Steve McCarthy <<tuglowview>>
writes:

I had a meeting with CASA at Forbes on Tuesday. We will be
expected to operate as would a sailplane operation with correct circuit heights,
positions and radio calls made. We will be expected to use the Glider strips and
comply fully with the HGFA towing manual and CASA would like to be present to
watch the operation. Flying without VHF will be permitted if you fly in company
with some one who can make the calls on your behalf. How I see it working is I
will operate two VHF radio's (one in the tug and another when I'm on the ground)
making most of the calls, however you or your gaggle leader will have to be
prepared to make extra calls if required, especially if you re-enter the circuit
area and I have not covered for you.

I will run a pre flight pilot briefing in the club house which will be
compulsory to attend. It is likely to be attended by more than just hangies
including some local opposition. I will also have to get out there a day or more
early to ensure the runways, tug and dollies are all good to go. Some of the old
glider strips are technically closed and one is unsuitable for our use. I am
looking at possibilities of using an all over landing area North of the main
runway as we have operated and the procedures and approval that would be
required to do this.

I am sure that if we go ahead, well prepared with a small group to keep it
simple we can pull it off. I am also confident that we can keep CASA happy. I
don't think they will be there to hang us, but more so to see that we are making
a good effort to comply.

Testing results on the A15 and the Sensair head set, set up in a Charley NO
LIMIT are as will be in the next magazine: A15 good choice and acceptable with
the standard antenna. Sensair head set needs more development to improve the mic
output and the NO LIMIT helmet available from MOYES is a great choice for a head
set installation. Anyone looking at new helmets should check it out.

Later Steve writes:

After a very full on, stress full day of many emails and phone
calls negotiating on your behalf I have very good news.

CASA have decided I have what is required to set up safe towing procedures and
operations at Forbes. They will leave it up to me to set up, operate and control
safe operations under the new system for now. We have come to some very good
compromises for flying in company and airfield operational procedures that will
make it much easier and safer for all. It will still be more complicated than
previously and some minor details are yet to be finalised but it should be
workable and in the long run safer than was previously the case. We will need to
be very vigilant to keep our site and privileges. As such, a small limited group
of regulars who are very familiar with Forbes will be named to attend the next
briefing and towing days whilst we try out the new system of operations. All
going well and safe operating system proven, a general invite will be put out in
the very near future for those with and without VHF.