[P7_TOM]

'Bristol City'.

Loosely translates in the Cockney rhyming slang vernacular to 'titty'. Ergo – a 'right Bristol' may be construed into a right royal – selected noun - . e.g. “Micheal made a right Bristol of himself last night”. And he continues, unerringly to do so – with or without 'expert' advice. For example:-

David J Pilkington • a day ago
BRM's spin test report seems like a reasonable set of data (I have limited knowledge of the type so there may be a question of additional test points required) and there is EASA guidance on flight test programmes for LSAs which is relevant here. I haven't seen the stall flight test report but I don't doubt that it would also show compliance and I would guess that BRM would be able to demonstrate both aspects to CASA. Intererestingly, the ASTM allows for an additional 60 deg of roll from a stall, with no tendency to spin, in a 30 deg banked turn. Notwithstanding that (some?) instructors who know it well have described adverse behaviour at the stall. It is important to separate the two separate issues: 1. compliance with ASTM requirements (and the manufacturer just has to show it, the rules do not require a regulatory body to find compliance although the FAA was folllowing the Cessna 162 very closely); 2. suitability as an ab initio trainer especially in the context of CASA adding those incipient spin requirements into Part 61.

There is a whole different area of 'expertise' not being mentioned – that of the longevity of reliability of these LSA, from an air-frame life and maintenance repair limitations. These vital questions were not addressed by either CASA or their new best mates at RAOz. This all ties back to a considered approach to the aircraft being 'fit for purpose'. By that I mean the long term effects on the aircraft from constant hard use in training. Maybe the LSA can last for decades – maybe not – we simply don't know. Neither CASA nor RaOz have examined this fairly important consideration.

The 'fit for intended purpose' exercise should have been done long before the forensic analysis of 'suitability' for purpose. A careful, educated read of the flight test data may have raised some 'safety' eyebrows. Stalls and spins are not only a required training exercise, but vital weapon in a pilot's arsenal – as is the ability to read and comprehend exactly what the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) sets down 'in stone'.

Between CASA and RaOz there should have been at least one rule set mandating exactly which fight sequences could be taught in the type to ab intio student pilots. Perhaps even a requirement to pass an examination of weight and balance control, including a comprehensive knowledge of C of G and %MAC limitations as applicable to operations.

Back in the day – we used to say “If you want a MU 2 – buy a paddock and wait". It seems, to my ancient creaking brain that perhaps we should bring it back into vogue – just substitute LSA.


But, the final straw on the dear old camel's back – RaOz to investigate and provide a report to CASA. Un ducking believable. The potential for a commercial conflict of interest alone, enough to scare blue lights out of any reasonable, thinking man; without a RaOz acolyte whispering in the ministerial ear hole. Seriously worrying stuff, hard to fathom and swallow. Ale is not, therefore I shall take the easy road, have another and try not to worry too much about all the mother's sons 'bashing' about the place and occasionally bashing into it. Lambs to the slaughter. Amen.