Yet again a hot humid day, but the cus popped early, and the sky looked fantastic. Al Giles declared his 300 km task yet again and launched.
I went to Somerton to get diesel for the tractor, all the time looking at the sky, thinking I was missing my 750 km opportunity. However when I got back Al was putting his glider away. The lift wasn't as good as it looked apparently, and Al had had a close inspection of my outlanding paddock from Monday.
Todd Clark turned up later and launched at 1530, and flew to Eumungerie and back. The tug needed an oil change, so Todd's tow warmed the oil up nicely. However having drained the oil out, we discovered we did not have quite enough oil to fill it up again. Quick phone call to Country Capital in Tamworth, yet they had the required type of oil, so we hopped into the Jabiru to collect it.
I don't do controlled airspace very much, so this was good practice. Imagine our surprise to hear IID, Todd's LS4 calling up the tower and getting clearance to fly through the control zone. On the way back, the tower gave us traffic information about a glider flying through the control zone. "Its all right we know him" I told the controller. "Cool" was the response!
The people at the tower at Tamworth are very helpful.
Anyway, got the oil change done OK, and Todd made it back to Keepit OK. There has been another thunderstorm and rain this evening.
No one scheduled to fly tomorrow, so it will be a day of mowing and maintenance. The grass is excessively long again. Perhaps we should be in the haymaking business.
The new vario for the Junior has arrived so will have to see if I can fit it tomorrow.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday 30 January
I flew an AEF passenger in the Grob and was the first to launch at 13:10. It was soarable but there were large areas of sink. Later on Jim Staniforth flew his nimbus 3 to Kaputar and back, and John Hoye flew the LS7. John Wakefield came out and flew the Jantar IZV. For once he managed to fly a glider without being collared to maintenance on a plane or a glider. He couldn't help himself after landing - he had to do the lock-wiring of the the wing bolts on the Puchatek.
After that we retired to the clubhouse for a beer - even Boris. Under John Wakefield's instruction he's starting to become a real Aussie!Left to right, John Hoye, Gerhard Stuck ( only his beer bottle is visible) Al Giles, John Wakefield, Jim Staniforth, Boris Ariotti.
Tuesday 29 January
A hot humid day, with no sign of thermals till quite late in the afternoon.
John Clark spent most of the day working on the Puchatek 100 hourly under Gerhard's supervision. We changed the bent undercarriage for a straighter one we had in the cupboard. Meanwhile, we rigged the Grob again, and put Garry's trailer away again.
Peter Shiels and Todd Clark came out to fly. Peter had a bit of a struggle and landed after about 25 minutes. Todd launched later and had 2hrs 30 minutes, flying out the the east past Manilla - a direction we don't usually go.
John Clark spent most of the day working on the Puchatek 100 hourly under Gerhard's supervision. We changed the bent undercarriage for a straighter one we had in the cupboard. Meanwhile, we rigged the Grob again, and put Garry's trailer away again.
Peter Shiels and Todd Clark came out to fly. Peter had a bit of a struggle and landed after about 25 minutes. Todd launched later and had 2hrs 30 minutes, flying out the the east past Manilla - a direction we don't usually go.
Monday 28 January
Arrived back at Lake Keepit at about 10.00 am after very smooth flight in the Jabiru.
Roland, my student from last week went solo on Sunday, and was still at the club on Monday. As Monday was a public holiday, but everyone including me wanted to fly. Roland wanted to take some photos from the glider. As I wanted to do a cross country flight, I asked him if he would like to attempt a 300 km flight in the Grob and he agreed with enthusiasm. I put him in the back seat to improve the weight and balance, and also so that I could see the L-nav in the front. There followed a quick lesson in cross country preparation - getting food and water together.
Jim Staniforth set the task LKSC Premer Narabri and back to LKSC, a 300 km FAI triangle. He also set a 500 and a 750 but we settled for the 300.
Christian Linnet flew in the Cirrus, Sam Clift in the LS7, Jim Staniforth in the Nimbus, Al Giles in Jantar IZT Gerhard in Jantar UKU John Clark in the Junior and Jim Hackett in his ASH 26. Chris Carr flew in the LS6.
Christian, Chris, Sam and Jim Staniforth started on the 500 km task, reached the first turnpoint, and came back home. Not sure what Gerhard attempted, but he got home. Al Giles did his own task as he is trying to get his gold distance. The plan was for the Junior and the Grob to go around the 300 together.
We started off OK and climbed to cloudbase at about 7000 ft, and thermalled with the airbrakes open while waiting for John in the Junior to catch up, then we set off for Premer. However radio communications didn't work very well, as I had two dodgy batteries in the Grob, and the Junior radio has a problem with transmitting. Anyway after the first glide, John decided not to come with us.
Got to Premer OK, then up the edge of the Pillager Scrub toward Narrabri, when it went blue. I discussed turning for home with Roland, but he was keen to go for it, so we rounded Narrabri and set off home in the blue. Almost made it but ended up landing in a paddock near Rangerai air strip. Luckily I didn't land at the air strip, as it was completely overgrown, but our paddock contained a hidden electric fence. Managed not to hit it, but an aerotow was out of the question. The day ended in the usual fashion with a group of people trying to derig a heavy twin glider into a difficult trailer in pitch darkness.
Boris, Geoff Neely and Al Giles came to the rescue, and eventually we accomplished the task, arriving back at LKSC at about 1.30 am. All part of the game! Boris really is a useful person to come on an outlanding retrieve. His friends at the Zarate gliding club must have trained him very well in the art of putting gliders into trailers!
Roland received the full gliding experience during his week at Lake Keepit, from first lesson to outlanding retrieve. He has the whole thing on video too.
While we were flying, the crew back at LKSC pulled the wings off the Puchatek and started on the 100 hourly inspection. Much appreciated.
Roland, my student from last week went solo on Sunday, and was still at the club on Monday. As Monday was a public holiday, but everyone including me wanted to fly. Roland wanted to take some photos from the glider. As I wanted to do a cross country flight, I asked him if he would like to attempt a 300 km flight in the Grob and he agreed with enthusiasm. I put him in the back seat to improve the weight and balance, and also so that I could see the L-nav in the front. There followed a quick lesson in cross country preparation - getting food and water together.
Jim Staniforth set the task LKSC Premer Narabri and back to LKSC, a 300 km FAI triangle. He also set a 500 and a 750 but we settled for the 300.
Christian Linnet flew in the Cirrus, Sam Clift in the LS7, Jim Staniforth in the Nimbus, Al Giles in Jantar IZT Gerhard in Jantar UKU John Clark in the Junior and Jim Hackett in his ASH 26. Chris Carr flew in the LS6.
Christian, Chris, Sam and Jim Staniforth started on the 500 km task, reached the first turnpoint, and came back home. Not sure what Gerhard attempted, but he got home. Al Giles did his own task as he is trying to get his gold distance. The plan was for the Junior and the Grob to go around the 300 together.
We started off OK and climbed to cloudbase at about 7000 ft, and thermalled with the airbrakes open while waiting for John in the Junior to catch up, then we set off for Premer. However radio communications didn't work very well, as I had two dodgy batteries in the Grob, and the Junior radio has a problem with transmitting. Anyway after the first glide, John decided not to come with us.
Got to Premer OK, then up the edge of the Pillager Scrub toward Narrabri, when it went blue. I discussed turning for home with Roland, but he was keen to go for it, so we rounded Narrabri and set off home in the blue. Almost made it but ended up landing in a paddock near Rangerai air strip. Luckily I didn't land at the air strip, as it was completely overgrown, but our paddock contained a hidden electric fence. Managed not to hit it, but an aerotow was out of the question. The day ended in the usual fashion with a group of people trying to derig a heavy twin glider into a difficult trailer in pitch darkness.
Boris, Geoff Neely and Al Giles came to the rescue, and eventually we accomplished the task, arriving back at LKSC at about 1.30 am. All part of the game! Boris really is a useful person to come on an outlanding retrieve. His friends at the Zarate gliding club must have trained him very well in the art of putting gliders into trailers!
Roland received the full gliding experience during his week at Lake Keepit, from first lesson to outlanding retrieve. He has the whole thing on video too.
While we were flying, the crew back at LKSC pulled the wings off the Puchatek and started on the 100 hourly inspection. Much appreciated.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday 25 January
Another disappointing day-weather wise. Overcast but light wind. Some showers about.
It was OK for training, and Roland did four more flights with me before the wind picked up and the rain started and we packed up.
Geoff Sim and Jim Dingess took to the air in the ASH 25 but required the iron thermal partway through the flight. No one else bothered. I tried to take Paul Roche for a circuit in my Jabiru, but it tripped over its front spat going over a bump while taxiing out, and the propeller hit the ground with devastating consequences. Fortunately I have a spare one, and after giving the nose gear a thorough check, we fitted the spare and I flew it home on Saturday morning without incident.
Roland decided to stay for the weekend, but Paul Roche, John White and Jim Dingess had to head home to England and USA early on Saturday morning.
I see from the OLC results that Saturday and Sunday were good days. Jim Staniforth and Nick Singer posted flights on Saturday, and Jim did a 500 km on Sunday. I'm sure others must have flown good distances, so I'll see if I can get them posted when I get back to Keepit.
Puchatek 100 hourly to be done this week - what a treat! And the strip needs mowing yet again unless the members have been busy with the tractor over the weekend.
It was OK for training, and Roland did four more flights with me before the wind picked up and the rain started and we packed up.
Geoff Sim and Jim Dingess took to the air in the ASH 25 but required the iron thermal partway through the flight. No one else bothered. I tried to take Paul Roche for a circuit in my Jabiru, but it tripped over its front spat going over a bump while taxiing out, and the propeller hit the ground with devastating consequences. Fortunately I have a spare one, and after giving the nose gear a thorough check, we fitted the spare and I flew it home on Saturday morning without incident.
Roland decided to stay for the weekend, but Paul Roche, John White and Jim Dingess had to head home to England and USA early on Saturday morning.
I see from the OLC results that Saturday and Sunday were good days. Jim Staniforth and Nick Singer posted flights on Saturday, and Jim did a 500 km on Sunday. I'm sure others must have flown good distances, so I'll see if I can get them posted when I get back to Keepit.
Puchatek 100 hourly to be done this week - what a treat! And the strip needs mowing yet again unless the members have been busy with the tractor over the weekend.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday 24 January
At last a good soaring day!
Good forecast and good weather as well. Jim Staniforth picked a couple of tasks - a 500km for the foolhardy, and a 300 km for the "old school" as he put it. We were faced with a shortage of club gliders - every single one of them flew today!
John White in the LS7, Jim Dingess in the LS6, Gabriel Kalkbrenner in the Jantar, Paul Roche in the Junior, Roland and I in the Puchatek, and John Hoye in the Grob 103. Matthew Minter came out and flew Garry's Twin Astir. In addition Jim Hackett flew his ASH26E, Gerhard his Jantar and Jim Staniforth his Nimbus 3. Quite a busy day for the tug!
Jim Staniforth attempted the 5oo, but wasn't making good enough time at the first turnpoint, so reverted to the 300 km task for the second one. He ended up flying 452 km. Gabriel flew around the 300 km triangle with Jim Dingess, and due to the handicap ended up with more OLC points!. John White went to Narrabri, then somewhere south and back via Gunnedah for a flight of over 6 hours. Matthew Minter also flew to Narrabri and back in the Twin Astir. Jim Hackett and Paul Roche stayed local, but Paul got his five hours for silver C duration. Not sure where Gerhard went. Roland made some good progress during the day with circuit planning and aerotow exercises, and later in the afternoon he flew the Puchatek just past Mt Borah and back - with some nagging from the back seat. When we got back we uploaded the flarm to the OLC, so Roland is now an OLC competitor.
We have uploaded most of the flights to the OLC if anyone wants to check them out.
Good forecast and good weather as well. Jim Staniforth picked a couple of tasks - a 500km for the foolhardy, and a 300 km for the "old school" as he put it. We were faced with a shortage of club gliders - every single one of them flew today!
John White in the LS7, Jim Dingess in the LS6, Gabriel Kalkbrenner in the Jantar, Paul Roche in the Junior, Roland and I in the Puchatek, and John Hoye in the Grob 103. Matthew Minter came out and flew Garry's Twin Astir. In addition Jim Hackett flew his ASH26E, Gerhard his Jantar and Jim Staniforth his Nimbus 3. Quite a busy day for the tug!
Jim Staniforth attempted the 5oo, but wasn't making good enough time at the first turnpoint, so reverted to the 300 km task for the second one. He ended up flying 452 km. Gabriel flew around the 300 km triangle with Jim Dingess, and due to the handicap ended up with more OLC points!. John White went to Narrabri, then somewhere south and back via Gunnedah for a flight of over 6 hours. Matthew Minter also flew to Narrabri and back in the Twin Astir. Jim Hackett and Paul Roche stayed local, but Paul got his five hours for silver C duration. Not sure where Gerhard went. Roland made some good progress during the day with circuit planning and aerotow exercises, and later in the afternoon he flew the Puchatek just past Mt Borah and back - with some nagging from the back seat. When we got back we uploaded the flarm to the OLC, so Roland is now an OLC competitor.
We have uploaded most of the flights to the OLC if anyone wants to check them out.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday 23 January
The day was blue an 7 am, but grey at briefing time. The forecast was quite good, and the blipmaps indicated good soaring conditions. None of the forecasts seemed to have accounted for the high stratus, with rain occasionally falling out of it.
Nevertheless, we got out the training glider and Roland had his first aerotow. Not much in the way of lift. After his second flight, it started to rain, so we stopped for lunch.
The sky was blue to the south west with cu starting to develop, but tantalisingly out of reach.
As the day wore on the good conditions got closer to the airfield until by about 1700, it was booming.
Jim Staniforth and his friend Jim Dingess flew together in the grob, accompanied by Gabriel in the Jantar. John White flew the LS7 and Paul Roche the LS6. Roland managed to thermal up almost to cloudbase in the Puchatek. Good turn co-ordination practice!
John White landed at 1930 and said the clouds were still working.
We are looking forward to a similar day tomorrow but without the early overcast!
Nevertheless, we got out the training glider and Roland had his first aerotow. Not much in the way of lift. After his second flight, it started to rain, so we stopped for lunch.
The sky was blue to the south west with cu starting to develop, but tantalisingly out of reach.
As the day wore on the good conditions got closer to the airfield until by about 1700, it was booming.
Jim Staniforth and his friend Jim Dingess flew together in the grob, accompanied by Gabriel in the Jantar. John White flew the LS7 and Paul Roche the LS6. Roland managed to thermal up almost to cloudbase in the Puchatek. Good turn co-ordination practice!
John White landed at 1930 and said the clouds were still working.
We are looking forward to a similar day tomorrow but without the early overcast!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tuesday 22 January
A better forecast today, and all present at briefing expressed an intention to fly. John Wakefield came out to replace the generator in the tug, and Boris acted as apprentice. It took rather longer than expected, but the promised thermal conditions didn't materialise either.
Jim Staniforth and Jim Hackett DI'ed the winch and set it up, and after lunch we started winch launching. However no-one got even the sniff of a thermal - it was overcast all day, and there were rain showers about, but seemingly no lift in them! I did three flights on the winch with Roland before it started to rain, and we put the glider away. John White took a launch in the LS7 and Trevor and his friend Bruce took a launch in the Grob.
After the rain stopped, we got the glider out again, and I did another couple of launches with Roland. A bit more work was done on the tug to install an air vent and when this was completed I did an aerotow launch with Gabriel to complete his AFR. Our last launch was at 7.15 pm! Ron Cameron's son Mitchell did a good job scaring the kangaroos off the strip for us.
Now all we need is a good soaring day tomorrow...
Jim Staniforth and Jim Hackett DI'ed the winch and set it up, and after lunch we started winch launching. However no-one got even the sniff of a thermal - it was overcast all day, and there were rain showers about, but seemingly no lift in them! I did three flights on the winch with Roland before it started to rain, and we put the glider away. John White took a launch in the LS7 and Trevor and his friend Bruce took a launch in the Grob.
After the rain stopped, we got the glider out again, and I did another couple of launches with Roland. A bit more work was done on the tug to install an air vent and when this was completed I did an aerotow launch with Gabriel to complete his AFR. Our last launch was at 7.15 pm! Ron Cameron's son Mitchell did a good job scaring the kangaroos off the strip for us.
Now all we need is a good soaring day tomorrow...
Monday 21 January
It appears there was no flying at the weekend - the weather wasn't very good. Those in residence at the club went to the Country Music Festival by way of diversion, and I heard a rumor that Trevor West had been pole dancing!
I didn't manage to get back to Keepit until Monday evening, because getting the generator checked out at Cowra delayed me. I met the Paul Roche, Boris and John White in Woolworths in Gunnedah on the way back so we had a meal there together.
Garry Speight ran the day for me (big thanks Garry) and Gerhard and Trevor were out as well, so they had plenty of instructors. No tug, so Boris flew the winch instead. A few soaring flights were accomplished and student for the week Roland Inman had four flights with Garry. Most took the opportunity to get current on the winch just in case. Gabriel Kalkbrenner, our only young glider pilot, did some winch launches with Matthew Minter, and then flew solo in the Grob. Apparently they all had a good laugh as some local girls were trying to chat Boris up on the CB radio.
We seem to have a great crowd here this week, with everyone having a bit of a laugh together - makes up for the somewhat indifferent weather.
I didn't manage to get back to Keepit until Monday evening, because getting the generator checked out at Cowra delayed me. I met the Paul Roche, Boris and John White in Woolworths in Gunnedah on the way back so we had a meal there together.
Garry Speight ran the day for me (big thanks Garry) and Gerhard and Trevor were out as well, so they had plenty of instructors. No tug, so Boris flew the winch instead. A few soaring flights were accomplished and student for the week Roland Inman had four flights with Garry. Most took the opportunity to get current on the winch just in case. Gabriel Kalkbrenner, our only young glider pilot, did some winch launches with Matthew Minter, and then flew solo in the Grob. Apparently they all had a good laugh as some local girls were trying to chat Boris up on the CB radio.
We seem to have a great crowd here this week, with everyone having a bit of a laugh together - makes up for the somewhat indifferent weather.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Week beginning14 January
Roy Worthington came to the club this week, and true to form, did heaps more mowing of the strip. He finished of the bit of 14 that Trevor didn't do last week, and did the whole of "the triangle" between runways 20 and 24. Great Job!
Not content with that, he set about mowing all around the hangars and in front of the flight centre with a push mower. As all our mowers had died, and he is on the committee, he purchased a 4 stroke mower. PLEASE NOTE CLUB MEMBERS IT'S A 4-STROKE so don't mix 2 stoke oil with the petrol, but do check the oil level.
On Monday Michael Newnham came up from Victoria to fly. Gianni Cattalinotto came up on Tuesday too.
Michael was flying well after an extended break from Lake Keepit, and after flying a Bocian with Ingo Renner! I was able to send him solo in the Puchatek, and he had his first solo soaring flight. Well done Michael. On Tuesday he did another solo in the Puchatek. Trevor came out to fly, but I roped him into helping with the instruction because in addition to Gianni and Michael, we had a visitor, Hans, who had flown off the winch for a TIF on Sunday and wanted another flight.
Michael was able to solo in the Grob after Trevor gave him some intensive landing practice, and Gianni was able to do re-solo in the Puchatek - so all in all a very satisfying day for the trainee pilots.
With a thorough briefing by Jim Staniforth (who used to own one) Paul Roche made his debut in the LS6 and thoroughly enjoyed it though he cautiously stayed local.
John White again flew the LS7 for about 5 hours each day - He is 83 ( I hope he does not mind me telling everyone) but only looks in his 60s, and has more stamina for flying than many much younger people. He used to instruct in Spitfires but only took up gliding 10 years ago!
Wednesday,Thursday and Friday were a dead loss because we had nothing but rain, and the runway was getting soggy. Most people went home because of the weather.
We found a flat main wheel tyre on the Jantar, and managed to fix it with the help of John Wakefield, Jim Staniforth and Paul Roche. Must get some new spare tubes!
After flying the Junior the other week, I can certify that the vario is horrible - it works, but is horrible. However the committee have agreed to the purchase of a new Borgelt B400 for it - so all you Junior pilots (even the older ones) are in for a treat!
John Wakefield came out on Friday to look at the tug - hoping to fix the generator while we were not flying. Unfortunately he found that one of the brackets holding it in place was broken. He had to take off the propeller and remove the generator. I called Phil Goard of PG Aviation in Cowra to see if he could make or repair the brackets, and he said he could. BUT I couldn't fly to Cowra because of the bad weather and had to drive instead.
So no tug again this weekend, but definitely no flying possible on Saturday due to weather. Not sure about Sunday yet.
Will be getting the generator checked by an auto electrician early Monday morning in Cowra, while Phil makes the brackets, then the long drive back to LKSC. I hate it when I can't fly!!!
Garry Speight has agreed to hold the fort back at Keepit, while I drive back. What ever would we do without him!
Will try to blog more promptly next week
Jenny
Not content with that, he set about mowing all around the hangars and in front of the flight centre with a push mower. As all our mowers had died, and he is on the committee, he purchased a 4 stroke mower. PLEASE NOTE CLUB MEMBERS IT'S A 4-STROKE so don't mix 2 stoke oil with the petrol, but do check the oil level.
On Monday Michael Newnham came up from Victoria to fly. Gianni Cattalinotto came up on Tuesday too.
Michael was flying well after an extended break from Lake Keepit, and after flying a Bocian with Ingo Renner! I was able to send him solo in the Puchatek, and he had his first solo soaring flight. Well done Michael. On Tuesday he did another solo in the Puchatek. Trevor came out to fly, but I roped him into helping with the instruction because in addition to Gianni and Michael, we had a visitor, Hans, who had flown off the winch for a TIF on Sunday and wanted another flight.
Michael was able to solo in the Grob after Trevor gave him some intensive landing practice, and Gianni was able to do re-solo in the Puchatek - so all in all a very satisfying day for the trainee pilots.
With a thorough briefing by Jim Staniforth (who used to own one) Paul Roche made his debut in the LS6 and thoroughly enjoyed it though he cautiously stayed local.
John White again flew the LS7 for about 5 hours each day - He is 83 ( I hope he does not mind me telling everyone) but only looks in his 60s, and has more stamina for flying than many much younger people. He used to instruct in Spitfires but only took up gliding 10 years ago!
Wednesday,Thursday and Friday were a dead loss because we had nothing but rain, and the runway was getting soggy. Most people went home because of the weather.
We found a flat main wheel tyre on the Jantar, and managed to fix it with the help of John Wakefield, Jim Staniforth and Paul Roche. Must get some new spare tubes!
After flying the Junior the other week, I can certify that the vario is horrible - it works, but is horrible. However the committee have agreed to the purchase of a new Borgelt B400 for it - so all you Junior pilots (even the older ones) are in for a treat!
John Wakefield came out on Friday to look at the tug - hoping to fix the generator while we were not flying. Unfortunately he found that one of the brackets holding it in place was broken. He had to take off the propeller and remove the generator. I called Phil Goard of PG Aviation in Cowra to see if he could make or repair the brackets, and he said he could. BUT I couldn't fly to Cowra because of the bad weather and had to drive instead.
So no tug again this weekend, but definitely no flying possible on Saturday due to weather. Not sure about Sunday yet.
Will be getting the generator checked by an auto electrician early Monday morning in Cowra, while Phil makes the brackets, then the long drive back to LKSC. I hate it when I can't fly!!!
Garry Speight has agreed to hold the fort back at Keepit, while I drive back. What ever would we do without him!
Will try to blog more promptly next week
Jenny
Sunday 13 January
While I was flying yesterday, Boris and Christian went water skiing again, and this time success! Boris was able to stay up.
During the day the front release on the Puchatek had come off in the student's hand, and the tug went wrong again! More fuel problems - the carburettor overflowed.
Rob de Jarlais and Matthew Minter ran a winch operation, Jim Staniforth drove the winch. Thanks Jim
John Wakefield came out and worked on it most of the day, with Boris as the apprentice. They found that some more fuel lines were only finger tight. They could not find any problem with the carby, so they cleaned it and put it back, and it's working again. The fuel pressure is much better than it was too!
While they were doing that, Gerhard and I repaired the Puchatek. Gerhard has a very bad back at the moment, so I did the crawling around under his instructions. We were able to use the release cable from the wreck, but we had to cut out a frayed bit and re swage it next to the handle. They seem to have a habit of failing there.
Both tug and training glider were ready for action again on Monday.
During the day the front release on the Puchatek had come off in the student's hand, and the tug went wrong again! More fuel problems - the carburettor overflowed.
Rob de Jarlais and Matthew Minter ran a winch operation, Jim Staniforth drove the winch. Thanks Jim
John Wakefield came out and worked on it most of the day, with Boris as the apprentice. They found that some more fuel lines were only finger tight. They could not find any problem with the carby, so they cleaned it and put it back, and it's working again. The fuel pressure is much better than it was too!
While they were doing that, Gerhard and I repaired the Puchatek. Gerhard has a very bad back at the moment, so I did the crawling around under his instructions. We were able to use the release cable from the wreck, but we had to cut out a frayed bit and re swage it next to the handle. They seem to have a habit of failing there.
Both tug and training glider were ready for action again on Monday.
Saturday 12 January 2008
I've been a bit slow writing things up this week.
I cried off going home for the weekend this week as I was so tired, I couldn't face the flight, and there were thunderstorms forecast on the way.
However, as it seemed to be shaping up as a good gliding day, I couldn't help but put the Mozzie out. We set a 500 km task at briefing Ashley (25 km north of Moree) Quirindi and back to Lake Keepit. I had noticed that the tailwheel of the Mozzie was a bit soft the day before but had taken off anyway - today I decided that I had to fix it as I intended to fill it up with water. Inflating the tail wheel is a chore because you have to take it off the glider. While I was at it, I put some slime in as well. The main was a bit soft too, so I had to do that one as well.
By the time I had done all that, filled up with water and so on, I didn't get into the air until 1 O'Clock. Luckily three generations of Trigells were present on the airfield, at various stages of instruction, and so I had a wing runner.
Geoff Sim the in the ASH 25, SI, Jim Staniforth in the Nimbus 3, VJS and Trevor West in the Ventus LP were attempting the task, but they were an hour ahead of me. John White flew the LS7 . Vic Hatfield took off just ahead of me in the Cirrus and we were going to fly together.
Vic had a struggle to get up, and so did I with all the water on, but I managed to get to 5000 ft QNH and set off. Vic didn't think that was high enough, but there were little bits of cloud beckoning us on. Saved by the brown paddocks near Rangerai, managed to get onto the ridge that leads up to Kaputar. There seemed to be a fairly pronounced easterly drift higher up, and the lift was on the eastern sides of the clouds.
Managed to grovel up the spines and get to about 6000 ft, and eventually got near the aerials only to meet Trevor coming back! Wow he must have flown fast! I could hear the others up ahead and they decided to turn Gurley, before Moree.
Once I got past the aerials on Kaputar, the conditions got better, and I was able to wind the McCready setting up to 5 at times! As things were going well, I went to Moree and then decided to do Ashley as we had planned. Probably a mistake as it took an hour to do the 50 km to Ashely and back to Moree across a blue hole.
From Moree back to the hills was reasonable, but then it all went blue and the day seemed to be shutting down early. I stuck to the spines, but got nothing much, and had to go round the back of the aerials - not high enough to go over the top. Eventually had to decide to head out to the flat country just to have more distance between me and the ground in which to search! Just as I tried to contact base to say that an outlanding was imminent, I got a nice save over some more brown paddocks. Managed to dribble home from brown paddock to brown paddock - going anywhere near Quirindi was just not on!
Posted the flight on the OLC and it came out at 398km, so improved my score a bit. flight time 5 hours and 38 minutes. So much for being too tired to fly.
Vic did not follow me to Kaputar but turned south instead but never managed to get much height. Found that Trevor had turned Belatta not Gurley like the others, so wasn't as fast as we thought. Geoff Sim did complete the task (50 km circles around both turnpoints) but had to use the iron thermal near the start so it didn't count!
I cried off going home for the weekend this week as I was so tired, I couldn't face the flight, and there were thunderstorms forecast on the way.
However, as it seemed to be shaping up as a good gliding day, I couldn't help but put the Mozzie out. We set a 500 km task at briefing Ashley (25 km north of Moree) Quirindi and back to Lake Keepit. I had noticed that the tailwheel of the Mozzie was a bit soft the day before but had taken off anyway - today I decided that I had to fix it as I intended to fill it up with water. Inflating the tail wheel is a chore because you have to take it off the glider. While I was at it, I put some slime in as well. The main was a bit soft too, so I had to do that one as well.
By the time I had done all that, filled up with water and so on, I didn't get into the air until 1 O'Clock. Luckily three generations of Trigells were present on the airfield, at various stages of instruction, and so I had a wing runner.
Geoff Sim the in the ASH 25, SI, Jim Staniforth in the Nimbus 3, VJS and Trevor West in the Ventus LP were attempting the task, but they were an hour ahead of me. John White flew the LS7 . Vic Hatfield took off just ahead of me in the Cirrus and we were going to fly together.
Vic had a struggle to get up, and so did I with all the water on, but I managed to get to 5000 ft QNH and set off. Vic didn't think that was high enough, but there were little bits of cloud beckoning us on. Saved by the brown paddocks near Rangerai, managed to get onto the ridge that leads up to Kaputar. There seemed to be a fairly pronounced easterly drift higher up, and the lift was on the eastern sides of the clouds.
Managed to grovel up the spines and get to about 6000 ft, and eventually got near the aerials only to meet Trevor coming back! Wow he must have flown fast! I could hear the others up ahead and they decided to turn Gurley, before Moree.
Once I got past the aerials on Kaputar, the conditions got better, and I was able to wind the McCready setting up to 5 at times! As things were going well, I went to Moree and then decided to do Ashley as we had planned. Probably a mistake as it took an hour to do the 50 km to Ashely and back to Moree across a blue hole.
From Moree back to the hills was reasonable, but then it all went blue and the day seemed to be shutting down early. I stuck to the spines, but got nothing much, and had to go round the back of the aerials - not high enough to go over the top. Eventually had to decide to head out to the flat country just to have more distance between me and the ground in which to search! Just as I tried to contact base to say that an outlanding was imminent, I got a nice save over some more brown paddocks. Managed to dribble home from brown paddock to brown paddock - going anywhere near Quirindi was just not on!
Posted the flight on the OLC and it came out at 398km, so improved my score a bit. flight time 5 hours and 38 minutes. So much for being too tired to fly.
Vic did not follow me to Kaputar but turned south instead but never managed to get much height. Found that Trevor had turned Belatta not Gurley like the others, so wasn't as fast as we thought. Geoff Sim did complete the task (50 km circles around both turnpoints) but had to use the iron thermal near the start so it didn't count!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday 11 January
Looked like a reasonable day looking out of the window this morning. Only Gerhard Stuck, Paul Roche, Garry Speight, John White, Jim Staniforth, Christian Linnet and myself were at the briefing. After much deliberation over blipmaps, Garry set an AAT task to Edgeroi Silo 30km, Bingara 40 km and return. Garry seems to really like flying to Bingara, I really hate it! Much prefer the flat country.
As I had no students, I did office work in the morning but couldn't help myself but got the Mozzie out again. No water as I was the last to launch and had to do a wing down take off. Boris was left in charge at the field - it was very quiet.
The forecast height was about 7000 ft increasing to 8000ft I think - that is what we got. Boris dropped me straight into a good thermal over Sport and Rec, right under the Twin Astir (containing Garry and Paul). Christian Linnet came over in the Standard Cirrus and we three set off more or less together. Jim Staniforth went ahead in the Nimbus and tried to find some thermals out in the blue for us.
We headed for Rangerai first, the onto the hills going up toward Kaputar. Initially we could only climb to about 5000 feet, but it got better once we reached the clouds over the hills. After a bit of gully gobbling, we all got up over the aerials on Mt Kaputar, and headed off under a line of cu to Edgeroi Silo. I had a good run in this bit and got a bit ahead of the others. There were good clouds out on the flats, and I didn't fancy heading to Bingara which involved crossing a large blue area. I decided to head toward Togo airfield, near the far edge of the Edgeroi circle, and then to Warialda on the far edge of the Bingara circle. Christian waited for Garry at Edgeroi, and then they set off for Bingara. They sounded on the radio as if they were having a bit of trouble.
I had a good run around the blue, staying with the cu toward Terry Hie Hie but the clouds finished there. I lost track of Jim, and heard Gerhard once at Narrabri - not sure what he did. I just got within the 40 km circle of Bingara to the NW of it, and then decided to head back to Lake Keepit. The others also just clipped the circle, but further south, and they were way ahead of me. They still sounded as if they were struggling - or perhaps they were only talking during the bad bits.
Had a long glide across a blue area back to the hills leading up to Kaputar, but then managed to climb back up under the clouds, but the thermals were not as strong as earlier. Managed to get to 9000 ft over the aerials by going up the side of a cloud. I kept flying along the ridge, and had 1000 feet under final glide for ages, and eventually got another thermal north of Rangerai. The others were all back by this time. This one gave me about 500 ft about final glide, so I set off. However I was losing it steadily, and the airstrip definitely was not moving up the canopy. I was thinking about landing by the side of the lake, but then I found a 2 kt thermal that got me up another 500 ft, and everything looked much better. Of course all the rest of the way was in lift and I ended up coming in at 90kts.
Ended up doing about 350 km, and posted it on the OLC, along with Christian's flight.
But wait there's more.....
After all that we went round to the other side of the lake to do some more nocturnal water skiing. Boris was better than yesterday, but I was worse! Thanks to Christian for the use of the boat and equipment! The water was an ideal temperature for swimming, but the mosquitoes (insects not gliders) were hungry!
As I had no students, I did office work in the morning but couldn't help myself but got the Mozzie out again. No water as I was the last to launch and had to do a wing down take off. Boris was left in charge at the field - it was very quiet.
The forecast height was about 7000 ft increasing to 8000ft I think - that is what we got. Boris dropped me straight into a good thermal over Sport and Rec, right under the Twin Astir (containing Garry and Paul). Christian Linnet came over in the Standard Cirrus and we three set off more or less together. Jim Staniforth went ahead in the Nimbus and tried to find some thermals out in the blue for us.
We headed for Rangerai first, the onto the hills going up toward Kaputar. Initially we could only climb to about 5000 feet, but it got better once we reached the clouds over the hills. After a bit of gully gobbling, we all got up over the aerials on Mt Kaputar, and headed off under a line of cu to Edgeroi Silo. I had a good run in this bit and got a bit ahead of the others. There were good clouds out on the flats, and I didn't fancy heading to Bingara which involved crossing a large blue area. I decided to head toward Togo airfield, near the far edge of the Edgeroi circle, and then to Warialda on the far edge of the Bingara circle. Christian waited for Garry at Edgeroi, and then they set off for Bingara. They sounded on the radio as if they were having a bit of trouble.
I had a good run around the blue, staying with the cu toward Terry Hie Hie but the clouds finished there. I lost track of Jim, and heard Gerhard once at Narrabri - not sure what he did. I just got within the 40 km circle of Bingara to the NW of it, and then decided to head back to Lake Keepit. The others also just clipped the circle, but further south, and they were way ahead of me. They still sounded as if they were struggling - or perhaps they were only talking during the bad bits.
Had a long glide across a blue area back to the hills leading up to Kaputar, but then managed to climb back up under the clouds, but the thermals were not as strong as earlier. Managed to get to 9000 ft over the aerials by going up the side of a cloud. I kept flying along the ridge, and had 1000 feet under final glide for ages, and eventually got another thermal north of Rangerai. The others were all back by this time. This one gave me about 500 ft about final glide, so I set off. However I was losing it steadily, and the airstrip definitely was not moving up the canopy. I was thinking about landing by the side of the lake, but then I found a 2 kt thermal that got me up another 500 ft, and everything looked much better. Of course all the rest of the way was in lift and I ended up coming in at 90kts.
Ended up doing about 350 km, and posted it on the OLC, along with Christian's flight.
But wait there's more.....
After all that we went round to the other side of the lake to do some more nocturnal water skiing. Boris was better than yesterday, but I was worse! Thanks to Christian for the use of the boat and equipment! The water was an ideal temperature for swimming, but the mosquitoes (insects not gliders) were hungry!
Thursday 10 January - The water skiing
After flying, Christian suggested a swim in the Lake, but this turned into a "teach Boris to ski" expedition! Christian has his ski boat here, and the water now reaches the boat ramp on our side of the lake. I went along intending to have a swim, and Paul Roche went along intending to stay dry and laugh.
On launching the boat, Christian discovered he hadn't but the bungs back in so it started to sink! He quickly installed them, but not before quite a bit of water had been taken on board. This made the boat a bit sluggish. Paul found that you cannot stay dry when getting in a boat!
After giving Boris a quick demonstration, and many used of the phase "it'll be right", Boris was installed on a wake board and pulled along. This wasn't perhaps the best way of learning, but eventually just as it got dark, he managed to stand on the board for a bit. Then, almost in darkness, I had a go on the skis - first time for about 25 years! I was lucky they didn't lose me in the gloom!
Lots of fun - shame none of us had a camera. Maybe we'll have another go tomorrow.
On launching the boat, Christian discovered he hadn't but the bungs back in so it started to sink! He quickly installed them, but not before quite a bit of water had been taken on board. This made the boat a bit sluggish. Paul found that you cannot stay dry when getting in a boat!
After giving Boris a quick demonstration, and many used of the phase "it'll be right", Boris was installed on a wake board and pulled along. This wasn't perhaps the best way of learning, but eventually just as it got dark, he managed to stand on the board for a bit. Then, almost in darkness, I had a go on the skis - first time for about 25 years! I was lucky they didn't lose me in the gloom!
Lots of fun - shame none of us had a camera. Maybe we'll have another go tomorrow.
Thursday 10 January - The flying
Another interesting day. The satellite picture showed the high cloud off further to the north west, and the wind was forecast to be easterly, and it was - more or less - straight across the strip!
Jim Staniforth was asked to explain the RASP blipmaps to us at briefing, and this got very complicated. I looked out of the window ( I am not a very technical pilot) and suggested Quirindi, Tambar Springs and back - about 250 km I think. I did not think the blipmap analysts had taken any notice but to my surprise, one or two attempted this task, or something fairly like it! Christian made it all the way round.
My intention for the day had been to mow the strip, and I spent much of the morning greasing the tractor. However Trevor West turned up and offered to do an hour or so's mowing, but he spent most of the day on it. Thanks Trevor - its heaps better now.
We found that the Jantar had a flat tail wheel and the tube was wrecked. Its really important to check the tyres an not run them when they are soft, as this rips the valve out. Changing a tyre when there are cus all over the sky can really spoil your day. Fortunately I had a spare tube, but it was the last one - I'll have to get some more!
Jim Staniforth and his friend Jim Dingess rigged the Nimbus, and then went for a flight in the Grob. When they came back, John Hoye and John Wakefield went for a cross country flight in it but they didn't start till fairly late. Greg Denis took a launch in the Jantar, but didn't stay up and decided he'd had enough. So I took it for a flight myself, but late in the day there wasn't much about - had about an hour though. I really must practice landing the Jantar in crosswinds!!! Both Jim and Jim had flights in Jim Staniforth's nimbus, and Bob Emery had a flight in his Cirrus.
The consensus was that it was another difficult day, especially low down.
Jim Staniforth was asked to explain the RASP blipmaps to us at briefing, and this got very complicated. I looked out of the window ( I am not a very technical pilot) and suggested Quirindi, Tambar Springs and back - about 250 km I think. I did not think the blipmap analysts had taken any notice but to my surprise, one or two attempted this task, or something fairly like it! Christian made it all the way round.
My intention for the day had been to mow the strip, and I spent much of the morning greasing the tractor. However Trevor West turned up and offered to do an hour or so's mowing, but he spent most of the day on it. Thanks Trevor - its heaps better now.
We found that the Jantar had a flat tail wheel and the tube was wrecked. Its really important to check the tyres an not run them when they are soft, as this rips the valve out. Changing a tyre when there are cus all over the sky can really spoil your day. Fortunately I had a spare tube, but it was the last one - I'll have to get some more!
Jim Staniforth and his friend Jim Dingess rigged the Nimbus, and then went for a flight in the Grob. When they came back, John Hoye and John Wakefield went for a cross country flight in it but they didn't start till fairly late. Greg Denis took a launch in the Jantar, but didn't stay up and decided he'd had enough. So I took it for a flight myself, but late in the day there wasn't much about - had about an hour though. I really must practice landing the Jantar in crosswinds!!! Both Jim and Jim had flights in Jim Staniforth's nimbus, and Bob Emery had a flight in his Cirrus.
The consensus was that it was another difficult day, especially low down.
Wednesday 9 January
We all thought that it would be a better day than yesterday, although a band of cirrus to the north east headed our way. After extensive consultations of blipmaps, Garry suggested Splitrock 10 km radius, Tambar Springs 30 km radius , The Gap 10 km radius and back to Lake Keepit.
Visiting polish pilot Rafal Elzanowski flew the Jantar for a couple of hours early, then landed and took his friend, also called Rafal, for a flight in the Grob. They had to leave by about 2 O'Clock to go back to Sydney for a day's touristing before going back to Poland. Rafal E threatened to come back next year bringing a load of mates with him! That would be interesting.
John White again flew in the LS7 and clocked up 5 1/4 hours. Ian Barraclough did the task in the ASH but had an interesting landing. We must get that grass cut again. Garry Speight and Paul Roche flew the twin Astir, Greg Dennis the Junior, and Bruce Clark (Mr efficiency as a tug pilot) had a decent soaring flight with young son Matt (aged 7) who helped with thermal spotting and glider spotting. He seems to be hooked - its just that how do you explain to a 7 year old that you can't start gliding at 7 am and go all day? Christian Linnet flew the Cirrus Gerhard his Jantar, and yes! I sneaked a flight in the Mosquito today.
Toward Splitrock dam, the cirrus cut out the sun, and conditions were difficult. After two attempts to get within 10 km and nearly going down in the process, I gave up on that one, but Garry and Paul did get to 5 km away. On one of my low saves, I got a thermal on the west side on Mt Borah that was so rough the glider went weightless for a moment and seemed to fall like a leaf - though I had been flying at 60 kts. I think I would have been turned upside down if I had been in a hang glider.
Managed to get up to cloudbase at the north end of the Kelvins, and stayed high all the way to Gunnedah. By this time the clouds were overdeveloping and there were showers around. As I passed Gunnedah I saw Paul and Garry landing there so called the tug to come out.
I thought the sky looked better to the South West but lots of rain between Keepit and and Gunnedah. I kept going because I hadn't had enough flying yet! Got within the Tambar Springs circle and turned back, but everything was dead after the showers. Landed at Gunnedah - another trip for the tug!
Christian outlanded too, but not in an aerotowable paddock. After he landed he got rained on and of course the trailer got bogged. Jim Staniforth and Greg Dennis went to the rescue.
Lots of fun!
Visiting polish pilot Rafal Elzanowski flew the Jantar for a couple of hours early, then landed and took his friend, also called Rafal, for a flight in the Grob. They had to leave by about 2 O'Clock to go back to Sydney for a day's touristing before going back to Poland. Rafal E threatened to come back next year bringing a load of mates with him! That would be interesting.
John White again flew in the LS7 and clocked up 5 1/4 hours. Ian Barraclough did the task in the ASH but had an interesting landing. We must get that grass cut again. Garry Speight and Paul Roche flew the twin Astir, Greg Dennis the Junior, and Bruce Clark (Mr efficiency as a tug pilot) had a decent soaring flight with young son Matt (aged 7) who helped with thermal spotting and glider spotting. He seems to be hooked - its just that how do you explain to a 7 year old that you can't start gliding at 7 am and go all day? Christian Linnet flew the Cirrus Gerhard his Jantar, and yes! I sneaked a flight in the Mosquito today.
Toward Splitrock dam, the cirrus cut out the sun, and conditions were difficult. After two attempts to get within 10 km and nearly going down in the process, I gave up on that one, but Garry and Paul did get to 5 km away. On one of my low saves, I got a thermal on the west side on Mt Borah that was so rough the glider went weightless for a moment and seemed to fall like a leaf - though I had been flying at 60 kts. I think I would have been turned upside down if I had been in a hang glider.
Managed to get up to cloudbase at the north end of the Kelvins, and stayed high all the way to Gunnedah. By this time the clouds were overdeveloping and there were showers around. As I passed Gunnedah I saw Paul and Garry landing there so called the tug to come out.
I thought the sky looked better to the South West but lots of rain between Keepit and and Gunnedah. I kept going because I hadn't had enough flying yet! Got within the Tambar Springs circle and turned back, but everything was dead after the showers. Landed at Gunnedah - another trip for the tug!
Christian outlanded too, but not in an aerotowable paddock. After he landed he got rained on and of course the trailer got bogged. Jim Staniforth and Greg Dennis went to the rescue.
Lots of fun!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Tuesday 8 January
A better day than yesterday - the ground is starting to dry out now, and the easterly wind is much lighter. We launched from runway 32, and were able to land on 20 most of the day.
There were gloomy predictions from the blipmaps that the day would finish early (as it did yesterday) and that the thermals would stop at about 1600, however the last glider landed at 1830, not through lack of lift but from lack of water!
I did an orientation flight with a visitor from Poland, Rafal Elzanowski, in the Grob, and then sent him off to fly the Jantar, while I took his friend, also called Rafal, for a trial instructional flight. Paul Roche had booked Garry Speight to do some cross country training, and they flew in the twin astir. Greg Dennis flew the Junior Gerhard flew his Jantar and John White flew the LS7, but made it back to the airfield today. Geoff Neely flew his DG400. Of the club gliders only the LS6 and Puchatek did not fly. The LS6 is not booked for tomorrow - anyone interested?
The clouds looked fantastic from the ground, and the lift seemed quite good from the couple of sorties that I had, I'll find out what everyone did at briefing tomorrow.
I am hoping that I might be able to sneak a flight in the Mozzie in tomorrow, as I don't think there will be any check flights or AFRs to do.
Monday 7 January
Arrived back at Keepit at about 9.30 am by Jabiru. Another horrible weather forcast, but the actual weather wasn't too bad at all. Very humid though.
The grass is still growing wildly, and I havn't had chance to get on the tractor.
I did an AFR with Greg Denis in the Grob - no problems - and he flew it solo in the afternoon rather than get another glider out. Gerhard flew his Jantar for 31/2 hours and John White flew the LS7. Although there were clouds, they were not all that high, and the ground was still a bit soft after all the rain. Unfortunately John landed out in a paddock just the other side of the lake, and we had to fetch him with the trailer - the ground was too soft for the tug.
The LS7 trailer was an interesting experience - to put it politely. First we had to wash the bird poo off the club car, so that we could see through the windows. Then we had to put fuel in it. Then find the trailer - all overgrown with grass - and inflate the tyres! Then dismantle the wing walker that doubles as a trailer fitting, then we could start! Luckily it was a very short retrieve. With Boris' help we managed to get the glider into the trailer and back to Keepit.
We thought we had finished gliding for the day, but Todd Clark came out in the evening, bringing UK member Paul Roche with him, to take a friend for a flight in the Grob. It was gone 8 o'clock before we got the LS7 rigged again and everything put away!
The grass is still growing wildly, and I havn't had chance to get on the tractor.
I did an AFR with Greg Denis in the Grob - no problems - and he flew it solo in the afternoon rather than get another glider out. Gerhard flew his Jantar for 31/2 hours and John White flew the LS7. Although there were clouds, they were not all that high, and the ground was still a bit soft after all the rain. Unfortunately John landed out in a paddock just the other side of the lake, and we had to fetch him with the trailer - the ground was too soft for the tug.
The LS7 trailer was an interesting experience - to put it politely. First we had to wash the bird poo off the club car, so that we could see through the windows. Then we had to put fuel in it. Then find the trailer - all overgrown with grass - and inflate the tyres! Then dismantle the wing walker that doubles as a trailer fitting, then we could start! Luckily it was a very short retrieve. With Boris' help we managed to get the glider into the trailer and back to Keepit.
We thought we had finished gliding for the day, but Todd Clark came out in the evening, bringing UK member Paul Roche with him, to take a friend for a flight in the Grob. It was gone 8 o'clock before we got the LS7 rigged again and everything put away!
Weekend of 5 & 6 January
I flew home to Cowra without incident on Saturday morning, and the weather down there was very hot, blue, with scattered cu. Looked like good gliding weather, but I spent most of Saturday asleep, the slept all night, and didn't get up particularly early on Sunday! I wasn't much company for my Dad!
This is what Peter Shiels wrote about the weekend in Keepit:-
This is what Peter Shiels wrote about the weekend in Keepit:-
This weekend turned out to be a "fizzer" with no flights on Saturday due to rain.(or so I was told)
I left Tamworth at 9am this morning with overcast sky but no rain. By the time I arrived at Keepit there was light rain falling.
There were few customers - John White, a regular vistor from UK had arrived on Friday evening with plans to fly the LS7. Gerhard Stuck was (still) there ready to fly his Jantar and Greg Dennis arrived at lunch time after a 12 month absence. (He will be staying for most of the week.)
Andrew Brumby arrived to fly the tug and proceeded to fly a couple of circuits (mainly in light showers) to familiarise himself with the new Callair - MRP.
We delayed activities until after lunch. At that time there were still rain showers accompanied by the sounds of thunder. No one was keen to venture into the air.
I had 2 children visiting from inter-state at home so I arranged with Gerhard to assume Instructing duties (should the weather miraculously clear) and departed for home at about 2pm.
The rain was heavier as I drove back to Tamworth and from there, it looked quite dark and gloomy back towards Keepit. I am fairly sure that there was no flying after I left.
All in all a disappointing weekend. I dont think the local farmers are complaining though!
Peter Sheils
Friday, January 4, 2008
4 January 08
Blowing a gale again today, so no flying.
Christian Linnet was on the Chamberlain tractor until past nine o' clock last night - thanks Christian! However there was still heaps more to do so Boris flew the tractors today instead of the tug. He has slashed runways 20, 27 and 24 with the big tractor and then slashed around the cabins with the Deutz. The grass is growing so quickly we can barely keep up with it. The area either side of runway 32-14 that Miro slashed last week has already grown long again!
Gerhard has finished the installation of the new xcom radio in the Puchatek - he spent ages on this job, and it is looking and sounding really good. Thanks for all the work Gerhard. It seems like a really good radio. The only thing left is to install better PTT switches - but the old ones are working OK for the time being. It would be nice if we could find some decent hand grips for the sticks especially the front one - the students do tend hold onto it like grim death!
John Clark made a cable for downloading the trace out of a flarm - the one we were using went missing.
If anyone can source a 9 pin serial cable with a male plug one end and a female the other, we need one for connecting loggers to the flight centre computer. They seem to be impossible to get in Tamworth.
The catch has broken on the wing walker for the Junior, so if anyone needs a little job over the weekend, they could install a new one. Actually I think two catches would work better!
I am curious to know if anyone reads all this stuff I write, so I have tried to install a bit of software to track how many people visit. Don't quite know if it will work, or if I will understand it if it does.
Christian Linnet was on the Chamberlain tractor until past nine o' clock last night - thanks Christian! However there was still heaps more to do so Boris flew the tractors today instead of the tug. He has slashed runways 20, 27 and 24 with the big tractor and then slashed around the cabins with the Deutz. The grass is growing so quickly we can barely keep up with it. The area either side of runway 32-14 that Miro slashed last week has already grown long again!
Gerhard has finished the installation of the new xcom radio in the Puchatek - he spent ages on this job, and it is looking and sounding really good. Thanks for all the work Gerhard. It seems like a really good radio. The only thing left is to install better PTT switches - but the old ones are working OK for the time being. It would be nice if we could find some decent hand grips for the sticks especially the front one - the students do tend hold onto it like grim death!
John Clark made a cable for downloading the trace out of a flarm - the one we were using went missing.
If anyone can source a 9 pin serial cable with a male plug one end and a female the other, we need one for connecting loggers to the flight centre computer. They seem to be impossible to get in Tamworth.
The catch has broken on the wing walker for the Junior, so if anyone needs a little job over the weekend, they could install a new one. Actually I think two catches would work better!
I am curious to know if anyone reads all this stuff I write, so I have tried to install a bit of software to track how many people visit. Don't quite know if it will work, or if I will understand it if it does.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
3 January 2008
No flying today as it was extremely gusty and strong winds. The clouds looked OK though. We probably could have flown in the morning, but it didn't look much fun.
Christian Linnet bought some friends out to take for a fly and actually started DI in the Grob, but Boris wasn't 100% happy with the conditions - it was up around the xwind limit for the tug, and the direction kept changing. Had I been the one flying the tug, there would have been no question at all - No Way. Eventually I decided to can the day as damage to the tug or gliders would have spoiled the whole summer, let alone my day!
In hindsight I made the right decision as the wind got stronger and stronger as the day went on - and it is still raging now.
Christian has been mowing - there is still heaps to do. Christian bought out from Tamworth the parts Gerhard needed to finish his radio installation in the Puchatek. It's all done now.
Spencer Robinson and Tracie Wark were here today, but are going on to Temora tomorrow. Shame they couldn't fly today.
CASA eventually concluded that Boris is not a terrorist and issued him with an Australian pilot's licence and ASIC, but the Department of Immigration suspect him of having a disease, so he has to get a chest X-ray to renew his visa - despite having had one only three months ago! How many more bureaucratic hurdles will he have to jump?
Christian Linnet bought some friends out to take for a fly and actually started DI in the Grob, but Boris wasn't 100% happy with the conditions - it was up around the xwind limit for the tug, and the direction kept changing. Had I been the one flying the tug, there would have been no question at all - No Way. Eventually I decided to can the day as damage to the tug or gliders would have spoiled the whole summer, let alone my day!
In hindsight I made the right decision as the wind got stronger and stronger as the day went on - and it is still raging now.
Christian has been mowing - there is still heaps to do. Christian bought out from Tamworth the parts Gerhard needed to finish his radio installation in the Puchatek. It's all done now.
Spencer Robinson and Tracie Wark were here today, but are going on to Temora tomorrow. Shame they couldn't fly today.
CASA eventually concluded that Boris is not a terrorist and issued him with an Australian pilot's licence and ASIC, but the Department of Immigration suspect him of having a disease, so he has to get a chest X-ray to renew his visa - despite having had one only three months ago! How many more bureaucratic hurdles will he have to jump?
2 January 2008
G'day and Happy New Year to Martin and Adrian in Argentina - I am told you are regular readers of my ramblings on this blog!
A great soaring day today. Cumulus all over the sky, some with 6 to 8 kt thermals below! Actually the winter vario in the Grob was reading 10kt at times, but I think it may have been a bit optimistic.
Matthew Minter took Kate Esler for a flight in the Garry's Twin Astir in the morning. We told him to launch on runway 32, and then changed ends on him while he was in the air, so he landed back at the wrong end! Sorry Matthew.
Garry flew the concrete swan to Split Rock, Baan Baa, Nea Silo and back to Split Rock again before coming home. He was in the air for more than five hours.
Greg De Vries had a late start in the LS7, 1400, and flew for just on four hours.
A former member, Alan Pilkington, turned up today. As he is not all that current in gliders, although current in powered aeroplanes, a check flight was in order. I inspected his log book, and thought he might be a bit rusty on aerotow so I arranged for Boris to give him the works on the tow. I only expected to be in the air for about 10 minutes, so didn't bother to cover up much against the sun or take any food. We flew in the Grob Twin II and Alan had no problems at all!
Three hours and quite a distance later, he consented to bring me back to the airfield! Luckily I did have water with me, and even more luckily, I didn't drink so much of it that another problem arose! I didn't touch the controls for the whole flight! Can I still log that?
Alan flew out to the Kelvins, and then over almost to Split Rock where we encountered Garry on his travels, then back to Mt Borah, where we saw about 6 paragliders and 2 hangliders heading for the bomb out. They must have launched into a sink cycle. Then over to the Kelvins again and along the Carrols. The conditions became better and better as the day got on, but cloudbase was only about 6800 ft. I think it got higher later in the afternoon. Much airbrake was required to get down!
Not quite a 750 day I don't think, but 500 km would have been on had one been prepared!
Only four launches today - where was everyone?
A great soaring day today. Cumulus all over the sky, some with 6 to 8 kt thermals below! Actually the winter vario in the Grob was reading 10kt at times, but I think it may have been a bit optimistic.
Matthew Minter took Kate Esler for a flight in the Garry's Twin Astir in the morning. We told him to launch on runway 32, and then changed ends on him while he was in the air, so he landed back at the wrong end! Sorry Matthew.
Garry flew the concrete swan to Split Rock, Baan Baa, Nea Silo and back to Split Rock again before coming home. He was in the air for more than five hours.
Greg De Vries had a late start in the LS7, 1400, and flew for just on four hours.
A former member, Alan Pilkington, turned up today. As he is not all that current in gliders, although current in powered aeroplanes, a check flight was in order. I inspected his log book, and thought he might be a bit rusty on aerotow so I arranged for Boris to give him the works on the tow. I only expected to be in the air for about 10 minutes, so didn't bother to cover up much against the sun or take any food. We flew in the Grob Twin II and Alan had no problems at all!
Three hours and quite a distance later, he consented to bring me back to the airfield! Luckily I did have water with me, and even more luckily, I didn't drink so much of it that another problem arose! I didn't touch the controls for the whole flight! Can I still log that?
Alan flew out to the Kelvins, and then over almost to Split Rock where we encountered Garry on his travels, then back to Mt Borah, where we saw about 6 paragliders and 2 hangliders heading for the bomb out. They must have launched into a sink cycle. Then over to the Kelvins again and along the Carrols. The conditions became better and better as the day got on, but cloudbase was only about 6800 ft. I think it got higher later in the afternoon. Much airbrake was required to get down!
Not quite a 750 day I don't think, but 500 km would have been on had one been prepared!
Only four launches today - where was everyone?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Years Day
A very quiet day at the club. No one seemed to want to get moving early. The forecast was for very strong winds again, but it moderated during the day.
John Stewart came out and flew the LS7, and had a pleasant 3 1/2 hours local soaring. It was a blue day and the thermals went to about 6000 ft.
I had to do a check with a Dutch visitor, Greg De Vries but when we came to get the Grob out, the front tyre was flat. Inflating it did no good as it went straight back down again. We had to take the wheel out and change the tube. The valve had pulled out of the tube - as happens when the tyre is underinflated. We got the wheel back in with a new tube, and it went down again. This time a dose of slime did the trick, but we need to keep an eye on this tyre. Remember that when you DI the grob, the nose wheel will not have any weight on it if the tail dolly is on. Its easy to miss a flat or soft nosewheel tyre.
After Greg's check flight I thought it was about time I flew the Junior - the only glider in our fleet that I hadn't flown. Launched at 1739 and had about an hour. I thought it felt like a single seat Puchatek.
John Stewart came out and flew the LS7, and had a pleasant 3 1/2 hours local soaring. It was a blue day and the thermals went to about 6000 ft.
I had to do a check with a Dutch visitor, Greg De Vries but when we came to get the Grob out, the front tyre was flat. Inflating it did no good as it went straight back down again. We had to take the wheel out and change the tube. The valve had pulled out of the tube - as happens when the tyre is underinflated. We got the wheel back in with a new tube, and it went down again. This time a dose of slime did the trick, but we need to keep an eye on this tyre. Remember that when you DI the grob, the nose wheel will not have any weight on it if the tail dolly is on. Its easy to miss a flat or soft nosewheel tyre.
After Greg's check flight I thought it was about time I flew the Junior - the only glider in our fleet that I hadn't flown. Launched at 1739 and had about an hour. I thought it felt like a single seat Puchatek.
Monday 31 January
New years eve and most of the Keepit Pilots went back to wherever they come from, leaving only a few of us to see in the new year here.
No flying as we were working on trying to solve the tug problem all day. John Wakefield came out and with Boris's help eventually got it working again.
It was a very windy day anyway - so it was no great loss not to fly, but for a while we thought we would be without a tug again. The culprit turned out to be a tiny o ring in a fuel drain which was allowing the system to suck air. We also found a loose fuel line, which didn't help either.
Gerhard spent the day working on the Puchatek, installing the new xcom radio and microphones. It was a big job, and took about three days altogether. We also took out the front rudder pedals and cleaned off all the gunk that someone had covered them in. When reinstalling them, we found that it is the tension in the rudder cables that makes them difficult to move, not the sliding mechanism at all. So please please please do NOT apply grease silicon graphite or any other lubricant to the slider. It only makes it worse.
At the end of a long hot day, Boris did a test flight of the tug. After "chasing the kangaroos off the strip" (looked like a beat up to me) he came back grinning from ear to ear, and pronounced the tug fit to fly again!
Hans spent the whole day on the tractor - many thanks Hans. However we still need to mow runways 20, 27 and 24 and 27 at the north end, if anyone has some spare time!
Six of us saw in the new year round a small bonfire with a few beers and red wines!
No flying as we were working on trying to solve the tug problem all day. John Wakefield came out and with Boris's help eventually got it working again.
It was a very windy day anyway - so it was no great loss not to fly, but for a while we thought we would be without a tug again. The culprit turned out to be a tiny o ring in a fuel drain which was allowing the system to suck air. We also found a loose fuel line, which didn't help either.
Gerhard spent the day working on the Puchatek, installing the new xcom radio and microphones. It was a big job, and took about three days altogether. We also took out the front rudder pedals and cleaned off all the gunk that someone had covered them in. When reinstalling them, we found that it is the tension in the rudder cables that makes them difficult to move, not the sliding mechanism at all. So please please please do NOT apply grease silicon graphite or any other lubricant to the slider. It only makes it worse.
At the end of a long hot day, Boris did a test flight of the tug. After "chasing the kangaroos off the strip" (looked like a beat up to me) he came back grinning from ear to ear, and pronounced the tug fit to fly again!
Hans spent the whole day on the tractor - many thanks Hans. However we still need to mow runways 20, 27 and 24 and 27 at the north end, if anyone has some spare time!
Six of us saw in the new year round a small bonfire with a few beers and red wines!
Sunday 30 December
Sunday was a more windy day than Saturday, and rather more stable. The thermal cores were very small, and required very steep bank angles to stay in them. There were some hang gliders about, who seemed to have less difficulty staying in the cores than we did.
Flew the mozzie empty today but no one else was interested in flying cross country. I was going to try Bingara and back, but gave up just before Split Rock and came back - it was blue and difficult!
Allan Buttenshaw flew with Jim, and sent him solo for a soaring flight. On my way back to Keepit I saw the Puchatek a long way downwind - didn't think it was going to make it back to the field but it did.
Also flying were Bob Emery in the cirrus and John Clark in the Junior, Karen Sage flew again with Rob de Jarlais.
At the end of the day, Boris got a bit worried about the tug - the fuel pressure light was coming on, and it had been getting worse throughout the day. After phonecalls to John Wakefield and Ron Cameron, we decided we had better not risk it for any more flights.
We discovered that the fuel vents were blocked with wasp's nests and thought we had solved the problem - but it wasn't that simple! There are now covers for the vents and pitot - Tug pilots please use them. That goes for glider pilots as well. The mud wasps are out in force after the rain, so there is no excuse for not using the pitot covers every aircraft on the field!
"There wasn't a cover on it when I got it out" is NOT AN EXCUSE! If there isn't a cover, jolly well make one and use it!
Sorry - Sunday was supposed to be my day off!
Flew the mozzie empty today but no one else was interested in flying cross country. I was going to try Bingara and back, but gave up just before Split Rock and came back - it was blue and difficult!
Allan Buttenshaw flew with Jim, and sent him solo for a soaring flight. On my way back to Keepit I saw the Puchatek a long way downwind - didn't think it was going to make it back to the field but it did.
Also flying were Bob Emery in the cirrus and John Clark in the Junior, Karen Sage flew again with Rob de Jarlais.
At the end of the day, Boris got a bit worried about the tug - the fuel pressure light was coming on, and it had been getting worse throughout the day. After phonecalls to John Wakefield and Ron Cameron, we decided we had better not risk it for any more flights.
We discovered that the fuel vents were blocked with wasp's nests and thought we had solved the problem - but it wasn't that simple! There are now covers for the vents and pitot - Tug pilots please use them. That goes for glider pilots as well. The mud wasps are out in force after the rain, so there is no excuse for not using the pitot covers every aircraft on the field!
"There wasn't a cover on it when I got it out" is NOT AN EXCUSE! If there isn't a cover, jolly well make one and use it!
Sorry - Sunday was supposed to be my day off!
Saturday 29 December
At last a day off where I could go gliding!
It rained during the night and the ground was wet in the morning, so most at the briefing were full of doom and gloom. I wanted to do a 750, and tried to get organised to launch early, but couldn't get my act together soon enough. Besides which the weather didn't really comply.
That we could launch at all was only due to Miro Mikus doing a lot of tractor work after flying yesterday. Our visitor from Switzerland, Hans Hiltbrenner did a lot of tractoring too under Gerhard's supervision. The grass has really grown heaps.
I filled the glider with water and was the first to launch at 1210, but a near relight caused me to dump all the water - so much for that idea!. Eventually did get up again though. Joined up with Allan Buttenshaw in his Cirrus and Nick Singer in his Pik. The original idea was to fly to Bingara then Moree and back, but the clouds were better to start with over the Kelvins, so we headed off towards Kaputar first. Then we decided to go to Belatta rather than Moree, as there was a blue hole there.
Garry Speight in the twin astir decided to go to Bingara and was accompanied by Geoff Neely. Garry changed his destination to Warialda once he got to Bingara and then back home again.
Allan Nick and I lost each other near Kaputar, but met up again at Bellatta. Decided it was too blue to head to Bingara to meet up with Garry and Geoff so headed back to Keepit. I got left behind as usual, as I decided to go for some nice looking clouds that didn't work.
Allan got a bit dehydrated and landed back at Keepit, but Nick and I met up with Vic Hatfield. Nick and Vick went south to the gap and back to Keepit. I was too chicken for that and just flew to Manilla Silo and Split Rock Dam hoping to meet Garry and Geoff coming back.
All of us got back to Keepit - no outlandings.
Meanwhile back at the field Rob de Jarlais was duty instructor and checked Jim Thompson out again for solo, after which he did a couple more solos including a soaring flight of over an hour.
Rob also flew with Karen Sage in the Grob.
Boris did all the towing - 15 launches with the tug and two self launches.
A good day!
It rained during the night and the ground was wet in the morning, so most at the briefing were full of doom and gloom. I wanted to do a 750, and tried to get organised to launch early, but couldn't get my act together soon enough. Besides which the weather didn't really comply.
That we could launch at all was only due to Miro Mikus doing a lot of tractor work after flying yesterday. Our visitor from Switzerland, Hans Hiltbrenner did a lot of tractoring too under Gerhard's supervision. The grass has really grown heaps.
I filled the glider with water and was the first to launch at 1210, but a near relight caused me to dump all the water - so much for that idea!. Eventually did get up again though. Joined up with Allan Buttenshaw in his Cirrus and Nick Singer in his Pik. The original idea was to fly to Bingara then Moree and back, but the clouds were better to start with over the Kelvins, so we headed off towards Kaputar first. Then we decided to go to Belatta rather than Moree, as there was a blue hole there.
Garry Speight in the twin astir decided to go to Bingara and was accompanied by Geoff Neely. Garry changed his destination to Warialda once he got to Bingara and then back home again.
Allan Nick and I lost each other near Kaputar, but met up again at Bellatta. Decided it was too blue to head to Bingara to meet up with Garry and Geoff so headed back to Keepit. I got left behind as usual, as I decided to go for some nice looking clouds that didn't work.
Allan got a bit dehydrated and landed back at Keepit, but Nick and I met up with Vic Hatfield. Nick and Vick went south to the gap and back to Keepit. I was too chicken for that and just flew to Manilla Silo and Split Rock Dam hoping to meet Garry and Geoff coming back.
All of us got back to Keepit - no outlandings.
Meanwhile back at the field Rob de Jarlais was duty instructor and checked Jim Thompson out again for solo, after which he did a couple more solos including a soaring flight of over an hour.
Rob also flew with Karen Sage in the Grob.
Boris did all the towing - 15 launches with the tug and two self launches.
A good day!
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