Plane Crazy Down Under

Plane Crazy Down Under podcasts

genre: Lifestyle/Hobbies

Looking at the world of aviation from an Australia / Pacific point of view.

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Episodes

PCDU Episode 87: Wings Over Illawarra 2012
5/18/2012
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Duration: 1:49:11

The Great PCDU Road Trip of 2012 covered over 1,700km in the course of a single weekend. From late on Friday night to early on Monday morning, Steve, Grant & Allan drove from Melbourne up to Wollongong (just south of Sydney) to attend the Wings Over Illawarra 2012 air show. Firmly ensconced in the Southern Biplanes hangar with a great view of the show unfolding beyond "Lilly Warra" (their big red Boeing Stearman), the mobile studio was set up (thanks Allan! :) allowing Steve, Grant & Anthony Crichton-Browne to record lots of great content. C130J RAN SH60B Seahawk Army Red Berets parachute demo team leader NSW Air & Australian Aerial Patrol and much much more . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 87: Wings Over Illawarra 2012
PCDU Episode 86: One Fine Day at Parafield
4/26/2012
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Duration: 1:35:11

Thanks to OzRunways, Steve was able to get to Adelaide to cover the Parafield Airshow 2012. He & Bas recorded a number of interviews, including: Chris Sperou The Roulettes Tammy Augostin David Hales from 5DME And much more, including Pieter Johnson's next "From Up Here to Down There" segment and an update from the B24 Liberator Restoration Project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 86: One Fine Day at Parafield
PCDU Episode 85: Tyabb Air Show 2012 & ATC Ben Answers Your Questions
3/31/2012
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Duration: 1:54:29

After a long break from the show, Ben Ippolito (aka ATC Ben) returns in this packed episode to tell us about getting current again, wrap up the Tyabb airshow and answer some of your ATC questions. Our Tyabb coverage includes: Matt Hall Mark Pracy talking about the Reno crash The formation & operation of the Southern Knights ATC Ben talks about re-gaining proficiency and ATC Q&A session We also introduce a new sponsor (OzRunways) and with lots of airshows coming up, we're looking for more :) . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 85: Tyabb Air Show 2012 & ATC Ben Answers Your Questions
PCDU Episode 84: Geoff Whitty: Pidgin Tales
3/17/2012
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Duration: 1:33:59

This episode we're joined by Kathy Mexted & her brother Geoff Whitty to talk about his adventures running aviation operations & airports in Papua New Guinea. We then talk to Tammy Augostin, the Promotion & Marketing Manager of the Parafield Airshow before featuring Anthony Crichton-Browne's chat with a Blackhawk pilot and Anthony Simmons' latest View from the Lounge segment. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 84: Geoff Whitty: Pidgin Tales
PCDU Episode 83: Replicate This!
2/29/2012
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Duration: 1:25:14

This episode we dip into aviation's rich & storied history as we chat with a few replica builders who are working hard to preserve our access to our fledgling beginnings as we first pushed into the sphere of powered, heavier than air flight. (show title image supplied by Project 2014) This episode includes: Bristol Military Boxkite flying replica being built by Geoff Matthews & Ron Gretton AM BE2a static replica being built by Andrew Willox. Richard Gardner, Charman of the Trustees at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Replica of Eugene Ely's Curtis Pusher by Bob Coolbaugh& Andrew King The Barnstorming Movie with Paul Glenshaw & Andrew King followed by a chat with Paul about the Wright Brothers movie he has reassembled . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 83: Replicate This!
PCDU Episode 82: Keeping up with Owen Zupp
2/15/2012
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Duration: 1:48:44

Our good friend Owen Zupp takes time out from his very busy schedule to hang out & chat with us about his new blog, flight testing the GA8 Airvan and much more. We also include chats with Ken Wright OAM from the RAAF 2OTU Museum and Noel Breetag at the RAAF Catalina Museum plus Pieter Johnson has a great chat with Paul Fowler about the Spitfire Project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 82: Keeping up with Owen Zupp
PCDU Episode 81: An Infrequent Flyer goes to Europe
1/29/2012
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Duration: 59:15

There’s been a few delays in getting our first episode for 2012 out but what can you expect with the Summer heat to enjoy and games of Cricket to watch (or avoid :). It is with Cricket in mind that our very own Infrequent Flyer, Anthony Simmons, took some time out of his European adventures . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 81: An Infrequent Flyer goes to Europe
PCDU Episode 80: Farewell 2011 (aka “Tom Cruise wraps my Dolmades” :)
12/30/2011
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Duration: 1:39:00

All good things must come to an end and so too must the year 2011. It has been an amazing year of growth for PCDU as we’ve covered Avalon 2011, NatFly 2011 and Oshkosh 2011 along with a number of major events (eg: Qantas grounding) and added some new voices to the team. So as . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 80: Farewell 2011 (aka “Tom Cruise wraps my Dolmades” :)
PCDU Episode 79: Flying Low
12/9/2011
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Duration: 1:56:36

Steve’s finally picked up his instructor’s rating although it’s in trains, not aircraft, but don’t worry, we’re not switching the show over to Train Crazy Down Under :) Once again we’re joined by Kathy Mexted and this time we’re discussing what’s involved in being an Ag Pilot and how the industry has developed here in . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 79: Flying Low
PCDU Episode 78: Tim Smith: Flying Saved My Life
11/16/2011
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Duration: 1:01:32

Many people in Australia know of Tim Smith, a Melbourne comedian who’s worked on television and in radio for years. What many people don’t know is that Tim is a pilot who is working towards his goal of running charter operations taking people around Australia, visiting places many folks have never heard of let alone . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 78: Tim Smith: Flying Saved My Life
PCDU Episode 77: Qantas Crisis: After the Grounding
11/3/2011
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Duration: 2:15:08

Almost one year after the QF32 incident, Qantas is again in the news around the world and for a short time again appeared to be on the brink of a major disaster. At 5pm on Saturday the 29th of October, Alan Joyce (CEO of Qantas) announced that he & the board of directors had decided . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 77: Qantas Crisis: After the Grounding
PCDU Episode 76: Air Wilpena
10/20/2011
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Duration: 1:38:09

A few episodes ago we introduced Kathy Mexted as a new member our group of occasional PCDU contributors and this episode she’s back with some great content. She recently took a few friends in a Bonanza out to Wilpena Pound in South Australia, a trip that would usually take many days to achieve by road . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 76: Air Wilpena
PCDU Episode 75: Talking Aerobatics with Anthony Crichton-Browne
10/5/2011
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Duration: 1:35:07

Today we’re joined by Anthony Crichton-Browne, a commercial airline pilot who also likes to take his Pitts Special out for a spin (and a few other fun manoeuvres :) In addition to chatting with Anthony, we also run a chat with Grant Piper (President of the Australian Aerobatic Club) about Australia’s recent involvement in the . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 75: Talking Aerobatics with Anthony Crichton-Browne
PCDU Episode 74: Kiwi User Fees … and other issues
9/5/2011
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Duration: 1:38:01

We’re joined by our mate Dan Morris from New Zealand to discuss some news from the Land of the Long White Cloud. Topics include: Air Traffic Control in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake, especially the problems they encountered due to centralising all area controllers in one location How user fees in New Zealand have . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 74: Kiwi User Fees … and other issues
PCDU Episode 73: Oshkosh: The Greatest Show on Earth
8/20/2011
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Duration: 1:59:41

Today Steve & Grant are chatting with Bas Scheffers, reviewing their experiences at EAA‘s AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. We talk about the long haul across the Pacific via V Australia 777 and Qantas A380, arriving in Chicago on their hottest day in 10 years and then hanging out with Rob Mark, his family and his ever . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 73: Oshkosh: The Greatest Show on Earth
PCDU Episode 72: Oshcast #3 – Hugging your Roo
7/31/2011
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Duration: 1:49:24

As all good things must come to an end, so too must our time at Oshkosh 2011. It’s been an incredible event for us and an eye-opener to just how large this Mecca of all things aviation truly is. With our final day at the show, we’ve produced a chunky episode packed full of *some* . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 72: Oshcast #3 – Hugging your Roo
PCDU Episode 71: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #2
7/28/2011
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Duration: 58:51

We’re still here at Oshkosh and working hard despite heat, humidity, rain, storms and sore feet. There’s something about being at the greatest aviation event in the world & surrounded by over 10,000 aircraft that makes all those hassles fade away :) While the only way to really appreciate & experience Oshkosh is to be . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 71: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #2
PCDU Episode 70: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #1
7/26/2011
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Duration: 53:28

Steve & Grant are at Oshkosh along with Bas Scheffers, David Vanderhoof and a large number of other aviation podcasters, swimming in the sea of aviation that is AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. Grant & Bas have been here since Saturday while Steve & David arrived on Sunday. We’ve recorded with the Airplane Geeks, producing an episode . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 70: AirVenture 2011 – Oshcast #1
PCDU Episode 69: Carbonated
7/20/2011
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Duration: 1:04:05

Ben Morgan from Aviation Advertiser returns to join us in a discussion of current events in the Australian aviation scene. Following a quick intro, the first topic we discuss is the Carbon Tax our government is proposing to implement. We do try to keep the discussion coming back to the impacts this tax is . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 69: Carbonated
PCDU Episode 68: Flyabout to Memory Lane
7/11/2011
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Duration: 1:43:22

We open this episode having a chat with James Williams of the LifeStyle PodNetwork, Australia’s global podcast network. We are very happy to announce that we’ve been invited to join and we talk with James about the network, why they invited us to join and what it means to be a part of their community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 68: Flyabout to Memory Lane
PCDU Episode 67: Team Pracy: Racing, JetRides & Aircraft Imports
6/29/2011
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Duration: 1:36:23

We’re joined by Mark Pracy Sr and Mark Pracy Jr to talk about the many aviation endeavours they’re involved in, including JetRide Australia, Pracy Racing and Aircraft Imports. We also have Bas Scheffers sitting in from Adelaide for the interview as well as a fantastic announcement to make towards the end of the show :) . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 67: Team Pracy: Racing, JetRides & Aircraft Imports
PCDU Episode 66: That Wasn’t in the Script!
6/21/2011
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Duration: 1:32:30

It’s been a while since we got down & dirty with the Australian commercial airline scene so with that in mind, we called up Ben Sandlilands from the PlaneTalking blog on Crikey.com.au for a chat. There’s some amazing developments going on in the “big iron” side of people moving here in Australia and we went . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 66: That Wasn’t in the Script!
PCDU Episode 65: Innovative Ideas
6/13/2011
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Duration: 1:40:49

There’s no denying that aviation has been the home of many innovative ideas when it comes to aerodynamics, systems and so on. Sometimes we even get to hear about innovation in many of the business & training aspects of aviation and this episode is bringing us a few of them, from new ways to bring . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 65: Innovative Ideas
PCDU Episode 64: Dick Smith – Setting it Straight
5/24/2011
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Duration: 1:43:54

We are fortunate to have Dick Smith return to PCDU, joining us to discuss his views on Australia’s aviation environment. We talk about his time as chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and then his return as chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. He mentions some of the initiatives he started that worked as . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 64: Dick Smith – Setting it Straight
Video 001: Steve’s Flight in JetRide’s L39
5/18/2011
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Duration: 05:19

Here’s a quick teaser video of Steve’s flight in JetRide’s L39 down at Tooradin airport recently. We’re still working on the full “Adventure Flights” video so this one’s a bit of a teaser and a test of putting videos in our feed. Let us know how it works for you. Do you want videos in . . . → Read More: Video 001: Steve’s Flight in JetRide’s L39
PCDU Episode 63: RA-Aus NatFly 2011
4/30/2011
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Duration: 2:25:07

Every year at Easter, Recreational Aviation Australia holds its National Fly In (NatFly). This is an event where RA-Aus members, vendors & interested folks come to meet, attend workshops, review vendor offerings, undertake test flights and show off their aircraft. Aircraft range from powered parachutes & ultralights through to home builds and the latest sport . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 63: RA-Aus NatFly 2011
PCDU Episode 62: Advertising Advocacy
4/21/2011
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Duration: 1:36:25

Aviation in Australia is experiencing a difficult time and General Aviation is especially being hit hard. User fees are continuing to increase, rules are being changed and airports are being shutdown or reduced in size due to encroachment by non-aviation construction. We’re joined in this episode by Ben Morgan from Aviation Advertiser to discuss these . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 62: Advertising Advocacy
PCDU Episode 61: The Great Pilgrimage
4/10/2011
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Duration: 1:34:04

Most people interested or involved in aviation have a special love for warbirds and antique aircraft and we at PCDU are certainly no exception. This episode features a number of interviews with pilots of Warbirds & antique aircraft that were recorded at Avalon Airshow and at Point Cook when the RAAF Pilgrimage arrived. The RAAF . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 61: The Great Pilgrimage
PCDU Episode 60: Now the Party’s Over
3/25/2011
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Duration: 1:21:13

The Australian International Airshow (aka Avalon 2011) is over but the show must go on. We have mountains of content from Avalon 2011 in addition to the interviews we released in each of our daily episodes. Yes, that’s right: If you haven’t downloaded & listened to each of the daily episodes then you should stop . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 60: Now the Party’s Over
PCDU Episode 59: Avalon Not-So Quick Cast #6
3/6/2011
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Duration: 1:25:46

We’ve made it to the end of day 6 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011). It’s the final day of the airshow and once again Team PCDU have been flat out interviewing, editing and generally having fun. We’ve spent some time chatting with the crew of a KC-135 . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 59: Avalon Not-So Quick Cast #6
PCDU Episode 58: Avalon Quick Cast #5
3/5/2011
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Duration: 48:19

It’s day 5 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and it’s the first whole day open to the general public. The PCDU team have had one of the most amazing days of their lives with time in the venerable B52, getting up close & personal with the Wedgetail, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 58: Avalon Quick Cast #5
PCDU Episode 57: Avalon Quick Cast #4
3/4/2011
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Duration: 45:10

We’re up to day 4 of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and the general public are arriving as of today. The PCDU team are pushing through more interviews, catching up with old friends and meeting listeners. The content we selected for this Quick Cast includes: An interview with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 57: Avalon Quick Cast #4
PCDU Episode 56: Avalon Quick Cast #3
3/3/2011
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Duration: 43:34

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. On the third day of the show we have been particularly busy interviewing aircrew, maintainers and other folks on site, frequently while . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 56: Avalon Quick Cast #3
PCDU Episode 55: Avalon Quick Cast #2
3/2/2011
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Duration: 41:37

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. Today was our second day at the airshow and we spent lots of time recording new content and arranging more interviews for . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 55: Avalon Quick Cast #2
PCDU Episode 54: Avalon Quick Cast #1
3/1/2011
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Duration: 49:33

It’s time once again for the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (aka Avalon 2011) and Team PCDU are there to arrange interviews with people & organisations that catch our eye. Today was our first day at the airshow and while much of it was spent meeting people & setting up our schedule . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 54: Avalon Quick Cast #1
PCDU Episode 53: A Ditch, Some Dutch & De-Icing
2/20/2011
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Duration: 1:43:07

Steve & Grant are joined once again by Bas Scheffers from Adelaide to discuss a few items, including: A follow up to the ADSB discussion we had with Bill Hamilton back in episode 48 A discussion of the iPhone/iPad application Bas & a partner have been developing called OzRunways covering what it does & how . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 53: A Ditch, Some Dutch & De-Icing
PCDU Episode 52: The Misty Dawn of Avalon
2/2/2011
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Duration: 1:09:45

Every two years Avalon Airport is the home to one of the biggest airshows & aviation expositions in the Southern Hemisphere (the biggest, according to many). One of Australia’s premier aviation events, Avalon Airshow (also known as the Australian International Airshow) draws aircraft from around the world and attracts scores of people from the general . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 52: The Misty Dawn of Avalon
PCDU Episode 51: Pig Out!
1/20/2011
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Duration: 2:35:52

In November 2010 the PCDU team were invited to attend the Media Day at RAAF Amberley where members of 6 Squadron were gathered to give us one final look at the F111 before it was retired from service. We have gathered the interviews we recorded during the Media Day and combined them with a couple . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 51: Pig Out!
PCDU Episode 50: Farewell 2010
12/31/2010
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Duration: 2:10:55

As the final hours of 2010 pass by and the year draws to a close, we release our 50th episode with a mix of annual review, Christmas greetings and a new experiment. In conjunction with a live video stream of the proceedings, we gathered Steve, Grant, Anthony and Ben in the recording studio to attempt . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 50: Farewell 2010
PCDU Episode 49: Hovering Matilda
12/15/2010
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Duration: 1:50:08

Rosemary Arnold learned to fly fixed wing in the early 60s then converted helicopters in the mid-60′s, becoming the first woman in Australia to receive a helicopter pilot’s license. From operating her own helicopter business in Australia to flying in locations around the world, Rosemary has had an extensive career in aviation. She has also . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 49: Hovering Matilda
PCDU Episode 48: ADS-B: C’est un pétard! – with Bill Hamilton
11/28/2010
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Duration: 1:41:48

While the technology behind ADS-B is nothing new, it is becoming the centerpiece of modern Air Traffic Management systems around the world. Unfortunately, CASA is once again taking a global concept and creating an entirely unique Australian implementation of it. According to CASA’s Discussion Paper (DP) 1006AS Proposed Strategy and Regulatory Plan in support of . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 48: ADS-B: C’est un pétard! – with Bill Hamilton
PCDU Episode 47: Bull Me!
11/22/2010
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Duration: 1:47:37

The 2010 RedBull AirRace season was exciting, eventful and disappointing all at once. From Adilson Kindleman’s crash in Perth to Hannes Arch’s pylon hit and Matt Hall’s “walk on water” incident, G-Stalls were everywhere. Then came the news that the last two races were cancelled and, finally, that the whole 2011 season was cancelled. As . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 47: Bull Me!
PCDU Episode 46: Qantas A380 incident – from the Ground Up
11/10/2010
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Duration: 1:56:40

On November 4th, 2010 Qantas A380 VH-OQA (“Nancy Bird Walton”) was operating flight QF32 from Singapore to Sydney. During the climb out from Singapore, the number 2 Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine’s Intermediate Pressure Turbine appears to have failed and flown apart, sending bits through the aircraft’s wing in multiple locations and raining debris down . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 46: Qantas A380 incident – from the Ground Up
PCDU Episode 45: Keeping it to Scale
10/31/2010
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Duration: 1:52:39

It’s been a while since our last episode but at last we’re able to present our latest update with some more great content. First up, Matt Hall joins us once again to look back on his 2010 RedBull AirRace season, discuss the lessons he’s learned and give us his thoughts about 2011 & beyond. Next . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 45: Keeping it to Scale
PCDU Episode 44: Hannes, Bas and the Rhino
10/9/2010
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Duration: 2:09:56

In an effort to reassure you that we’re not trying to cut any corners as we build towards our 50th episode, this episode comes in at over 2 hours in length (our longest ever, in fact). It’s jam packed with great content, including: A chat with Bas Scheffers about: The impact of the Class D . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 44: Hannes, Bas and the Rhino
PCDU Episode 43: Back to the Air Show
9/18/2010
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Duration: 1:35:56

Back in March we attended the Centenary Air Show at Melton airport near Diggers Rest (a short drive from Melbourne). In addition to being a great air show that celebrated 100 years of powered flight in Australia, this was also the first event where we had media passes. We recorded lots of great interviews, caught . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 43: Back to the Air Show
PCDU Episode 42: Wings Down Under
9/3/2010
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Duration: 1:59:51

This episode we’re joined by Will Horton from the Wings Down Under blog to chat about recent aviation news items. We also have Anthony Simmons returning for another View from the Lounge segment and a chat with Damien Rose about his flight training up in Toowoomba. The episode wraps up with some listener mail and . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 42: Wings Down Under
PCDU Episode 41: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #3: Comments on the Greens & Labor’s White Paper
8/19/2010
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Duration: 23:26

In our third & final Election QuickCast, we take a look at the published transportation policies from the The Greens and the Labor Party’s “Aviation White Paper.” Sadly, Christine Milne from the Greens and Anthony Albanese from Labor were unable to accommodate us in their busy schedules. Both groups have indicated that they’ll be happy . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 41: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #3: Comments on the Greens & Labor’s White Paper
PCDU Episode 40: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #2: Ken Hill & Tim Sheen
8/19/2010
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Duration: 34:04

Australians are about to go to the election booths on Saturday 21st August so we’re working to bring our listeners information about the aviation policies of the various political parties. We’re not trying to tell you how to vote, just doing our bit to raise awareness of the importance of aviation within the political community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 40: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #2: Ken Hill & Tim Sheen
PCDU Episode 39: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #1: Warren Truss
8/17/2010
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Duration: 25:14

Australians are about to go to the election booths on Saturday 21st August so we’re working to bring our listeners information about the aviation policies of the various political parties. We’re not trying to tell you how to vote, just doing our bit to raise awareness of the importance of aviation within the political community . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 39: Australian Federal Election QuickCast #1: Warren Truss
PCDU Episode 38: Dick Smith: Around the World in Many Ways
8/9/2010
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Duration: 47:23

Dick Smith is an entrepreneur well known to most Australians, ranging from the country wide chain of Dick Smith Electronics stores he created to Dick Smith Foods and Australian Geographic. Another very important aspect of Dick’s life has revolved around aviation. In addition to owning & flying his own aeroplanes & helicopters, he has . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 38: Dick Smith: Around the World in Many Ways
We tried to get to Oshkosh 2010
8/8/2010
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Duration: 04:41

Air Venture: Oshkosh is the place to be if you’re into aviation. There’s something for everyone from home builts to military to warbirds to commercial to seaplanes to antiques to balloons and everything else imaginable. If you love aviation, you have to get to Oshkosh. For the past four years a group of aviation podcasters . . . → Read More: We tried to get to Oshkosh 2010
PCDU Episode 37: It’s “Flight Attendant,” Grant
7/30/2010
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Duration: 1:13:23

It seems that Grant has always had troubles with the label “Flight Attendant” ever since his sister joined Australian Airlines and mistakenly told him she would be a “Trolley Dolly.” Ooops :) In this episode we’re joined by Janene Murdoch, Tania Tracey and Amelia Kelly. Janene used to be a flight attendant with Ansett in . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 37: It’s “Flight Attendant,” Grant
PCDU Episode 36: Incidentally, Matt…
7/14/2010
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Duration: 53:58

Most of you will have already seen Matt Hall’s splash on the river at Windsor back in June. Then he was denied a go at racing in New York, to which he responded very diplomatically, which in turn taught some of us how to “take our lumps.” This episode we have a good chat with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 36: Incidentally, Matt…
PCDU Episode 35: Perseverance & Persistence
7/3/2010
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Duration: 1:32:00

These days it’s quite common to find ladies in command of commercial airliners, bizjets and combat aircraft. Thirty years ago, however, this was certainly not the case here in Australia and a female required a stubborn streak & thick skin to push through and gain acceptance in a very male dominated world. While the situation . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 35: Perseverance & Persistence
PCDU Episode 34: Arching over the Swamp
6/17/2010
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Duration: 1:52:59

This episode we feature an interview with Hannes Arch, the Austrian Red Bull champion in 2008 who came second in 2009 and is currently second on points for 2010. We have a great chat with Hannes about his involvement in extreme sports, his love of flying and his approach to the Red Bull racing world. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 34: Arching over the Swamp
PCDU Episode 33: Four Degrees of Separation from Ben Sandilands
5/28/2010
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Duration: 1:53:04

In this episode we join noted aviation journalist Ben Sandilands from Plane Talking to review the latest news & information. When we called Ben, he was experiencing a heat wave of 11 degrees Celsius at his home in the mountains near Canberra. Meanwhile, here in Melbourne we were thinking winter was upon us as the . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 33: Four Degrees of Separation from Ben Sandilands
PCDU Episode 32: Switch to Plan Delta
5/13/2010
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Duration: 1:41:43

This episode features a discussion with Peter Gibson, the manager of corporate communications at CASA. He’s joined us to explain the airspace changes that will come into effect on June 3rd, changes which will impact Class D, see the transition of GAAP to Class D and introduce the mandatory carriage of radios at all certified, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 32: Switch to Plan Delta
PCDU Episode 31: Red Bull all The Way
5/7/2010
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Duration: 1:33:26

The Red Bull Air Race came back to Perth this year and Steve was there, flexing his newly minted press credentials and discovering the amazing world of the Red Bull media centre. Sadly, Grant was working in Indonesia and so couldn’t be there to help hang out, rub shoulders with the stars and quaff a . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 31: Red Bull all The Way
PCDU Episode 30: Antarctica: The Last True Wilderness
4/20/2010
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Duration: 1:31:29

The first aircraft to be used in Antarctica was Henry Mawson’s Vickers REP monoplane. Sadly, it had been damaged in Australia before arriving in Antarctica and was used as an “air tractor” to pull sleds. Even that didn’t work out and it was dumped, eventually being found again only recently. Given that inauspicious start, . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 30: Antarctica: The Last True Wilderness
PCDU Episode 29: What’s in a Checklist?
4/5/2010
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Duration: 1:49:47

Some in-cockpit audio provided by a listener triggered a discussion on the differences in pre-landing checklists (GUMPS vs BUMFTH vs BUMFOH vs whatever). All of Grant’s aviation books & manuals are still in boxes after moving house so he had to rely on his memory with predictable results. Talk about incentive to go out and . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 29: What’s in a Checklist?
PCDU Episode 28: Save the Liberator
3/27/2010
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Duration: 1:03:40

The B24 Liberator was the most produced heavy bomber of World War 2 and saw service in all theaters of the war. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew B24s along side those of the USAAF, based in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. These aircraft flew long range missions of many hours duration, typically . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 28: Save the Liberator
PCDU Episode 27: Trans World Adventures
3/9/2010
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Duration: 1:32:14

The common theme in this episode is about going around the world, first by bringing Saj Ahmad (Fleetbuzz Editorial) in the UK and Ben Sandilands (Plane Talking) in Australia together to talk about financial reports from QANTAS, Virgin & Tiger plus general discussions about airlines in Australia, past, present & future. We then chat with . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 27: Trans World Adventures
PCDU Episode 26: Enjoying the Views
2/24/2010
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Duration: 1:55:52

You can always count on this podcast to have some interesting, opinionated and, occasionally, diverse points of view. This episode really brings them all and (bonus!) includes a whole new view as we introduce Anthony Simmons and the “View from the Lounge” segment for your listening pleasure. We’ve also got another great discussion with Owen . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 26: Enjoying the Views
PCDU Episode 25: Fan Boys
2/13/2010
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Duration: 1:28:15

Yes, Steve & Grant are Fan Boys (big Fan Boys, in fact :) and this episode we demonstrate it once again by interviewing Matt Hall and hanging out with some more fans at the Flight Experience Melbourne Facebook fan page open night in their 737 flight simulator. Seems we’re not the only ones who think . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 25: Fan Boys
PCDU Episode 24: Misuse of Accents
2/3/2010
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Duration: 1:48:49

Despite the annoying habit of our “day jobs” and families encroaching into our PCDU time, we’ve finally managed to get some time to record an episode. Steve even managed a marathon effort of post production to edit a coherent episode from our opinionated news discussion and an interview with Saj Ahmad. Go Steve! :) Despite . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 24: Misuse of Accents
PCDU Episode 23: Australia: A TSA free zone (for now)
1/15/2010
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Duration: 1:36:44

Even down here in Australia we’re being impacted by the out-of-control antics of the TSA, so what the heck, we’ll have a bit of a c’est la vent moment about it. We also have our usual opinionated discussion on some other news items and chat with Shashank Nigam from SimpliFlying. Here’s how the show proceeds: . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 23: Australia: A TSA free zone (for now)
PCDU Episode 22: Farewell 2009
12/31/2009
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Duration: 2:01:41

It’s the Christmas & New Year holiday period, plus down here it’s Summer so we’re totally into listening to long aviation podcasts when we’re not distracted by having fun. So, for all of our listeners who have long drives or lots of chores to do around home, we give you our longest episode yet. With . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 22: Farewell 2009
PCDU Episode 21: London Calling
12/18/2009
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Duration: 1:38:57

Regent Street in the snow (by Jon Curnow) For the majority of our listeners it’s warm and getting warmer down here in the Southern Summer with Christmas just around the corner. Not so in London where it’s bleak and somewhat miserable (and that’s the economy, let alone the weather). Saj Ahmad from FleetBuzz Editorial . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 21: London Calling
PCDU Episode 20: A Tribute to Pip Borman
12/10/2009
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Duration: 1:26:58

(Image from JustLearn on Flickr) As part of the recent Show us ya Wheels event in Numurkah the PCDU team attended a memorial tribute dinner for Pip Borman, a famous Australian aerobatics pilot from Shepparton who died in a crash during a photo shoot flight. The presentations at the dinner included speaches from David . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 20: A Tribute to Pip Borman
PCDU Episode 19: Interview with a Vampire … Pilot (& Other Stories)
12/5/2009
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Duration: 58:22

Steve’s out sick (he must have eaten the fish :) so Grant’s flying solo on this one and cheating madly by assembling a few interviews and a slightly modified version of the Australia Desk segment we recorded for the Airplane Geeks’ Thanksgiving episode. The interviews include: Matt Hall & Nigel Lamb Carlo Santoro from Flight . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 19: Interview with a Vampire … Pilot (& Other Stories)
PCDU Episode 18: Tally Ho, it’s the Red Baron!
11/26/2009
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Duration: 1:08:50

The Red Baron's Pitts SpecialIf you’ve ever looked skyward in Sydney, there’s a high chance you’ve seen a bright red aircraft with old-style German crosses on the wings. Originally flying an old Tiger Moth, the Red Baron flew out of Bankstown and gave joy flights to members of the public, flying over Sydney’s beaches . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 18: Tally Ho, it’s the Red Baron!
PCDU Episode 17: The Ipanator says “Rivet Shower? Not on *my* Watch!”
11/19/2009
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Duration: 1:27:55

How many of you folks have wanted to be Air Traffic Controllers? Do you dream of Pushing Tin around the skies? Think you can keep The Flick in your head? Want to tell pilots in aircraft of all sizes where to go? (ahem! :) Steve & Grant both applied for ATC and were both knocked . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 17: The Ipanator says “Rivet Shower? Not on *my* Watch!”
PCDU Episode 16: Rant on Steve, Rant on
11/14/2009
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Duration: 1:29:50

We review the latest news items, Steve gets to vent on a few topics and Owen Zupp returns to help us select the winner of our first competition. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 16: Rant on Steve, Rant on
PCDU Episode 15: And now for something completely different, here is the news
11/1/2009
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Duration: 1:33:07

We review a stack of news items & Bas Scheffers returns to talk to us about some more RA-Aus issues. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 15: And now for something completely different, here is the news
PCDU Episode 14: Lang’s Great Journeys
10/29/2009
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Duration: 1:04:00

We recorded a lecture presented by Lang Kidby at the Australian National Aviation Museum (Moorabbin Air Museum) about flying a Vickers Vimy replica aircraft from England to Australia to re-enact the 1919 flight by Keith & Ross Macpherson Smith and an Avro Avian from England to Australia to re-enact Bert Hinkler's completion of the first solo flight from England to Australia in 1928. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 14: Lang’s Great Journeys
PCDU Episode 13: The Only Way is Zupp
10/20/2009
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Duration: 1:27:34

Despite some audio quality issues (lucky 13, right? :) we have a great chat with Owen Zupp covering his early aviation life, how working as an Ambo provided a good foundation for dealing with emergencies, his father's influence and his "There and Back" fund raising flight project. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 13: The Only Way is Zupp
PCDU Episode 12: It’s not that late in Adelaide…
10/12/2009
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Duration: 1:08:10

Despite his better judgement, Bas Scheffers comes back to hang out with us once again as we discuss some of the news items from the past week or so. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 12: It’s not that late in Adelaide…
PCDU Episode 11: Recreationally Yours
10/3/2009
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Duration: 1:32:35

This episode we're joined by Bas Scheffers, a Recreational Aviation Australia pilot (our version of the US Sport Pilot rules) who flies out of Parafield airport (YPPF) in Adelaide, South Australia. We have a great chat about flying RA-Aus aircraft, GAAP issues, the benefits of learning to fly under RA-Aus instead of the usual GA, the information available from the recreational flying community and even discuss the new AAAF Forum. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 11: Recreationally Yours
PCDU Episode 10: On the Podium with Matt Hall
9/26/2009
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Duration: 1:08:59

Once again we get to interview Matt Hall, Australia's Top Gun RAAF pilot who's making a big hit in the RedBull AirRace as the first rookie to ever score a podium. We talk with Matt about his performance at Porto, his preparations for Barcelona, how visualisation plays a major role in his flying and flying his P51 Mustang. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 10: On the Podium with Matt Hall
PCDU Episode 9: Airplane Geeks Down Under
9/22/2009
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Duration: 1:30:06

This episode we're joined by Dan, David & Rob from the Airplane Geeks podcast to discuss airline news and have a great discussion about air traffic control issues here & in the USA. We also have interviews with Dr Bruce Searle, dean of the Australian Centre for Mission Aviation, and Andrew Temby, aerobatic pilot & owner of a YAK-52TW. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 9: Airplane Geeks Down Under
PCDU Episode 8: Riding Our Segways
9/11/2009
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Duration: 1:49:06

We thought we'd have this episode out within a few days of our previous one, but there was so many news items to review, so much to discuss and so many bits to splice together that it took a whole week to bring it to you. Weighing in at almost 2 hours, this episode has interviews, GA, follow ups and much much more. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 8: Riding Our Segways
PCDU Episode 7: Matt Hall, we’re not worthy!
9/4/2009
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Duration: 1:03:54

This episode detours from our usual opinionated discussion of the news and instead features an interview we were fortunate enough to arrange with Matt Hall, an ex-RAAF F18 pilot who has flown the F15 on exchange with the USAF and is currently flying an MXS aerobatic aircraft in the RedBull AirRace. We were expecting to get a half hour or so to chat with Matt and were thrilled to discover an hour had passed before we all thought to double check the time. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 7: Matt Hall, we’re not worthy!
PCDU Episode 6: Plugcast
8/29/2009
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Duration: 1:14:11

After almost two weeks we finally get another episode out, but this one should be worth the wait. We have our first guest discussion session (@MaxFlight from the Airplane Geeks Podcast and we have our first interview (Carlo Santoro from the "Flight Experience Melbourne" 737 simulator). In addition to all this, we also discuss some current news stories. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 6: Plugcast
PCDU Episode 5: Jet Lag Recovery
8/15/2009
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Duration: 1:15:48

Steve's back from his trip to the USA and, despite some jet lag woes, he's in the recording studio and the banter is flowing in our longest episode yet. Sadly, the first 15 minutes sound like Grant's testing NASA's new Interplanetary Internet and experiencing a really crappy connection. Not to worry, it soon clears up and the rest of the episode quite clearly reveals our usual commentary on this week's local aviation news stories. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 5: Jet Lag Recovery
PCDU Episode 4: Hand Propped
8/6/2009
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Duration: 33:44

This week's episode comes out a little late as Steve's still in the USA and Grant was up in Sydney for the PCDU / SimpliFlying TweetUp that happened along side the Asia / Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2009. A great time was had by all who attended the event but now it's back to work as there's news to read, interviews to arrange and a podcast to produce. For now, here's a review of the news. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 4: Hand Propped
Greetings Oshkosh, 2009
8/1/2009
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Duration: 01:43

A recent event at Oshkosh has been the Podapalooza “gathering of aviation podcasters” where attendees get to meet some of the voices in their heads. Much as we would have loved to go to Oshkosh this year and attend Podapalooza, it’s a long long way to swim from down here so all we could do . . . → Read More: Greetings Oshkosh, 2009
PCDU Episode 3: Flying Solo
7/30/2009
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Duration: 23:08

We were a little delayed because Grant was trying to do it all this week, but better late than never. With Steve in the USA, Grant was flying solo and discovering that he missed having someone to put the gear up on take off. Despite that, he does manage to review a number of current news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 3: Flying Solo
PCDU Episode 2: Aero Neuro What???
7/22/2009
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Duration: 34:27

Surprisingly less than one week after our first episode was released, we're releasing our second episode. During this one, we again discuss a number of current aviation news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 2: Aero Neuro What???
PCDU Episode 1: And so it begins…
7/15/2009
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Duration: 27:19

Weighing in at a whole 27 minutes and 18 seconds, here's the first episode of the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast. During this episode, we discuss a number of news items. . . . → Read More: PCDU Episode 1: And so it begins…

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