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AirCentre Aviation News Digest
JUNE 1997
Sunday 1
One Long-EZ from the "around the world"
flyers arrives at the 'Field unbeknown to some of the locals
Mike Melvill "wingman" to Dick Rutan of the "Voyager" is now enjoying being a tourist
looking at the local sights while Dick is left with the job of mixing it with our
"leaders" in Canberra
Dick and Mike are expected to be on the airfield to-morrow morning for "coffee" before
continuing on their journey of circumnavigating the Globe
. . . . . standby for further updates
Update
. . . . . Dick arrives in his Long-EZ to a quite Airfield late this afternoon.
. . . . . Mike and the "welcome to Brisbane committee" was/is still enjoying the
O'Reilly's Mountain Resort
Monday 2
The Long-EZ's take a break for a day while
the departure "paperwork" for Norfolk Island is sorted out
Dick and Mike relax just a little with a "coffee break" and
update their computers via the Internet
. . . . . when the time spent filling out the paperwork equals the flight time
from Archerfield to Norfolk
. . . . . surprise! . . . . . surprise, . . . . they find they are
then in a position to depart
E.T.D. is 0800hrs (local) to-morrow
Where is  Norfolk?
Sunday 8
After what can only be described as an "interesting" start to the week,
the happenings on the 'Field for the remainder of the week could only be considered as "dull"
Take for instance the airfield "owners" objecting to one "photo take" and not another
The female of our species was featured in both takes, one with a wedding dress on and one
without. . . ! !
A wedding party "on the 'field" yesterday was not "harassed" by the F.A.C.
groundstaff during their "photo" session , . . . however a "non-wedding" party in
a similar situation during last week, . . . . was
. . . . . it must be the colour of the "dress" or perhaps the lack of, that
appears to be important in the "eyes" of the airfield "owners"
. . . . . is this another good case for the "legal
eagles" to "look" at?
Friday 13
Thursday 19
A Cessna 404 with what can only be described as a Long-Nose,
has been working out of the 'Field during the past few days collecting atmospheric "samples" and
creating some Media interest
The air is being analysed by several onboard instruments in what could be termed as
a "winged sniffer"
This sophisticated electronic filled aircraft has been set up and also operated by, the
South Australian University
. . . . . this rare "bird" could also have the title of the winged "Pinocchio"
. . . remember . . that's the story where a little boy's nose grew longer
with each "lie" he told
. . . . . and this aircraft's nose certainly has grown from the time it was
made!
and
. . . . . yesterday another groundcraft took
to the tarmac, ignoring tyre pressure restrictions as applied to all other aircraft
types.
Monday 23
Latest Email message from Dick Rutan's Office, click here for Update 19
. . . . . The Long-EZs are almost home
Saturday 28
Unusual after-dark activity observed at the airfield around 1800hrs
The "flying billboard" Chocolate Airship emerges from a
darkened sky and quietly "hangs about" until the ground support crew arrive
A successful docking is achieved about 30 minutes later in spite of the reduced visibility
and soft ground as a result of an afternoon winter storm
. . . . just think . . . what other flying machine is capable of
delaying a landing for an indefinite period?
. . . . and not have to declare an emergency!
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