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Flying Weekend 7th & 8th Jan
Dear All
A brief follow up to Nigel's report from Saturday.On Sunday there was again a high overcast that looked threatening. However it soon showed signs of lifting and nice Cu's started to form.
Several of us enjoyed good flights although early conditions were 'soft' to say the least.
Brad outlanded at Talgai (having retrieved two of us from the same airfield only the day before).
Later in the day Andres put into a paddock out towards the ranges to the east of the strip.
For instructional flights Erana and Cody call in on their way home from NSW.
Leigh also arrived and Sid gave them the benefit of his great experience.
Peter kindly offered to volunteer his services in WPS even though it was not his rostered day.
This allowed Val to get out the Discus and punt around the sky with the rest of us.
As a club we owe so much to those who give so much of their time in so many different ways.
Tug Pilots, Instructors, Maintenance Persons, those who stock the bar, keep our accounts in good order, prepare sumptuous meals and keep up the PR - the list goes on and on.
Great work folks.
It was excellent to see former member Errol show up with his glider KU after a long period of absence.
As best I can remember the single seat fleet consisted of Brad, Andres, Greg, Dan, Clyde, Scott, Val and Errol (I may have missed someone here)
It was a great weekend.
Great flight from Errol (418km) after such a long time in 'absentia'. Scott should also be lauded with an excellent effort of 176km in the BG.
If you don't presently use the OLC I strongly recommend you sign in and start to upload your flights. Every flight counts to our tally (no matter how short the distance).
Cheers
Dan
Hi
All,
Quite a roll out for flying. Instructor Owen was there with Lee as student, Brad was tuggie. Dan, Clyde, Greg, Scott,Sid,Youngy, Stewart H, Bill, Val with Errol and Andres arriving afternoon. Day started with cloud covering most of Warwick but started to burn off by 12.00 I was first off in WA, good climb off the tow in 5 knots to 5,500ft. Greg was next followed by Dan and Scott etc. There was quite a big shadow over Warwick so I headed North but basically final glided in to Talgai! Just doesn’t have the glide of the Ventus…. Anyway Brad turned up and towed me out, I then got great climbs for the rest of the day. Dan had a turn at landing at Talgai, again Brad to the rescue. Andres wanted to charge us landing fees at his airstrip! Anyway the rest of the day was quite good fun, we didn’t go too far but Sid, Greg, Myself and Dan all sort of met up and Clyde also in the same area mainly around the foothills where some good lift was found. Dan and I ran down towards Killarney before returning home. Bill had gone to Killarney working some good convergence streeting to the south so whilst no one travelled too far there was a lot of fun had flying together at various times and a load of us travelled to the Sandy in the Limo bus and had a great night with the usual tales and ale.
Sunday, I left in the morning but I believe Brad did his 5 hours and Andres out landed so maybe someone can fill the day in.
Cheers
Nigel
Christmas Regatta
As Les and I have just arrived back in Brisbane and put the kids to bed, we would just like to say thanks to all members, family and friends that made the 26th Dec to 2nd Jan such a great time at our club.
It was so good to see so many pilots and family able to make it for some great gliding and social gathering over the Boxing day to 2nd Jan.
So I’ll let the statistics and my highlights tell the story…
Statistics
- Every day was well and truly flyable and very soarable….perhaps some easier days than others
- WPS did 56 launches over the 8 days flying
- 4073.42 kilometres logged on OLC by Warwick Gliding Club members from 26th to 2nd as at 9:30 pm tonight. Rod flew today in the SZD aiming for Keepit….but no OLC results as yet
- All club aircraft flew
- The Bottom Hangar won the “Inter Hangar Comp” with 3385.11 kms logged, with the Main Hangar second (thanks to Errol and Stu choosing fly the Twin rather than their LS8s and Nigel flying WA) with the Top Hangar third.
- The bar needed to be re-stocked.
By the way we now have in both private and club ownership : two Discus’s (or should that be‘ Disci’ ), two Cirri’s, two BGs, two PiKs and two LS8’s
Highlights
- Did I mention the Bottom Hangar won the “Inter Hangar Comp”?
- Dean achieved his Silver C height gain and flew his Silver C 5 hours in the Puchatek, no easy feat !
- Stewart H flew his Silver C 50kms (mind you it was Millmerran and return to Warwick – over 140km without raising a sweat) and on another day won a day on OLC.
- Brad flew his new share of Sid’s PiK for 238.12km at a speed of 90.59 kph ! and became an honorary member of the Talgai Homestead greenery committee
- Andres flew 249.79 kms on 27th Dec. and became an life member of the Talgai Homestead greenery committee
- Nigel flew his new Discus, err sorry, the Club’s Discus and flew 209kms on OLC but has other flights to get off the FLARM
- Errol and Stu L flew together in the Twin.
- Luke and Michelle, Stu L, Michael O’B and Owen took friends and family for flights during the week
- Logie turned up and flew !
- Les and I had fun with over 26 hours gliding logged between the two of us in GOP.
Plus a very special and HUGE thanks to Bill and Val who helped me get GOP out of very soft paddock 10ks south of Pittsworth by using their 4WD and then helped clean the mud / soil out of the wheel well for me.
All the best for 2012
Phil and Les
Flying and Christmas Party 10th 11th Dec
What a great weekend and Christmas get-together.
We had a huge turnout and I am pretty sure everyone enjoyed themselves (if not is was their problem).
Saturday looked rather promising.
Several of us launched and enjoyed a great time flying together sharing the sky with each other at different times of the afternoon.
Brad (new co-owner of the Pik 20) and I were first to get airborne.
Then followed Bill (OT), MIke O'brien (BK) Andres (WR) and Clyde (GWA).
Back at base our new students Leigh and Bill were adding to their skills under the guidance of our expert instructors.
Sid did a sterling job towing in WPS (glowering while the PIK screamed off into the distance under Brad's capable hands).
At first a run to MIllmerran looked like an option but the ranges beckoned with a promising line of Cu extending all the way along.
Several of us tip toed out to the Cu near the ranges and were rewarded with excellent lift.
A quick run to Killarney thence towards Wyreema and back was a huge amount of fun with excellent streeting to be had.
I managed around 235 km at 81 kph (slow by Errol's standards but good for a hack like me). I am sure the others did similar or better.
That evening we enjoyed a fabulous BBQ thanks to Val (magnificent as always) and with help from several others including (but not only) Mary, Trina, Lisa, Liana and Sue.
Brad, still glowing from his flight in the Pik (sorry Sid) put his hand to the BBQ and delivered perfect steaks and snags. What a team.
After dinner (and several beverages) we held a meeting with much discussion about our thoughts on a replacement for our existing training aircraft (the Puch and the Twin).
Matt and I put together presentations on the offerings available and their relative merits.
Much to consider here.
Clyde will soon send out a copy of the minutes for those who could not make it.
Sunday started off rather dismally with a solid high overcast.
I am not sure if it is because we all had one drink too many the night before of if we were all spooked by the solid overcast but I think we pretty much decided it was not a soarable day and planned otherwise.
Meanwhile Laurie (with assistance) assembled the M200 (two seat trainer for use by the Cadets).
Errol and Stuart fooled around with toy aeroplanes (rather sad really - especially when they have such lovely gliders that are under-utilised).
Brad did the towing, Tony and Phil instructed and we welcome two new members to our club - Erana and Cody.
The rest of us deserve a sound whipping.....
As I flew back to Mundubbera around 12:30pm to do some mowing and other household chores before Christmas I observe a most dramatic change.
The day had gone from being a total washout to one of the best I reckon I have seen almost over the past 12 months. It was a 'doozy'.
I believe Laurie (M200), Stewart (Cirrus), Brad (a late starter in the Pik) and Scott (in the BG) all took a flight although I don't know much detail.
Have a great Christmas, remember the Christmas/New Year midweek flying is on next week and looking forward to catching up again real soon.
Cheers
Dan
Flying Weekend 3rd 4th December
Just a quick update on the weekend's activities.
RASP promised much and we were looking forward to some big flights.
On Saturday however as Sid, Andres, Bill and I headed north it soon became clear that things were pretty 'soft'.
Sid managed a snappy run to Pittsworth, Millmerran and back in his (now well appointed) Pik.
Dan, Andres and Bill struggled to the north.
Meanwhile Stewart arrived with GWA which was promptly rigged.
Ray has done a great job in getting the wing walker prepared to make towing out a much easier task.
Later Nigel launched in GWA for a good run out past Millmerran and return.
Stewart also launched on his Cirrus and he and I teamed up later in the day for a nice run from Leyburn towards the ranges then south.
Phil did a sterling job as instructor. He also managed to take his brother-in-law Bryce and his motorcycling mate Matt for some good flights in UIZ.
As the day wore on the conditions became quite good and climbs to around 8,000' were possible.
That evening several of us met at the Condamine Club for a good feed and a beer or three.
Sunday saw a high overcast.
Underneath however cu's were developing.
MOB arrived and prepared BK.
Dan, Andres and Mike headed north again.
There were still extensive wet areas on the ground and 'soft conditions' again prevailed.
Mike made it to Pittsworth and beyond.
Dan headed east to be just south of Wyreema.
Andres hit a 'down cycle' and landed at Clifton.
Les made what was undoubtedly a smart decision not to push too far out given the conditions.
Scott took the BG out for a run - not sure what he got up to.
'Ole Youngy' flew TOJ to Amberley to collect a glider for ATC and then continued towing for the rest of the day on his return.
Phil put in another huge effort instructing along with Ivor.
Les and Dan helped Andres put 'Whiskey Romeo' back in the box later in the day.
Thanks to all who made the weekend a success.
I am bound to have missed something here but someone else may be able to fill in the gaps.
Don't forget our Christmas get together will be in two weeks time on Saturday 17th Dec.
I look forward to catching up with you all then.
See you soon.
Dan
Flying Weekend 26th 27th Nov
Hi All,
Just adding a few notes to Dan’s write up. I did launch late as we had to rig the Discus and get it mobile. Stewart and the Team did an EXCELLENT job at completing the form 2 – the wings and fuse are bright white and smooth, the interior looks great now, the instruments now are tops with the newly acquired B400 – what a nice vario this is! Second battery installed and she flies so well.
Anyway did a run to abeam Maryvale, then had some real fun running a convergence line that went from Maryvale to well north of Pittsworth. Started out at 7,000ft and averaged 8 to 8,500! About 500ft above cloudbase on the eastern side of the convergence and above me it was about 9,000ft which I got to just briefly. Anyway a real nice flight. I left the fun and headed to Millmerran, turned there and had a great run home cruising at 7,000ft.
Did about 250 km’s just mucking around, it was possibly a 400 – 500 day but you had to go west and for us I think it was soft that way early in the day which could have made it difficult.
The Discus is such a nice glider to fly, even empty it still glides O.K. at 70-80 knots.
Cheers
Nigel
Hi All
Saturday flying – there wasn’t any. Just as we pulled up to the strip the predicted drizzle / rain started. However this gave those present a chance to help Stewart and Laurie with the Form 2 on the Discus and introduce our latest member, Bill from Toowoomba, to what a glider looks like pulled apart and how easily it can be derigged and put on a trailer. Again thanks to Stewart, Laurie, Bill and Val for doing the hard yards on WA.
The rain stopped in the afternoon and by early evening the stars were out.
Sunday
An early morning fog lifted and Cu’s starting popping all over the sky. Stewart and Laurie finished the wings on the Discus early and the day was looking very good – despite the previous few days rain. I was the first to launch at 11am in the Hornet (KJ) with Owen (instructing) and Leigh in the Puchatek followed soon after by Val in the Tug. Bill in XOT, Stewart in GOW , Laurie in the BG (GHJ) and Les in the Cirrus (GOP) all launched later.
The declared task, naturally , was Warwick strip, Tiptonish (a point about 20km north of Cecil Plains, kind of near Tipton -ish ), Inglewood strip and back to Warwick. A FAI triangle, 313 kms. While the clouds looked good they initially produced very little and my early climbs of 2 knots were in the blue and I almost came back for a re-launch. First leg was with a head/cross wind component of about 15 to 20knots and the first 50kms was a struggle and difficult to get above 5000’. Further north from Pittsworth the ground was much wetter than last week as they had about 50mm of rain in the area and it was this section I thought would be the most difficult part of the task. Now the clouds had all but disappeared . But nope, I connected with a good climb to over 9000’ north of Brookstead and easily made the next 50kms to the 1st turn point. I reckon if you add up all the drift back against the breeze I did about 500kms on the first leg. 2nd leg from Tiptonish to Inglewood had a few wispy clouds and good climbs (even a 9 knotter at one stage) but still a head wind component into a south wester as the air had changed again. I turned Inglewood strip at about 5700’ finally with a tailwind to get me home but not a cloud to be seen and it looked grim. Managed to drift with a weak climb for a while but as it was heading in the right direction I stuck with it. Flew over the Gore strip (which was my best distance on this task I made a couple of years ago), blew it a raspberry and scored another climb to over 8000’ further east and easily made it home.
All up almost a 6 hour flight for me and one furry, stubborn, flea bitten, rabid monkey removed from my back.
It wasn’t a good day, it was a great day.
Phil
Flying Weekend 19th 20th Nov
Well Saturday was supposed to be a boomer day and it had all the ingredients but one very strong inversion which basically kept a lid on the weather to the North. Dan, Bill, Matt, Luke and myself in the club Discus were in single seaters. Sid flew the tug with Val taking over in the afternoon. Off the launch I had a 6 knot climb to 6,500 and though this was going to be a good one. Dan had wanted to do a task Kingaroy, Chinchilla, return which was just on 500km’s so off we headed, Bill and Matt still had to climb for a start. It was apparent very early in the flight that something was up, the climbs were a bit a weaker and stopped at 5,000ft. We continued to dribble on and eventually met up with Bill and all 3 of us were in trouble so Bill Turned back to head for Warwick whilst Dan and I ended up very low just short of Pittsworth. Matt had also caught up but was a fair way east of us having the same struggle. Anyway one good climb got up mobile again but the plan had changed, we would go Warwick, Stanthorpe. Nearer Warwick it came good again, climbs to 8,000ft and off we went to Stanthorpe. 9,000ft over Stanthorpe and I headed south behind Matt who was 20 km’s in front. Matt later called up 12 knots in a thermal! Cloudbase now 9,000 to 10,000ft I turned back for Warwick 95km’s out with Matt turning 100. We met up and raced back to Stanthorpe, somehow Matt got some bad air and got really low, I managed to keep high and got home at high speed. Bill and Dan had turned Stanthorpe and turned Killarney for home. So all of us back home safely.
Christmas Flying.
The festive season is upon us and you know what that means? Perfect gliding conditions from Warwick that’s what.
The Warwick Gliding Club will be flying from Boxing day to New Year’s day so why not consider coming to fly at Warwick during this week? Achieve a few personal bests, claim a badge flight or two or just roll up and have some real good relaxed flying.
Our tug will be available (WPS) and you know the weather will be perfect with cross country flying a dream. Family and non fliers welcome too ! cheaper than a beach camping holiday !
So if you are keen please let me know, even if tentative, and I will keep you up to date. This invitation has been sent out to pilots at other clubs, so hopefully there will be plenty of visitors too! Please feel free to pass this on to anyone else who might be interested.
Weekend 22nd 23rd Oct
Hi all,
The weather was kind to us this weekend and there were plenty of members at the club to appreciate it.
Saturday looked good. Early morning cu’s burnt off and there was a light Easterly. The sky looked good but the over-clouding predicted by both RASP & Robert Hart was evident.
Nigel (fully watered) and Brad in the Discus took early launches, climbed to 6,000 ft and headed West. They soon found the conditions weren’t as good as expected so diverted North instead. Ray and myself were airborne by this time and also headed for Clifton. Bill flew the tug for the couple of launches, then handed it over to Dan. It didn’t take long for the sky to be almost completely clouded which of course shut off the ground heating and those of us away from the field shifted into low gear. Brad got some good practice in thermalling in weaker conditions and was ably assisted by Nigel who stayed with him. Ray spent some time scratching down low at Clifton before landing at the airstrip there and calling for a tug retrieve. Our aim now was to get back to Warwick. After some time the clouds started to burn off and there was a surge of thermal activity so we made it ok. Bill had launched in OT by this time but I’m not sure where flew. Rod took the SZD55 for its first flight since the wing refinish and happily reported it to be flying well. Ivor was instructing Russell in the Puchatec. Sydney took over the tug and kindly let Dan fly his Pik. The Dodd’s arrived and I’m fairly sure both Ben and Michelle flew the Puchatec.
A club meeting was held in the early evening with plenty of members in attendance. Saturday night we were all treated to one of Val’s great roast dinners while we helped Bill celebrate his 70th birthday. It was a rare treat to hear Bill sharing some tales of his 40 years of gliding at Warwick. We all chipped in to give Bill a present of a guided walk up the Story Bridge and 2 night’s accommodation in Brisbane. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos!
Sunday looked similar to Saturday but there was no prediction of over-clouding. Dan suggested a run task of Maryvale, Clifton Warwick airfield to be completed twice. Light NE, clear skies with Cu’s forming on the Southern side of the strip. Phil flew the tug while Russell took an early launch in the Puchatec under Tony’s expert guidance. Lucky Phil landed raving about how much lift there was. He was right (this time) and Andres, myself, Dan in IZW and Sydney took off and headed North. Andres headed for Maryvale while the rest of decided to head for Clifton, then Millmerran. Luke (in the Discus CS) and Stewart headed west to do the same task in the reverse direction. Val and Lesley both launched and had trouble finding good climbs. Clyde flew the SZD. Owen arrived late and flew the Ventus. Dan, Sydney & I had a great run with the best climb of 6.5 knots to 6,500 ft. The cu’s were spaced well apart without a lot of vertical development but were providing reliable lift.
Cheers,
Greg.
Saturday morning didn't look any good, showers on the way up on the Ranges, and cloud covering almost all of the sky around Warwick.
It was Phil with the Kids, Val and Bill, Brad as Tuggie, Dan, Rod, Nigel and Owen with people from Gympie to test Fly NNA and myself.
While we had a chat with a cup of tea, Phil got the Puchatek ready for check flights for the Gympie pilots, and I decided to get WR ready. Dan and Rod were doing some work on the DZ form 2.
By 12, after the Puchatek launch, I was second on the queue so I decided to launch.
Conditions were weak but with a bit of patience I managed to reach cloud base at 4500" while waiting for others to be airborne I left for Allora, then Clifton and came back. By that time Brad was in the air with WA, Phil was invited to fly WZ, and he obviously accepted, Rod also had an attempt but he couldn't manage to stay long.
After a while Rod came back for landing and Dan launched into the air. There was water everywhere in the paddocks so nobody wanted to risk a muddy outland.
We made a call to fly to Clifton, Leyburn. We made it OK and conditions were improving with the time.
I then returned to Leslie dam, then to Glenagallan and return to the club after 3,5 hs in the air. The rest chose to fly to Maryvale from Leyburn.
We had good fun flying all together. At the end of the day we headed to Sandy Creek for dinner.
Sunday looked excellent in the early hours. Dan was on the tug, Bill took Colin, who returned to the club after a while, for a check fly on the Puchatek. Rod on the DZ and myself again ready on the mighty WR. I launched first again and waited for Rod to be airborne, we reached cloud-base very quick at 5000 ft so he decided to call Millmeran. It was a very quick and easy run, however once we arrived the conditions further west were less than attractive. I decided to return to Leyburn and back to the airfield as I had to de rig WR for Form2.
Rod chose to go to Pittsworth and then back to the Club. Coming back we found that Val was in the air with the her Discus and she flew to the Ranges and returned.
Overall a very good weekend I hope the conditions are as good for the rest of the season.
Dan, Peter, Trina, Andres and myself had a feed at the H&J. Sid/Val did 4 hours towing in the tug with the AAFC and our gliders so well done.
I think Kingaroy did 5 x 500 plus flights.
Sunday.
Lots were there, might leave it to someone to fill in the x/c flights but Ivor/myself were towing, I left around 1.30 so not sure who did what but Phil had declared Tipton, Inglewood. Stewart got of my tow at 2,500 in an attempt to better Errol’s reputation but was on the ground soon after.
Cheers
Nigel
Les Milne
Warwick Gliding Club Development Officer
Flying Weekend 7th & 8th Jan
Dear All
A brief follow up to Nigel's report from Saturday.On Sunday there was again a high overcast that looked threatening. However it soon showed signs of lifting and nice Cu's started to form.
Several of us enjoyed good flights although early conditions were 'soft' to say the least.
Brad outlanded at Talgai (having retrieved two of us from the same airfield only the day before).
Later in the day Andres put into a paddock out towards the ranges to the east of the strip.
For instructional flights Erana and Cody call in on their way home from NSW.
Leigh also arrived and Sid gave them the benefit of his great experience.
Peter kindly offered to volunteer his services in WPS even though it was not his rostered day.
This allowed Val to get out the Discus and punt around the sky with the rest of us.
As a club we owe so much to those who give so much of their time in so many different ways.
Tug Pilots, Instructors, Maintenance Persons, those who stock the bar, keep our accounts in good order, prepare sumptuous meals and keep up the PR - the list goes on and on.
Great work folks.
It was excellent to see former member Errol show up with his glider KU after a long period of absence.
As best I can remember the single seat fleet consisted of Brad, Andres, Greg, Dan, Clyde, Scott, Val and Errol (I may have missed someone here)
It was a great weekend.
Great flight from Errol (418km) after such a long time in 'absentia'. Scott should also be lauded with an excellent effort of 176km in the BG.
If you don't presently use the OLC I strongly recommend you sign in and start to upload your flights. Every flight counts to our tally (no matter how short the distance).
Cheers
Dan
Hi
All,
Quite a roll out for flying. Instructor Owen was there with Lee as student, Brad was tuggie. Dan, Clyde, Greg, Scott,Sid,Youngy, Stewart H, Bill, Val with Errol and Andres arriving afternoon. Day started with cloud covering most of Warwick but started to burn off by 12.00 I was first off in WA, good climb off the tow in 5 knots to 5,500ft. Greg was next followed by Dan and Scott etc. There was quite a big shadow over Warwick so I headed North but basically final glided in to Talgai! Just doesn’t have the glide of the Ventus…. Anyway Brad turned up and towed me out, I then got great climbs for the rest of the day. Dan had a turn at landing at Talgai, again Brad to the rescue. Andres wanted to charge us landing fees at his airstrip! Anyway the rest of the day was quite good fun, we didn’t go too far but Sid, Greg, Myself and Dan all sort of met up and Clyde also in the same area mainly around the foothills where some good lift was found. Dan and I ran down towards Killarney before returning home. Bill had gone to Killarney working some good convergence streeting to the south so whilst no one travelled too far there was a lot of fun had flying together at various times and a load of us travelled to the Sandy in the Limo bus and had a great night with the usual tales and ale.
Sunday, I left in the morning but I believe Brad did his 5 hours and Andres out landed so maybe someone can fill the day in.
Cheers
Nigel
Christmas Regatta
As Les and I have just arrived back in Brisbane and put the kids to bed, we would just like to say thanks to all members, family and friends that made the 26th Dec to 2nd Jan such a great time at our club.
It was so good to see so many pilots and family able to make it for some great gliding and social gathering over the Boxing day to 2nd Jan.
So I’ll let the statistics and my highlights tell the story…
Statistics
- Every day was well and truly flyable and very soarable….perhaps some easier days than others
- WPS did 56 launches over the 8 days flying
- 4073.42 kilometres logged on OLC by Warwick Gliding Club members from 26th to 2nd as at 9:30 pm tonight. Rod flew today in the SZD aiming for Keepit….but no OLC results as yet
- All club aircraft flew
- The Bottom Hangar won the “Inter Hangar Comp” with 3385.11 kms logged, with the Main Hangar second (thanks to Errol and Stu choosing fly the Twin rather than their LS8s and Nigel flying WA) with the Top Hangar third.
- The bar needed to be re-stocked.
By the way we now have in both private and club ownership : two Discus’s (or should that be‘ Disci’ ), two Cirri’s, two BGs, two PiKs and two LS8’s
Highlights
- Did I mention the Bottom Hangar won the “Inter Hangar Comp”?
- Dean achieved his Silver C height gain and flew his Silver C 5 hours in the Puchatek, no easy feat !
- Stewart H flew his Silver C 50kms (mind you it was Millmerran and return to Warwick – over 140km without raising a sweat) and on another day won a day on OLC.
- Brad flew his new share of Sid’s PiK for 238.12km at a speed of 90.59 kph ! and became an honorary member of the Talgai Homestead greenery committee
- Andres flew 249.79 kms on 27th Dec. and became an life member of the Talgai Homestead greenery committee
- Nigel flew his new Discus, err sorry, the Club’s Discus and flew 209kms on OLC but has other flights to get off the FLARM
- Errol and Stu L flew together in the Twin.
- Luke and Michelle, Stu L, Michael O’B and Owen took friends and family for flights during the week
- Logie turned up and flew !
- Les and I had fun with over 26 hours gliding logged between the two of us in GOP.
Plus a very special and HUGE thanks to Bill and Val who helped me get GOP out of very soft paddock 10ks south of Pittsworth by using their 4WD and then helped clean the mud / soil out of the wheel well for me.
All the best for 2012
Phil and Les
Flying and Christmas Party 10th 11th Dec
What a great weekend and Christmas get-together.
We had a huge turnout and I am pretty sure everyone enjoyed themselves (if not is was their problem).
Saturday looked rather promising.
Several of us launched and enjoyed a great time flying together sharing the sky with each other at different times of the afternoon.
Brad (new co-owner of the Pik 20) and I were first to get airborne.
Then followed Bill (OT), MIke O'brien (BK) Andres (WR) and Clyde (GWA).
Back at base our new students Leigh and Bill were adding to their skills under the guidance of our expert instructors.
Sid did a sterling job towing in WPS (glowering while the PIK screamed off into the distance under Brad's capable hands).
At first a run to MIllmerran looked like an option but the ranges beckoned with a promising line of Cu extending all the way along.
Several of us tip toed out to the Cu near the ranges and were rewarded with excellent lift.
A quick run to Killarney thence towards Wyreema and back was a huge amount of fun with excellent streeting to be had.
I managed around 235 km at 81 kph (slow by Errol's standards but good for a hack like me). I am sure the others did similar or better.
That evening we enjoyed a fabulous BBQ thanks to Val (magnificent as always) and with help from several others including (but not only) Mary, Trina, Lisa, Liana and Sue.
Brad, still glowing from his flight in the Pik (sorry Sid) put his hand to the BBQ and delivered perfect steaks and snags. What a team.
After dinner (and several beverages) we held a meeting with much discussion about our thoughts on a replacement for our existing training aircraft (the Puch and the Twin).
Matt and I put together presentations on the offerings available and their relative merits.
Much to consider here.
Clyde will soon send out a copy of the minutes for those who could not make it.
Sunday started off rather dismally with a solid high overcast.
I am not sure if it is because we all had one drink too many the night before of if we were all spooked by the solid overcast but I think we pretty much decided it was not a soarable day and planned otherwise.
Meanwhile Laurie (with assistance) assembled the M200 (two seat trainer for use by the Cadets).
Errol and Stuart fooled around with toy aeroplanes (rather sad really - especially when they have such lovely gliders that are under-utilised).
Brad did the towing, Tony and Phil instructed and we welcome two new members to our club - Erana and Cody.
The rest of us deserve a sound whipping.....
As I flew back to Mundubbera around 12:30pm to do some mowing and other household chores before Christmas I observe a most dramatic change.
The day had gone from being a total washout to one of the best I reckon I have seen almost over the past 12 months. It was a 'doozy'.
I believe Laurie (M200), Stewart (Cirrus), Brad (a late starter in the Pik) and Scott (in the BG) all took a flight although I don't know much detail.
Have a great Christmas, remember the Christmas/New Year midweek flying is on next week and looking forward to catching up again real soon.
Cheers
Dan
Flying Weekend 3rd 4th December
Just a quick update on the weekend's activities.
RASP promised much and we were looking forward to some big flights.
On Saturday however as Sid, Andres, Bill and I headed north it soon became clear that things were pretty 'soft'.
Sid managed a snappy run to Pittsworth, Millmerran and back in his (now well appointed) Pik.
Dan, Andres and Bill struggled to the north.
Meanwhile Stewart arrived with GWA which was promptly rigged.
Ray has done a great job in getting the wing walker prepared to make towing out a much easier task.
Later Nigel launched in GWA for a good run out past Millmerran and return.
Stewart also launched on his Cirrus and he and I teamed up later in the day for a nice run from Leyburn towards the ranges then south.
Phil did a sterling job as instructor. He also managed to take his brother-in-law Bryce and his motorcycling mate Matt for some good flights in UIZ.
As the day wore on the conditions became quite good and climbs to around 8,000' were possible.
That evening several of us met at the Condamine Club for a good feed and a beer or three.
Sunday saw a high overcast.
Underneath however cu's were developing.
MOB arrived and prepared BK.
Dan, Andres and Mike headed north again.
There were still extensive wet areas on the ground and 'soft conditions' again prevailed.
Mike made it to Pittsworth and beyond.
Dan headed east to be just south of Wyreema.
Andres hit a 'down cycle' and landed at Clifton.
Les made what was undoubtedly a smart decision not to push too far out given the conditions.
Scott took the BG out for a run - not sure what he got up to.
'Ole Youngy' flew TOJ to Amberley to collect a glider for ATC and then continued towing for the rest of the day on his return.
Phil put in another huge effort instructing along with Ivor.
Les and Dan helped Andres put 'Whiskey Romeo' back in the box later in the day.
Thanks to all who made the weekend a success.
I am bound to have missed something here but someone else may be able to fill in the gaps.
Don't forget our Christmas get together will be in two weeks time on Saturday 17th Dec.
I look forward to catching up with you all then.
See you soon.
Dan
Flying Weekend 26th 27th Nov
Hi All,
Just adding a few notes to Dan’s write up. I did launch late as we had to rig the Discus and get it mobile. Stewart and the Team did an EXCELLENT job at completing the form 2 – the wings and fuse are bright white and smooth, the interior looks great now, the instruments now are tops with the newly acquired B400 – what a nice vario this is! Second battery installed and she flies so well.
Anyway did a run to abeam Maryvale, then had some real fun running a convergence line that went from Maryvale to well north of Pittsworth. Started out at 7,000ft and averaged 8 to 8,500! About 500ft above cloudbase on the eastern side of the convergence and above me it was about 9,000ft which I got to just briefly. Anyway a real nice flight. I left the fun and headed to Millmerran, turned there and had a great run home cruising at 7,000ft.
Did about 250 km’s just mucking around, it was possibly a 400 – 500 day but you had to go west and for us I think it was soft that way early in the day which could have made it difficult.
The Discus is such a nice glider to fly, even empty it still glides O.K. at 70-80 knots.
Cheers
Nigel
Hi All
Saturday flying – there wasn’t any. Just as we pulled up to the strip the predicted drizzle / rain started. However this gave those present a chance to help Stewart and Laurie with the Form 2 on the Discus and introduce our latest member, Bill from Toowoomba, to what a glider looks like pulled apart and how easily it can be derigged and put on a trailer. Again thanks to Stewart, Laurie, Bill and Val for doing the hard yards on WA.
The rain stopped in the afternoon and by early evening the stars were out.
Sunday
An early morning fog lifted and Cu’s starting popping all over the sky. Stewart and Laurie finished the wings on the Discus early and the day was looking very good – despite the previous few days rain. I was the first to launch at 11am in the Hornet (KJ) with Owen (instructing) and Leigh in the Puchatek followed soon after by Val in the Tug. Bill in XOT, Stewart in GOW , Laurie in the BG (GHJ) and Les in the Cirrus (GOP) all launched later.
The declared task, naturally , was Warwick strip, Tiptonish (a point about 20km north of Cecil Plains, kind of near Tipton -ish ), Inglewood strip and back to Warwick. A FAI triangle, 313 kms. While the clouds looked good they initially produced very little and my early climbs of 2 knots were in the blue and I almost came back for a re-launch. First leg was with a head/cross wind component of about 15 to 20knots and the first 50kms was a struggle and difficult to get above 5000’. Further north from Pittsworth the ground was much wetter than last week as they had about 50mm of rain in the area and it was this section I thought would be the most difficult part of the task. Now the clouds had all but disappeared . But nope, I connected with a good climb to over 9000’ north of Brookstead and easily made the next 50kms to the 1st turn point. I reckon if you add up all the drift back against the breeze I did about 500kms on the first leg. 2nd leg from Tiptonish to Inglewood had a few wispy clouds and good climbs (even a 9 knotter at one stage) but still a head wind component into a south wester as the air had changed again. I turned Inglewood strip at about 5700’ finally with a tailwind to get me home but not a cloud to be seen and it looked grim. Managed to drift with a weak climb for a while but as it was heading in the right direction I stuck with it. Flew over the Gore strip (which was my best distance on this task I made a couple of years ago), blew it a raspberry and scored another climb to over 8000’ further east and easily made it home.
All up almost a 6 hour flight for me and one furry, stubborn, flea bitten, rabid monkey removed from my back.
It wasn’t a good day, it was a great day.
Phil
Flying Weekend 19th 20th Nov
Well Saturday was supposed to be a boomer day and it had all the ingredients but one very strong inversion which basically kept a lid on the weather to the North. Dan, Bill, Matt, Luke and myself in the club Discus were in single seaters. Sid flew the tug with Val taking over in the afternoon. Off the launch I had a 6 knot climb to 6,500 and though this was going to be a good one. Dan had wanted to do a task Kingaroy, Chinchilla, return which was just on 500km’s so off we headed, Bill and Matt still had to climb for a start. It was apparent very early in the flight that something was up, the climbs were a bit a weaker and stopped at 5,000ft. We continued to dribble on and eventually met up with Bill and all 3 of us were in trouble so Bill Turned back to head for Warwick whilst Dan and I ended up very low just short of Pittsworth. Matt had also caught up but was a fair way east of us having the same struggle. Anyway one good climb got up mobile again but the plan had changed, we would go Warwick, Stanthorpe. Nearer Warwick it came good again, climbs to 8,000ft and off we went to Stanthorpe. 9,000ft over Stanthorpe and I headed south behind Matt who was 20 km’s in front. Matt later called up 12 knots in a thermal! Cloudbase now 9,000 to 10,000ft I turned back for Warwick 95km’s out with Matt turning 100. We met up and raced back to Stanthorpe, somehow Matt got some bad air and got really low, I managed to keep high and got home at high speed. Bill and Dan had turned Stanthorpe and turned Killarney for home. So all of us back home safely.
Christmas Flying.
The festive season is upon us and you know what that means? Perfect gliding conditions from Warwick that’s what.
The Warwick Gliding Club will be flying from Boxing day to New Year’s day so why not consider coming to fly at Warwick during this week? Achieve a few personal bests, claim a badge flight or two or just roll up and have some real good relaxed flying.
Our tug will be available (WPS) and you know the weather will be perfect with cross country flying a dream. Family and non fliers welcome too ! cheaper than a beach camping holiday !
So if you are keen please let me know, even if tentative, and I will keep you up to date. This invitation has been sent out to pilots at other clubs, so hopefully there will be plenty of visitors too! Please feel free to pass this on to anyone else who might be interested.
Weekend 22nd 23rd Oct
Hi all,
The weather was kind to us this weekend and there were plenty of members at the club to appreciate it.
Saturday looked good. Early morning cu’s burnt off and there was a light Easterly. The sky looked good but the over-clouding predicted by both RASP & Robert Hart was evident.
Nigel (fully watered) and Brad in the Discus took early launches, climbed to 6,000 ft and headed West. They soon found the conditions weren’t as good as expected so diverted North instead. Ray and myself were airborne by this time and also headed for Clifton. Bill flew the tug for the couple of launches, then handed it over to Dan. It didn’t take long for the sky to be almost completely clouded which of course shut off the ground heating and those of us away from the field shifted into low gear. Brad got some good practice in thermalling in weaker conditions and was ably assisted by Nigel who stayed with him. Ray spent some time scratching down low at Clifton before landing at the airstrip there and calling for a tug retrieve. Our aim now was to get back to Warwick. After some time the clouds started to burn off and there was a surge of thermal activity so we made it ok. Bill had launched in OT by this time but I’m not sure where flew. Rod took the SZD55 for its first flight since the wing refinish and happily reported it to be flying well. Ivor was instructing Russell in the Puchatec. Sydney took over the tug and kindly let Dan fly his Pik. The Dodd’s arrived and I’m fairly sure both Ben and Michelle flew the Puchatec.
A club meeting was held in the early evening with plenty of members in attendance. Saturday night we were all treated to one of Val’s great roast dinners while we helped Bill celebrate his 70th birthday. It was a rare treat to hear Bill sharing some tales of his 40 years of gliding at Warwick. We all chipped in to give Bill a present of a guided walk up the Story Bridge and 2 night’s accommodation in Brisbane. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos!
Sunday looked similar to Saturday but there was no prediction of over-clouding. Dan suggested a run task of Maryvale, Clifton Warwick airfield to be completed twice. Light NE, clear skies with Cu’s forming on the Southern side of the strip. Phil flew the tug while Russell took an early launch in the Puchatec under Tony’s expert guidance. Lucky Phil landed raving about how much lift there was. He was right (this time) and Andres, myself, Dan in IZW and Sydney took off and headed North. Andres headed for Maryvale while the rest of decided to head for Clifton, then Millmerran. Luke (in the Discus CS) and Stewart headed west to do the same task in the reverse direction. Val and Lesley both launched and had trouble finding good climbs. Clyde flew the SZD. Owen arrived late and flew the Ventus. Dan, Sydney & I had a great run with the best climb of 6.5 knots to 6,500 ft. The cu’s were spaced well apart without a lot of vertical development but were providing reliable lift.
Cheers,
Greg.
Saturday morning didn't look any good, showers on the way up on the Ranges, and cloud covering almost all of the sky around Warwick.
It was Phil with the Kids, Val and Bill, Brad as Tuggie, Dan, Rod, Nigel and Owen with people from Gympie to test Fly NNA and myself.
While we had a chat with a cup of tea, Phil got the Puchatek ready for check flights for the Gympie pilots, and I decided to get WR ready. Dan and Rod were doing some work on the DZ form 2.
By 12, after the Puchatek launch, I was second on the queue so I decided to launch.
Conditions were weak but with a bit of patience I managed to reach cloud base at 4500" while waiting for others to be airborne I left for Allora, then Clifton and came back. By that time Brad was in the air with WA, Phil was invited to fly WZ, and he obviously accepted, Rod also had an attempt but he couldn't manage to stay long.
After a while Rod came back for landing and Dan launched into the air. There was water everywhere in the paddocks so nobody wanted to risk a muddy outland.
We made a call to fly to Clifton, Leyburn. We made it OK and conditions were improving with the time.
I then returned to Leslie dam, then to Glenagallan and return to the club after 3,5 hs in the air. The rest chose to fly to Maryvale from Leyburn.
We had good fun flying all together. At the end of the day we headed to Sandy Creek for dinner.
Sunday looked excellent in the early hours. Dan was on the tug, Bill took Colin, who returned to the club after a while, for a check fly on the Puchatek. Rod on the DZ and myself again ready on the mighty WR. I launched first again and waited for Rod to be airborne, we reached cloud-base very quick at 5000 ft so he decided to call Millmeran. It was a very quick and easy run, however once we arrived the conditions further west were less than attractive. I decided to return to Leyburn and back to the airfield as I had to de rig WR for Form2.
Rod chose to go to Pittsworth and then back to the Club. Coming back we found that Val was in the air with the her Discus and she flew to the Ranges and returned.
Overall a very good weekend I hope the conditions are as good for the rest of the season.
Dan, Peter, Trina, Andres and myself had a feed at the H&J. Sid/Val did 4 hours towing in the tug with the AAFC and our gliders so well done.
I think Kingaroy did 5 x 500 plus flights.
Sunday.
Lots were there, might leave it to someone to fill in the x/c flights but Ivor/myself were towing, I left around 1.30 so not sure who did what but Phil had declared Tipton, Inglewood. Stewart got of my tow at 2,500 in an attempt to better Errol’s reputation but was on the ground soon after.
Cheers
Nigel
Les Milne
Warwick Gliding Club Development Officer
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