A blue and rather difficult soaring day. John Trezise Harry Medlicott and Robin Walker were in residence. Lachlan Knight, our youngest member, called to say he wanted to fly. As he had not flown since last November, a check was called for. Geoff Neely was summoned to fly the tug - thanks very much for that Geoff.
I did the check flight with Lachlan, and he flew very well. As he wanted to try for his silver distance, we practiced a short field landing on runway 20 on the Grob. He was able to pull up before the cross strip.
As John Trezise was flying the Junior, and Lachlan went off in the Grob.
John Trezise was trying to accumulate enough solo flights for a B certificate but managed a soaring flight of over an hour, but reported the thermals were a long way apart. Harry Medlicott also said it was a difficult day. As I had to move my glider into another spot, and Geoff was available, I couldn't resist taking it for a fly. However after the initial thermal, I flew off towards the Carrols, got nothing and came back to Keepit and bombed out. As I was towing the glider back down the runway, I was wondering how Lachlan was getting on when my phone rang. Lachlan was fine and proudly announced that he had landed on an airstrip. Unfortunately it was the airstrip at Tranquille, that we are not welcome to land on - but he didn't realise that when he landed on it. It does look like an ideal spot from the air!
After an apologetic phone call to the land owner, we set off with Garry's trailer - but unfortunately didn't take the right turning, and hence arrive just as it was getting dark. Retrievers were myself, Geoff Neely Robin Walker and John Trezise. John had to drive back to Sydney that night, but came along for the retrieve to learn about retrieves! Luckily he came in his own car which was handy as we used the lights for derigging the glider. Once we got to the glider, derigging was achieved without too much drama, and we got back to the club at about 8.00 pm - quite civilised really!
Full credit to Lachlan for having a go on a difficult day - he made it to Manilla and back to Keepit, then as far as Tranquille - unfortunately not enough for the silver distance. He achieved his first real outlanding - I always think this is a huge milestone in cross country flying - probably just as significant as a first solo flight. So congratulations Lachlan for a safe outlanding. He says he is coming out again next Friday - but I hope he flies a single seater for his next attempt!
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