//Co-Pilot Club - The Plane (VH-BXT)
The ‘Flying BibleMan’ uses a 2004 model Piper 6XT (PA32-301XTC) registered VH-BXT. It is the only one of its model in Australia and was imported from the USA. Originally based in Scottsdale, Arizona, it was registered N586AT. It was ferried to Los Angeles where it was dismantled, packed into a shipping container and sent to Melbourne for re-assembly at Moorabbin Airport.
Phil ferried the aircraft from Moorabbin to Adelaide for a dedication service attended by staff and supporters of Bible Society - SA. Rev Robert Wiebusch, National Chairman of Bible Society Australia, presided over the dedication and some attendees were traeted to a brief joy flight in the new plane.
Phil was then joined by Steve McDonald for the ferry flight to Darwin via Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and on to Darwin, arriving on December 7, 2006.
The trip reached a maximum altitude of FL140 (14,000 feet).
The 6XT has a 'Glass Cockpit' instrument panel not unlike modern commercial jets and is fully integrated with two GPS navigation units and an autopilot. It is a very capable aircraft that expand our capabilities well into the future. See the Piper website for more detail: Piper 6XT
The New BXT features a utility interior which offers comfort but without the weight of luxury interiors. This makes the payload similar to the 206 over the same distance.
More info coming...
The Flying BibleMan’s flights are always unique. There are no ‘regular runs’ or standard flights. There are often last-minute changes to plan and he needs to be flexible. Phil is grateful for the support given by Champagne PC Services in Leederville WA , who make ‘Flight Planner 3000’ flight planning software. I wouldn’t be without it. I have it on my laptop as well as my desktop PC. It allows me to create or modify my plans when I am out on a trip and then submit my plans over an internet connection.
If you want great flight planning software, talk to Rob Slater at Champagne PC Services