Editor’s Special Notice. Like many of our readers I was shocked to learn Roger Corbin, one of the most respected icons in the Australian aviation training community, died in a helicopter accident at Hobart Airport on 7 November 2017. I have delayed the October 2017 Report to write a detailed tribute to Roger Corbin. Prior to the tragic accident, I had offered assistance to several organizations who are launching conferences or events towards the end of November. Accordingly, I have attached some notices which were scheduled to go into the October report, now been delayed.

1. Editor’s Special Editorial!
Like many of our readers I was shocked to learn
Roger Corbin, one of the most respected icons in
the Australian aviation training community died in a
helicopter accident at Hobart Airport.
I have delayed the October 2017 Report
to write a detailed tribute to Roger Corbin.
_____________________________________________
Prior to the tragic accident, I had offered assistance to
several organisations who are launching conferences or
marketing similar events towards the end of November.
Accordingly, I will bring forward some notices which
were scheduled to go into the October report which has
now been delayed due to the Hobart accident.
Rob Rich – Editor
E: robsrich@bigpond.com
Mobile: 0415 641 774
Public Notices
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Mon 27 Nov ’17 – 10:00am
Meeting Room
Linfox Hangar 18
Challenger Drive,
Essendon Fields (Airport) Vic 3041
Purpose: To election of volunteer directors.
Contact: Peter Crook – President
Mob: 0407 638 811
E: president@austhia.com
AHIA Media – Paul Tyrrell appointed as CEO
It was announced on Fri 10 Nov ’17, the AHIA Board
was pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Paul
Tyrrell to the position of CEO of the AHIA.
This appointment will enable the AHIA to progress to the
next level in its development as one of the proactive
associations in the Australian aviation industry.
Paul comes with a wealth of experience as a manager of
companies and associations. He was previously the
CEO of the (Regional Aviation Association of Australia).
Living and working in Canberra for many years, Paul has
an in-depth knowledge of Government procedures and
protocols and is highly regarded in the upper levels of
Government and CASA. In the position of CEO, Paul will
be the initial point of contact for any queries or concerns
from the helicopter sector.
You can contact Paul at ceo@austhia.com or mobile
0438 114 372
President Peter Crook said, “We welcome Paul to the
AHIA and look forward to the continued growth of our
association for the benefit of the helicopter industry.”
__________________________________________
Safety Alert
Are you sure about the headwind & last light?
Graphical Area Forecasts (GAF). Coinciding with the 9
Nov ’17 amendments to the AIP and charts, the Bureau
of Meteorology will be replacing the old Area Forecasts
(ARFORs) with a new forecast referred to as Graphical
Area Forecasts (GAFs) and Grid Point Wind and
Temperature (GPWTs) Forecasts.
These new forecasts have a different presentation of the
information, area of coverage and other changes from
the old ARFORs. All pilots should familiarise themselves
with the new GAF and GPWT forecast presentation.
Information about GAFs may be
found on the Bureau of Meteorology
website. The new GAFs and GPWTs
will first appear in the pilot theory
exams on 9 November 2017 when
they will replace the old ARFORs.
Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific e-news
Pre-October 2017 Report
A free newsletter helping Australian and Indo-Asia-Pacific drone and helicopter businesses
Welcome to special pre-October 2017 Report

3. ROTORTECH 2018
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
SMS – SAFETY MEANS SUCCESS
* Please note, at the absolute discretion of the AHIA and
conference organizers, this conference program could
be subjected to amendment and change at any time.
Day 1 - Thursday 24 May
0800-0900. Coffee in Exhibition Hall - Registration desk
open.
0900-0915. Welcome/Conference Opening - AHIA
President Mr Peter Crook.
0915-0945. Opening Keynote Address
Currently Under Review – TBA.
At the time of this posting, discussions were under way
for a presenter of international standing and significance
to deliver the Rotortech 2018 Opening Keynote Address.
As soon as arrangements are confirmed, all relevant
information and details will be posted on this website.
Accordingly, we suggest regular website access to
ensure timely receipt of up to date conference
information.
0945-1030. OneSKY, Rotary+Fixed Wing, RPA’s and
Drones-Future ATM Challenges.
Mr Jason Harfield, CEO Airservices Australia
The ever-increasing utilization of Australia’s airspace by
so many aviation industry participants creates a
challenge for Airservices Australia. It is Airservices
operational role to ensure that Australia’s airspace
maintains, and retains, its internationally envied safety
reputation. The continuing impact of the many and
varied demands on Airservices, providing over 10% of
the world’s surface ATM coverage, to safely embrace all
facets of aviation is a never-ending challenge. Hear how
Airservices Australia is presently positioning itself to
contend with future ATM demands.
• 1030-1100. Morning Tea in Exhibition Hall
1100-1145. Helicopters within the Investigatory
Environment.
Mr Greg Hood, Chief Commissioner, Australian
Transport Safety Bureau. The Australian Transport
Safety Bureau is responsible for investigating any
aviation-related incidents that may well compromise
safety, or cause a serious accident. Incidents/accidents
involving helicopters feature prominently in the ATSB’s
portfolio of activities. ATSB experience and
administrative guidance is considered helpful in
addressing how the industry progresses within a safe
environment.
1145-1245. Specialist Helicopter Operational Panel
Session.
Moderator - Mr Peter Howe - AHIA Director
Mr John Armstrong - Chief Pilot, Heli-Muster: Heli-
Mustering-A Most Difficult and Daily Dangerous
Challenge.
Mrs Bridgette Hasting - GM/Pilot, Barossa Helicopters:
Tourism/Helicopters and the Lifestyle Balance.
Mr Colin Weir - CEO, Flight Safety Group: Is My SMS
Working-How to Prepare for a Safety Audit.
Mr Rob Walker - Stakeholder Engagement Manager,
CASA: The Service Delivery Challenge-Regulatory
Responsibilities versus Customer and Community
Expectations.
The helicopter industry/businesses from around
Australia represent a distinct and diverse operational
‘mix.’ From cattle mustering in the outback, rural and
regional search and rescue, fire-fighting, off-shore op’s,
air ambulance, tourism, and the list goes on, there is a
requirement for varying levels of experience and
expertise to safely and satisfactorily conduct these
individual types of helicopter operations.
All such operations do create demands and expectations
from customers and the community that sometimes are
difficult to fulfil.
This panel session presents industry participants from
within the ‘mix’ to share their views on the challenges
faced in the immediate future. This promises to be a
succinct, hard-hitting, no holds barred session of real
concern and interest to all helicopter industry
participants.
• 1245-1345. Lunch in Exhibition Hall.
1345-1730. Helicopter Fire-Fighting Awareness and
Operational Workshop.
Moderator - Mr. Ray Cronin - Vice-President, AHIA.
At the time of Rotortech 2018, the 2018 bushfire season
will have passed, hopefully, without significant events
adversely impacting upon the broader Australian
community. During this season, many new operational
and innovative initiatives were to be trialled and
introduced. This session focuses on the eventual
outcomes of these arrangements – lessons learnt,
considered improvements, effective communications
and leadership and impacts on future planning.
Dialogue exchange with keynote speakers and the panel
of expert subject matter presenters should make this
session a ‘must attend’ for any industry participant with
an involvement, or interest, in the evolution of the
country’s fire-fighting capacity.

4. 1345-1400. Introductory Comments/Setting the Scene –
Session moderators – see below.
Each speaker and panellist will address and cover
issues germane to their specific area of expertise,
experience and operational responsibilities.
1400-1430. Mr Richard Alder, General Manager,
National Aerial Firefighting Centre.
1430-1500. Mr Martin Gibson, Manager Aviation,
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
• 1500-1530. Afternoon Tea in Exhibition Hall.
1530-1600. Mr Phil Hurst, CEO, Aerial Application
Association of Australia.
1600-1630. Mr Wayne Rigg, Air Operations Manager,
CFA Victoria.
1630-1730. Night Bombing - Trial Results - Way
Forward
Panel: Mr Hayden Briggs, General Manager, Coulson
Aviation Pty Ltd.
Mr Richard Butterworth, Head of Training, Kestrel
Aviation
Ms Yvette Lutze, Senior Standards Officer, Rotary,
CASA
1730. Brief Summing-Up – Moderator
1745-1900. Welcome Cocktail Function in Exhibition Hall
Day 2 - Friday 25 May
0800-0900. Coffee in Exhibition Hall - Registration desk
open.
0900-1230. Major Helicopter Manufacturers Technical
Workshops.
This Rotortech 2018 innovative initiative is a first for the
Australian aviation industry. For the first time, in
conjunction with an international aviation conference and
exhibition, the major helicopter manufacturers will be
convening concurrent technical workshops specific to
their product line.
Participation in the Technical Workshops is open to all
registered delegates, including those attending on a
one-day delegate registration.
Intending participants are requested to indicate on their
Conference Registration Form which Technical
Workshop they would like to attend. Each individual
manufacturer is responsible for structuring their
workshops, to ensure currency, relevance, and to
maximise the opportunity for information-sharing with
present owner/operators and intending customers. As
soon as each of the manufacturers provides more
information on the structure of their three-hour session, it
will immediately be posted on the Rotortech 2018
website.
0900-1030. Sikorsky Helitech and Bell - Manufacturers
Technical Workshops 1 + 2. Session 1.
• 1030-1100. Morning Tea in Exhibition Hall
1100-1230. Sikorsky Helitech and Bell - Manufacturers
Technical Workshops 1 + 2 Continue - Session 2.
• 1230-1345. Lunch in Exhibition Hall.
1345-1430. Meet the AHIA Board and its Industry Sector
Expert Advisers. Regulatory Issues, Feedback, Action
Plans.
Chair - Mr Peter Crook - AHIA President.
AHIA Board Members and Advisers.
This session presents a unique opportunity for AHIA
members (and prospective members) to engage with
their elected industry representatives on issues currently
confronting the industry. The impact of CASA regulatory
requirements, future opportunity and viability, are but a
few of the topics under consideration. This is an
important session for all helicopter industry participants
to learn first-hand how the AHIA will promote and
provide leadership, support in the years ahead.
1430-1515. The Real MRO Challenges-Who Keeps the
Rotors Rotating?
Moderator - Mr Ken Cannane - CEO, AMROBA.
Mr Myles Tomkins - CEO, Airwork Helicopters.
Mr John McDermott - President, McDermott Aviation.
Currently there is an acute shortage of qualified LAME’s
and AME’s in the Australian aviation industry. There is
little likelihood of that situation improving any time soon.
Educational institutions around the country are
curtailing their training courses for aviation specific
engineers and apprentice programs have come to a
standstill.
This issue will have a significant adverse impact on
Australian helicopter operations within the very near
future.
Hear first-hand what is happening on a factual basis and
what initiatives the industry needs to undertake to
protect the on-going viability of Australian helicopter
businesses. This session is a ‘must attend’ for anyone
involved in support services for the helicopter industry.
• 1515-1545. Afternoon Tea in Exhibition Hall
1545-1630. The Future Rotary Regulatory Landscape
Mr Shane Carmody - CEO/Director Aviation Safety -
CASA.

5. In June 2017 Mr Shane Carmody was appointed to lead
CASA for the next five years. Prior to his appointment,
there was a noticeable change in the way in which the
regulator communicated in a collaborative way with
industry. CASA, reflecting Mr Carmody’s personal
approach to industry issues, is slowly but surely
regaining the confidence of the overall Australian
aviation Industry. This address promises to highlight how
Mr Carmody sees CASA and the helicopter industry
exchanging and sharing dialogue in the years ahead.
1630-1730. The Regulatory Role, Responsibilities and
Accountability of the Chief Pilot.
Moderator - Ms Shannon O’Hara-Snr. Associate,
Carter Newell Lawyers, BNE, and Australian Director
ALAANZ.
Mr Adam Anastasi - Snr. Legal Counsel CASA.
Mr Chris Manning - ATSB Commissioner and former
Chief Pilot Qantas Airways.
The role of the Chief Pilot is often taken for granted and
not sufficiently recognized within their organization or
company, which can lead to unfortunate
misunderstandings and confused outcomes. This
session presents a highly qualified panel of industry
experts to discuss in detail exactly the role of the Chief
Pilot. This is a ‘must attend’ session for all current Chief
Pilots and any pilot aspiring to become a Chief Pilot.
1900-2230. Gala AHIA Awards Dinner - Lilly’s on the
Lagoon, Twin Waters Resort. Invited Special Guest
Presenter - Hon. Darren Chester MP. Minister for
Infrastructure and Transport.
This is the inaugural AHIA Awards Dinner celebrating
excellence in the Australian helicopter industry. There
are four individual awards to be presented, followed by a
surprise or two. This Dinner, and the Awards
presentations will become an annual event to
encourage, support and recognize special achievements
from AHIA members across Australia.
Avoid disappointment. Early reservations are essential
– Awards Dinner not included in registration fee.
Day 3 - Saturday 26 May.
0800-0900. Coffee in Exhibition Hall - Registration desk
open.
0900-1030. Robinson and Airbus - Manufacturers
Technical Workshops 3 and 4 - Session 1.
• 1030-1100. Morning Tea in Exhibition Hall
1100-1230. Robinson and Airbus - Manufacturers
Technical Workshops 3 and 4 - Continue Session 2.
• 1230-1330. Lunch in Exhibition Hall.
1330-1445. Financial Forum - To Spend, or Not to
Spend - How Best to Spend Insurance?
Moderator - Mr Peter Langrell, Managing Director,
Principle Finance Ltd.
Mr Craig Akins - Head of Equipment Management
Group, Asset Finance & Leasing- National Australia
Bank.
Mr Brent Brown - Managing Director, Blackwatch Asset
Management Pty Ltd.
This session is a unique once in a generation
opportunity to hear from, and question, helicopter
industry financial and insurance experts. Most
commercial helicopters are at a price point where
finance is essential. Financing decisions made at the
time of purchase / rental have significant consequences
during the term of the financing and at expiry of the
finance agreement.
In addition, many in the helicopter business are often
confronted with the decision to re-equip and commit to
expending large and significant amounts of money.
Industry financing is complex, confusing and not for the
feint-hearted. Purchase outright, leasing alternatives,
initial valuation and the setting of residual values,
alternative finance derivatives, FX and fuel options, are
all but a few of the considerations. What might be the
appropriate and commensurate level of insurance
coverage, is it all that necessary?
Our panel will provide a holistic perspective to helicopter
finance, hear honest and forthright opinions and advice
from helicopter industry financial experts and one of the
world’s leading helicopter insurance brokers on what
might best suit your business in the future.
1445-1530. The Importance of the helicopter industry at
Regional and Metropolitan Airports-Support and
Success! Mr Peter Pallot, General Manager - Sunshine
Coast Airport.
Earlier in the program, Mr Jason Harfield talked about
the demands currently being imposed upon safe ATM
throughout Australia. Increasing operational access
demands for helicopters around the country present
significant challenges for secondary metropolitan,
regional and some rural airports. Local community
considerations, particularly about noise abatement
initiatives, are a shared responsibility between
operators and airports. The operational mix and training
demands are also important community considerations.
How can industry and the airports achieve a win/win
outcome and retain the support of the local community?
The issues canvassed by Mr Pallot are applicable to all
airports around Australia.
1530-1545. Close of Conference.
AHIA President – Mr Peter Crook

6. Seminar South Bank, Brisbane, Tue 21 to Wed 22 Nov ‘17
Image

7. We invite you to the Inaugural
Project Thunderbird Seminar
Dr Paul Adams
This is our inaugural event, Defining the Future of
Rescue and Retrieval – titled “Aviation Innovation”.
This seminar will explore the benefits of tiltrotor transport
to improve clinical outcomes and increase efficiency of
aeromedicine for rural Australians.
Project Thunderbird, as the flagship of Aeromedical
Innovation Australasia, continues to realise success in
its mission to effect an undelayed trial of the AW609
tiltrotor for aeromedicine prior 2021.
Our objectives at the seminar include the sharing of
information, nurturing of support for the cause, and
promotion of business discussions. In particular, we wish
to encourage fruitful collaboration between industry,
government and the manufacturer.
Registrants include industry professionals, investors,
business developers, potential advocates and media.
We also have invited a broad audience who fit into the
category of “actual or potential advocates” - nurses,
paramedics, doctors, rural and remote residents,
aviation enthusiasts, and sympathisers.
We hope you will recognise the importance of this work,
and the innovative opportunity it provides our country as
we together verge upon a revolution in Australian
domestic aeromedical service delivery.
I would to thank our volunteers and organisers:
Jeff Kranen, Nicole Lucas, Stewart Mulligan, Hayley
Chamberlain, Simon Butler, Lauren Farleigh, Frank
Meany, John Wagner, Rob Keanalley, Bruce Wicksteed,
Josh Keegan, Tony Laws, Daniel Pronk, Ben Davoren
Brenda Stephens, Kevin Semler, Sara Hales, Ewen
McPhee, Naomi Lacey, Craig Gibbons, Dale South,
Don Barbour, Paul Fitzgerald, Aidan Depetro, Illya
Selmes, Sandra Cowley, Andrew Berry, Paul Edwards
William Sunick, Glenn Todhunter, Matt Gane, Brendan
Reinhardt, Brett Croker, Sara Olive and Kathryn Millist-
Spendlove
Dr Paul Adams
Chairman (Gratuitous Director)
P: (+61) 400 684 591
aeromedinnovate.com
linkedin.com/company/aeromedical-innovation-australasia
... Life-saving innovation.
AIA Media Release
Faster medical evacuations on the horizon.
A seminar to be held in Brisbane 21-22 November 2017
will highlight new developments promising to
revolutionize aeromedical services in rural Australia.
Defining the Future of Rescue and Retrieval:
Aviation Innovation will be a forum to explore the
benefits of tiltrotor transport to improve patient transfer
from remote locations, which is a major goal of organizer
Aeromedical Innovation Australasia (AIA) under the
banner Project Thunderbird.
The Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor aircraft will be the star
of the show and AIA has invited a team from the
manufacturer to participate in the forum.
Thunderbird lead Simon Butler said introduction of the
AW609 to Australia would improve the standard of
patient care in rural Australia by combining the remote
vertical access abilities of a helicopter with long-distance
rapid transport in one aircraft.
“Our intention here is most definitely to help the current
operators gain access to this aircraft and then help them
setup safe operations - our intention is definitely not to
push anyone out of business or take their jobs or
contracts,” he said.
Tiltrotor technology has been available to the US military
since 2007 in the form of the MV-22 Osprey. The
Leonardo-built AW609 will be the first commercial
aircraft with this technology. It is designed to bridge the
gap between fixed and rotary wing operations, bringing
some of the benefits of both together into one hybrid.
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport has been the focus
for a trial of this technology due to its strategic position,
and being a new airport with a blank slate for designing
an operations facility. Mr. Butler said the airport owner
John Wagner “is a big supporter” of the push for AW609
entry into Australian aeromedicine.
More than 20 speakers are scheduled for the two-day
event including Tony Laws, Director of Airmid Training
Solutions; Sara Hales, General Manager Brisbane West
Wellcamp Airport and Ewen McPhee, President Rural
Doctors Association of Australia. Flight Centre and
Airmid are the major sponsors.
AIA Chairman Dr Paul Adams said the focus of the
conference would be sharing information, nurturing
support for improved remote critical care delivery, and
“fundamentally promoting business discussions”.
“Our aim is to encourage conversations between
industry, government and the manufacturer to assist with
the timely introduction of the AW609 into Australia,” he
said. “As far as I know, what we are doing here may be
a world-first”.
The seminar is expected to attract professionals from
government, regulatory bodies and industry along with
investors, business developers, potential advocates and

8. media. Dr Adams said there are plans to include key
industry representatives from organizations including
Leonardo, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA),
and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), to
discuss the emerging tiltrotor aviation as it applies to
aeromedicine.
For information and bookings visit
www.tiltrotorseminar.com.
Contacts:
Dr Paul Adams - Chairman AIA – (+61) 400 684 591
Stewart Mulligan – Media AIA – 0408 771 248
Technical updates
The Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor aircraft, formerly the
AgustaWestland AW609, and originally the Bell/Agusta
BA609, is a twin-engined tiltrotor VTOL aircraft with a
configuration similar to the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. It is
capable of landing vertically like a helicopter while
having a range and speed more than conventional
rotorcraft.
The AW609 is aimed at the civil aviation market, in
particular VIP customers and offshore oil and gas
operators.
In 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
stated the AW609 was to be certified in compliance with
both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft rules; additionally,
new codes were to be developed to cover the transition
phase between the two modes.
Of the 217 Pilot Training Tasks, 10 are unique tiltrotor
tasks. AW609 Certification Basis is established by FAA
under the provisions of Part 21.17(b) for "Special Class
Aircraft" along with a portion of Part 25 (fixed-wing
aircraft) and 29 (helicopter) and new specific tiltrotor
parts in a new category called "powered lift". In January
2013, the FAA defined US tiltrotor noise rules to comply
with existing rules. Noise certification will cost $588,000,
which is the same as for a large helicopter.
In February 2014, the AW609 was taken on its first
customer demonstration flights, in both airplane and
helicopter modes, and began certification flights.
In early summer 2014, the AW609 performed FAA-
monitored autorotation tests; more than 79 power-off
conversions from airplane mode to helicopter mode
were made across 10 flight hours; during these tests it
was stated that the minimum autorotation altitude is
3,000 feet. The system keeps rotor RPM above the
minimum 70% for stable recovery.
The test pilots subsequently received the Iven C.
Kincheloe Award for their role in the tests.
Leonardo Reports Progress on AW609
According to Italy-based Leonardo Helicopters, the
AW609 civil tiltrotor will enter service in 2019. The
aircraft recently finished artificial ice testing and will soon
begin natural ice trials, as well as fatigue testing.
(Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
It has been claimed the tiltrotor program is on track for
entry into service in 2019. It will be certified by the FAA.
The third AW609 test aircraft has completed an artificial
icing campaign in Marquette, Michigan, laying the
groundwork for future testing in natural icing conditions.
Leonardo will soon begin fuselage fatigue test
certification. In Poland, a full-scale fuselage will be
loaded to simulate actual conditions during fatigue
testing. Additional supplier component certification tests
are proceeding as planned.
The company reported another major milestone was
achieved this month when Transport Canada certified
the AW609’s 2,000-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-
67A powerplant. FAA validation of the engine is
expected by the end of 2017.
The PT6C-67A has a new compressor with advanced
aerodynamics, and the engine's new turbines are made
with more modern materials. Together, the new
compressor and turbine allow for increased power and
reduced fuel consumption. The engine has also been
certified to enable continuous operation in vertical flight.
In accordance with development plans, a production
engine was recently retrofitted onto the third aircraft to
complete the integration and ready the aircraft for
certification testing. Test and regression flights with the
production engines have begun.
The company continues development and engineering
work to integrate the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
touchscreen avionics. Leonardo said it is also closing in
on its collaboration with the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) to finalize the first version of the
“Tilt-Rotor Guidance Material.” The first production
aircraft is expected to be in service beginning in 2019,
and in parallel with reaching this milestone the company
said it is progressing in the development of training
manuals and technical publications.