On Saturday morning, 12 July, Mike Rose persuaded me to have a flight in his PIK 20E - who was I to refuse? Ian Barraclough kindly offered to tow early in the morning because I had to drive back to Cowra that day. We had a problem getting the tug started in the frost, so Ian towed me in his own aeroplane MIE.
The PIK really feels like a fast machine, a delight to fly. Thank you so much Mike for the opportunity to fly it.
Robin has reported on the rest of that weekend's flying, pretty good by the sound of it. The tug started OK later on, and I think I have the technique sorted out for getting it going on a cold morning now.
Got back to the club on Monday, with Mosquito trailer in tow. Just had time to park and unhitch it before the heavens opened and it rained more or less for the rest of the day. Bruce and Matt Clark turned up for a short gettaway break in the evening.
Tuesday morning was very foggy, and Geoff Sim, on his way here by Lancair, had to stop at Mudgee and wait for a couple of hours before proceding. Tamworth and Gunnedah equally fogged in. We gave Geoff a call as soon as it started breaking up, and he arrived safely later on.
Once the fog lifted it was a nice day, and Bruce flew in the Grob for a couple of high tows, with young Matt. It was the first time I towed with the new mirror on the tug - its great.
On Wednesday, it was rather overcast, and felt completely flat and dead. Having been nagged by Matt, Bruce decided to take a launch anyway - a couple of sled runs he thought. He took a launch to 3000 ft and soared for nearly an hour - most unexpected! Just goes to show it can be worth taking a launch sometimes even if it looks no good.
It felt funny me towing and Bruce in the glider - its usually the other way about!
Pretty quiet on Thursday, but Steve Hedley and Ross Edwards turned up in the evening. Steve came to do some more electrical work on the new hangars, and they planned to derig the Nimbus and take to Camden for its form 2 at the end of the weekend.
On Friday some people turned up who had booked to do air experience flights on Saturday - the weather was fine, if windy, Steve Hedley was available to fly the glider, so we did them there and then. No time like the present. They were agreeable surprised to be able to fly straight away. Steve reported some signs of lift on the first flight he did, but nothing on the others. Had we started earlier it would probably have been quite good, and the clouds were looking good.
I was happy with those flights as it was the most crosswind I have ever towed in, and it went perfectly OK, and I managed to land smoothly and without ground looping! Perhaps I've got the hand of this after all..... Towing is fun!!!
On Saturday heaps of people turned up for John Hoyes social winching weekend - the weather on Saturday was beautiful, but I had to go to Cowra for the weekend again. It's a long drive - I'll be glad when I get my Jabiru going again. As it happened it was a good job I drove, as the weather on Sunday and Monday was not conducive for flying.
So that's the news so far. Lovely day again today, where are you all?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weekend Flying - by Robin Walker (edited by Jenny)
Hey all,
Saturday saw heaps of people ready to fly with a passenger, Edna Bradburn, from Nambucca heads arriving at 11am. Edna had been given the flight for her birthday, and had been arranging it for some time.
The forecast for the day was reasonable but was going to be blue.
It should have been a good day. Trevor West turned up to scratch and itch, Garry came out to fly and we had two hang gliding friends of Jenny's here from Boonah, Mike Zupanc and Mike Rose. Mike Rose had his Pik 20e. Jenny got offered a flight in the Pik and took it sat morning early before heading to Cowra and Temora to pick up her glider.
Edna had a great passenger flight with Rob De Jarlais and wants to come back again. Trevor and Garry went up and down. Gabriel got to fly the pik too so he is very happy after flying the LS7 for the first time this week then flapped ship too. Off course he went flying in the pik and the LS7 but just up and down like the others.
Sunday you should have all been here, 300km weather, with cu's to 4500 above ground and some nice streeting.
John Hoye and Christian came out with the barbecue for next weekend, I launched at 12 and got into good lift with a lot of drift, but headed for Barraba, got to Gainey's and then changed to go towards Kaputar Over the flat it was working well and streeting so I ended up just northwest of Narabri 101km from home, south along some streets to Nea station and back to Wean Race course and then home for a beer.
After me Christian, Gabriel and John Hoye took launches but had a hard time finding lift to get away.
Thanks to all members on duty this weekend
Robin
330km at 88kph
Saturday saw heaps of people ready to fly with a passenger, Edna Bradburn, from Nambucca heads arriving at 11am. Edna had been given the flight for her birthday, and had been arranging it for some time.
The forecast for the day was reasonable but was going to be blue.
It should have been a good day. Trevor West turned up to scratch and itch, Garry came out to fly and we had two hang gliding friends of Jenny's here from Boonah, Mike Zupanc and Mike Rose. Mike Rose had his Pik 20e. Jenny got offered a flight in the Pik and took it sat morning early before heading to Cowra and Temora to pick up her glider.
Edna had a great passenger flight with Rob De Jarlais and wants to come back again. Trevor and Garry went up and down. Gabriel got to fly the pik too so he is very happy after flying the LS7 for the first time this week then flapped ship too. Off course he went flying in the pik and the LS7 but just up and down like the others.
Sunday you should have all been here, 300km weather, with cu's to 4500 above ground and some nice streeting.
John Hoye and Christian came out with the barbecue for next weekend, I launched at 12 and got into good lift with a lot of drift, but headed for Barraba, got to Gainey's and then changed to go towards Kaputar Over the flat it was working well and streeting so I ended up just northwest of Narabri 101km from home, south along some streets to Nea station and back to Wean Race course and then home for a beer.
After me Christian, Gabriel and John Hoye took launches but had a hard time finding lift to get away.
Thanks to all members on duty this weekend
Robin
330km at 88kph
Friday 11 July
Cold night but blue sunny day with light wind. Set up the winch, and did seven launches, three each for Scott and Mark, and one with Zupy. Had one rope break after which we cut out a large section of rope containing a lot of splices. Some light thermal activity in the middle of the day. Mike Rose self launched in his Pik 20 E and had a reasonable flight.
After lunch we got the tug out and I did more training flights with Mark and Scott. Gabriel flew the LS7 and Mike Rose briefed Zupy, who then flew the Pik.
With the bad weather we had during the week, I couldn't quite get the boys to solo stage, although Scott came close - he had the advantage over his brother because if there were any thermals to be had, Scott got them every time, and Mark missed out!
Both the boys finished up by doing a good circuit and landing, so they ended on a positive not. Almost in darkness, Zupy had a second flight in the Pik - aerotowing.
After lunch we got the tug out and I did more training flights with Mark and Scott. Gabriel flew the LS7 and Mike Rose briefed Zupy, who then flew the Pik.
With the bad weather we had during the week, I couldn't quite get the boys to solo stage, although Scott came close - he had the advantage over his brother because if there were any thermals to be had, Scott got them every time, and Mark missed out!
Both the boys finished up by doing a good circuit and landing, so they ended on a positive not. Almost in darkness, Zupy had a second flight in the Pik - aerotowing.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday 10 July
Geoff turned up bright and early to fly the tug, the weather forecast was terrible, but we were all here to fly, so we got gliders out regardless.
Mike Zupanc wanted to have his first flight in a single seater, so we got the junior out. I gave him a check flight in the Grob 103, and we took the opportunity to do a couple of things he had missed in his training - descending on aerotow, and flying in high tow. Not both at the same time! After that we threw him off in the Junior, which everybody loves to fly. He had some nice flights in it. The cloud broke up during the day, the wind was only about 45 degrees off the strip, and moderated during the day. We started to get thermals. Gabriel did his first ever flight in the LS7, and did a beautiful 2 point landing. I did stalls and spins with the boys, and Scott managed a 50 minute soaring flight. We were able to see what its like to thermal with other gliders, as we had LS7 Pik 20E, Junior and Puchatek all in the air together.
Dave Sieb came out to visit, not particularly intending to fly, but was inspired to get out the Jantar and take it for a spin. He had nearly an hour.
Vic Hatfield came out to train Gabriel in the black art of air experience flying, and I believe has signed him off as an AEI. Congratulations Gabriel!
17 flights altogether for the day!
Robin Walker has been at the club, and although he didn't fly today, he was invaluable helping with runing wings, DI ing gliders and retrieving us from where we landed. An excellent day for the middle of winter - not quite 300 km weather though!
Winching tomorrow morning weather permitting.
Mike Zupanc wanted to have his first flight in a single seater, so we got the junior out. I gave him a check flight in the Grob 103, and we took the opportunity to do a couple of things he had missed in his training - descending on aerotow, and flying in high tow. Not both at the same time! After that we threw him off in the Junior, which everybody loves to fly. He had some nice flights in it. The cloud broke up during the day, the wind was only about 45 degrees off the strip, and moderated during the day. We started to get thermals. Gabriel did his first ever flight in the LS7, and did a beautiful 2 point landing. I did stalls and spins with the boys, and Scott managed a 50 minute soaring flight. We were able to see what its like to thermal with other gliders, as we had LS7 Pik 20E, Junior and Puchatek all in the air together.
Dave Sieb came out to visit, not particularly intending to fly, but was inspired to get out the Jantar and take it for a spin. He had nearly an hour.
Vic Hatfield came out to train Gabriel in the black art of air experience flying, and I believe has signed him off as an AEI. Congratulations Gabriel!
17 flights altogether for the day!
Robin Walker has been at the club, and although he didn't fly today, he was invaluable helping with runing wings, DI ing gliders and retrieving us from where we landed. An excellent day for the middle of winter - not quite 300 km weather though!
Winching tomorrow morning weather permitting.
Early July!
Been a bit quite on the blog lately as I have been quite busy. It has been freezing cold here.
On Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday and attended a theory course with Judy McKenzie at Gunnedah Aero club for a private IFR (instrument flight rules) rating. Learning something new with the power flying - its all a challenge. On Thursday I thought I might as well give up, but by the time Sunday came around I was getting to grips with it, and managed to pass the exam. Now I will have to find time to do the flying in the Gunnedah Aero Club's Piper Archer.
Meanwhile Vic ran the day on Thursday, and Tony Esler (club member) and friend Barry McCarthy were at the club. Tony flew the tug, Barry flew the Junior, and Vic supervised. Many thanks to Vic for covering for me. They had a good day, and Barry managed to soar for about an hour. I think he will come back later on to do his silver C badge with us here. Tony and Barry left on Friday, because the weather at Caboulture (where they came from) was looking dodgy for Saturday. Tony has a private IFR rating.
On Saturday Garry flew the tug, Vic took up a couple of air experience people and Christian and Ray Tilley flew their gliders. From the flight sheet it seems they had soaring flights.
On Sunday Phil Anderton flew 8 launches, including some very high ones in which Matthew Minter was doing some filming. Ray Tilley, Gabriel Kalkbrenner, John Steward, Peter Sheils all flew, and Peter took up a passenger flight.
On Monday we had 10 flights in cold windy conditions. I have two youngsters Scott and Mark Robinson here on a course, and Gabriel and Matthew did some flying together - Gabriel getting used to flying in the back seat of the Grob. John Hoye did the honours with the tug!
On Tuesday John Hoye towing again, and I had a flight each with Scott and Mark. However the cloudbase was so low that John waved us off at about 1200 feet to avoid going into the cloud. Good opportunity for the boys to see the wave off signal. Some people came along wanting Air Experience flights, but we couldn't do it because the cloud was too low - a real pity. We put the glider and tug away, and warmed up a bit. By the afternoon the weather cleared and we were able to start flying again, however the wind was strong, and very crossed on the runway. We ended up taking off on runway 32 and landing on 27. A difficult introduction to take offs and landings for the boys, but they are coping quite well.
On Wednesday we got the glider out, and were sitting in it waiting for the tug , but it started raining, so we decided to give it a miss for a while. We ended up not flying and had quite a bit of rain, low cloud and strong wind. It was very very cold!
Some hang gliding friends who have crossed over, Mike Rose and Mike Zupanc turned up having driven through snow to get here. We rigged Mike Rose's Pik 20E in one of the new hangars out of the rain. He offered me a flight in it but unfortuneately I have not had chance to accept!
`
On Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday and attended a theory course with Judy McKenzie at Gunnedah Aero club for a private IFR (instrument flight rules) rating. Learning something new with the power flying - its all a challenge. On Thursday I thought I might as well give up, but by the time Sunday came around I was getting to grips with it, and managed to pass the exam. Now I will have to find time to do the flying in the Gunnedah Aero Club's Piper Archer.
Meanwhile Vic ran the day on Thursday, and Tony Esler (club member) and friend Barry McCarthy were at the club. Tony flew the tug, Barry flew the Junior, and Vic supervised. Many thanks to Vic for covering for me. They had a good day, and Barry managed to soar for about an hour. I think he will come back later on to do his silver C badge with us here. Tony and Barry left on Friday, because the weather at Caboulture (where they came from) was looking dodgy for Saturday. Tony has a private IFR rating.
On Saturday Garry flew the tug, Vic took up a couple of air experience people and Christian and Ray Tilley flew their gliders. From the flight sheet it seems they had soaring flights.
On Sunday Phil Anderton flew 8 launches, including some very high ones in which Matthew Minter was doing some filming. Ray Tilley, Gabriel Kalkbrenner, John Steward, Peter Sheils all flew, and Peter took up a passenger flight.
On Monday we had 10 flights in cold windy conditions. I have two youngsters Scott and Mark Robinson here on a course, and Gabriel and Matthew did some flying together - Gabriel getting used to flying in the back seat of the Grob. John Hoye did the honours with the tug!
On Tuesday John Hoye towing again, and I had a flight each with Scott and Mark. However the cloudbase was so low that John waved us off at about 1200 feet to avoid going into the cloud. Good opportunity for the boys to see the wave off signal. Some people came along wanting Air Experience flights, but we couldn't do it because the cloud was too low - a real pity. We put the glider and tug away, and warmed up a bit. By the afternoon the weather cleared and we were able to start flying again, however the wind was strong, and very crossed on the runway. We ended up taking off on runway 32 and landing on 27. A difficult introduction to take offs and landings for the boys, but they are coping quite well.
On Wednesday we got the glider out, and were sitting in it waiting for the tug , but it started raining, so we decided to give it a miss for a while. We ended up not flying and had quite a bit of rain, low cloud and strong wind. It was very very cold!
Some hang gliding friends who have crossed over, Mike Rose and Mike Zupanc turned up having driven through snow to get here. We rigged Mike Rose's Pik 20E in one of the new hangars out of the rain. He offered me a flight in it but unfortuneately I have not had chance to accept!
`
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The week so far -Wed 2 June
Monday was a good soaring day for the time of year - at last some instability, but quite windy. Fortunately straight up the strip.
Robin Walker self launched in ZBM, Ventus 2 and had about three hours. Al Giles took a high tow (thanks Al, I like flying the tug) and joined him in the Jantar IZT. Gerhard test flew the Junior HNY after finishing off its form 2. At last we have a new trim spring. He released at about 1300 ft above ground and stayed up for 35 minutes - no mucking about! As luck would have it a couple turned up on the offchance of getting an air experience flight, and we were able to accommodate them. Gerhard hopped out of the junior and into the Grob and away they went. He was not able to stay up long on the first flight, but soared on the second. The visitors were very happy - smiles all round!
With the strong wind there seemed to be some wave influence which disrupted the thermals, - probably why Gerhard was unlucky on his first air experience flight.
On Tuesday we didnt fly - blue and sunny, very strong winds forecast, but actually not too bad on the ground. Didn't look as if there was much in the way of lift, and a passing CT4 confirmed this when I asked. Gerhard was a bit concerned about the trim in the Junior, and after consulting the manuals, adjusted it according to the instructions. After a further test flight on Wednesday, he pronounced it fit to be returned to service. Thanks for doing that Gerhard - much appreciated.
John Hoye and John Wakefield came out and had a good look at the tug - John W is our unsung hero, always doing maintenance jobs on the aircraft quietly in the background. In this case, he removed a surplus to requirements CHT probe, and modified the shock cooling warning light so as not to be affected by radio transmissions. Geoff Sim and Robin Walker and I assume the Johns and Gerhard derigged the ashes of the ASH and got it into the trailer to go down to Tom Gilbert in Temora. Robin will drive it down there.
Tony Esler and Barry McCarthy flew in from Caboulture, and Barry went for a couple of flights in the Grob. There was some lift around, but it was quite late before we got into the air.
The good news is that the Mosquito's form 2 (annual inspection) is finished, and it has new wing pins fitted - no more shims! I will pick it up from Temora the weekend after next probably. Even better news is that I now have a hangar to put it in.
Tomorrow I am starting a private IFR course at Gunnedah airport - another new challenge!
Robin Walker self launched in ZBM, Ventus 2 and had about three hours. Al Giles took a high tow (thanks Al, I like flying the tug) and joined him in the Jantar IZT. Gerhard test flew the Junior HNY after finishing off its form 2. At last we have a new trim spring. He released at about 1300 ft above ground and stayed up for 35 minutes - no mucking about! As luck would have it a couple turned up on the offchance of getting an air experience flight, and we were able to accommodate them. Gerhard hopped out of the junior and into the Grob and away they went. He was not able to stay up long on the first flight, but soared on the second. The visitors were very happy - smiles all round!
With the strong wind there seemed to be some wave influence which disrupted the thermals, - probably why Gerhard was unlucky on his first air experience flight.
On Tuesday we didnt fly - blue and sunny, very strong winds forecast, but actually not too bad on the ground. Didn't look as if there was much in the way of lift, and a passing CT4 confirmed this when I asked. Gerhard was a bit concerned about the trim in the Junior, and after consulting the manuals, adjusted it according to the instructions. After a further test flight on Wednesday, he pronounced it fit to be returned to service. Thanks for doing that Gerhard - much appreciated.
John Hoye and John Wakefield came out and had a good look at the tug - John W is our unsung hero, always doing maintenance jobs on the aircraft quietly in the background. In this case, he removed a surplus to requirements CHT probe, and modified the shock cooling warning light so as not to be affected by radio transmissions. Geoff Sim and Robin Walker and I assume the Johns and Gerhard derigged the ashes of the ASH and got it into the trailer to go down to Tom Gilbert in Temora. Robin will drive it down there.
Tony Esler and Barry McCarthy flew in from Caboulture, and Barry went for a couple of flights in the Grob. There was some lift around, but it was quite late before we got into the air.
The good news is that the Mosquito's form 2 (annual inspection) is finished, and it has new wing pins fitted - no more shims! I will pick it up from Temora the weekend after next probably. Even better news is that I now have a hangar to put it in.
Tomorrow I am starting a private IFR course at Gunnedah airport - another new challenge!
Weekend Flying 28 and 29 June
Heaps of people at the club this weekend, as we had an instructors panel meeting and work going on with the new hangars.
Nick Singer did the honours instructing on Saturday, and transitioned Kurt Wiesman into the Grob 103 from the Puchatek, then Kurt did a couple of solos in it, watched anxiously by girl friend Dong Ping. Al Giles flew the Jantar IZT and Stephen Black made one of his rare appearances and got current again.
John Hoye and Jay Anderson shared the towing.
Ray Tilley Tim Carr Steve Hedley, Harry Medlicott and Phil Anderton all worked on the new hangars.
No soaring flights - very stable.
On Sunday there was some cloud about for part of the day. Jay Anderson did the towing, and Nick did some more instructing with an AEF flight, and a check for Kurt. John Stewart made and appearance and flew the LS6. Bet he's left the rudder pedals where I can't reach them again!
The bad news on Sunday was that Geoff Sim attempted to launch in the ASH 25 and it seemed to backfire and caught fire. Luckily some quick thinking by Tim Carr saved it from being completely destroyed. He towed a large hose over from where the hangar work was going on and connected it to one of the watering points at the top of the field and was able to put the fire out. However it will be a long time before that beautiful glider takes to the skies again. Luckily it happened on the ground, not in the air, and no one was hurt but it is still a mystery as to what caused the problem.
Nick Singer did the honours instructing on Saturday, and transitioned Kurt Wiesman into the Grob 103 from the Puchatek, then Kurt did a couple of solos in it, watched anxiously by girl friend Dong Ping. Al Giles flew the Jantar IZT and Stephen Black made one of his rare appearances and got current again.
John Hoye and Jay Anderson shared the towing.
Ray Tilley Tim Carr Steve Hedley, Harry Medlicott and Phil Anderton all worked on the new hangars.
No soaring flights - very stable.
On Sunday there was some cloud about for part of the day. Jay Anderson did the towing, and Nick did some more instructing with an AEF flight, and a check for Kurt. John Stewart made and appearance and flew the LS6. Bet he's left the rudder pedals where I can't reach them again!
The bad news on Sunday was that Geoff Sim attempted to launch in the ASH 25 and it seemed to backfire and caught fire. Luckily some quick thinking by Tim Carr saved it from being completely destroyed. He towed a large hose over from where the hangar work was going on and connected it to one of the watering points at the top of the field and was able to put the fire out. However it will be a long time before that beautiful glider takes to the skies again. Luckily it happened on the ground, not in the air, and no one was hurt but it is still a mystery as to what caused the problem.
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