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Welcome to your ABS newsletter for April 2026.  We start with a message from our President David Young:

It has been a busy start to the year for the ABS which seems to be flying by (pardon the pun). In March, 60 or so members found their way to Cowra from all corners of Australia including two Barons making their way from Perth. Those who attended were blessed with some good weather and an outstanding education and social program featuring Tom Turner and Bob Ripley. The success of the event would not have been possible without the hard work of the BPPP sub-committee including Bruce Baade, David Porter, Jock Folan, Murray Gerraty, Anthony, and Janine Turner. They were also ably supported over the weekend by David Marty, Guy Putker and Ian Burn. Thank you to all involved.

During May, the committee will look at the ABS and how it is run. The committee last looked at the ABS with a long-term eye and its objectives some 15 or so year ago, and whilst the ABS is by no means broken, so much has changed since. The world has moved on significantly in terms of technology and readily available Beechcraft specific content., and how members view the ABS and what it can offer Beechcraft owners now and into the future. Strategically, the committee wants to ensure that the Society continues to remain relevant and the peak representative for Beechcraft owners in Australia over the coming decades. We would welcome member contribution and involvement in that important and strategic discussion. The Committee welcomes contributions from all members - if you would like to be involved or just have a suggestion, please let either James Cherry or myself know at secretary@abs.org.au

The broader social program is currently looking a little light-on between now and the AGM. We are always looking for new places to fly to and meet as a group, and new topics to come together to chat about, either at a fly-in or at an on-line TechTalk. Regarding the AGM, this year’s AGM is currently being planned so keep an eye out for future communications on its location. The ABS committee also has several long-standing members who are looking to stand down from the committee this year at the AGM. That means those vacancies will need to be filled. One of the key objectives of the committee is to find new committee members who would like to take the baton  and shape the future of the ABS. Please contact me if you would like to help drive the future of the ABS at president@abs.org.au. I would be happy to discuss the various committee roles and how you could possibly fit in. To continue to be an effective organisation, the ABS needs its members to step up and carry the flame forward.

If there is any part of this newsletter that you can't open or read, please let me know at secretary@abs.org.au

Cowra 2026: A Masterclass in Beechcraft Excellence

If you weren’t at Cowra Airport last month, you missed the distinct growl of Continental engines and arguably the finest gathering of Beechcraft enthusiasts in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2026 Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program (BPPP) was more than just a training event; it was a high-octane immersion into the art and science of flying and maintaining our iconic aircraft.

For those who couldn't attend, here is a glimpse of what makes this biennial pilgrimage the "gold standard" of owner education, and why you’ll want to clear your calendar for 2028.

World-Class Technical Expertise

We were privileged to host two legends from the American Bonanza Society, whose presence provided attendees with world-class insights:

Tom Turner (Executive Director, ABS Air Safety Foundation) delivered powerful sessions on operational safety. His focus on simple techniques to avoid common accidents remains a cornerstone of BPPP safety culture, particularly his "Don’t make me write about you" presentation.

Bob Ripley (ABS Technical Advisor) was a force in the Hangar. Whether leading the Maintenance Reviews or conducting detailed pre-flight inspections, Bob’s legendary eye for detail gave owners unmatched confidence in their airframes.

Informative Presentations

The classroom was alive with specialized knowledge from across the industry, covering everything from the mechanical to the medical:

• Tony Brand (Horsham Aviation) led interactive discussions on engine management and the latest wingbolt updates.

• Dr. Sean Runacres (SAR Aviation Medicine) provided critical updates on aviation medicals and pilot wellness.

• Nick Lindsay (Foresight Aero) gave us a glimpse into the future of aviation intelligence with a look at Foresight Aero, a new platform focused on AI assisted aircraft ownership, predictive maintenance, and data analytics for general aviation.

• Benjamin Morgan (SkyFuel) offered deep dives into the latest in aviation fuels and oils.

• Edgar Bassingthwaite shared decades of wisdom on the hazards of "dark night" flying—a vital session for every cross-country pilot.

Honoring Our Partners and Sponsors

This program's success is a direct result of the generous support from our partners:

• Gail Kerr: The Rob Kerr BPPP Flying Program stands as a testament to the legacy of high-quality instruction, made possible by Gail’s generous and ongoing support.

• CASA: We thank the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for their continued sponsorship and commitment to general aviation safety.

• FlyOz for keeping our tanks full and managing parking, signage, bunting as well as pilot transport - Lyn, Mark and their team are crucial support throughout the event across many areas.

• David and Wil Page from Southern Aircraft Services and Glenn Hayman and Jack Morley from Aircraft Maintenance Specialists who worked tirelessly completing Beechcraft Maintenance Reviews.

• Exhibitors: Our hangar displays were bolstered by industry leaders like Garmin, AvPlan EFB and Sigma Aerospace Group.

The Team Behind the Scenes

While the aircraft were the stars, the ABS Committee built the stage. Many members helped put the event together, and several helped out during the 5 days.  We should particularly thank Dave Porter and Bruce Baade who orchestrated the complex operations, while James Cherry and Nick Lindsay handled the administrative and financial aspects; Janine Turner for the vibrant social program and Anthony Turner for managing communications through WhatsApp and many of the on-the-ground activities.  Thank you also to Jock Folan, Murray Gerraty, Brian DuRieu and David Young for the parts of the program they managed. There were several other members who also contributed in various ways to make a successful event. 

All these volunteers are crucial for the BPPP to run.  And of course, a huge thank you to all who participated for ensuring we had another successful event, capped off by the signature BPPP Hangar Dinner.  (And a thanks to those members who have written in afterwards expressing their appreciation for the efforts of the organisers and the program.)

Don’t Miss the 2028 Event!

The BPPP is where we turn "owners" into "experts." If you missed the camaraderie, the specialized training, or the chance to have your aircraft reviewed by the best in the business, make sure you don't miss 2028.

Start your countdown now—we'll see you in two years!

This article is from one of our longterm supporters, Aviator Risk, on your aircraft insurance and some ideas to consider:

The Claims We Don’t Expect: What’s Driving General Aviation Insurance Losses

When people think of aviation insurance claims, they imagine dramatic accidents and emergency landings. In reality, most claims in general aviation come from everyday operations, routine movements, ordinary landings, and aircraft sitting on the ground. These less cinematic events are often the most costly.

The Most Common Claims

Ground handling incidents (“hangar rash”)
Taxiing, towing, or repositioning an aircraft may feel low risk, but these moments generate a significant number of claims. Tight hangars, distractions, and overconfidence can result in clipped wingtips, dented cowlings, or damaged propellers. Even moving an aircraft a few metres demands full attention and deliberate care.

Hard landings and runway excursions
Landings that seem “almost fine” can still cause structural stress or bent landing gear. Short or unfamiliar strips, gusty winds, and wet runways increase risk. Conservative approach planning and respecting runway limitations are essential to preventing costly damage.

Weather related damage
Aircraft parked outside are especially vulnerable. Wind, hail, and sudden storms frequently lead to claims when tie-downs fail or hangar arrangements are overlooked. While pilots focus heavily on in-flight weather, pre- and post-flight risk management is just as important. Securing aircraft properly and checking forecasts ahead of adverse conditions can prevent substantial losses.

Maintenance and component failures
Ageing aircraft and complex systems inevitably experience wear. Small issues can escalate into expensive claims if not addressed early. Adhering to maintenance schedules, replacing worn components promptly, and conducting thorough pre-flight inspections remain fundamental risk-management practices.

Why Claim Costs Are Rising

Accident numbers may not be surging, but claim costs certainly are. Rising parts prices, supply chain constraints, skilled labour shortages, and extended repair times all contribute. What once seemed like minor damage can now result in significant financial impact and prolonged downtime.

Insurance has never been more important, but prevention is even more valuable.

What This Means for Pilots and Owners

Small incidents can no longer be treated lightly. Practical steps include:

• Slowing down and maintaining focus during ground operations

• Making conservative operational decisions

• Planning for weather risks beyond the flight itself

• Addressing maintenance concerns promptly

• Understanding the financial impact of excesses and downtime

Vigilance, not luck, protects both aircraft and finances.

For the Beechcraft Aviation Community

Most claims are preventable. By sharing experiences, discussing near-misses, and maintaining discipline in routine operations, members can reduce losses and keep more aircraft flying safely.

At Aviator Risk, we support members of the Beechcraft Aviation Society and the broader aviation community with tailored insurance advice and practical guidance, helping aircraft return to service safely, efficiently, and with fewer financial surprises.

Have your say

We have developed a survey to better understand how Australian Beechcraft Society members operate their aircraft, manage risk, and approach insurance protection. In benchmarking risk and gathering insights we can strengthen risk awareness across the Beechcraft community.  We would be grateful for your valuable input. Click on the following link to complete our survey -  Australian Beechcraft Society Member Survey

The 2023 cohort was:

Anthony Brand, Heath John and Ruben Martin from Horsham Aviation Services in Horsham
Glenn Hayman and Jack Morley from Aircraft Maintenance Specialists in Sunshine Coast
Tim Byrne from Blue Demon in Moorabbin
Angus Catt from Catt Aircraft Maintenance in Deniliquin
Steve Hobby from North East Aviation in Wangaratta
Laurie Hart from Regional Aircraft Service in Wagga Wagga
Jack Ashton from JK Aviation Services in Wagga Wagga
Ryan Hewitt, Will Page and Jordy Watkins from Southern Aircraft Services in West Sale. 

Congratulations and thanks to all of these LAMEs who have invested their time into knowing more about our Beechcraft.

Collecting and sharing Beechcraft specific knowledge and resources among our maintenance community is seen by your Committee as an increasingly important aspect of maintaining our ablity to enjoy our aircraft, which is why the ABS substantially sponsors these academies.  Thank you to Jock Folan and Dave Porter who lead the organisation and to the LAMEs who made the time available to attend.

Past Presidents, Honorary Life Members and President's Medal Recipients listed here: List

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