19/08/08
Discus A ZBK for sale (1/3 share or whole). Anyone that knows this aircraft will know it is a Gem. Nothing to do but fly. Contact heath@webadventures.com.au for further details.
15/04/08
Great conditions over the weekend ,Sunday the better of the two.
Lots of flights some good distance covered.
Two new members Karl and Brian both from Toowoomba.
Congratulations Dougie !! on his silver C distance. think it was 115.8 km
cheers craig
Yeh was a good Saturday but Sunday sounds equally as good It looked like a comp lineup with gliders everywhere, we had Eddie in the LS1,Doug doing his 50km’s in the hornet, Peter in the Discus2, Mike in the DiscusA, Errol in his LS8, Bill in his DiscusB, Phil and Leslie flying the super Cirrus, Greg from Lismore flying his Pegase (think I got that right??) Puchatek and myself in the Ventus – nearly all gliders out of the hangars! We had a late start which in hindsite we could have started earlier as it was a 500K day. Off the launch to 7,000ft which was cloud base, waited for Mike and Errol but Errol was delayed so Mike and I set off as Eddie had already left for Pittsworth. We arrived Piitts and called Errol, decided to meet him at Clifton where I arrived in his thermal much lower with Mike somewhere behind but then the plan fell to bits and Errol and I ended up flying North to DDSC with Bill in XOT and Mike and Eddie practiced low level surveillance of Clifton. So after giving Errol a good flogging for once we all arrived Warwick to then meet up with Mike and Peter (in the D2) to fly to the range and back then SW to Leslie. Not sure where Phil got to but Leslie took a late launch to fly in some weaker lift that stayed there till dark, Errol nearly had to turn on the runway lights!. Col did some flying and I believe Greg likes the area and has taken a new members form so hope to see him again soon. Karl and Brian, I met Karl but missed Brian but great to see 2 new guys.
Someone did say during the week they thought my weekend prediction was a bit optimistic – I knew it was going to be good!
Cheers
Nig
Hi all,
Sunday had less than 5 knots wind on the ground, cloudbase at 9,500 ft with 4/8 cover and regular 6 knots + lift (I had 9 knots on the averager at for a while). If this was a good day I’m looking forward to the cracker ones!
Thanks to Craig I flew my Pegase (ASW19 clone) for the first time late on Saturday and spent Sunday enjoying the good conditions. PII will be staying at Warwick, hopefully in the next available hangar spot.
G'day all, sorry for the lack of news but things are busy here, following are some news reports of the weekend 13th and 14th of April - a boomer!
Hi all
What a great flying weekend it turned out to be! Although I had a late start to the flying day on Saturday (launched just before 2pm) and listening to Nigel, Errol, Michael, Bill and Eddie already out on task I still managed a “quick” 180km (Warwick AF – Pittsworth – paddock fire 20kms west of Pittsworth – Millmerran and back home) before handing the Cirrus (GOP) over to Lesley to launch into a late afternoon thermal or two. Lesley had another hour+ before having to come down and landing just prior to Errol - and last light.
On Sunday we had three friends that had been itching to go for a glide for some months turn up so we introduced them to the new sport. Lesley took Marg (friend and potential next student) up in the twin and by all accounts she was just taken with the sport. I then took a work colleague Danny up for a flight and the day was about as good as it gets (but I didn’t tell him that), with cloud base at about 8800’ Danny had a great time. I “raced” around a 30km triangle, pulled brakes to get down and landed to let Lesley take her 2nd pax, Derek, up for flight.
After our guests departed the field the day was still booming. So I forced myself back into the air around 4 pm by climbing in the mighty Cirrus and easily climbed back to cloud base which was now at 9500 ‘ above the strip. With that height I just headed off to the South West with no particular goal in mind – just for a look. Enroute I hit a boomer and it took me to 10,000’ at approx 30kms South West of the strip and it was after 5 pm! And with that height you can’t waste it so I flew a “scorching”, no a “blood boiling, lightning….” 70km triangle back up North to Clifton and returned to the strip. I was still getting lift after 5:30 at about 200’ / min.
However to allow us to enjoy this sport so much we are truly grateful for the support (and at times patience) our fellow club members have shown us, and for this Les and I would like to thank:
Val and Bill - for towing on Saturday and dropping me in 500’ up, general organising, pushing gliders and baby sitting.
Craig – for instructing on Saturday and (probably) baby sitting
Felicity and Ken – for supplying the “rocky road” and baby sitting.
Ivor – for towing on Sunday, dropping me in 500+ up, and baby sitting / entertaining kids
Michael – for the beer on Saturday, for instructing on Sunday, plus car lights to assist us on our (my) self imposed late evening de-rig and baby sitting (hmmmm a theme developing here – How is Alex going?)
Peter and Trina – baby sitting / entertaining kids (hope Katherine/Kevin Kookaburra is still ok)
Greg – for entertaining kids / baby sitting
Errol - for entertaining kids / baby sitting and giving us a new threat to the kids if they are naughty (they get to spend the rest of their natural lives blind folded living at Errol’s)
Doughie – Congrats on your 50km Silver C distance
And Luke – I heard you did get into the Hornet – congrats on that too,
And if I have missed anyone I’ll shout you a beer at the club next time! P.S Jack (my 1 year old) would like to thank all club members as he now owes the club a jar of brown sugar. His physics experiment worked very well thank you and yes he proved once and for all that a glass jar full of brown sugar does not bounce on the tiled kitchen floor – just in case you were wondering……. Many thanks again from us
Phil, Les, Beth, Kath and Jack.
18/02/08
Hi Folks
The easter comps at Chinchilla are now only a month away: 21 to 29 March.
If anyone wants to take a club aircraft, you'd better speak up soon! The easter comps are great fun and an excellent opportunity to spread your wings!
The Twin Astir has gone to the easter comps regularly over recent years, and has been very successfully utilised for some great mutual flights, for cross country training, and for giving pilots who are new to comps flying their first taste of what comps are about. The committee is very keen for it to go again this year, but we need several people who will make a firm commitment to getting it there and back again. It can probably be towed behind the tug, so only the empty trailer will need to be moved.
If we can get it there, it will certainly be well used. There may be a few AAFC members keen to fly it over the easter 4 days as well. I should be available to fly in the back seat on some days, and I am sure there will be other experienced people to do the same.
The Hornet and Cirrus are also available for suitably qualified pilots (minimum silver badge).
Ray got well into the Hornet form 2 inspection last weekend and expects to finish it this weekend. Thanks Ray. The Puchatek and Twin Astir need form 2 inspections by June-July. Could you please think about making a commitment to assist with one of these and let Ray or me know. There may be an opportunity to commence your mentored airworthiness training towards a "replacement of components" ticket, which is the first step to gaining your prestigious and highly sought after form 2 ticket on a GFA course, after which the world will beat a path to your door, and undreamt of glory and riches will be yours.......
Four keen new members at the weekend: ex German pilots Ernst (3000 hours) and Steffanie, and ex AAFC cadets with C certificates Luke Pavy and Jared Booth. Make them welcome when next at Warwick!
Cheers
Ivor
11/02/08
NEWS: Committee meeting this Saturday, 6.00pm - all committee are asked to attend if possible and any members that also might want to attend are welcome.
Glider shares for sale..
G’day All,
It’s with great sadness that I’ve made the decision to sell my 2 x ¼ shares in GWR, an LS1-f. This glider is, as you probably already know, in excellent condition. It has been flown by a German pilot recently (who has 1300+hrs on LS1’s), and she said it is by far one of the best performing LS1’s she’s flown and that I should NEVER SELL IT!
Unfortunately though, due to the current career and lifestyle in Sydney, I’ve had to make this decision. If your interested, please contact me on go_soaring@hotmail.com and we can go from there J
Safe Circles,
Adam Woolley
Saturday report
O.K it could have been 900km’s. The day looked great, good forecast for dry air from the west BUT previous rain had made thermal activity in the lower atmosphere a bit unreliable (lots of water around still on the surface). Having said that it still turned out to be a fantastic soaring day. Arrived to find Ray there already, he was going to start on the hornet but a lack of helpers convinced him he should take advantage of a good day and go flying. Just a note on that, users of club singles ( Luke,Doug,Andres and others ) would be real nice if you could lend Ray a hand in getting these inspected, there are a lot of jobs that can be done like helping de rig, wash parts and even lend a hand in taking bits apart under supervision, you can contact Ray at RLSquire@iprimus.com.au doing this ensures you get to fly it sooner rather than later and helps the club out. So only Ray and I flying X/C, Val arrived with Bill, Val Towing and Bill doing some follow up work on the newly flying Dimona which flew during the week for the first time. Clyde arrived and flew the Astir locally and Michael was duty instructor and flew with Young Michael.
Off the Tow, 5 knots to 8,000ft with a 16 knot westerly THEN I thought I would move out and upwind under cloud whilst waiting for Ray only to contact strong shear wave, around 5 knots which lasted to 10,000ft and what a sight, 500ft above the Cu in nice cool clear air and bright blue sky above – truly one of natures great gifts to us when this happens, there was still 2 knots in the climb but I decided to start off. Task was going to be St George, Wondai return which is 916km’s but due to late start and strong wind (36 knots above the cloudbase and 16 knots under it) we flew Millmerran, Bunya TV towers return. Ray and I flew most of the way together, good 8 knot climbs at times to 9,000ft, lovely streeting and basically I didn’t go below 7,000ft all day opting to stay up near CB. A very strong sheer was present at 5-6,000ft so under this was quite broken. DDSC were not flying for some reason, looked like maybe the strip was wet?? But KSC guys were flying and tasked north but listening to them they had nothing like the conditions we did and I think they struggled in areas.
Arrived home with plenty of height, at 3.00pm CB was maybe 10,000ft to the west and 8,000 at home – still working well. Errol arrived with his brother Ivon and was planning to fly on Sunday. Not sure where Clyde got to. Maybe someone can update us on Sundays conditions.
Cheers
Nigel
2/02/08
Hi All,
Well Saturday morning arrives, blue sky at 6.00am here but by 8.00 cloud was coming in and a wind blowing, so sad faces till we reached the range and bingo – another good looking day on the downs. At the airport Ray was already there repairing the screen door and main sliding door. Someone?? (would be nice if people told you they broke it so it could get fixed earlier) had broken off the key in the lock and didn’t say anything so it was left up to others to fix, namely Ray who has brought back the broken lock to find a replacement. So gradually the troops arrive, Val and Bill, Phil towing, Richard duty instructor and his student (name??) , Errol and Michael who car pooled up, Peter and Trina Young and David and Ann Ball – the new Discus2 syndicate. Sky by now looking O.K but it was obvious we needed to fly North or West to get away from a looming hole over the airfield so Ray launched first, then the 2 seater, then Bill in the discus, then Micheal, myself and Errol. Bill bombed out first and I nearly did but you had to be patient, I met up with Mike and went North, Ray had gone west to Inglewood and Errol was struggling in the circuit area. Mike and I had a good flight up to George Lees with Mike leading as I found it hard to get to cloud base or rather I left too early trying to beat Mike as what I should have done is get high, next turn was Macalister and then Millmerran, at Broadwater lagoon I rolled him and led to Millmerran and on the way there we met up with Errol at Cecil and then Ray met up with us at Millmerran and I thought he said he had been to Goondawindi which if he did then he would have done the best distance for the day. Climbs by this stage were 6-9 knots, Mike who was behind me got a 9 knot climb all the way up which gave him the height to overtake me and he led the final glide race. Cloudbase was 8 – 9,000ft so a really good day considering. O.K all 4 off us into a 11 knot headwind, Mike in front, Errol,Ray and myself following with me slightly ahead, about 30km’s out I took a turn in crap lift which I really didn’t need only to see Errol overtake and on approaching Boney Mountain we all saw a wee little glider ridge soaring down low – it was Mike, he had blown his final glide and had to outland next to the smelly feedlot at Boney mountain! Off course I didn’t have a smile (Not much hee hee ) Anyway Errol landed first, then me then Ray. Ray and Errol picked up Mike and waiting for us were our new German pilots Ernst and Steffanie who I believe are joining the club, they had a few flights with Richard. Also Peter had flown the new Discus2 glider for the first time so grins all round. Iit is temporarily in the Wilkinson hangar with us thanks to Stuart who has kindly let them use his spot until Dan gets the hangar up which should be soon – thanks Stuart, its great how our little club manages to help each other.
So the day ended with a Thai curry visit in town with Peter and Trina, David and Ann, Bill and Val, Ernst and Steffanie and Michele and myself.
So again despite crook weather on the eastern side it turned out to be a ripper days flying out west.
This weekend, well lots of rain on the downs but looks like sunshine Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Again we fly from a pretty good site that allows us to airfield hop North if the ground looks wet and also our own airfield is sealed so we can launch in any field condition unlike DDSC which if it gets 2 or 3 inches you basically have to wait days to fly, same as Boonah.
So make hay whilst the Sun shines!
Nig
28/01/08
Well a real success, lots of flying, Saturday was myself, Dan, Ray, Bill, Matt, Rod – all flying single seaters and Dougie and Luke flew as well with Michael also getting a check flight with Tony our duty instructor, Dan and I managed a flight to Jimbour return which was fun as we worked some shear on the side of clouds to 500ft above cloud base. Also a visit from 3 pilots from Switzerland who have been with me for the last 2 weeks testing flarm software, these guys are the inventors of the product and Saturday night Matt, Dan Michele and the boys went to the Sandy for a real Aus day feast of BBQ and met up with Errol and Stu who just returned from Temora – a good night.
Sunday I was not there but believe it was a good day
Monday, I towed and nearly all the singles were out! The Flarm guys hired the Astir and Puch and went of testing, Dan, Errol, Matt, Owen,Dougie,Eddie,Rod, Val – all flew singles with Dan,Errol and Matt doing an X/C and Owen part of the way and Rod outlanded doing a 10km x/c from the field! Michael, Rods son solo flew a puch and Craig and Janelle went flying in the Astir when it returned. Visiting pilots Brian and Anne Wade had a flight in the Puch and all in all a busy fun day. A German couple arrived late in the afternoon and ended up having dinner back at our place with the flarm guys, Michele cooked up some Kangaroo steaks and prawns – really impressed the Swiss guys and the German couple Ernst and Steffie are pilots from Germany now living here and will possibly join the club – both are keen X/C and comp pilots.
So pretty good all round, best towing day in a long time.
Saturday we should see Peter and David’s D2 arrive at the airfield, another glider to fly with!
Cheers
Nigel
30/12/07
Nigel's Report
Well it just does not pay to write off a day at Warwick. Early morning and the wind here was nil but on arrival blowing 15 knots down 090 gusting 20! So Errol was there, Heath arrived, Stuart and friend Kurt, Matt and then Val and Bill, Val was going to tow us but we all said we might fly later so they went shopping in Towoomba. Michele and I drove around Warwick looking at land and came back and had a sleep only to be waken at 2.30pm with a call – who’s for flying! So we got the gliders out ( Errol in LS8, Stuart and Kurt in Astir and myself, Matt decided to pub crawl with Heath) and launched at 3.00pm, off the launch it was a 6 knot climb to 7,000ft – just a brilliant day that we nearly scrubbed. Errol and I flew a street to Killarney twice, each time pushing harder. I haven’t looked at the speeds but the glide computer said we were doing 220 KM/H downwind and stuff all turning, just pullups. So a very fun filled 2 hours working the strong lift, at times the wind was 22-25 knots but it just didn’t matter as the lift was good, some climbs at 8 knots on the averager.
That sort of weather and streeting would have been ideal for a horse race, fly direct to Killarney in one street, cross at the turn and race back down another, sort of an oval race and like a mini grand pri, certainly lots of fun.
Looks like Sunday could be much the same, might go out Monday if the weather is same or better and the guys are still there.
Oh the best part was the group dinner at the Warwick Thai restaurant that evening – great food and lots of stories
17/12/07
Errols notes...
Saturday
The day looked good, Cu poping, just a few patches of thin high Cirrus.
There has been some considerable fall of Rain over the Downs over the last 2 weeks, some areas still have water lying in paddocks a week later. Other areas dry enough to allow farmers to work the ground.
So outlanding was less attractive than normal, but the Sky looked consistent, so we decided Massie-Kilarney-DDSC-Massie.
Nigel was keen as usual, so we both ballasted to ~47Kg/SqM.
We got airborne @12:20, 3kts to 5000' off Tow. Nigel waited for me to get up, conveniently over a start point, off we went, NA 300' higher. The Race was on, ( I have to admit to a "developing" competative streak ) immediately we took different tracks only to meet up again 20km later, flew together for a bit then made different decisions again, we repeated this cycle for the rest of the flight. It was obvious as we turned Kilarney I had a probem, Nigel had been gaining 200' every 20km. So on the 2nd leg by Banges KU was considerably closer to the wet paddocks than NA. Nigel had been working 4500-5500 height band, I'd been desperately looking for the elusive 4-5kt thermal and ground proximity was forceing me to take 3kts for 1000' before pushing on, so I was spending my time between 3300-4500..hmmmm… this strategy wasn't working. After getting down to 1800'agl for the third time over particularly wet looking paddocks I dumped down to 44kg/SqM. A few minutes later I came in under Nigel he was 1000-1200' higher, it was a good climb, NA stats 4700-6150' @ 3.9kt and KU 4000-5100' @ 5.2kt. NA left first and KU a minute later and still 1000' lower. 20km from DDSC we met again I was 200' higher and Nigel was lamenting a bad run (how quickly tides can change), I just pulled up in his thermal and kept going He He He… and proceeded to glide down slowly, my selected bit of the sky didn't seem to be working so well, my turn for a bad run...I dump a bit more, down to 42kg/SqM... Nigel took a more direct path and turned DDSC 5km ahead and higher than me…Ahhhhh…20km later we're together at the same height.. But not for long, Nigel deviated East of track to a dark looking cloud, I stayed on track for a regular looking Cu. We were on the homeward leg and preasure was mounting, it was no holes bared, things really got dirty when Nigel tried psychology to break my spirit, first by telling me he'd found a screamer 7kts under the dark cloud (best of the day), then as he topped out (70km from home) told me he had final glide (all be it a 0kt), I checked and found I was 1800' below a 0kt setting… wo is me…my regular Cu yielded only 4-5kts… still 800' under final glide (40km), I'd resigned my self to being beaten by 10-15km… Then the radio crackled into life and out came Nigels bleat, "I don't think I'm going to make it, I'll have to take a climb" (if he finds one.. Heh... heh...) … Back in the race… some good air, a few pullups, a single turn in 5-6kts and I'm 200' over a 4kt final glide(20km). Nigel found a weak climb and is back on glide, we finish 10 seconds apart. A very enjoyable flight.
SeeYou Statistics
Glider Dist Avg % LD Cruise
Climb Thermal Cruise Speed Glides Speed
NA 274 3.5 20 71.7 79.2kts 14x22km 104.22
KU 276 3.5 22 67.4 79.6kts 16x19km 104.27
Dig the LD's, only a little streeting, mainly lift close together, amazing.
Other flyers were Graham instructing with 2 new students, Peter Young was towing, Leslie in her Cirrus, Phil in Cirus.
12/12/07
It was an interesting weekend. Conditions were good enough for Doug to manage a 5 hour flight in the Hornet, or maybe it was Doug who was good enough, not the conditions? Certainly I don't think anyone did much in the way of cross country, up to Clifton, out as far as Cunningham's Gap seemed about the limits. Owen had his second flight in the V2 he now owns with Nigel. Ivor was in the 29. Dan was in the speed Astir. Matt flew BK both days. BK has now left for the Junior Nationals in SA, where Heath will fly it.
Val did a great meal on Saturday night, and with the Aero Club also present, a few bottles of Red Wine were emptied. I really enjoyed spending quite a bit of time talking to Gus about how the sport has changed. We also had presentations of trophies for the last year. For those who were absent:
Gus Mauch cup (outstanding trainee): Doug Chapman Most meritorious cross country flight: Errol (376 kms at 148kph, last day of Qld State Comps) Most improved cross country: Phil Southgate President's shield: Ray Squire Best distance by club member: Nigel (06) 802 km (belatedly!) Dan (07) 500 Tex Watson shield: Ivor Harris/Kurt Kranen (A 100 kph day at Easter Comps in UIZ) Outstanding comps performance: Heath (06) (Belatedly! 2nd in Junior nationals), Errol (07)
Hey! We seem to have a few pilots who cannot sign out a DI yet. If you fit this category, how about shelling out the big bucks to the GFA, I think it is about $15, get the kit and read it, and maybe we can have a session some time soon to go over the material and get you signed out.
DI examiners at the club include Big Rod, Tony, Matt, Myself. It can be done one-on-one, but a few people at a time is probably better.
From the committee meeting on Sunday morning, highlights are:
WPS will be refabriced this winter. Likely out of action 6-8 weeks.
ATC tug will allow us to continue normal operations in this period.
Cirrus canopy now with Peter Holmes, but Form II now due. Ray will request to see if Peter can do commercial Form II.
We will likely run next years State Comps at Warwick.
--
Michael O'Brien
4/12/2007
It's been a busy few months. Lots of flying, AAFC training and comps. Fist comp was well attended by our members at DDSC for the State comps, myself (Nigel), Errol and Michael with Val towing. We flew all week with some personal bests, I won a day with an un handicapped 145kp. The second comp was the club class nats at Kingaroy with Errol and Stuart, Val towing and Dan did a day or two. The most recent comp was at Lake Keepit with Errol, Michael, Stuart, Phil and Leslie, all in all everyone had a good time and showed that we might be small in numbers but we do make an effort to repressent the club at as many comps as we can!
Christmas party is this coming weekend on Saturday the 8th. Val is cooking up her world famous Pork and chicken - please email Val if you are attending. There is also an instructors meeting and committee meeting Sunday morning. Saturday we also want to hold a mini comp so try and book club aircraft early and hope to see all the private owned aircraft there as well.
Rain continues to be a problem BUT don't write off the day because the weather forcast is doom and gloom. The last 2 weekends I have flown the sky had cirrus cover but excellent unstable air under it and providing good climbs to 7,000ft and 200km's plus - not even trying. If a trough is close by this generally gives us soarable weather - make hay while the sun shines!
Coming soon - a photo of Errols new dash......
Easter comps news
Might sound a bit early to announce the dates but some have to advance book Holidays. Next year it is being held at Chinchilla from the 21st to the 29th of March with the Caboolture Gliding club hosting the event. This is one comp we nearly all go to as it provides some fun flying so those who are just getting their X/C ratings should be looking at putting this on their calender and book an aircraft, booking is made via a letter to the committee, as it is 8 days pair flying is always a good option as you save money and have crew.
31/07/2007
Wings over Warwick
As you are probably aware on the weekend 15/16 September there is to be an air show/flyin at the aerodrome similar to that held last year and organised by the Warwick Aero Club. That Saturday night is our AGM to be held at Sandy Creek Pub.
Last year Val, with the assistance of a member of the Aero Club provided meals for some of the people displaying aircraft and taking joy flights. We won't be there because of the AGM but the Aero Club would like to use the kitchen facilities to prepare some meals for those staying over night on the field. They are responsible people and I feel we should give them every assistance.
The opportunity will be there on both days for us to give TIFs and it has been asked if the Club could donate a flight to be raffled proceeds going to Care Flight which is the principal beneficiary of the event.
Bill & Val Wilkinson
Editors note: Last year flying on Saturday was possible but would recommend you go out of the area on an X/C. Sunday was very busy, wouldn't recommend and flying mid day at all.
31/07/2007
Annual General Meeting
Saturday night is our AGM to be held at Sandy Creek Pub, please all try and attend as it is important for our clubs future and all input is welcome - no you don't have to be elected to a position if you don't want to so do not use that as an excuse not to attend. The food last year was great and plenty of laughs at dinner.
31/07/2007
Boonah Gliding Club Week
The Boonah gliding club has asked us to allow them to fly the week 16th of September to 22nd of September. This is a X/C fun week with some lead and follow, badge flying and lectures. Birefings in the morning and task setting. A great opportunity for our own members to fly the week as well and provide team leaders and mentors, also our own pilots can fly or practice for the upcoming comps. If you are interested in attending please email myself Nigel at nandrews@rf-developments.com
Lets give these guys are warm welcome and have a fun week.
30/07/2007
Well Friday was the day and Saturday was not BUT heaps turned up anyway and made a day of it. I arrived to see others already there, Stuart had brought his LS8 back from its form 2 and gliders were out being DI’d. Weather was calm but after about 20 minutes a SW had blown in and off course I got the blame for that! So basically check flights and the brave went soaring. I think Ray gets the gong for his 1 hour and 15 minute battle, he then landed and put the glider in its trailer and off for a form 2. Luke flew the Cirrus, Col flew the Puchatek and Dougie in the Astir. Craig and Graham were instructing, Doug Brooks was getting reacquainted with the SW weather which proved a handful at times. Ivor towed. Errol and I had doors open but closed them around lunch time. Bill and Val called in. A couple of other young chaps who’s names I forgot did some flying in the Astir and Puchatek – all in all over 15 flights so quite busy.
Post Mortem.
We probably could have towed downwind, got off around Mary vale or even the highway turnoff and dashed downwind to enter the Cunningham wave. It would have been working, I spent 18 years working this wave from the Boonah side so I know when it goes and from 12 or more thousand feet Warwick is within glide for a return home. Also quite often the downs has its own mini systems happening, I have been to 10,000ft south of Bony mountain so can be worth a punt.
So come on Saturday!
Nigel
19/08/08
Discus A ZBK for sale (1/3 share or whole). Anyone that knows this aircraft will know it is a Gem. Nothing to do but fly. Contact heath@webadventures.com.au for further details.
15/04/08
Great conditions over the weekend ,Sunday the better of the two.
Lots of flights some good distance covered.
Two new members Karl and Brian both from Toowoomba.
Congratulations Dougie !! on his silver C distance. think it was 115.8 km
cheers craig
Yeh was a good Saturday but Sunday sounds equally as good It looked like a comp lineup with gliders everywhere, we had Eddie in the LS1,Doug doing his 50km’s in the hornet, Peter in the Discus2, Mike in the DiscusA, Errol in his LS8, Bill in his DiscusB, Phil and Leslie flying the super Cirrus, Greg from Lismore flying his Pegase (think I got that right??) Puchatek and myself in the Ventus – nearly all gliders out of the hangars! We had a late start which in hindsite we could have started earlier as it was a 500K day. Off the launch to 7,000ft which was cloud base, waited for Mike and Errol but Errol was delayed so Mike and I set off as Eddie had already left for Pittsworth. We arrived Piitts and called Errol, decided to meet him at Clifton where I arrived in his thermal much lower with Mike somewhere behind but then the plan fell to bits and Errol and I ended up flying North to DDSC with Bill in XOT and Mike and Eddie practiced low level surveillance of Clifton. So after giving Errol a good flogging for once we all arrived Warwick to then meet up with Mike and Peter (in the D2) to fly to the range and back then SW to Leslie. Not sure where Phil got to but Leslie took a late launch to fly in some weaker lift that stayed there till dark, Errol nearly had to turn on the runway lights!. Col did some flying and I believe Greg likes the area and has taken a new members form so hope to see him again soon. Karl and Brian, I met Karl but missed Brian but great to see 2 new guys.
Someone did say during the week they thought my weekend prediction was a bit optimistic – I knew it was going to be good!
Cheers
Nig
Hi all,
Sunday had less than 5 knots wind on the ground, cloudbase at 9,500 ft with 4/8 cover and regular 6 knots + lift (I had 9 knots on the averager at for a while). If this was a good day I’m looking forward to the cracker ones!
Thanks to Craig I flew my Pegase (ASW19 clone) for the first time late on Saturday and spent Sunday enjoying the good conditions. PII will be staying at Warwick, hopefully in the next available hangar spot.
G'day all, sorry for the lack of news but things are busy here, following are some news reports of the weekend 13th and 14th of April - a boomer!
Hi all
What a great flying weekend it turned out to be! Although I had a late start to the flying day on Saturday (launched just before 2pm) and listening to Nigel, Errol, Michael, Bill and Eddie already out on task I still managed a “quick” 180km (Warwick AF – Pittsworth – paddock fire 20kms west of Pittsworth – Millmerran and back home) before handing the Cirrus (GOP) over to Lesley to launch into a late afternoon thermal or two. Lesley had another hour+ before having to come down and landing just prior to Errol - and last light.
On Sunday we had three friends that had been itching to go for a glide for some months turn up so we introduced them to the new sport. Lesley took Marg (friend and potential next student) up in the twin and by all accounts she was just taken with the sport. I then took a work colleague Danny up for a flight and the day was about as good as it gets (but I didn’t tell him that), with cloud base at about 8800’ Danny had a great time. I “raced” around a 30km triangle, pulled brakes to get down and landed to let Lesley take her 2nd pax, Derek, up for flight.
After our guests departed the field the day was still booming. So I forced myself back into the air around 4 pm by climbing in the mighty Cirrus and easily climbed back to cloud base which was now at 9500 ‘ above the strip. With that height I just headed off to the South West with no particular goal in mind – just for a look. Enroute I hit a boomer and it took me to 10,000’ at approx 30kms South West of the strip and it was after 5 pm! And with that height you can’t waste it so I flew a “scorching”, no a “blood boiling, lightning….” 70km triangle back up North to Clifton and returned to the strip. I was still getting lift after 5:30 at about 200’ / min.
However to allow us to enjoy this sport so much we are truly grateful for the support (and at times patience) our fellow club members have shown us, and for this Les and I would like to thank:
Val and Bill - for towing on Saturday and dropping me in 500’ up, general organising, pushing gliders and baby sitting.
Craig – for instructing on Saturday and (probably) baby sitting
Felicity and Ken – for supplying the “rocky road” and baby sitting.
Ivor – for towing on Sunday, dropping me in 500+ up, and baby sitting / entertaining kids
Michael – for the beer on Saturday, for instructing on Sunday, plus car lights to assist us on our (my) self imposed late evening de-rig and baby sitting (hmmmm a theme developing here – How is Alex going?)
Peter and Trina – baby sitting / entertaining kids (hope Katherine/Kevin Kookaburra is still ok)
Greg – for entertaining kids / baby sitting
Errol - for entertaining kids / baby sitting and giving us a new threat to the kids if they are naughty (they get to spend the rest of their natural lives blind folded living at Errol’s)
Doughie – Congrats on your 50km Silver C distance
And Luke – I heard you did get into the Hornet – congrats on that too,
And if I have missed anyone I’ll shout you a beer at the club next time! P.S Jack (my 1 year old) would like to thank all club members as he now owes the club a jar of brown sugar. His physics experiment worked very well thank you and yes he proved once and for all that a glass jar full of brown sugar does not bounce on the tiled kitchen floor – just in case you were wondering……. Many thanks again from us
Phil, Les, Beth, Kath and Jack.
18/02/08
Hi Folks
The easter comps at Chinchilla are now only a month away: 21 to 29 March.
If anyone wants to take a club aircraft, you'd better speak up soon! The easter comps are great fun and an excellent opportunity to spread your wings!
The Twin Astir has gone to the easter comps regularly over recent years, and has been very successfully utilised for some great mutual flights, for cross country training, and for giving pilots who are new to comps flying their first taste of what comps are about. The committee is very keen for it to go again this year, but we need several people who will make a firm commitment to getting it there and back again. It can probably be towed behind the tug, so only the empty trailer will need to be moved.
If we can get it there, it will certainly be well used. There may be a few AAFC members keen to fly it over the easter 4 days as well. I should be available to fly in the back seat on some days, and I am sure there will be other experienced people to do the same.
The Hornet and Cirrus are also available for suitably qualified pilots (minimum silver badge).
Ray got well into the Hornet form 2 inspection last weekend and expects to finish it this weekend. Thanks Ray. The Puchatek and Twin Astir need form 2 inspections by June-July. Could you please think about making a commitment to assist with one of these and let Ray or me know. There may be an opportunity to commence your mentored airworthiness training towards a "replacement of components" ticket, which is the first step to gaining your prestigious and highly sought after form 2 ticket on a GFA course, after which the world will beat a path to your door, and undreamt of glory and riches will be yours.......
Four keen new members at the weekend: ex German pilots Ernst (3000 hours) and Steffanie, and ex AAFC cadets with C certificates Luke Pavy and Jared Booth. Make them welcome when next at Warwick!
Cheers
Ivor
11/02/08
NEWS: Committee meeting this Saturday, 6.00pm - all committee are asked to attend if possible and any members that also might want to attend are welcome.
Glider shares for sale..
G’day All,
It’s with great sadness that I’ve made the decision to sell my 2 x ¼ shares in GWR, an LS1-f. This glider is, as you probably already know, in excellent condition. It has been flown by a German pilot recently (who has 1300+hrs on LS1’s), and she said it is by far one of the best performing LS1’s she’s flown and that I should NEVER SELL IT!
Unfortunately though, due to the current career and lifestyle in Sydney, I’ve had to make this decision. If your interested, please contact me on go_soaring@hotmail.com and we can go from there J
Safe Circles,
Adam Woolley
Saturday report
O.K it could have been 900km’s. The day looked great, good forecast for dry air from the west BUT previous rain had made thermal activity in the lower atmosphere a bit unreliable (lots of water around still on the surface). Having said that it still turned out to be a fantastic soaring day. Arrived to find Ray there already, he was going to start on the hornet but a lack of helpers convinced him he should take advantage of a good day and go flying. Just a note on that, users of club singles ( Luke,Doug,Andres and others ) would be real nice if you could lend Ray a hand in getting these inspected, there are a lot of jobs that can be done like helping de rig, wash parts and even lend a hand in taking bits apart under supervision, you can contact Ray at RLSquire@iprimus.com.au doing this ensures you get to fly it sooner rather than later and helps the club out. So only Ray and I flying X/C, Val arrived with Bill, Val Towing and Bill doing some follow up work on the newly flying Dimona which flew during the week for the first time. Clyde arrived and flew the Astir locally and Michael was duty instructor and flew with Young Michael.
Off the Tow, 5 knots to 8,000ft with a 16 knot westerly THEN I thought I would move out and upwind under cloud whilst waiting for Ray only to contact strong shear wave, around 5 knots which lasted to 10,000ft and what a sight, 500ft above the Cu in nice cool clear air and bright blue sky above – truly one of natures great gifts to us when this happens, there was still 2 knots in the climb but I decided to start off. Task was going to be St George, Wondai return which is 916km’s but due to late start and strong wind (36 knots above the cloudbase and 16 knots under it) we flew Millmerran, Bunya TV towers return. Ray and I flew most of the way together, good 8 knot climbs at times to 9,000ft, lovely streeting and basically I didn’t go below 7,000ft all day opting to stay up near CB. A very strong sheer was present at 5-6,000ft so under this was quite broken. DDSC were not flying for some reason, looked like maybe the strip was wet?? But KSC guys were flying and tasked north but listening to them they had nothing like the conditions we did and I think they struggled in areas.
Arrived home with plenty of height, at 3.00pm CB was maybe 10,000ft to the west and 8,000 at home – still working well. Errol arrived with his brother Ivon and was planning to fly on Sunday. Not sure where Clyde got to. Maybe someone can update us on Sundays conditions.
Cheers
Nigel
2/02/08
Hi All,
Well Saturday morning arrives, blue sky at 6.00am here but by 8.00 cloud was coming in and a wind blowing, so sad faces till we reached the range and bingo – another good looking day on the downs. At the airport Ray was already there repairing the screen door and main sliding door. Someone?? (would be nice if people told you they broke it so it could get fixed earlier) had broken off the key in the lock and didn’t say anything so it was left up to others to fix, namely Ray who has brought back the broken lock to find a replacement. So gradually the troops arrive, Val and Bill, Phil towing, Richard duty instructor and his student (name??) , Errol and Michael who car pooled up, Peter and Trina Young and David and Ann Ball – the new Discus2 syndicate. Sky by now looking O.K but it was obvious we needed to fly North or West to get away from a looming hole over the airfield so Ray launched first, then the 2 seater, then Bill in the discus, then Micheal, myself and Errol. Bill bombed out first and I nearly did but you had to be patient, I met up with Mike and went North, Ray had gone west to Inglewood and Errol was struggling in the circuit area. Mike and I had a good flight up to George Lees with Mike leading as I found it hard to get to cloud base or rather I left too early trying to beat Mike as what I should have done is get high, next turn was Macalister and then Millmerran, at Broadwater lagoon I rolled him and led to Millmerran and on the way there we met up with Errol at Cecil and then Ray met up with us at Millmerran and I thought he said he had been to Goondawindi which if he did then he would have done the best distance for the day. Climbs by this stage were 6-9 knots, Mike who was behind me got a 9 knot climb all the way up which gave him the height to overtake me and he led the final glide race. Cloudbase was 8 – 9,000ft so a really good day considering. O.K all 4 off us into a 11 knot headwind, Mike in front, Errol,Ray and myself following with me slightly ahead, about 30km’s out I took a turn in crap lift which I really didn’t need only to see Errol overtake and on approaching Boney Mountain we all saw a wee little glider ridge soaring down low – it was Mike, he had blown his final glide and had to outland next to the smelly feedlot at Boney mountain! Off course I didn’t have a smile (Not much hee hee ) Anyway Errol landed first, then me then Ray. Ray and Errol picked up Mike and waiting for us were our new German pilots Ernst and Steffanie who I believe are joining the club, they had a few flights with Richard. Also Peter had flown the new Discus2 glider for the first time so grins all round. Iit is temporarily in the Wilkinson hangar with us thanks to Stuart who has kindly let them use his spot until Dan gets the hangar up which should be soon – thanks Stuart, its great how our little club manages to help each other.
So the day ended with a Thai curry visit in town with Peter and Trina, David and Ann, Bill and Val, Ernst and Steffanie and Michele and myself.
So again despite crook weather on the eastern side it turned out to be a ripper days flying out west.
This weekend, well lots of rain on the downs but looks like sunshine Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Again we fly from a pretty good site that allows us to airfield hop North if the ground looks wet and also our own airfield is sealed so we can launch in any field condition unlike DDSC which if it gets 2 or 3 inches you basically have to wait days to fly, same as Boonah.
So make hay whilst the Sun shines!
Nig
28/01/08
Well a real success, lots of flying, Saturday was myself, Dan, Ray, Bill, Matt, Rod – all flying single seaters and Dougie and Luke flew as well with Michael also getting a check flight with Tony our duty instructor, Dan and I managed a flight to Jimbour return which was fun as we worked some shear on the side of clouds to 500ft above cloud base. Also a visit from 3 pilots from Switzerland who have been with me for the last 2 weeks testing flarm software, these guys are the inventors of the product and Saturday night Matt, Dan Michele and the boys went to the Sandy for a real Aus day feast of BBQ and met up with Errol and Stu who just returned from Temora – a good night.
Sunday I was not there but believe it was a good day
Monday, I towed and nearly all the singles were out! The Flarm guys hired the Astir and Puch and went of testing, Dan, Errol, Matt, Owen,Dougie,Eddie,Rod, Val – all flew singles with Dan,Errol and Matt doing an X/C and Owen part of the way and Rod outlanded doing a 10km x/c from the field! Michael, Rods son solo flew a puch and Craig and Janelle went flying in the Astir when it returned. Visiting pilots Brian and Anne Wade had a flight in the Puch and all in all a busy fun day. A German couple arrived late in the afternoon and ended up having dinner back at our place with the flarm guys, Michele cooked up some Kangaroo steaks and prawns – really impressed the Swiss guys and the German couple Ernst and Steffie are pilots from Germany now living here and will possibly join the club – both are keen X/C and comp pilots.
So pretty good all round, best towing day in a long time.
Saturday we should see Peter and David’s D2 arrive at the airfield, another glider to fly with!
Cheers
Nigel
30/12/07
Nigel's Report
Well it just does not pay to write off a day at Warwick. Early morning and the wind here was nil but on arrival blowing 15 knots down 090 gusting 20! So Errol was there, Heath arrived, Stuart and friend Kurt, Matt and then Val and Bill, Val was going to tow us but we all said we might fly later so they went shopping in Towoomba. Michele and I drove around Warwick looking at land and came back and had a sleep only to be waken at 2.30pm with a call – who’s for flying! So we got the gliders out ( Errol in LS8, Stuart and Kurt in Astir and myself, Matt decided to pub crawl with Heath) and launched at 3.00pm, off the launch it was a 6 knot climb to 7,000ft – just a brilliant day that we nearly scrubbed. Errol and I flew a street to Killarney twice, each time pushing harder. I haven’t looked at the speeds but the glide computer said we were doing 220 KM/H downwind and stuff all turning, just pullups. So a very fun filled 2 hours working the strong lift, at times the wind was 22-25 knots but it just didn’t matter as the lift was good, some climbs at 8 knots on the averager.
That sort of weather and streeting would have been ideal for a horse race, fly direct to Killarney in one street, cross at the turn and race back down another, sort of an oval race and like a mini grand pri, certainly lots of fun.
Looks like Sunday could be much the same, might go out Monday if the weather is same or better and the guys are still there.
Oh the best part was the group dinner at the Warwick Thai restaurant that evening – great food and lots of stories
17/12/07
Errols notes...
Saturday
The day looked good, Cu poping, just a few patches of thin high Cirrus.
There has been some considerable fall of Rain over the Downs over the last 2 weeks, some areas still have water lying in paddocks a week later. Other areas dry enough to allow farmers to work the ground.
So outlanding was less attractive than normal, but the Sky looked consistent, so we decided Massie-Kilarney-DDSC-Massie.
Nigel was keen as usual, so we both ballasted to ~47Kg/SqM.
We got airborne @12:20, 3kts to 5000' off Tow. Nigel waited for me to get up, conveniently over a start point, off we went, NA 300' higher. The Race was on, ( I have to admit to a "developing" competative streak ) immediately we took different tracks only to meet up again 20km later, flew together for a bit then made different decisions again, we repeated this cycle for the rest of the flight. It was obvious as we turned Kilarney I had a probem, Nigel had been gaining 200' every 20km. So on the 2nd leg by Banges KU was considerably closer to the wet paddocks than NA. Nigel had been working 4500-5500 height band, I'd been desperately looking for the elusive 4-5kt thermal and ground proximity was forceing me to take 3kts for 1000' before pushing on, so I was spending my time between 3300-4500..hmmmm… this strategy wasn't working. After getting down to 1800'agl for the third time over particularly wet looking paddocks I dumped down to 44kg/SqM. A few minutes later I came in under Nigel he was 1000-1200' higher, it was a good climb, NA stats 4700-6150' @ 3.9kt and KU 4000-5100' @ 5.2kt. NA left first and KU a minute later and still 1000' lower. 20km from DDSC we met again I was 200' higher and Nigel was lamenting a bad run (how quickly tides can change), I just pulled up in his thermal and kept going He He He… and proceeded to glide down slowly, my selected bit of the sky didn't seem to be working so well, my turn for a bad run...I dump a bit more, down to 42kg/SqM... Nigel took a more direct path and turned DDSC 5km ahead and higher than me…Ahhhhh…20km later we're together at the same height.. But not for long, Nigel deviated East of track to a dark looking cloud, I stayed on track for a regular looking Cu. We were on the homeward leg and preasure was mounting, it was no holes bared, things really got dirty when Nigel tried psychology to break my spirit, first by telling me he'd found a screamer 7kts under the dark cloud (best of the day), then as he topped out (70km from home) told me he had final glide (all be it a 0kt), I checked and found I was 1800' below a 0kt setting… wo is me…my regular Cu yielded only 4-5kts… still 800' under final glide (40km), I'd resigned my self to being beaten by 10-15km… Then the radio crackled into life and out came Nigels bleat, "I don't think I'm going to make it, I'll have to take a climb" (if he finds one.. Heh... heh...) … Back in the race… some good air, a few pullups, a single turn in 5-6kts and I'm 200' over a 4kt final glide(20km). Nigel found a weak climb and is back on glide, we finish 10 seconds apart. A very enjoyable flight.
SeeYou Statistics
Glider Dist Avg % LD Cruise
Climb Thermal Cruise Speed Glides Speed
NA 274 3.5 20 71.7 79.2kts 14x22km 104.22
KU 276 3.5 22 67.4 79.6kts 16x19km 104.27
Dig the LD's, only a little streeting, mainly lift close together, amazing.
Other flyers were Graham instructing with 2 new students, Peter Young was towing, Leslie in her Cirrus, Phil in Cirus.
12/12/07
It was an interesting weekend. Conditions were good enough for Doug to manage a 5 hour flight in the Hornet, or maybe it was Doug who was good enough, not the conditions? Certainly I don't think anyone did much in the way of cross country, up to Clifton, out as far as Cunningham's Gap seemed about the limits. Owen had his second flight in the V2 he now owns with Nigel. Ivor was in the 29. Dan was in the speed Astir. Matt flew BK both days. BK has now left for the Junior Nationals in SA, where Heath will fly it.
Val did a great meal on Saturday night, and with the Aero Club also present, a few bottles of Red Wine were emptied. I really enjoyed spending quite a bit of time talking to Gus about how the sport has changed. We also had presentations of trophies for the last year. For those who were absent:
Gus Mauch cup (outstanding trainee): Doug Chapman Most meritorious cross country flight: Errol (376 kms at 148kph, last day of Qld State Comps) Most improved cross country: Phil Southgate President's shield: Ray Squire Best distance by club member: Nigel (06) 802 km (belatedly!) Dan (07) 500 Tex Watson shield: Ivor Harris/Kurt Kranen (A 100 kph day at Easter Comps in UIZ) Outstanding comps performance: Heath (06) (Belatedly! 2nd in Junior nationals), Errol (07)
Hey! We seem to have a few pilots who cannot sign out a DI yet. If you fit this category, how about shelling out the big bucks to the GFA, I think it is about $15, get the kit and read it, and maybe we can have a session some time soon to go over the material and get you signed out.
DI examiners at the club include Big Rod, Tony, Matt, Myself. It can be done one-on-one, but a few people at a time is probably better.
From the committee meeting on Sunday morning, highlights are:
WPS will be refabriced this winter. Likely out of action 6-8 weeks.
ATC tug will allow us to continue normal operations in this period.
Cirrus canopy now with Peter Holmes, but Form II now due. Ray will request to see if Peter can do commercial Form II.
We will likely run next years State Comps at Warwick.
--
Michael O'Brien
4/12/2007
It's been a busy few months. Lots of flying, AAFC training and comps. Fist comp was well attended by our members at DDSC for the State comps, myself (Nigel), Errol and Michael with Val towing. We flew all week with some personal bests, I won a day with an un handicapped 145kp. The second comp was the club class nats at Kingaroy with Errol and Stuart, Val towing and Dan did a day or two. The most recent comp was at Lake Keepit with Errol, Michael, Stuart, Phil and Leslie, all in all everyone had a good time and showed that we might be small in numbers but we do make an effort to repressent the club at as many comps as we can!
Christmas party is this coming weekend on Saturday the 8th. Val is cooking up her world famous Pork and chicken - please email Val if you are attending. There is also an instructors meeting and committee meeting Sunday morning. Saturday we also want to hold a mini comp so try and book club aircraft early and hope to see all the private owned aircraft there as well.
Rain continues to be a problem BUT don't write off the day because the weather forcast is doom and gloom. The last 2 weekends I have flown the sky had cirrus cover but excellent unstable air under it and providing good climbs to 7,000ft and 200km's plus - not even trying. If a trough is close by this generally gives us soarable weather - make hay while the sun shines!
Coming soon - a photo of Errols new dash......
Easter comps news
Might sound a bit early to announce the dates but some have to advance book Holidays. Next year it is being held at Chinchilla from the 21st to the 29th of March with the Caboolture Gliding club hosting the event. This is one comp we nearly all go to as it provides some fun flying so those who are just getting their X/C ratings should be looking at putting this on their calender and book an aircraft, booking is made via a letter to the committee, as it is 8 days pair flying is always a good option as you save money and have crew.
31/07/2007
Wings over Warwick
As you are probably aware on the weekend 15/16 September there is to be an air show/flyin at the aerodrome similar to that held last year and organised by the Warwick Aero Club. That Saturday night is our AGM to be held at Sandy Creek Pub.
Last year Val, with the assistance of a member of the Aero Club provided meals for some of the people displaying aircraft and taking joy flights. We won't be there because of the AGM but the Aero Club would like to use the kitchen facilities to prepare some meals for those staying over night on the field. They are responsible people and I feel we should give them every assistance.
The opportunity will be there on both days for us to give TIFs and it has been asked if the Club could donate a flight to be raffled proceeds going to Care Flight which is the principal beneficiary of the event.
Bill & Val Wilkinson
Editors note: Last year flying on Saturday was possible but would recommend you go out of the area on an X/C. Sunday was very busy, wouldn't recommend and flying mid day at all.
31/07/2007
Annual General Meeting
Saturday night is our AGM to be held at Sandy Creek Pub, please all try and attend as it is important for our clubs future and all input is welcome - no you don't have to be elected to a position if you don't want to so do not use that as an excuse not to attend. The food last year was great and plenty of laughs at dinner.
31/07/2007
Boonah Gliding Club Week
The Boonah gliding club has asked us to allow them to fly the week 16th of September to 22nd of September. This is a X/C fun week with some lead and follow, badge flying and lectures. Birefings in the morning and task setting. A great opportunity for our own members to fly the week as well and provide team leaders and mentors, also our own pilots can fly or practice for the upcoming comps. If you are interested in attending please email myself Nigel at nandrews@rf-developments.com
Lets give these guys are warm welcome and have a fun week.
30/07/2007
Well Friday was the day and Saturday was not BUT heaps turned up anyway and made a day of it. I arrived to see others already there, Stuart had brought his LS8 back from its form 2 and gliders were out being DI’d. Weather was calm but after about 20 minutes a SW had blown in and off course I got the blame for that! So basically check flights and the brave went soaring. I think Ray gets the gong for his 1 hour and 15 minute battle, he then landed and put the glider in its trailer and off for a form 2. Luke flew the Cirrus, Col flew the Puchatek and Dougie in the Astir. Craig and Graham were instructing, Doug Brooks was getting reacquainted with the SW weather which proved a handful at times. Ivor towed. Errol and I had doors open but closed them around lunch time. Bill and Val called in. A couple of other young chaps who’s names I forgot did some flying in the Astir and Puchatek – all in all over 15 flights so quite busy.
Post Mortem.
We probably could have towed downwind, got off around Mary vale or even the highway turnoff and dashed downwind to enter the Cunningham wave. It would have been working, I spent 18 years working this wave from the Boonah side so I know when it goes and from 12 or more thousand feet Warwick is within glide for a return home. Also quite often the downs has its own mini systems happening, I have been to 10,000ft south of Bony mountain so can be worth a punt.
So come on Saturday!
Nigel