Wanting to make sure we cater for our students wishing to also acquire their General Aviation Pilots Licence we decided to purchase a Cessna 172N.

We stumbled across one that was in great condition both inside and out. The only problem that we could see with it was that it was not sporting our company colours of red, white , black and silver. So in order to rectify that the aircraft will shortly be off to have the noticable Edge colour scheme installed. In the meantime here is a photo that shows it as purchased, with the traditional yucky brown and yellow stripes. Sorry to those you that love that brown and yellow, just not my cup of tea.

This aircraft will also be available for private hire at a rate of $185 per hour. We are glad that VH-BFK nows is a part of our growing fleet.

If you are interested in hiring this aircraft just contact us and we will get you sorted for hiring aircraft with Edge.

The aircraft was missing the nose wheel spat so we are replacing that. Many people remove them as they can be prone to damage. The aircraft in my view look nicer with them fitted. We are trying hard at Edge to provide aircraft for hire that are either new or in at least very good to excellent condition. With our own maintenance organisation we are able to ensure that your aircraft are maintained regularly and to a high standard. No more hiring crappy, tired looking aircraft. If you are paying for it then you are entitled to have tidy aeroplanes to fly that are clean neat and in good repair.

Lorraine and Bob

As I was saying we are on a roll. Peter Linard conducted his first solo flight yesterday. Well done Pete. What is really nice is Pete and Ryan the guy who went solo not long ago, featured in a previous post are brothers.

I have know these young men for some thirteen years or more so it has been a real treat being the one to teach them to fly. They are both very fine pilots and will go on to enjoy many years of fun. Pete is also about to complete his LAME (Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer)apprenticeship at Rudy’s Aero Engines later this year, so this is truly another feather in his cap.

Congratulations Pete we are thrilled for you.

Lorraine

As we eluded to before Edge Aviation owns it’s J160D Jabiru which was bought brand new from the factory. The second one has been on order since last year and we are due to pick it up in mid February this year (next month). This will give us two new training aircraft. The aircraft are identical in every way meaning that should you fly a different aircraft each time, you will not notice any difference other than the registration.

We also have coming on line in mid March this year a brand new J230D Jabiru. This aircraft will also be identical in its fitout. So those wishing to step up to the larger aircraft with a little more ‘grunt’ will make the transition easily.

All going well, which it is with the number of students and the hours being flown Edge Aviation will most likely order a further new aircraft mid to later in the year.

So finally those that have learnt to fly locally will have a choice of aircraft available for private hire. No point learning to fly if there is nothing for you to hire.

So ask us about our hire rates and you can set off on that long overdue trip.

Forgot to mention in my last post that Ryan Linard has gone on and completed his Pilot’s Certificate. Congratulations Ryan.

Ryan is now racking up a little more command time and next week we should be starting his navigation training. Now that he can fly the aircraft and can focus on perfecting his new found skill we now must learn to find our way around.

This is the fun part. It can be challenging at first as there is quite a bit to learn, but it is all good stuff. You must complete a minimum of 12 hours navigation flying exercises, 2 hours of which is a solo flight.

Craig Gardner is not far behind Ryan and should be able to complete his in the next week or so.

Well done guys! We are proud of you and happy that you are realising that dream to fly.

Lorraine

Well things are going great guns at Edge Aviation. Bob sent our next student off on his first solo flight. Nick Wilson did everything right this morning in perfect conditions so the time was right for that first solo flight.

Some of you would recognise Nick as he is the Duncans grog rep. Nick is new to the Aviation industry and wants to get his pilots licence so he can travel with his family.

Well Nick you are on your way to achieveing that goal.

Congratulations your flying holiday is that much closer. Well Done!

Lorraine

Just a quick note to say Happy New Year to you all. 2010 is going to bring many changes for Edge Aviation.

Having spent the past ten years working hard to establish a successful business we now look forward to a little more time for us and trying to give something extra to aviation. The flying training is one way we intend doing this by passing on this wonderful skill to others. Along with that maybe a little time to ourselves to enjoy what we have earnt over the years. This year I intend being a little selfish as I think it time that Bob and I looked a little more after ourselves.

We have a few good and close friends and we hope that we can continue to grow those relationships as well as enjoy watching our grandson grow. Gee what fun it is being a grandparent. When you are not having such a good day you just take one look at them and it all seems better.

Bob and I hope that you all enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. We hope that the friendships grow stronger and that you treasure your families and if you fly then keep safe.

Other than that we at Edge say “get on with it, live your dreams and let no negative cinical or miserable bastard get in your way”.

All the very best wishes to you all. Have a great 2010.

Lorraine