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!
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