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

I have been a bit tardy getting this post up, but better a bit late than not at all. Edge Aviation has it’s first two solo students with several more close on their heels.

Ryan Linard pictured at left is the son of a close friend of ours. I have watched Ryan grow from a boy to the delightful young man he is today. I considered it an honour to be able to teach him to fly, and a fine pilot he is proving to be. Ryan is due for his RA-Aus Pilot Certificate test in the next couple of days and then we will be off on his Cross Country training.

Craig Gardiner pictured right came to Edge Aviation with no previous flying experience unlike Ryan who had been exposed to the aviation industry all his life. Craig took to flying very well and has almost completed the training for his Pilot Certificate. The Christmas break has slowed down the training a little for some of the students with other family commitments taking priority. And yes family must always come first.

Congratulations to both these guys for achieving their goal to learn to fly. Their lives will be forever changed as they experience this great activity and new found freedom.

We look forward to seeing more new students in 2010 to realise their dream to fly.

Cheers for now Lorraine

Well after my Dad passing away I have the renewed view and change of perspective on what is important in this world and what should be our priorities.

I was bought up to be honest, fair and considerate of others. Today many people seemed to be just for themselves. They do not care about others, their feelings, their rights or their wellbeing.

It is important that you can look in the mirror and ask yourself each day, have you been considerate of others, have you been honest and fair? If you cannot answer yes then take a long hard look.

Our lives are very fragile, it may not be old age that gets you, my Dad fell over and hit his head, it may be an unexpected accident that has you here now and gone in the next minute. It is not always about us, me or I. It is about all of us.

People would be surprised to see how much comes back to them if they are caring and honest. Don’t rip people off, don’t be unfair, don’t try and destroy others. The time you spend worrying about others and trying to get at them you could be spending fullfilling the lives of those you love and your own life as well.

I hold dear those that care, are selfless and give a damn about others. The others I do not want in my life. I feel sorry for you. Good, giving and caring will rise above those that push to destroy use and cheat.

The aviation industry has many great people in it. But it is not just our lives it is our business for those like me that make a good living from it. Be honest and fair with people that share the same passion. Good manners along with airmanship is what makes it nice for everyone to be in this world or in the sky together. Look out for and after each other. There is room for all of us, no need to push, we should take time to enjoy, because it could be all over tomorrow.

All you nice people, I welcome you into my life. The rest of you stay away until you see the error of your ways.

Lorraine MacGillivray

Well things have not been too happy at Edge with the recent passing of my Dad. It was an accident and it came so suddenly and with such a shock.

My Dad was a great man and I loved him very much and am going to miss him terribly. It is so true that we need to hold every moment precious to us and make the most of everything we do. Get on with it, live life to the fullest and just have a go.

Dad loved aviation after a career in the RAAF and was a keen aeromodeller and just loved being around aircraft, nearly as much as being around Mum.

This world was richer for having Dad and will be much poorer for his passing. I will always remember him and love him.

I will carry him on my wings every time I fly. I love you Dad.

Well with more and more students coming on board we find ourselves getting quite busy. We have met up with some great people that have now become a part of the ‘Edge’ family.

Given the weather that we have had of late the new Jabiru has managed in 4 months to be nearly due for its 1st 100 hourly inspection. So without even trying to promote the training it has surpassed our expectations. Thanks to you all that have come along to train with us.

The next Jabiru will be here Mid February 2010. Wish it was sooner but Jabiru have had a lot of orders due to the 50% tax rebate. Thanks Kevin, we are getting two for the price of one!!!!

A friend of ours who is getting back into flying has also ordered a new J230 Jabiru to go on line with the flying school so our students will have another nice aircraft for hire and fly. Good on ya Phil you will love it and all the flying you will do in the future.With summer at our doorstep we are expecting to be very busy indeed. So anyone reading this if you want live that dream to fly pay us a visit.

My daughter married Michael on the 19th September and we had them flown into the reception venue in a helicopter, an R44 to be precise. This was much to the surprise of the guests who were waiting for them to arrive in the limo!

It was a great wedding and a wonderful time was had by all. The Bride and Groom looked stunning however I think their gorgeous son (and my grandson) Thomas may have stolen the show on occasion.

We would like also to thank Gippsland Helicopters for doing this for us at such short notice, thanks Jarred.

An aircraft is a nice way for people to arrive at a special occasion and given that Kristy is also a pilot as well as the Sub Editor for Aviator magazine then this seemed an appropriate thing to do. Congratulations again we love you all.