It is with an immense pleasure that I inform you all that in September, I will move to Australia, on a two to three years assignment (and hopefully, for much longer, if I succeed). The job assignment is in Canberra, but on family grounds, I will probably settle in Sydney, and commute.
And since I'm kind of attached to my KR2, I intend to bring it with me. This way, I will probably break the world record for the longest distance ever travelled by a KR2 (remember, my KR2 was born in South Africa, followed me to Tunisia, then France. OK, it travels in a container, but hey! You can't have it all, and a record is a record is a record! ; - ) So, guys, I need a little help from you to prepare the move. Here are the first questions that come in mind: Customs: Can I import my KR2 in my move container? (I'm talking red tape; technically, it works, I've done it before). What should I declare it as? An aircraft? A homebuilt aircraft project? A microlight project? Pilot's license: How do I convert my European (JAR) PPL in Australia? Aircraft ownership Can you own and register an aircraft in Australia when you have a 4 years work visa? (Just checking, in South Africa it was not the case). Insurance How much does aircraft insurance cost? Who provides such insurance (broker names in the Sydney/Canberra area would be helpful) Airfields What general aviation airfields are there around Sydney and Canberra? Which ones are best for a homebuilt? Is it easy to find some hangar space? How much does hangar space cost? KR2 requirements I understand that the Australian CAA has some specific requirements on the KR2. So far, I have heard of the followings: - CG envelope (what is the limitation in Australia, exactly?) - Elevator hinges (5 hinges instead of 3, is that correct?) - WAFs-to-WAFs bolts (each spar linked by 2 long bolts instead of 4 small bolts, with a crusher piece in-between) Are there any more requirements that I don't know about? Is it possible to raise the maximum take-off weight above the limit specified by Rand Robinson? Also, in general, for experimental aircraft: - Is it a requirement that the firewall be made of stainless steel? - Can experimentals fly in controlled airspace in Australia? Certification process Is there a homebuilder's association (PFA or EAA style) in Australia? Is there a homebuilder's club in Sydney or Canberra? Who do you talk to for certification? Is it the CAA, or a homebuilder's association like in the UK? Are there normally inspections during the construction process? Can you test the aircraft yourself, or do you have to use a test pilot? What is the testing procedure? Do you have to go through a noise test? If yes, how? Aircraft radio license Do you have to have you radios tested individually? If yes, by whom? Do you have to have your radio installation tested? If yes, by whom? Is it a requirement to have a transponder? Any other relevant info is most welcome. Serge Vidal KR2 "Kilimanjaro Cloud" Paris, France
