Author Archives: Falcon124

2010-07-03 – Shifting Evening Winds – Mildura – VH-BLQ (77)

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Falcon124

This was an afternoon flight where the light winds shifted dramatically part way through, making us reassess our route & target landing spot. I was at Mildura as part of the Australian Ballooning Federation’s “The Lake 2010” event Here’s my … Continue reading →

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2010-07-03 – First Lesson – Mildura – VH-BLQ (77)

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Falcon124

This was my first instructional flight in a hot air balloon. I was at Mildura as part of the Australian Ballooning Federation’s “The Lake 2010” event Here’s my notes from the flight: Paul’s FICOM check process Cold, crisp conditions with … Continue reading →

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Introducing “Flight Notes”

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Falcon124

As part of my balloon flight training, my instructors have asked me to write up notes about each flight, highlighting what was good, what I learned, questions & what wasn’t so good. The idea is that this will help solidify … Continue reading →

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A Happy Birthday….or not…

Posted on November 8, 2010 by Falcon124

When we used to have a blog at the Plane Crazy Down Under show’s website, my co-host Steve Visscher posted this article about our friends at the Airplane Geeks Podcast. I’ve posted it here to preserve his words so they … Continue reading →

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Safety Through Information

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Falcon124

I recently gave a presentation at the Balloon Association of Victoria’s “Safety Seminar” on obtaining information to stay safe when flying balloons. This information is published on my site as the Safety Through Information article and is also available as … Continue reading →

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Podcasting advice straight from the source!

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Falcon124

When we used to have a blog at the Plane Crazy Down Under show’s website, my co-host Steve Visscher posted this article about our friends at the Airplane Geeks Podcast. I’ve posted it here to preserve his words so they … Continue reading →

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80 Year old advice is still valid

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Falcon124

While reading Macarthur Job’s book “Into Oblivion: the Southern Cloud enigma” (as mentioned in my previous blog entry) I encountered over some sagely aviation advice that was written in 1930 that still rings true today. The book has a set … Continue reading →

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To Oblivion and Beyond

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Falcon124

I recently finished reading Macarthur (“Mac”) Job’s book Into Oblivion: The Southern Cloud enigma, yet another of his amazing air crash investigation books. An avid pilot, Macarthur was also responsible for the Department of Civil Aviation’s Aviation Safety Digest for … Continue reading →

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What’s in the Tranquiliser Trolley on Your Flight?

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Falcon124

Do you enjoy a few drinks when you’re flying on the airlines? Do you recall the “good ol’ days” when the drinks were free even in economy? How about when cocktails were mixed for you or when drinks weren’t served … Continue reading →

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Steve’s Deep Thoughts on the Plane Crazy Journey

Posted on September 19, 2010 by Falcon124

My co-host Steve Visscher has written a great piece about his thoughts on producing podcasts and Plane Crazy Down Under in particular. He put it on our Southern Skies Online Media site and the post is getting picked up and … Continue reading →

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