INTRODUCING MARTY PETERS

The New Raaus Assistant Head Of Flight Operations

Words Marty Peters

My first memories of aviation go back to me as a young boy under the age of eight watching my father and brother playing with control line model aircraft on our family property, about 10 kilometres outside of a little town called Jindera, in NSW. The idea of going round and round did my head and stomach in.

On my 13th birthday, I received my first model aircraft project, a kit-built NOT ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) “Hustler Mark 3” box of balsa. Excited was an understatement, the idea of flying this aircraft and the adventures this 13-year-old kid was going to have. After a two-year pause, I finally found a place to build it. Over the coming weekends, my father and I built the table that would be the stage for building and repairing many models to come. After the aircraft was built it took another two years to obtain the engine and radio (more birthday presents).

Then it was time to learn how to fly this magical bit of gear, with an old school instructor. Handing over, taking over, literally handing the radio control unit back and forth. This is where my real love for aviation began.

About five years later I visited the gliding club in Corowa NSW and started gliding training but my stomach was still ruling my head and after around ten flights (with the longest about three minutes long), I decided I preferred an engine out the front.

Life got in the way, as is often the case. It wasn’t until I was about 24 years old that I started to learn to fly fixed wing aircraft at Albury NSW, and obtained my Private Pilot Licence (PPL). I furthered my aviation training at Wangaratta VIC, adding tailwheel and constant speed propeller endorsements and dabbling with basic aerobatics. Again however, my stomach decided aerobatics wasn’t for me.

By this time, I was married and living on the Central Coast with the opportunity of a lifetime in the aviation world, working for a charter company. This included the usual tasks, washing cars and planes, and over the next 12 years this company provided me with the privilege of travelling Australia, meeting and working with some amazing, fascinating people and gaining my

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with multi-engine, IFR, turbine and instructor rating.

COVID changed the course of my life again, and in 2020 I joined the Paul Bennet Airshows team, working with Aerohunter Flight Training in Cessnock NSW, a new flight training school. By the end of 2020 I was the RAAus CFI with one training aircraft, and by the start of 2023 we were operating four aircraft. I was working towards a waterborne endorsement, as the concept of flying and operating on water fascinates me.

I’m now close to six months working with RAAus in my new role and I’m absolutely loving life. I’m looking forward to the opportunities to learn new things, travel to new places and meet our members. I’m looking forward to giving back, not only to RAAus as an organisation but also to our members. So, if you see me at an airport somewhere, give me a wave and let’s catch up!

Wombat Ware iPad Mini 6 Cooling Case

If you’ve run into an issue of your iPad overheating whilst in flight, this cooling case is for you!

Many pilots rely on navigation software through the likes of an iPad, and this new product on Kickstarter may end up saving you a few headaches. Mechanical Engineer Julian Chua launched Wombat Ware to help pilots avoid their primary navigation device overheating, causing eventual thermal shutdown. The cooling capabilities not only helps prevent the shutdown, but it also helps the device run smoother by keeping it at an optimal temperature.

The case features a temperature sensor that detects when the iPad is getting too hot. Once the iPad exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, it triggers the fans to disperse air around it, creating a continuous airflow.

The case keeps a low profile and is incredibly light at only 110g, so should you should not encounter any issues when mounting it inside your cockpit. Speaking of mounting, the case includes an AMPS 4-hole pattern on the back, making it compatible with almost every mounting device on the market.

You can back the project on Kickstarter for $279, or check out the whole range of Wombat Ware cases at getwombatware.com

CX-3 Electronic Flight Computer

The CX-3 Flight Computer is a versatile and user-friendly aviation calculator that simplifies flight planning and calculations. It uses the latest microchip and display technologies to deliver fast and accurate results for various aviation functions related to time, speed, distance, heading, wind, fuel, altitude, cloud base, standard atmosphere, glide, climb & descent, weight & balance, and holding patterns. The sleek design and ergonomic fit make it easy to transport, and the no-slip strip prevents it from sliding around the cockpit. The CX-3 also features a ‘favourite’ feature for quick access to frequently used functions and the ability to store aircraft-specific numbers. It has two timers, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and can perform standard mathematical calculations and conversions within each aviation function.

$249.95 from flightstore.com.au

Design4Pilots

Pilot CO Charger – Dual USB Charger with Carbon Monoxide Detection

This USB charger is made of aluminium and designed for use with 12-28V power sources. It features two quick charging ports: one USB and one USB-C. In addition to its charging capabilities, the PILOT CO CHARGER includes an integrated carbon monoxide detector and a safety hammer. The quick charging function is compatible with all current systems, and the integrated smart chip monitors critical parameters such as voltage, temperature, and charging status.

$79.95 from flightstore.com.au

Cessna 3D Logo Cap

If you like to take to the skies in style, donning this cap with a timeless Cessna logo embroidered on it is a hot buy! The unconstructed design paired with a Velcro closure means it will take the shape of your head nicely, giving you that classic sporty look! It also comes in a tan and stone colour if navy isn’t quite your thing.

$49.95 from flightstore.com.au

Prices are correct at time of publication.