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TARMAC TOPICS Official Publication of the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia (Inc.)
January/February 2021
Featuring:
Latest news from Jandakot and Murrayfield Welcoming New Members and Staff Celebrating Member Accomplishments Murrayfield Flour Bombing Challenge $100 Hamburger Club Night Flying The Old Flyers Group Luncheon
Royal Aero Club of Western Australia
Patron
Welcome to our New Club Members!
Kim Beazley, AC Governor of Western Australia
Committee Ray Challen President 0408 321 262 ray@challen.com.au
Bruce Rathbone Vice President 0427 004 130 rathbone@iinet.net.au Jim di Menna Treasurer 0419 434 283 Jim.diMenna@zetta.com.au Mick Harcourt Club Captain 0402 800 862 mickh@iprimus.net.au
Amy Chetcuti Avneet Gill Ben Malden Connor Hunt Craig Sephton Daniel Bourke Daryl Binnin Dirk Bevilaqua Dominic Roberts Ed Trindall Emily Philippe Evan Eivers Fenn Forrester Gareth West Ivan Londini Agnelli Jack Burgess Javier Aguilar Jordan Ryan Joshua Carter Justin Stephenson
Liam Barr Lian Kirk Luke Matthews Oyesanmi Akinwumi Patrick de Rooy Paul Vaile Paul Ware Philip Edwards Rohan Walsh Roneesha James Ross Sadler Ruth Dawson Sean Conway Segan Pasalich Thomas Brooke Troy King Vanessa Ho Mok William Ostrick William Lloyd
Andrew Eldridge Committee Member 0438 220 703 andrew.eldridge@bigpond.com Russell Philip Committee Member 0427 999 261 raphilip@westnet.com.au Stephen Pearce Committee Member spearce@outlook.com.au Vaughan Emery Committee Member 0412 923 494 vaughanemery@bigpond.com
To download our Members Guide visit our Website
Haydn Vernon Committee Member haydn.vernon@gemcorail.com.au Page 2
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Featured
RACWA
7 Airmanship
ADDRESS
David Royans addresses the factors to consider when securing the yoke.
41 Eagle Drive, Jandakot Airport Jandakot WA 6164
9 Industry Presentation
Garry Underwood provides real world advice on how to work both as a pilot and how to specialise as a Skipper.
10 New Members & Wings Presentation
Welcoming our new members and congratulating those awarded their Wings.
15 Remembering Staff and Club Members
We remember former Club Chief Instructor Syd Goddard and Club Member Stan Schleicher.
PHONE NUMBERS Main: 08 9417 0000 Engineering: 08 9417 0050 Accounts: 08 9417 0080 Murrayfield: 08 9581 6222 Muzz Buzz: 08 9417 9015 Main Fax: 08 9417 0040
Regulars WEBSITE
4 President’s Editorial
With the new year beginning Ray Challen writes about the influx of students and his hopes for the coming year.
5 Club Captain’s Report
www.royalaeroclubwa.com.au
SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram and Facebook:
Easter is fast approaching and the Rottnest Island Hot Cross Bun Run is coming soon!
@Royalaeroclubwa EMAIL
8 Murrayfield Matters
News from Murrayfield including the hugely successful Flour Bombing Competition.
9 Members Social Events and News
From the $100 Hamburger Club to The Old Flyers Group and more...
12 Congratulating our Achievers
General Enquiries: info@royalaeroclubwa.com.au Accounts: accounts@royalaeroclubwa. com.au Engineering: maint@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Congratulations to all our aviators achieving goals from January to February.
WAAC Western Australian Aviation College: 08 9417 7733 FOR ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Marketing: 08 9417 0000 Marketing@royalaeroclubwa.com.au
Fly to Rottnest Island to buy Hot Cross Buns, and raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. For more information contact Club Captain, Mick Harcourt on 0402 800 862.
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President’s Editorial Hello Members
2020 has paid off with the Western Australian Aviation College gaining eligibility for We are now one year into COVID and an extended peri- VET Student Loans. This od of uncertainty in our work- means that WAAC students can now obtain loans from the ing, family and recreational lives. In February we had our Commonwealth Government second lockdown in the Perth to cover the fees for commerand Peel regions, and the Club cial training. again closed its doors – fortuEnrolments in WAAC in Janunately this time only for a ary were consequently at their week. It was very sad to see China Southern Flying College highest level for several years cease operations, due in part and there is a strong level of to restrictions on international interest from prospective stustudents. As much as we may dents that will see a similarly high intake mid-year. sometimes have expressed feigned or real frustration at indecipherable radio calls from The strong flying results have some of the students, this col- resulted in an improvement in lege was still part of our avia- current financial performance, and the increased enrolments tion community. for WAAC provide a greater Despite all of this, RACWA is degree of commercial certainty. All of this allows us to turn having a successful year in our minds to the future. both club activities and pilot training.
By Ray Challen club to develop over the next five years. Not only the services that we can offer members, but how we can recapture the essence of a club of passionate aviators. We are thinking very broadly about such matters as the amenity and aesthetic of the club facilities; the training and other services we offer to pilots and aircraft owners; and how we can attract a more diverse membership and participation, including our families and the many community members that have an interest in aviation but are not pilots. I look forward to sharing a new club vision and strategy with you in the near future. In the meantime, if you have ideas to contribute to the Committee’s work, please collar me or another committee member and give us the benefit of your experience and insight.
The Committee is very conscious of the perception Flying hours are 10 per cent ahead of forecast, most nota- amongst many club members Happy and safe flying. and the broader community of bly in club training and club flying. Maybe some foregone recreational aviators that RACWA has for some years expenditure in overseas holibeen focused on commercial days is being redirected into training to the detriment of club recreational flying. spirit, membership and participation. This perception has Indeed, recreational flying seems to be having something some justification as for the past several years there was, of a renaissance and this is being reflected in increases in by necessity, a commitment of participation in club flying com- management and financial resources to commercial operapetitions and events, and the tions as a means of recovery regular fly ins such as the monthly Bunbury and Bussel- from a period of relative finanton Breakfasts. Our last New cial difficulty. Members Welcome (described on page 12) introduced several We have now, fortunately and very enthusiastic new recrea- thankfully, emerged from this period and are in a position to tional pilots and their families tackle this situation. to the club. With commercial training, some very hard work put in by our CEO and his staff during Page 4
Your Committee will be thinking hard over the next few months about how we want the Ray Challen TARMAC TOPICS
Club Captain’s Report Hi All
Jandakot Comp on Sunday 28th March, with Breakfast from Hopefully you’ve received this 0830, then briefing for the copy and we are getting ready comp, a Flapless, Glide Approach at 0915. This comp is for the Rottnest Bun Run this year. The last couple of years designed to give you practice in the event of not only an enwe didn’t make it, what with gine failure, but electrical failbad weather one year and ure too! It’s a tricky one and a COVID the next! great way to practise and hone However, we look set to have a those skills that are hopefully never needed! virtual ‘armada’ of aircraft heading to Quokka-ville and The breakfast will again be we still have room for more! performed by messrs Ivan and The rule is – COME CASHED Justin and hopefully will prove as popular this month as it was UP, please! We donate (the last month…..there are two waived) Landing Fees to RFDS, and this year it will be a points worth noting: Please register for breakcash donation of $60 per airfast with reception, or mycraft, but wait there’s more… self There are raffles with a variety You don’t have to have a go in the Comp to come of prizes to be held prior to and and enjoy a get together on the day to help bolster the with fellow Members amount we collect for this worthy cause, so we’ll be asking On 10th April, Serpentine Airyou to dig deep, but not too field are hosting a Torana Car deep! Club day and have invited At the time of writing, there ap- RACWA to join in the fun and pear to be no C172s available, spectacle – which may kick on a tad late, so there is an offer but still plenty of C152s – so book your aircraft, don’t forget to hang around and not have to drive or fly home late! I’ll post to arrange for life vests and we’ll see you at the briefing on the times for this event in a TT Good Friday 2nd April at 0815, weekly update, or email me for for important information on the more information. execution of this event. The next day, 11th April is a currency Comp at Murrayfield, The Royal Aero Club of WA, would like to thank both Janda- starting with breakfast at 0830, kot Airport Holdings (JAH) and then briefing at 0915. Let me Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) explain we have, in our Comps, usually two nonfor their generosity in waiving the Landing Fees at both Jan- instructors that are able to fly with current, ‘medicalled’ RPL dakot and Rottnest. pilots and higher. Sometimes when you are getting close to Oh, and don’t forget to let us your 90 days, but not past, you know how many (6 packs) of can get your currency back by buns you require, prior to the flying with these guys. If you event! are out of hours (beyond 90 days), then we have an instrucPrior to the Bun Run is the tor available to fly with you and TARMAC TOPICS
By Mick Harcourt providing your medical is up to date, you’ll be set for some more solo flights. There are some other circumstances that we are going to confirm as being ok and again, I’ll get the information in the weekly TT update prior to the comp. I can’t make any promises yet, but mid April we may be taking a trip to WhiteGum Farm, just the other side of York as well as in the near future a sojourn to Wheeler Army Airfield. Flying Committee members Vaughan Emery and Anthony Buckley are in the process of teeing up a “one dayer” to either or both of these locations. When you think about it, there’s only another two months before the start of the Night Challenges at the beginning of May and if you have never experienced this, then you’re in for a treat. All I can say is that we may need to extend the Gregorian Calendar another couple of months to fit everything in! Safe and happy flying!
Mick Harcourt Page 5
New Employees
The Club has employed three LAMEs to boost our capacity in the hangar. Gig Papa-Adams has taken on the role of Maintenance Manager, to prepare the maintenance section for the significant regulatory changes that CASA has announced. Andrew Van Der Waarden and Sebastian Larralde bring their considerable experience to ensure RACWA aircraft are maintained to the highest standards.
Katherine Norman-Murphy is the new Marketing Assistant and the one responsible for this issue of the Magazine.
We farewell Lew Peake who has been in charge of the engine shop since 2012. We wish Lew all the best in the challenges he is currently facing.
Katherine Norman-Murphy
Lew Peake with a present from his friends and colleagues.
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Employee News Congratulations to Henry Brink on the successful completion of his apprenticeship. Henry has two CASA exams to complete before he can become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME). There is a critical shortage of LAMEs in the industry. The Club is fully committed to training apprentices to secure the long-term future of the industry. Unfortunately, many maintenance organisations, especially the larger airlines, appear to be reducing their investment in apprentice training, possibly to reduce costs. This hastens the movement of trained LAMEs from the club to these larger organisations. The Club currently has three apprentices/trainees.
Henry Brink
Airmanship
By David Royans
Securing Of Aircraft Flight Control After another spate of broken switch housings and switch clusters caused by incorrect securing of the flight controls, it is timely that we have a look at the securing of flight controls in aircraft that do not have a physical locking device (e.g. M20), or as a temporary measure if a locking device is missing. Aircraft with control locks should always have the control lock fitted immediately after shutdown, if possible before you get out of the pilot seat. For aircraft with no control lock, the controls are generally secured by using the harness to secure the control column. This can be either the left or right hand seat harness. The seat should be slid right forward, the harness extended to its fullest, then fed around the column and secured to the buckle, ensuring no twists or knots. The seat should then, if aircraft type allows, be slid back and locked into place – without using undue
force (we want to secure the controls, not break anything in the process). The following should also be considered if the harness includes an inertia shoulder strap it is not this section that should be used to secure the controls but rather the lap section of the harness. Ensure the harness, when secured, is not wrapped around the tip of the control column horn. Particularly as the tip of the horn may house PTT, trim, auto pilot switches etc., either singularly or in a cluster. Be aware this is only an example. There are many different types of aircraft with no locking device and may require different techniques – some aircraft have seats that do not adjust (the pedals are adjusted instead); some have a stick not a column. There are many variations. The lesson here is to work out what may cause something to break, and then not do that.
Seatbelt wrapped around steering wheel TARMAC TOPICS
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Murrayfield Matters Happy New Year, 2020 is finally behind us. Looking forward to see what the new year will bring. We have had a few first solos here at Murrayfield so far in 2021.
By Liz Garcia of January we were visited by a group from Alziemer’s WA for a lovely morning tea and to check out the aircraft. This is the second year running they have come to visit the airfield. We hope to see them again next year.
Starting with Evan Eivers, our first, first solo here at Murrayfield for 2021. On the 23rd January after months of working hard, he partook of his first solo circuit. Flying on your own for the first time is certainly an achievement in itself. Some even learning to fly before having a driver’s licence.
Looking ahead for April next 27th of January. Another Club Competitions are on Sunyoung pilot, Jack Burgess also day 11th April. It will be a 3 cirachieved his first solo on his cuit currency competition. 15th birthday, making him one Come along and test out your of the youngest solo pilots on skills. After scorching months the 9th of February. with temperatures in the high 30s (sometimes low 40s), we Congratulations to all who look forward to the weather Michael Kluczniak, is one such have reached a milestone cooling down before the winter young pilot. After working hard these last couple of months. rains return. during the year, facing lockWe hope to see more pictures downs and poor weather, he on our notice board in the achieved his first solo on the months to come. On the 19th
Flour Bombing Competition
By Mick Harcourt
The Multi Club event on Sunday 14th March at Murrayfield was a huge success. We had 18 people take part in the competition, of which 7 were Mustang Owners Club WA (MOCWA) members.
event! The hard work you all put in really made the day what it was, and helped to promote such great relations between not only MOCWA but the representatives from Northam Aero Club, too.
Our club volunteers did a sterling job feeding 52 hungry pilots at breakfast!
Instructors Lou Langford, Fransua Grobler and Michael Sonneman worked tirelessly to keep the “sausage machine” in All together a great morning fine fettle (with constant feed- and thanks again for all your ing by Russell) and they deexpertise and help!
I would like to thank you all for a wonderful “Club” oriented
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serve a special mention here. One participant who had never flown before in a light aircraft was initially unsure, however on the return after the actual flight, they were ecstatic, enjoying the experience immensely and full of praise for the instructor/bomb aimer!
Industry Presentation
By Adrian Denny
Garry Underwood from Skippers Aviation It’s great to see the industry presentations return for 2021. On Friday, 5th March we had the pleasure of meeting Garry Underwood, exRACWA instructor and now fleet manager and check training captain for Skippers Aviation. Garry began the presentation by describing who Skippers aviation are. For those of you who don’t already know Skippers are a Perth based RPT and Charter company. Founded in 1991 they began with a modest 3 aircraft operating from the flight centre facility at Perth domestic airport. Over the years the company has expanded to a fleet of 26 aircraft including Dash 8 -100 and 300 series, Fokker 100, Fairchild Metro 23 and Cessna Conquest C441, servicing the Northern Goldfields and Kimberly region.
to form but could pay dividends for you in the future. 2. “Don’t turn up to the interview in shorts and t-shirt!” Seems obvious, however I was surprised to hear this has been the case on numerous occasions. First impressions count! 3. Get those ATPLs done as soon as possible, start with the tricky ones so if you land a job, managing your study time will be easier. So, what does it take to be a pilot? Garry listed some attributes as a guideline which I believe not only apply to aspiring pilots but anyone who wishes to be successful in any career or indeed their personal life:
Professionalism Enthusiasm Preparation Presentation Communication Organisation Efficiency Command decision making Get networking!
Some encouraging words to hear were that the industry is already improving. Pilot demand is increasing and is well on its way to getting back on its feet. Overall, I felt encouraged and reassured that now is a great time to be training.
Garry’s aviation journey commenced 17 years ago at the age of 33, like many of us with a trial flight. He elaborated on how he gained his CPL then moving on to pursue a career in InstructThe Next Industry Presentation is scheduled ing, reaching Grade 2. for Friday 28 March Moving on from instructing, he completed survey and aircraft relocation work before applying to Skippers Aviation. He went on to describe the interview process which consisted of a panel interview and sim work. The panel asked some technical questions but had more emphasis on personal questions to figure out who you are and how you react to different situations. He stated they were not looking for perfection but the ability to improve quickly. Garry shared a number of tips on succeeding in the industry. 1. The aviation industry is small, word gets around quickly. Conducting yourself in the correct manner now is not only a great habit
Cody Roberts receiving his PPL Wings from Garry Underwood
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New Members & Wings Presentation On Sunday 21st February around 55 members, guests and family were welcomed by Club President Ray Challen, for our first quarterly “Welcome to New Members” and Wings presentation events for 2021. Also in attendance were our recent member achievers who have reached an outstanding milestone by passing either a Recreational Pilot’s Licence or a Private Pilot’s Licence. We at the club both welcome our new members, and congratulate those members who were presented their Wings on the day.
Everything from social activities, monthly Club competitions, Fly-ins and national Light Aircraft Championships are among the many activities on offer. All you have to do is join in!
The next New Members & Wings Event is planned for Sunday 23rd May at 1500hrs in the Club Members’ Lounge.
For more information on membership, please contact our friendly staff, Club Committee representatives or fellow members.
Fellow committee members, staff and other members also joined the Club President in welcoming our newest members with a presentation outlining what the Club is all about and most importantly, what new members can look forward to when joining in and embracing what the Club has to offer.
$100 Hamburger Club The so-called $100 Hamburger Cub have made the most of WA’s perfect night flying conditions. Visiting Bruce Rock in January and Wongan Hills in February. Future destinations are Jurien Bay and Waddi Farms. Pilots interested in exercising their night rating and enjoying the camaraderie of a meal ‘out yonder’ should contact David Currey.
Bruce Rock
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The Wongan Rotary Club presented a history of Wongan Hills, which boasts one of the top five regions in the world for plant diversity. TARMAC TOPICS
The Old Flyers Group Word has it that our luncheon meetings are fun. They are a chance to catch up with friends over lunch and to hear two interesting presenters At our most recent meeting our first speaker was John Ridley who was a Manager of Line Maintenance for Hong Kong based HAICO. He spoke about October 18th, 1983, when a Boeing 747230E Freighter operated by Lufthansa had an aborted take-off and veered off the runway (rather than end up in the ocean, for this was notorious Kai Tak airport.) John detailed how this aircraft was salvaged and the resources they used to get it back to fly-
ing. The process took three months and cost $50M. A new freighter would be about $110M. John praised the Hong Kong ethos of overcoming obstacles and wondered whether Australians have something to learn.
Brian Mollan became bitten by the aviation bug early when as a seven-year-old he was invited into the cockpit of a Dakota off the West African coast. In 1959 he joined the Royal Marine Commandoes in the U.K. but applied to transfer to the Fleet Air Arm to learn to fly helicopters. The Tiger Moth (“Box-kite with an engine strapped to the front”) and DH Chipmunk were early
By Steve Rogers trainers followed by a succession of helicopters. Brian brought humour to a serious subject as he detailed things that could and did go wrong. We plan to have Brian back to follow up with the story of his civilian flying when he emigrated to Australia. We will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the RAAF during our March meeting. RACWA committee member, Vaughan Emery has generously donated a flight in his Cirrus SR20 to be offered as a door prize. Thank you Vaughan.
Become a member through: henol@bigpond.net.au
Member News The Club’s most active member, Trevor Tang, celebrated passing his PPL flight test in style. At a special function, Trevor thanked his family, instructors and all those who have supported him achieve his goal of becoming a pilot.
the next week, and has been a frequent visitor ever since.
Throughout his training and private flying, Trevor has always energised the operations area with his broad smile and enthusiasm Trevor’s first flight was a trial for the forthcoming flight. Even flight on 25 April 2018 with Jet when he was critical of his perSlater. That first flight was ob- formance after a flight, he was viously very special as it ignit- still full of excitement and ed a passion for aviation that ‘determined to do better next has seen Trevor at the Club at time’. His popularity was evileast three times a week ever dent by the many members since. In September 2019, Tre- and staff who witnessed John vor wanted to perfect his circuit Douglas announcing Trevor as skills and recorded 17 solo the Club’s latest private pilot flights and 2 dual flights that and getting Trevor to ring the month. This is typical of Treachiever’s bell. vor’s determination to be the best at everything he does. Trevor was the inaugural recipOnce approved to fly to Rottient of the President’s Award nest Island, Trevor celebrated at the 2020 Wings Dinner. This by visiting the island 5 times in award was created to honour a TARMAC TOPICS
member that has displayed above average passion and enthusiasm for aviation. Not many members have flown over 400 flying hours in less than three years. Trevor’s logbook is a testament to his passion for aviation, recording many different airports that he has visited with friends and family. Trevor has introduced his nephew to the Club, determined to he will also benefit from the life skills that are required to become a pilot.
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Achievers First Solo Jack Burgess
Evan Eivers
First Solo
First Solo
Michael Kluczniak
Merrilee Greenaway
Aaron Keirath
First Solo
First Solo
First Solo
Bien Castledine First Solo
Zayd Goraya First Solo
Jordan Ryan First Solo
Ching Ming (Kenny)
Xavier Camacho
Matthew Brice
First Solo
First Solo
First Solo
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Recreational Pilot’s Licence (RPL) Jonathon Rowe
Matthew Longworth First Solo
Anthony Barbaro RPL
RPL
Jace Collingridge RPL
Neil McGill RPL
Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
Stewart Harris PPL
Cameron Stowell
Cody Roberts
PPL
PPL
Ryan Flynn PPL TARMAC TOPICS
James Penn Minchin PPL Page 13
Achievers
Andrew Korol PPL
Artur Lugmayr
Ian Clark
PPL
PPL
Commercial Pilot’s Licence Michael Atkinson PPL
Michael Spalding PPL
Josh Kerrich
Flynn Smith
Mohammad Alamin
CPL
CPL
CPL
Instructor Rating Keanu Czynski CPL Page 14
Kayla Weekes CPL TARMAC TOPICS
Dane Gavranich
Herman Tsang Grade 2
Grade 2
Louise Langford Grade 2
Remembering On a sad note, we recently lost Club Member Stan Schleicher. Stan enjoyed a great passion for flying particularly in formation in his beloved Chipmunk or Texan. Many a formation sortie on a Friday afternoon was followed by a beer and a critique of the groups efforts in the Aero Club’s Bar. This usually entailed a friendly squabble over the larger twisties (few and far between in each pack) and whose turn it was for the first round. Stan retired from flying on is own terms several years ago but the passion for flying never waned. His friendly, mischievous and cheeky face is missed by his family and friends. RIP.
Club members celebrated Stan Schleicher’s contribution to aviation with a series of formations flying up the Swan River.
The Club also recently learnt Mosquito aircraft before reof the passing of former Club turning to civilian life as an InChief Instructor, Syd Goddard. structor with the Club. Syd later went on to a very successSyd was the first post-war ful 25 year career with local Club flying instructor operating airline MMA, ultimately as from Maylands aerodrome Chief Pilot. and was in great company with other well-known Club In honour of Syd’s contribution identities including Bob Giles, to Service, The Royal Aero Harry Beeck and Shirley (Lee) Club of WA and the Aviation Adkins OAM. industry, a gathering of family and friends congregated in the Syd turned 100 last year in Club hangar to say farewell to 2020 and was a former RAAF him in an aviation environWorld War 2 pilot who flew ment he knew so well. TARMAC TOPICS
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RACWA Members Calendar For more information on upcoming events contact our friendly staff at the operations desk
April
May
June
July
1
1
1
1
2 GOOD FRIDAY Rotto Bun Run 3 Easter Saturday
2
2 Night Comp #2
2
3
3
3
4 Easter Sunday
4
4
4
5 Easter Monday
5 Night Comp #1
5 Bomber Command
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
8 Open Day
8
8
9
9 Mother’s Day
9
9
10
10
10
10
11 YMUL Comp
11
11
11 YMUL Comp
12
12
12
12
13
13
13 YMUL Comp
13
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
15
16
16 YMUL Comp
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
25 ANZAC Day
W.A. Day
7 Night Comp #3
25
25 Industry Presentation
25 YPJT Comp and Breakfast
YPJT Comp and Breakfast 26 ANZAC Day Holiday
26
26
26
27
27
27 YPJT Comp and Breakfast
27
28
28 Industry Presentation
28
28
29
29
29
29
30 Industry Presentation
30 YPJT Comp and Breakfast
30
30 Industry Presentation
31
31
