PCDU Episode 67: Team Pracy: Racing, JetRides & Aircraft Imports

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:27:52 +0000

We’re joined by Mark Pracy Sr and Mark Pracy Jr to talk about the many aviation endeavours they’re involved in, including JetRide Australia, Pracy Racing and Aircraft Imports. We also have Bas Scheffers sitting in from Adelaide for the interview as well as a fantastic announcement to make towards the end of the show :)

PCDU Episode 66: That Wasn’t in the Script!

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:16:39 +0000

It’s been a while since we got down & dirty with the Australian commercial airline scene so with that in mind, we called up Ben Sandlilands from the PlaneTalking blog on Crikey.com.au for a chat. There’s some amazing developments going on in the “big iron” side of people moving here in Australia and we went . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 66: That Wasn’t in the Script!

PCDU Episode 65: Innovative Ideas

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:43:00 +0000

There’s no denying that aviation has been the home of many innovative ideas when it comes to aerodynamics, systems and so on. Sometimes we even get to hear about innovation in many of the business & training aspects of aviation and this episode is bringing us a few of them, from new ways to bring . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 65: Innovative Ideas

PCDU Episode 64: Dick Smith – Setting it Straight

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:04:43 +0000

We are fortunate to have Dick Smith return to PCDU, joining us to discuss his views on Australia’s aviation environment. We talk about his time as chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and then his return as chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. He mentions some of the initiatives he started that worked as . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 64: Dick Smith – Setting it Straight

Video 001: Steve’s Flight in JetRide’s L39

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:45:19 +0000

Here’s a quick teaser video of Steve’s flight in JetRide’s L39 down at Tooradin airport recently. We’re still working on the full “Adventure Flights” video so this one’s a bit of a teaser and a test of putting videos in our feed.

Let us know how it works for you. Do you want videos in . . . → Read More: Video 001: Steve’s Flight in JetRide’s L39

Talk to me, Goose!

steve — Sat, 07 May 2011 09:33:45 +0000

Yee hah! Jester's dead!

Steve scored a ride in an L39 Albatros with Mark Pracy from Jetride Australia, flying from Tooradin airport (YTDN) in the south east of Melbourne. Mark ran them through a combination of horizontal & vertical manoeuvres during which Steve experienced a sustained peak of 5G's. Best of all, he didn't even . . . → Read More: Talk to me, Goose!

PCDU Episode 63: RA-Aus NatFly 2011

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:37:05 +0000

Every year at Easter, Recreational Aviation Australia holds its National Fly In (NatFly). This is an event where RA-Aus members, vendors & interested folks come to meet, attend workshops, review vendor offerings, undertake test flights and show off their aircraft. Aircraft range from powered parachutes & ultralights through to home builds and the latest sport . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 63: RA-Aus NatFly 2011

PCDU Episode 62: Advertising Advocacy

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:48:53 +0000

Aviation in Australia is experiencing a difficult time and General Aviation is especially being hit hard. User fees are continuing to increase, rules are being changed and airports are being shutdown or reduced in size due to encroachment by non-aviation construction. We’re joined in this episode by Ben Morgan from Aviation Advertiser to discuss these . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 62: Advertising Advocacy

RAAF Air Pilgrimage at Point Cook

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:25:39 +0000

On March 31st the RAAF Air Pilgrimage fleet arrived at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook after spending three days flying from Temora to Tocumwal to Ballarat and then to Pt Cook. Celebrating the 90th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the flight consisted of warbirds, antiques and GA Aircraft. We were onsite . . . → Read More: RAAF Air Pilgrimage at Point Cook

PCDU Episode 61: The Great Pilgrimage

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:19:30 +0000

Most people interested or involved in aviation have a special love for warbirds and antique aircraft and we at PCDU are certainly no exception. This episode features a number of interviews with pilots of Warbirds & antique aircraft that were recorded at Avalon Airshow and at Point Cook when the RAAF Pilgrimage arrived.

The RAAF . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 61: The Great Pilgrimage

PCDU Episode 60: Now the Party’s Over

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:14:59 +0000

The Australian International Airshow (aka Avalon 2011) is over but the show must go on. We have mountains of content from Avalon 2011 in addition to the interviews we released in each of our daily episodes.

Yes, that’s right: If you haven’t downloaded & listened to each of the daily episodes then you should stop . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 60: Now the Party’s Over

PCDU Episode 59: Avalon Not-So Quick Cast #6

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:44:45 +0000

We’ve made it to the end of day 6 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011). It’s the final day of the airshow and once again Team PCDU have been flat out interviewing, editing and generally having fun. We’ve spent some time chatting with the crew of a KC-135 . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 59: Avalon Not-So Quick Cast #6

PCDU Episode 58: Avalon Quick Cast #5

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 12:56:32 +0000

It’s day 5 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and it’s the first whole day open to the general public. The PCDU team have had one of the most amazing days of their lives with time in the venerable B52, getting up close & personal with the Wedgetail, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 58: Avalon Quick Cast #5

PCDU Episode 57: Avalon Quick Cast #4

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:59:43 +0000

We’re up to day 4 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and the general public are arriving as of today. The PCDU team are pushing through more interviews, catching up with old friends and meeting listeners. The content we selected for this Quick Cast includes:

An interview with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 57: Avalon Quick Cast #4

PCDU Episode 56: Avalon Quick Cast #3

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:32:12 +0000

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. On the third day of the show we have been particularly busy interviewing aircrew, maintainers and other folks on site, frequently while . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 56: Avalon Quick Cast #3

PCDU Episode 55: Avalon Quick Cast #2

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:56:09 +0000

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. Today was our second day at the airshow and we spent lots of time recording new content and arranging more interviews for . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 55: Avalon Quick Cast #2

Avalon “Not So” Quick Casts Are Here

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:52:11 +0000

Team PCDU are at the Avalon International Airshow (#Avalon11) and we’re putting out a daily Quick Cast episode with interviews & information gathered that day during the show.

March 1st: Day 1:

Brendan Nelson – past Defence Minister Mark Robinson & Martin Hoffensetz from SAAB – Remote Tower system Peter Dow from TVSA Pilot . . . → Read More: Avalon “Not So” Quick Casts Are Here

PCDU Episode 54: Avalon Quick Cast #1

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:47:24 +0000

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. Today was our first day at the airshow and while much of it was spent meeting people & setting up our schedule . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 54: Avalon Quick Cast #1

PCDU Episode 53: A Ditch, Some Dutch & De-Icing

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:37:32 +0000

Steve & Grant are joined once again by Bas Scheffers from Adelaide to discuss a few items, including:

A follow up to the ADSB discussion we had with Bill Hamilton back in episode 48 A discussion of the iPhone/iPad application Bas & a partner have been developing called OzRunways covering what it does & how . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 53: A Ditch, Some Dutch & De-Icing

Avalon Airshow is around the corner!

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:45:11 +0000

With Avalon Airshow about to present us with a broad range of aviation this March, we thought it would be a great idea to give you a history of the show. Who better to provide this than the man who’s been with the show since before it even began?

Check out Episode 52: The . . . → Read More: Avalon Airshow is around the corner!

PCDU Episode 52: The Misty Dawn of Avalon

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:29:43 +0000

Every two years Avalon Airport is the home to one of the biggest airshows & aviation expositions in the Southern Hemisphere (the biggest, according to many). One of Australia’s premier aviation events, Avalon Airshow (also known as the Australian International Airshow) draws aircraft from around the world and attracts scores of people from the general . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 52: The Misty Dawn of Avalon

PCDU Episode 51: Pig Out!

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:27:21 +0000

In November 2010 the PCDU team were invited to attend the Media Day at RAAF Amberley where members of 6 Squadron were gathered to give us one final look at the F111 before it was retired from service. We have gathered the interviews we recorded during the Media Day and combined them with a couple . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 51: Pig Out!

Our Tribute Episode to the F111 is out!

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:40:36 +0000

Steve & Grant standing behind F111C, A8-134

Our F111 Tribute Episode (Episode 51: Pig Out!) has been released and is getting great reviews. It’s packed with awesome content from our visit to RAAF Amberley and covers pilots, maintainers and simulator staff as well as a speach by the CO.

(Click on the image to view . . . → Read More: Our Tribute Episode to the F111 is out!

PCDU Episode 50: Farewell 2010

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:01:38 +0000

As the final hours of 2010 pass by and the year draws to a close, we release our 50th episode with a mix of annual review, Christmas greetings and a new experiment. In conjunction with a live video stream of the proceedings, we gathered Steve, Grant, Anthony and Ben in the recording studio to attempt . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 50: Farewell 2010

PCDU Episode 49: Hovering Matilda

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:30:33 +0000

Rosemary Arnold learned to fly fixed wing in the early 60s then converted helicopters in the mid-60′s, becoming the first woman in Australia to receive a helicopter pilot’s license. From operating her own helicopter business in Australia to flying in locations around the world, Rosemary has had an extensive career in aviation. She has also . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 49: Hovering Matilda

PCDU Episode 48: ADS-B: C’est un pétard! – with Bill Hamilton

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 03:13:51 +0000

While the technology behind ADS-B is nothing new, it is becoming the centerpiece of modern Air Traffic Management systems around the world. Unfortunately, CASA is once again taking a global concept and creating an entirely unique Australian implementation of it.

According to CASA’s Discussion Paper (DP) 1006AS Proposed Strategy and Regulatory Plan in support of . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 48: ADS-B: C’est un pétard! – with Bill Hamilton

PCDU Episode 47: Bull Me!

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:15:55 +0000

The 2010 RedBull AirRace season was exciting, eventful and disappointing all at once. From Adilson Kindleman’s crash in Perth to Hannes Arch’s pylon hit and Matt Hall’s “walk on water” incident, G-Stalls were everywhere. Then came the news that the last two races were cancelled and, finally, that the whole 2011 season was cancelled. As . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 47: Bull Me!

Flight City B777 Simulator Session – We Have a Winner

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:11:15 +0000

Thanks to the folks at Flight City Simulation Centre in Perth, we have been able to give away a one hour flight session in their Boeing 777 simulator to give away, valued at $275. Of the many people who correctly recognised that the airline jingle belonged to “Australian Airlines,” Graham Neal was the lucky winner.

. . . → Read More: Flight City B777 Simulator Session – We Have a Winner

PCDU Episode 46: Qantas A380 incident – from the Ground Up

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:02:12 +0000

On November 4th, 2010 Qantas A380 VH-OQA (“Nancy Bird Walton”) was operating flight QF32 from Singapore to Sydney. During the climb out from Singapore, the number 2 Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine’s Intermediate Pressure Turbine appears to have failed and flown apart, sending bits through the aircraft’s wing in multiple locations and raining debris down . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 46: Qantas A380 incident – from the Ground Up

Competition: 777 Flight Simulator Session

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 04:31:43 +0000

Thanks to the folks at Flight City Simulation Centre in Perth, we have a one hour flight session in their Boeing 777 simulator to give away, valued at $275. All you have to do to win is listen to PCDU Episode 45 where we play a jingle that belonged to an Airline over here.

Have . . . → Read More: Competition: 777 Flight Simulator Session

PCDU team are appearing beyond their own podcast

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:25:07 +0000

Some of you may be aware that the Plane Crazy Down Under team can be found beyond the bounds of the PCDU podcast. In addition to venturing out of the studio to attend events and record interviews, we’re also occasionally appearing in print (yes, print!) and other forms of recorded history.

Most of you may . . . → Read More: PCDU team are appearing beyond their own podcast

PCDU Episode 45: Keeping it to Scale

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:29:50 +0000

It’s been a while since our last episode but at last we’re able to present our latest update with some more great content. First up, Matt Hall joins us once again to look back on his 2010 RedBull AirRace season, discuss the lessons he’s learned and give us his thoughts about 2011 & beyond.

Next . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 45: Keeping it to Scale

PCDU Episode 44: Hannes, Bas and the Rhino

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 06:25:44 +0000

In an effort to reassure you that we’re not trying to cut any corners as we build towards our 50th episode, this episode comes in at over 2 hours in length (our longest ever, in fact). It’s jam packed with great content, including:

A chat with Bas Scheffers about:

The impact of the Class D . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 44: Hannes, Bas and the Rhino

Oshkosh Podapalooza 2010

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:38:49 +0000

We never made it to the Podapalooza event at Oshkosh 2010 although we did try and a recording of our attempt was played for everyone there. As many of you may know, a recording of the entire event was capture and has been circulated on a few of the podcasts that were there. In each . . . → Read More: Oshkosh Podapalooza 2010

PCDU Episode 43: Back to the Air Show

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 17:48:06 +0000

Back in March we attended the Centenary Air Show at Melton airport near Diggers Rest (a short drive from Melbourne). In addition to being a great air show that celebrated 100 years of powered flight in Australia, this was also the first event where we had media passes. We recorded lots of great interviews, caught . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 43: Back to the Air Show

PCDU Episode 42: Wings Down Under

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:35:16 +0000

This episode we’re joined by Will Horton from the Wings Down Under blog to chat about recent aviation news items. We also have Anthony Simmons returning for another View from the Lounge segment and a chat with Damien Rose about his flight training up in Toowoomba. The episode wraps up with some listener mail and . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 42: Wings Down Under

PCDU Episode 41: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #3: Comments on the Greens & Labor’s White Paper

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:46:38 +0000

In our third & final Election QuickCast, we take a look at the published transportation policies from the The Greens and the Labor Party’s “Aviation White Paper.” Sadly, Christine Milne from the Greens and Anthony Albanese from Labor were unable to accommodate us in their busy schedules. Both groups have indicated that they’ll be happy . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 41: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #3: Comments on the Greens & Labor’s White Paper

PCDU Episode 40: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #2: Ken Hill & Tim Sheen

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:52:16 +0000

Australians are about to go to the election booths on Saturday 21st August so we’re working to bring our listeners information about the aviation policies of the various political parties. We’re not trying to tell you how to vote, just doing our bit to raise awareness of the importance of aviation within the political community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 40: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #2: Ken Hill & Tim Sheen

PCDU Episode 39: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #1: Warren Truss

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:59:49 +0000

Australians are about to go to the election booths on Saturday 21st August so we’re working to bring our listeners information about the aviation policies of the various political parties. We’re not trying to tell you how to vote, just doing our bit to raise awareness of the importance of aviation within the political community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 39: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #1: Warren Truss

PCDU Episode 38: Dick Smith: Around the World in Many Ways

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:24:53 +0000

Dick Smith is an entrepreneur well known to most Australians, ranging from the country wide chain of Dick Smith Electronics stores he created to Dick Smith Foods and Australian Geographic.

Another very important aspect of Dick’s life has revolved around aviation. In addition to owning & flying his own aeroplanes & helicopters, he has . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 38: Dick Smith: Around the World in Many Ways

The new look site

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:14:12 +0000

We’ve revamped the site layout yet again with the aim of making it easier to find information and important stuff. Mostly this is handled via the menu bar across the upper part of the page (About Us, You can Help Us, etc) but also by putting some more white space in the design to make . . . → Read More: The new look site

We tried to get to Oshkosh 2010

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:37:03 +0000

Air Venture: Oshkosh is the place to be if you’re into aviation. There’s something for everyone from home builts to military to warbirds to commercial to seaplanes to antiques to balloons and everything else imaginable. If you love aviation, you have to get to Oshkosh.

For the past four years a group of aviation podcasters . . . → Read More: We tried to get to Oshkosh 2010

PCDU Episode 37: It’s “Flight Attendant,” Grant

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:51:01 +0000

It seems that Grant has always had troubles with the label “Flight Attendant” ever since his sister joined Australian Airlines and mistakenly told him she would be a “Trolley Dolly.” Ooops :)

In this episode we’re joined by Janene Murdoch, Tania Tracey and Amelia Kelly. Janene used to be a flight attendant with Ansett in . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 37: It’s “Flight Attendant,” Grant

PCDU Episode 36: Incidentally, Matt…

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:01:32 +0000

Most of you will have already seen Matt Hall’s splash on the river at Windsor back in June. Then he was denied a go at racing in New York, to which he responded very diplomatically, which in turn taught some of us how to “take our lumps.”

This episode we have a good chat with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 36: Incidentally, Matt…

PCDU Episode 35: Perseverance & Persistence

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:15:20 +0000

These days it’s quite common to find ladies in command of commercial airliners, bizjets and combat aircraft. Thirty years ago, however, this was certainly not the case here in Australia and a female required a stubborn streak & thick skin to push through and gain acceptance in a very male dominated world.

While the situation . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 35: Perseverance & Persistence

PCDU Episode 34: Arching over the Swamp

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 06:32:23 +0000

This episode we feature an interview with Hannes Arch, the Austrian Red Bull champion in 2008 who came second in 2009 and is currently second on points for 2010. We have a great chat with Hannes about his involvement in extreme sports, his love of flying and his approach to the Red Bull racing world.

. . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 34: Arching over the Swamp

Introducing PCDU Commentary

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:34:31 +0000

We’ve set up a blog where Steve & I can post our opinionated observations & commentary on the aviation scene down under. We still have our personal blogs (Grant’s is Fly Me Friendly and Steve’s is AusFlier) but they’re more for our own flying adventures.

So check out PCDU Commentary and add your thoughts . . . → Read More: Introducing PCDU Commentary

1000 Downloads for Episode 1

steve — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:28:18 +0000

Some time over the past few days, our fledgling episode number 1, “And so it begins” has crossed the 1000 downloads mark! This surely is cause for a small measure of celebration, considering that in it’s first week, we were pretty happy to see it hit 40 downloads. Over the following few weeks, it struggled . . . → Read More: 1000 Downloads for Episode 1

PCDU Episode 33: Four Degrees of Separation from Ben Sandilands

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:02:43 +0000

In this episode we join noted aviation journalist Ben Sandilands from Plane Talking to review the latest news & information. When we called Ben, he was experiencing a heat wave of 11 degrees Celsius at his home in the mountains near Canberra. Meanwhile, here in Melbourne we were thinking winter was upon us as the . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 33: Four Degrees of Separation from Ben Sandilands

Open Day at Tooradin this coming Saturday

steve — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:04:08 +0000

The flying school at Tooradin, just south east of Melbourne, is back in action! After a few quiet years, the school has been bought by Aus Air Services who have quickly set about restoring an operational status. Steve & Grant ventured out the Tooradin and recorded a quick interview during which we discovered that an . . . → Read More: Open Day at Tooradin this coming Saturday

Grant & Steve help out with the Airplane Geeks

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:20:41 +0000

Grant & Steve produce a weekly “Australia Desk” segment for the Airplane Geeks podcast that provides some news & information from down under. It’s usually presented with a bit of a cheeky theme and makes use of Steve’s extensive sound effect library. That’s the usual process and we have a blast doing it for the . . . → Read More: Grant & Steve help out with the Airplane Geeks

PCDU Episode 32: Switch to Plan Delta

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 13 May 2010 04:41:44 +0000

This episode features a discussion with Peter Gibson, the manager of corporate communications at CASA. He’s joined us to explain the airspace changes that will come into effect on June 3rd, changes which will impact Class D, see the transition of GAAP to Class D and introduce the mandatory carriage of radios at all certified, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 32: Switch to Plan Delta

Catching up with Owen Zupp at Point Cook

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:30:59 +0000

Owen Zupp will be arriving at Point Cook on Sunday the 16th by about 12:30 so he can be on the ground before the RAAF Museum’s 1pm flying display starts. We’re going to be on site to meet up with him and watch the display.

If any of you are in Melbourne then come on . . . → Read More: Catching up with Owen Zupp at Point Cook

Two Great Journeys are Under Way

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:57:30 +0000

Owen Zupp is half way around his There and Back Australian tour, raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Flying a Jabiru J230, Owen’s trying to raise $10,000 in donations to the RFDS so go to his site and “give a dollar to the doctor.”

Meanwhile, Ken Evers and Tim Pryse have left Australia . . . → Read More: Two Great Journeys are Under Way

PCDU Episode 31: Red Bull all The Way

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:01:56 +0000

The Red Bull Air Race came back to Perth this year and Steve was there, flexing his newly minted press credentials and discovering the amazing world of the Red Bull media centre. Sadly, Grant was working in Indonesia and so couldn’t be there to help hang out, rub shoulders with the stars and quaff a . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 31: Red Bull all The Way

PCDU Episode 30: Antarctica: The Last True Wilderness

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:55:45 +0000

The first aircraft to be used in Antarctica was Henry Mawson’s Vickers REP monoplane. Sadly, it had been damaged in Australia before arriving in Antarctica and was used as an “air tractor” to pull sleds. Even that didn’t work out and it was dumped, eventually being found again only recently.

Given that inauspicious start, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 30: Antarctica: The Last True Wilderness

If only I could do this…

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:50:27 +0000

How cool would it be if the seat selection process at the check-in kiosk system allowed you to do this:

XKCD's "Seat Selection" cartoon

If you like the cartoon, send an email to orders@xkcd.com and ask them to add #726 to the list of signed comic prints that are available to purchase. Heck, even . . . → Read More: If only I could do this…

PCDU on Sun n Fun Radio

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:57:17 +0000

Thanks to Stephen Force (aka Steve Tupper) of the Airspeed podcast, we were invited to appear on a special “Aviation Podcasters” event being held on Sun N Fun Radio at the Sun N Fun air show. We were on first and, given the joys of timezones, it meant an early morning start for us to . . . → Read More: PCDU on Sun n Fun Radio

Pending GAAP to Class D conversion

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:17:35 +0000

In June of this year, Australia’s General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) airports are going to convert a US FAA based Class D airspace. We’re trying to arrange an episode dedicated to this topic before June but meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have arranged a number of workshops around the country for pilots to . . . → Read More: Pending GAAP to Class D conversion

Who’s going to the Red Bull Air Race in Perth?

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:07:51 +0000

If any of you are going to the Red Bull Air Race in Perth, let us know so we can arrange a meet up (or tweet-up if you’re so inclined :) Steve’s got media accreditation and will be taking photos & recording interviews with the pilots, their teams and the race organisers.

Sadly, Grant’s . . . → Read More: Who’s going to the Red Bull Air Race in Perth?

PCDU Episode 29: What’s in a Checklist?

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:21:35 +0000

Some in-cockpit audio provided by a listener triggered a discussion on the differences in pre-landing checklists (GUMPS vs BUMFTH vs BUMFOH vs whatever). All of Grant’s aviation books & manuals are still in boxes after moving house so he had to rely on his memory with predictable results. Talk about incentive to go out and . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 29: What’s in a Checklist?

PCDU Episode 28: Save the Liberator

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:28:19 +0000

The B24 Liberator was the most produced heavy bomber of World War 2 and saw service in all theaters of the war. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew B24s along side those of the USAAF, based in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. These aircraft flew long range missions of many hours duration, typically . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 28: Save the Liberator

Meetup at the Centenary of Powered Flight Airshow

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:14:10 +0000

The Centenary Air Show is being held this Saturday (20th March) at Diggers Rest near Melbourne. The air show is being held to celebrate 100 years of controlled powered flight in Australia and will feature flying & static displays along with other entertainment and attractions.

Naturally we will both be there which no doubt means . . . → Read More: Meetup at the Centenary of Powered Flight Airshow

PCDU Episode 27: Trans World Adventures

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:09:34 +0000

The common theme in this episode is about going around the world, first by bringing Saj Ahmad (Fleetbuzz Editorial) in the UK and Ben Sandilands (Plane Talking) in Australia together to talk about financial reports from QANTAS, Virgin & Tiger plus general discussions about airlines in Australia, past, present & future.

We then chat with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 27: Trans World Adventures

Meet up at Point Cook Air Pageant

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:09:43 +0000

If you’re going to the RAAF Museum’s Point Cook Air Pageant this weekend (Feb 28th) then post a comment here or send a tweet to @PCDU, @Falcon124 or @SteveVisscher to let us know. We’ll try and organise a meet up somewhere before the show starts depending on who’s around and what interview slots we manage . . . → Read More: Meet up at Point Cook Air Pageant

PCDU Episode 26: Enjoying the Views

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:24:39 +0000

You can always count on this podcast to have some interesting, opinionated and, occasionally, diverse points of view. This episode really brings them all and (bonus!) includes a whole new view as we introduce Anthony Simmons and the “View from the Lounge” segment for your listening pleasure.

We’ve also got another great discussion with Owen . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 26: Enjoying the Views

The Jetstarisation of QANTAS is not over yet

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:00:49 +0000

Thanks to an opportunity presented by Shashank Nigam, Grant’s just had an article about the ongoing Jetstarisation of QANTAS published on Shashank’s Simpliflying site.

It provides a background on the birth of Jetstar, its growth to date and how it is destined to consume more of QANTAS’ mainline routes & aircraft. Head on over to . . . → Read More: The Jetstarisation of QANTAS is not over yet

So you want to help?

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:17:43 +0000

Are you one of the many people who have been enjoying this podcast and want to help ensure it grows and continues into the future? Well, we certainly appreciate your intent and would like to work with you to make it happen (funny that :)

Here are three great ways that you can help us . . . → Read More: So you want to help?

PCDU Episode 25: Fan Boys

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:14:09 +0000

Yes, Steve & Grant are Fan Boys (big Fan Boys, in fact :) and this episode we demonstrate it once again by interviewing Matt Hall and hanging out with some more fans at the Flight Experience Melbourne Facebook fan page open night in their 737 flight simulator. Seems we’re not the only ones who think . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 25: Fan Boys

PCDU Episode 24: Misuse of Accents

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:06:19 +0000

Despite the annoying habit of our “day jobs” and families encroaching into our PCDU time, we’ve finally managed to get some time to record an episode. Steve even managed a marathon effort of post production to edit a coherent episode from our opinionated news discussion and an interview with Saj Ahmad. Go Steve! :)

Despite . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 24: Misuse of Accents

Ten minutes of fame in a 737 Simulator?

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:35:10 +0000

The crew at Flight Experience Melbourne are having an Open Night on the 27th January and we’re going along. They’re giving away 10 minute sessions in their 737 sim to the first 20 people in the door (need to register before hand).

We’re going to be there to interview people for a future episode as . . . → Read More: Ten minutes of fame in a 737 Simulator?

PCDU Episode 23: Australia: A TSA free zone (for now)

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:53:35 +0000

Even down here in Australia we’re being impacted by the out-of-control antics of the TSA, so what the heck, we’ll have a bit of a c’est la vent moment about it. We also have our usual opinionated discussion on some other news items and chat with Shashank Nigam from SimpliFlying.

Here’s how the show proceeds:

. . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 23: Australia: A TSA free zone (for now)

iTunes Feed Glitch

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:14:15 +0000

Some of you may have experienced some problems downloading from our feed lately. This was all thanks to updating to the latest version of the PodPress plugin, unfortunately. It seems the latest version didn’t mix well with our site and started sending out broken URLs to each episode’s MP3 file in our RSS feed (we’re . . . → Read More: iTunes Feed Glitch

We’re interviewed on Erk Pod

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:35:10 +0000

In the relatively quiet time between Christmas & New Year, Erk from the Erk Pod podcast bravely travelled down from Sydney to Melbourne, seeking sites to enjoy, experiences to be had and southern podcasters to interview. Having found PCDU a few months earlier, Erk asked if we wanted to be interviewed about the podcast, how . . . → Read More: We’re interviewed on Erk Pod

PCDU Episode 22: Farewell 2009

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:05:34 +0000

It’s the Christmas & New Year holiday period, plus down here it’s Summer so we’re totally into listening to long aviation podcasts when we’re not distracted by having fun. So, for all of our listeners who have long drives or lots of chores to do around home, we give you our longest episode yet. With . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 22: Farewell 2009

PCDU Episode 21: London Calling

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:04:57 +0000

Regent Street in the snow (by Jon Curnow)

For the majority of our listeners it’s warm and getting warmer down here in the Southern Summer with Christmas just around the corner. Not so in London where it’s bleak and somewhat miserable (and that’s the economy, let alone the weather). Saj Ahmad from FleetBuzz Editorial . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 21: London Calling

PCDU Episode 20: A Tribute to Pip Borman

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:58:30 +0000

(Image from JustLearn on Flickr)

As part of the recent Show us ya Wheels event in Numurkah the PCDU team attended a memorial tribute dinner for Pip Borman, a famous Australian aerobatics pilot from Shepparton who died in a crash during a photo shoot flight. The presentations at the dinner included speaches from David . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 20: A Tribute to Pip Borman

PCDU Episode 19: Interview with a Vampire … Pilot (& Other Stories)

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:27:37 +0000

Steve’s out sick (he must have eaten the fish :) so Grant’s flying solo on this one and cheating madly by assembling a few interviews and a slightly modified version of the Australia Desk segment we recorded for the Airplane Geeks’ Thanksgiving episode. The interviews include:

Matt Hall & Nigel Lamb Carlo Santoro from Flight . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 19: Interview with a Vampire … Pilot (& Other Stories)

PCDU Episode 18: Tally Ho, it’s the Red Baron!

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:16:23 +0000

The Red Baron's Pitts Special

If you’ve ever looked skyward in Sydney, there’s a high chance you’ve seen a bright red aircraft with old-style German crosses on the wings. Originally flying an old Tiger Moth, the Red Baron flew out of Bankstown and gave joy flights to members of the public, flying over Sydney’s beaches . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 18: Tally Ho, it’s the Red Baron!

PCDU Episode 17: The Ipanator says “Rivet Shower? Not on my Watch!”

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:46:24 +0000

How many of you folks have wanted to be Air Traffic Controllers? Do you dream of Pushing Tin around the skies? Think you can keep The Flick in your head? Want to tell pilots in aircraft of all sizes where to go? (ahem! :) Steve & Grant both applied for ATC and were both knocked . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 17: The Ipanator says “Rivet Shower? Not on *my* Watch!”

PCDU Episode 16: Rant on Steve, Rant on

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:08:59 +0000

We review the latest news items, Steve gets to vent on a few topics and Owen Zupp returns to help us select the winner of our first competition. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 16: Rant on Steve, Rant on

Running late, but not gone

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:27:02 +0000

This is a quick update for everyone who reads the blog & doesn’t just grab episodes via their podcatcher software (Hi gang! Great to have you here :)

We’re working on a couple of episodes at the moment, one of which we’re recording later tonight and should have out in a few days depending . . . → Read More: Running late, but not gone

PCDU Episode 15: And now for something completely different, here is the news

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:37:51 +0000

We review a stack of news items & Bas Scheffers returns to talk to us about some more RA-Aus issues. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 15: And now for something completely different, here is the news

PCDU Episode 14: Lang’s Great Journeys

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:28 +0000

We recorded a lecture presented by Lang Kidby at the Australian National Aviation Museum (Moorabbin Air Museum) about flying a Vickers Vimy replica aircraft from England to Australia to re-enact the 1919 flight by Keith & Ross Macpherson Smith and an Avro Avian from England to Australia to re-enact Bert Hinkler's completion of the first solo flight from England to Australia in 1928. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 14: Lang’s Great Journeys

Win a copy of Owen Zupp’s Book

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:45:27 +0000

As mentioned during our interview with Owen Zupp in episode 13, we’re doing our first ever give-away.

Owen has graciously donated a signed copy of his book, Down to Earth, for one of our lucky listeners to win. All you have to do is go to the There and Back website and see where Owen’s . . . → Read More: Win a copy of Owen Zupp’s Book

PCDU Episode 13: The Only Way is Zupp

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:15:07 +0000

Despite some audio quality issues (lucky 13, right? :) we have a great chat with Owen Zupp covering his early aviation life, how working as an Ambo provided a good foundation for dealing with emergencies, his father's influence and his "There and Back" fund raising flight project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 13: The Only Way is Zupp

PCDU Episode 12: It’s not that late in Adelaide…

Grant (Falcon124) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:39:02 +0000

Despite his better judgement, Bas Scheffers comes back to hang out with us once again as we discuss some of the news items from the past week or so. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 12: It’s not that late in Adelaide…

PCDU Episode 11: Recreationally Yours

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:15:18 +0000

This episode we're joined by Bas Scheffers, a Recreational Aviation Australia pilot (our version of the US Sport Pilot rules) who flies out of Parafield airport (YPPF) in Adelaide, South Australia. We have a great chat about flying RA-Aus aircraft, GAAP issues, the benefits of learning to fly under RA-Aus instead of the usual GA, the information available from the recreational flying community and even discuss the new AAAF Forum. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 11: Recreationally Yours

Combined PCDU/UCAP Meet Up at Temora

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:25:28 +0000

Looks like a few of the PCDU listeners are going to fly from Essendon Airport (YMEN) to Temora (YTEM) to catch the Temora Aviation Museum‘s next flying days on October 24th & 25th. I had planned to go up there to catch the show and interview some of the staff, pilots and engineers, although I’d . . . → Read More: Combined PCDU/UCAP Meet Up at Temora

PCDU Episode 10: On the Podium with Matt Hall

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:45:14 +0000

Once again we get to interview Matt Hall, Australia's Top Gun RAAF pilot who's making a big hit in the RedBull AirRace as the first rookie to ever score a podium. We talk with Matt about his performance at Porto, his preparations for Barcelona, how visualisation plays a major role in his flying and flying his P51 Mustang. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 10: On the Podium with Matt Hall

PCDU Episode 9: Airplane Geeks Down Under

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:17:38 +0000

This episode we're joined by Dan, David & Rob from the Airplane Geeks podcast to discuss airline news and have a great discussion about air traffic control issues here & in the USA. We also have interviews with Dr Bruce Searle, dean of the Australian Centre for Mission Aviation, and Andrew Temby, aerobatic pilot & owner of a YAK-52TW. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 9: Airplane Geeks Down Under

PCDU Episode 8: Riding Our Segways

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:48:27 +0000

We thought we'd have this episode out within a few days of our previous one, but there was so many news items to review, so much to discuss and so many bits to splice together that it took a whole week to bring it to you. Weighing in at almost 2 hours, this episode has interviews, GA, follow ups and much much more. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 8: Riding Our Segways

PCDU Episode 7: Matt Hall, we’re not worthy!

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:37:04 +0000

This episode detours from our usual opinionated discussion of the news and instead features an interview we were fortunate enough to arrange with Matt Hall, an ex-RAAF F18 pilot who has flown the F15 on exchange with the USAF and is currently flying an MXS aerobatic aircraft in the RedBull AirRace. We were expecting to get a half hour or so to chat with Matt and were thrilled to discover an hour had passed before we all thought to double check the time. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 7: Matt Hall, we’re not worthy!

Flight Experience Melbourne

Grant (Falcon124) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:50:53 +0000

In Episode 6 we interviewed Carlo Santoro, the owner of Flight Experience Melbourne, a fixed base 737 simulator that is open to the public. People can come in and fly a 737 with an instructor, getting the chance to experience what it’s like flying a commercial airliner.

Having flown a number of full motion simulators, . . . → Read More: Flight Experience Melbourne

PCDU Episode 6: Plugcast

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:38:35 +0000

After almost two weeks we finally get another episode out, but this one should be worth the wait. We have our first guest discussion session (@MaxFlight from the Airplane Geeks Podcast and we have our first interview (Carlo Santoro from the "Flight Experience Melbourne" 737 simulator). In addition to all this, we also discuss some current news stories. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 6: Plugcast

A new look and a delayed episode

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:26:56 +0000

Those of you who’ve been following our site prior to now will notice that we’ve (finally) revamped the site’s theme, moving from something bland and hard to follow to a much better layout and colour scheme. We’ve also highlighted the iTunes subscription and RSS feed links towards the top right hand side of the page. . . . → Read More: A new look and a delayed episode

PCDU Episode 5: Jet Lag Recovery

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:41:05 +0000

Steve's back from his trip to the USA and, despite some jet lag woes, he's in the recording studio and the banter is flowing in our longest episode yet. Sadly, the first 15 minutes sound like Grant's testing NASA's new Interplanetary Internet and experiencing a really crappy connection. Not to worry, it soon clears up and the rest of the episode quite clearly reveals our usual commentary on this week's local aviation news stories. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 5: Jet Lag Recovery

Spreading the Word

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:50:12 +0000

In addition to having our feed going through iTunes and our web site here, we’ve also gone to a number of other podcast listing sites, including Odeo, PodFeed.net and Podcast Alley.

Right now we’re waiting for some of them to approve the listing, but if you have a favourite podcast listing site that doesn’t have . . . → Read More: Spreading the Word

PCDU Episode 4: Hand Propped

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:47:41 +0000

This week's episode comes out a little late as Steve's still in the USA and Grant was up in Sydney for the PCDU / SimpliFlying TweetUp that happened along side the Asia / Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2009. A great time was had by all who attended the event but now it's back to work as there's news to read, interviews to arrange and a podcast to produce. For now, here's a review of the news. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 4: Hand Propped

Greetings Oshkosh, 2009

Grant (Falcon124) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:58:14 +0000

A recent event at Oshkosh has been the Podapalooza “gathering of aviation podcasters” where attendees get to meet some of the voices in their heads. Much as we would have loved to go to Oshkosh this year and attend Podapalooza, it’s a long long way to swim from down here so all we could do . . . → Read More: Greetings Oshkosh, 2009

PCDU Episode 3: Flying Solo

Grant (Falcon124) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:23:28 +0000

We were a little delayed because Grant was trying to do it all this week, but better late than never. With Steve in the USA, Grant was flying solo and discovering that he missed having someone to put the gear up on take off. Despite that, he does manage to review a number of current news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 3: Flying Solo

TweetUp at the Asia Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2009

Grant (Falcon124) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:07:47 +0000

From the 3rd to 6th of August 2009, the Asia Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2009 is being held in Sydney at the Four Seasons Hotel down at the Rocks end of George St (near the Harbour). Shashank Nigam from SimpliFlying will be in town to attend the conference and present a keynote.

You may have . . . → Read More: TweetUp at the Asia Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2009

Thanks for the Promotions

Grant (Falcon124) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:33:34 +0000

Steve and I would like to say “Thanks!” to all the aviation podcasters and Twitterati who have made the effort to welcome us to the ranks of content producers. People like Jack Hodgson at Uncontrolled Airspace, Steve Tupper at the Airspeed Podcast, Rod Rakic of MyTransponder, Captain Chris (ex Plane Madness, now LightPlane), @redrowen, @EAARentals . . . → Read More: Thanks for the Promotions

PCDU Episode 2: Aero Neuro What???

Grant (Falcon124) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:12:42 +0000

Surprisingly less than one week after our first episode was released, we're releasing our second episode. During this one, we again discuss a number of current aviation news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 2: Aero Neuro What???

We’re on iTunes

admin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:20:16 +0000

After managing to jump through a few hoops, our podcast is now available through iTunes. You can find it under the Aviation section of the Hobbies & Games category. Woo hoo :)

Now to link our Twitter feed (@PCDU) with the blog, get the blog & podcast feeds on clearly marked on the blog, add . . . → Read More: We’re on iTunes

PCDU Episode 1: And so it begins…

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:54:35 +0000

Weighing in at a whole 27 minutes and 18 seconds, here's the first episode of the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast. During this episode, we discuss a number of news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 1: And so it begins…

Got to start somewhere…

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:47:59 +0000

Welcome to Plane Crazy Down Under, an aviation podcast with a focus on the Asia/Pacific area. Produced by Steve Visscher of the AusFlier blog and Grant (Falcon124) McHerron of the Fly Me Friendly blog, Plane Crazy Down Under will feature discussions about aviation news, interviews and anything else we think is suitable for an aviation . . . → Read More: Got to start somewhere…