Plane Crazy Down Under

Did you hear a *THUD* when this episode arrived in your player? Weighing in at two hours and fourty one minutes, this episode is packed with content recorded at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament in Sydney back in March 2026, along with a great chat with WGCDR Keirin Joyce, one of the people organising the event. Unless you're going on a long journey, we suspect you'll need your pause button a few times on this episode, but it's worth listening all the way through to the end, and not just because the Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team are the reigning champions following back-to-back victories in the Australian and Sydney events this year.
The enormous stack of interviews in this episode unfold as:
0:00:50 – We kick it off with an overview of what this episode is about.
0:02:53 – Our discussion starts with WGCDR Keirin Joyce of the RAAF talking about the growth of military drone racing, Australia’s winning record, international competition, technology development and lessons from Ukraine.
0:16:11 – CAPT Tom Gash discusses the Richmond tactical events including payload delivery, aerial interception, scoring, equipment and safety.
0:24:14 – FSGT Justin Galbraith talks about the autonomous fixed-wing targets being used at the tactical events, covering interception tactics and the importance of the drone team’s spotter.
0:28:18 – Sid from CubePilot talks about their Cube Orange+ product, using the ArduPilot system, and autonomous target aircraft operations.
0:32:43 – LTCOL Raymond Brin, CO of the 9th Regiment Royal Army Artillery, talks about the use of UAS in Army UAS for ISR, along with operational drone capability and careers.
0:39:38 – We present a promotion for our latest podcast production: A History of the Future, then tell you a little about it.
0:40:34 – WGCDR Joyce returns to talk about the different groups involved in Military Drone Racing, including cadets and veterans, along with international teams, and the Defence and Industry careers that many young FPV pilots progress towards.
0:45:18 – We then move on to discussing the ADF’s top-down innovation units and disruptive experimentation to assess the application of new innovative concepts to Defence.
0:47:40 – This includes the use of an autonomous Jabiru light sport aircraft under Project Camel Train, and the Aladdin capability which is providing a precision logistics delivery system via drones.
0:52:25 – Payu and Angus are from the Australian Cadet Drone Racing Team and they talk about the importance of STEM, being in cadets, the fun and development they’re experiencing with drone racing, and their potential Defence pathways ahead of them.
0:58:59 – PTE Hamish Glover returns to the show to talk about the Army Drone Racing Team and the experiences he’s had racing, older versus newer technology, and tactical challenges.
1:06:56 – LAC Nelson White from the Air Force Drone Racing Team talks about being at the MIDRT competition, international camaraderie, and conducting tactical intercepts.
1:12:19 – Ben Boller is a member of the Veterans Drone Racing Team who talks about the Australian veteran community, his experiences racing and how it contributes to mental wellbeing, along with his experiences flying the tactical events.
1:21:04 – Rodney from Team USA provides an overview of building the US military drone racing presence, its links to the AUKUS program, the importance of STEM, and conducting the tactical events.
1:25:23 – Grant talks with Air Commodore Migdiawan from the Indonesian military about the growth of Indonesian military drone racing and its contribution to international cooperation.
1:27:51 – Marlon from the Philippine Army Drone Racing Team talks about developing the Philippine team, their experiences in international competition, and the tactical skills they are developing.
1:30:26 – MWO Blake Bergeron talks about the rapid formation of the Canadian military team, learning their new drones, and building Canadian FPV capability.
1:36:52 – WGCDR Joyce returns to talk about the military drone racing teams being integrated with civilian drone racing groups, sponsorship and support from civilian organisations, and the importance of drones to many areas of civilian life.
1:46:32 – Aaron Bell is the General Manager of KJR and also one of the members of the ADF’s UAS Events team. He steps us through KRJ’s history and services, discusses AI-enabled remote drone operations, environmental applications and the efforts that have gone into organising the tournament.
1:52:23 – Michael Oborne from CubePilot tells us about programming the autonomous target missions using Mission Planner, ArduPilot and civilian survey applications.
1:57:14 – Charles at SYPAQ tells us about the company’s sponsorship of the event, STEM engagement, veterans and autonomous systems.
1:59:36 – Tim Croft, aka Timmytron, from FPVBits steps us through their live-streaming of drone racing, how race timing works, providing FPV feeds and broadcasting events.
2:06:59 – Philip Rouse, co-CEO of CubePilot, steps us through CubePilot’s history, the development of ArduPilot and autonomous systems, including defence applications and supply-chain issues.
2:21:49 – WGCDR Joyce returns to discuss the Australian uncrewed systems sector and future growth for the tournament.
2:23:42 – We start wrapping the episode, including a discussion of Steve’s new Tesla (yes, he’s gone electric).
2:27:21 – We’ve got listener mail including feedback on our E190-E2 episode (we got something wrong – DOH!), a shout-out to Nilma at Embraer, and feedback from some listeners, and Steve’s tribute to his flying instructor and aviation mentor Gary Biddle. We also ask our audience’s help to spread the word that PCDU is back as we’ve encountered people who didn’t realise we were producing episodes once again. We also talk about upcoming events where we can be found, including Grant’s work for ADM and Steve’s news bulletins being produced for AIR News.
Links:
Military International Drone Racing Tournament = midrt.org
Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team
CubePilot = www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-07-01/drone-racers-league-their-own
Cube Pilot's Cube Orange+ product = www.cubepilot.org/#/cube/features
ArduPilot = ardupilot.org
A History of the Future = ahistoryofthefuture.com.au
Project Camel Train = www.australianflying.com.au/latest/raaf-converts-jabiru-400-into-autonomous-logistics-drone
Aladdin capability = www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-07-09/drone-launch-marks-innovation-milestone
FPVBits = www.youtube.com/@FPVBits/videos
Australian Defence Magazine = www.australiandefence.com.au
AIR News = airnews.com.au/stream.html

Credits:
Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel
Artwork using photos by Grant...

The Australian Beechcraft Society is holding their Pilot Proficiency Program for 2026 at Cowra from the 19th to 22nd of March, so if you own, fly or maintain Bonanzas and/or Barons, you're going to want to be there. There will be a comprehensive flying program, detailed maintenance reviews, and two days of presentations from specialists on the Bonanza and Baron, plus other speakers including Airservices, CASA, and Stralis Engineering.
We caught up with representatives from the Australian Beechcraft Society along with two very experienced members of the American Bonanza Society who will be coming to Australia for the event. It's a great chat with something to learn even if you don't fly a Beechcraft.
0:01:07 - We kick off the episode and oh wow, it's 2026 already. How did that happen?
0:04:25 - We chat with Dave Porter and David Young from the Australian Beechcraft Society about their flying experience and how they became part of the Beechcraft world. The conversation includes how Textron Aviation now owns both Cessna and Beechcraft, an overview of the Society, and the importance of aircraft type clubs for operational and maintenance knowledge, plus lobbying with regulators on your behalf. We also touch on the range of Beechcraft types, including the aerobatic Bonanzas and T-34 Mentor, then discuss what to expect from the 2026 Pilot Proficiency Program, the importance of attending, and how to sign up for it.
0:47:32 - We present a promotion for our latest podcast production: A History of the Future, then tell you a little about it.
0:51:20 - We're joined by Bob Ripley & Tom Turner from the American Bonanza Society and, after the inevitable discussion about the weather, we talk about their backgrounds and aviation experience, the number of Bonanzas and Barons still flying, and the benefits the Society provides to members. We also talk about some of the things pilots and maintainers should be aware of with these aircraft and that there are specific items for not only different models, but also specific to serial number ranges. We wrap our chat by learning the specifics of what they're bringing to the Australian event, including a detailed walk-around specific to your aircraft's model and serial number, and what unique aspects they've identified about flying and maintaining these aircraft in Australia.
1:30:26 - We talk briefly about Grant's trip to Singapore and introduce the next segment.
1:32:24 - Grant talks with Jimmy Beeson, Textron's Vice President for Product Development, about identifying opportunities for updates and new developments, working with customers to assess their needs and obtain feedback on new ideas, the latest developments, and the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality when working with customers. The conversation also touches on Textron's recent closure of the Bonanza and Baron production lines, plus what to expect from the new Denali aircraft and when it's going to be in production.
1:43:42 - We wrap up with summary of the Singapore Air Show, catching up with Brian Coleman while there, and then close out the episode.
Links:
Australian Beechcraft Society: abs.org.au
ABS PPP 2026: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFZSLrpE44
American Bonanza Society: www.bonanza.org
Textron Aviation: txtav.com
Beechcraft: beechcraft.txtav.com
Cessna: cessna.txtav.com
A History of the Future: www.australiandefence.com.au/history-of-the-future
Australian Defence Magazine: www.australiandefence.com.au
Singapore Air Show: www.singaporeairshow.com

Credits:
Introduction voice over - Kevin Hillier
Closing credits - Terry Daniel

Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

Many in Australia will have flown the Embraer E190 as there are a few flying here with Airnorth, Alliance Airlines (as QantasLink) and National Jet, plus the ones Virgin Australia used to operate back prior to COVID. The E190 and E195 include such wonderful features as large, well positioned windows (no bending down to look out horizontally), no middle seats, and good economics for the operators.
The E190 and E195 are already impressive aircraft but Embraer have made them even better with their E2 versions, providing even more comfort and improved economics. It seems only fitting that Virgin Australia, in the form of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), are the first to operate the new E2s in Australian skies.
This episode we talk to Embraer to learn more about the E2 and to VARA to learn why they selected it and how they're bringing the new airframe into operations.
0:01:25 - We introduce the episode.
0:03:49 - Raul Villaron, Vice President of Asia Pacific for Embraer Commercial Aviation joins us from Singapore to discuss all things E2. He explains the external differences between the original series and the E2s, the new technologies incorporated in their design, their improved passenger experience, and their operating economics that are allowing them to even replace older turboprops while also opening up routes that otherwise couldn't support a larger aircraft. Raul also provides a comparison of the E2s vs the Airbus A220 models, gives us an overview of the other E2 operators in the Asia/Pacific region, and talks about the support network already in place.
0:32:31 - We introduce the next segment
0:34:00 - Nathan Miller, Executive General Manager of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines in Western Australia steps us through VARA's need to replace its Fokker 100s, their assessment of available aircraft, and selection of the E190-E2. He also steps us through the unique aspects of operating Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) operations to the resources companies in Western Australia while also needing to cover airline operations, and the demands they place on aircraft in the region. We also get an insight to Nathan's love of aviation and his experiences when being on the delivery flight of the first aircraft, VH-E2A (how fitting is that rego? :) ).
0:59:42 - We wrap up the episode and hint at what may be coming next.
Links:
Maikha's video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheilffordd
Ben Jones' minature railway locomotive project https://www.facebook.com/buildingminiaturelocomotives

Credits:
Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel: http://yourvoiceover.com.au
Episode artwork photo supplied by Embraer
Music tracks are "What You Wanted" and "Event Vibe" from Infraction via #InAudio https://inaudio.org/

Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

It was a baking hot 42 Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) under the scorching Australian sun when the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia held its AusFly 2025 event at Wentworth, New South Wales, during the middle of March. Grant was on the commentary team but Steve couldn't make it due to a scheduling conflict, so Grant recorded a stack of interviews at the event to give those who missed it a chance to catch up with the vendors and people who were there. There was camaraderie and enthusiasm despite the heat with the celebration of flying and the aviation community on display for everyone to enjoy.
The interviews in this episode give a remarkable glimpse into the heart of Australia’s aviation scene, filled with lessons, laughter, and a shared love for the skies:
0:04:33 - Matilda Mendham from the Freedom Formation talks about being the newest lady on the team, how she was introduced to flying, and her experiences so far in obtaining her license and subsequent ratings. She also covers her progression with the team from Smokey to now flying as Number Two on lead's right wing, along with the all important mantra: Fly good, don't suck!
0:11:06 - Josh Larven from OzRunways' Customer Support team talks about new features, working with users, and the insights gained from watching people use the system. He also talks about the importance of developers learning to fly to help them appreciate how the system is used.
0:18:22 - Every team needs a manager and Eddie Sieve holds down that role for the Freedom Formation while also flying as number three in the team's aerobatic element. He talks about how he got into flying, building his first aircraft, and discovering the Vans RV series of kit built aircraft. The discussion also includes how he obtained his aerobatic endorsement plus being with the Freedom Formation since it was just four them and they called themselves the Four Stooges (Grant did commentary for them at a number of their events). Eddie also tells us how the Freedom Formation wound up flying at the Pacific Air Show Gold Coast event in 2023, the fun they had at last year's event (pilot briefings were a favourite), what the team manager actually does, the importance of promoting the SAAA, and the team's sponsors who help make it all possible.
0:35:59 - Paul McVitty from Flyleds talks us about the incredible landing light kits his company provides for home builders, especially those making RV series aircraft. His products are certainly bright, making Grant think he was back on a dance floor, while even air traffic controllers have commented on how far away they can see aircraft using his lights. Paul also explains how his products generate such intense light beams without wasting light, and the special versions designed for tailwheel configurations.
0:47:11 - FLTLT Larissa "Laz" Stephens originally thought that RAAF pilots were really smart, like astronauts, then she met one and immediately applied to join. Laz opens up about her career, her motivations behind pursuing aviation, and her experiences instructing on the PC-21. Larissa reflects on her journey from her first trial flight to now having flown multiple platforms, and what it's like teaching the next generation of pilots. She also talks about the aerobatic aircraft she owns with her husband and how much she enjoys the very different style of civilian flying as well as the military.
0:58:29 - Ever thought about flying the P-51 Mustang? Chris Tulk and Frank Deeth get to do that and they were taking turns operating joy flights in VH-BOB, a Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation variant of the P-51D made in Melbourne back in 1947. The two share their extensive experiences with warbirds, military, airlines and general aviation. Chris recounts his diverse background in aviation, from his career flying military aircraft with the RAAF to the commercial airline sector and the beauty of flying historical planes. Frank reminisces about his early inspiration from his father who flew for the airlines, his passion for constructing home-built aircraft, and the unique opportunities he’s had flying various vintage airplanes, including the iconic Mustang and Spitfire.
1:19:43 - It wouldn't be an airshow episode without chatting to Andrew Temby and Grant managed to grab a few minutes with him as he waited to refill his Extra 300 before flying home.
Links:
Sport Aircraft Association of Australia: saaa.asn.au
AusFly: ausfly.com.au
Freedom Formation: www.freedomformation.com.au
OzRunways: www.ozrunways.com
Pacific Airshows Gold Coast: pacificairshowaus.com
FlyLeds: flyleds.com
Royal Australian Air Force: www.airforce.gov.au
Mustang Joyflights in VH-BOB: mustangjoyflights.com.au

Credits:
Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel: http://yourvoiceover.com.au
Post-production: Chris Visscher
Episode artwork photos were taken by Grant

Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

It's our first episode for 2025 so we're allowed to say Happy New Year, right? Even though it's February, right? We may be Australia's longest running aviation podcast but we're taking a very long time to get to episode 200 :)
This episode we follow our dreams into the stratosphere and beyond, featuring a great chat with the Monash High Powered Rocketry team from Monash University. These amazing students are building and fuelling rockets that get up well above the cruising altitudes of airliners and even most corporate jets. We also get even higher beyond 100,000 feet with High Altitude Balloons. It's heady, rarified stuff in this one, so strap in and get ready to go sky high as the episode starts with Steve & Grant catching you up on what's new in their worlds before it unfolds as:
0:06:05 - We chat with Megan Robinson, Oliver Lancaster and Redmond Henry from the Monash HPR team about the program, their rockets, recent results, future directions and even a hint of more content to come during 2025. These folks are amazing and its no wonder that many of the HPR alumni wind up working with Rocket Lab, Gilmour Space, Space X and other legendary aerospace companies. Thanks to Rachelle Patturajan from the team for helping to coordinate everyone's schedules.
0:26:53 - We play some promos for other shows and organisations that we like and want to help spread the word about.
0:29:01 - When Grant flies a hot air balloon, he thinks 10,000' is sky high, but Robert Brand and the team from Flight Design go well over ten times higher than that. We chat with Robert about High Altitude Balloons in general, the company's experiences to date working with the Australian Defence Force and local universities, plus some of the payloads they're working with and how these balloons could be used to provide services like a satellite at greatly reduced time and cost.
1:01:28 - Steve and Grant wrap up the show with a reminder that you can drop us a line via contact@planecrazydownunder.com to say Hi, tell us about your latest adventures, or even suggest a potential guest we should chat with. We also shout out to:
The number of aviation podcasts that have sprung up while we were taking time off the airwaves.
Stefan Drury's challenges in getting back flying again (if you're not following Stefan's YouTube channel, you should be!)
Steve's Clear Signal radio show.
Grant's work with Australian Defence Magazine including hosting their podcast and even writing articles.

Links:
Monash HPR: www.monashhpr.com
Flight Design: flightdesign.com.au
Stefan Drury on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@StefanDrury
Steve's Clear Signal: www.clearsignal.com.au
Australian Defence Magazine: www.australiandefence.com.au
Dave Homewood's Wings Over New Zealand show: cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZ_Show.html
The Journey is the Reward show: thejourneyisthereward.org

Credits:
Introduction voice over and closing credits by Terry Daniel: http://yourvoiceover.com.au
Episode artwork photos thanks to Monash HPR and Flight Design

Contact us via contact@planecrazydownunder.com

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy