Gleaming Sunny Coast
DDAC Instructor • November 3, 2020
Runway 13/31 at YBSU
A brand-new runway is up and running at Maroochydore making the Sunshine Coast just a little bit brighter. Runway 18/36 is now decommissioned and runway 13/31 with a 334-million-dollar price tag is here to stay. After its completion on 14th June 2020, trainers and private pilots alike descended on the new runway exemplifying the phrase “if you build it, they will come”.
Mt Coolum still stands strong as a not so subtle reminder to aviators on their first trip to YBSU as to why a right-hand circuit on runway 13 is not such a bad idea. After a successful landing on the 2450m long runway one will hear a humming sound coming up from the landing gear (if it is a loud drawn out screeching sound with an unexpectedly short landing rest assured the landing gear is still safely stowed).
The humming sound is made as the wheels travel across an innovative new groove dug into the runway that has been offset to the side. The idea is to prevent aquaplaning as the water will become trapped in the grooves. There are only three runways in Australia that has this design to assist during heavy rain and ironically the Sunshine Coast Airport is one of them.
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It is possible for pilots to fly in conditions below visual flight regulations if they have earned an instrument rating (VFR). Here is an introduction to instrument rating and the skills you'll need to get started: What does Instrument Rating mean? An Instrument Rating (IR), a supplemental certification, allows pilots to fly in conditions where visual reference to the ground is lost, such as fog or clouds. All instruments, such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, and attitude indicator, are used during flight training for pilots with an IR. Instrument Rating Requirements Before getting an instrument rating, a pilot must have either a private pilot's license (PPL) or a commercial pilot's license (CPL), as well as a certain number of flight hours and cross-country flight experience as a pilot in command. How Exactly Does One Train? Gaining an instrument rating requires both classroom study and in-flight experience. Instrument flying regulations (IFR), instrument approach procedures, and the proper use of navigational aids are just some of the topics covered in ground schooling. With a hood or other obstruction in place, the pilots will learn to fly in what is called "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Instrument Rating Test Once the training is complete, the pilot must take and pass a written and practical exam for an instrument rating. The written test checks how much you know about weather, navigation, and the rules. The required number of hours in the air with an examiner shows how well you can fly safely and competently in a variety of conditions. Benefits of an Instrument Rating Getting an instrument rating is very helpful for pilots because it lets them fly in more situations and makes them feel safer while doing so. Pilots with an instrument rating can apply for jobs with airlines and other businesses in the commercial aviation sector. Keep Your Instrument Rating Intact greatly Pilots must go through training and flight reviews every six months to a year to keep their instrument ratings up to date. This makes sure that pilots have access to the most up-to-date information and can fly safely in any condition. Getting an instrument rating is usually good for pilots because it gives them more options in the aviation industry. With hard work and training, any pilot can improve their skills and earn an instrument rating.
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