Tug dates away from Warwick.
Sep 18 is start of State Comps at Kingaroy.........
WPS to Kingaroy
Sep 19 ..........WPS will be at
Kingaroy
Sep 25 ...... WPS will be coming back to Warwick
after launching last day of Comps
Sep 26 ...... WPS is to go to Boonah for Grand
Prix.....
Oct 2 ....... WPS to come home to Warwick
after launching at Boonah
Oct 3
Oct 4 (Monday) WPS to go to Dalby for National
Comp
Oct 9.... ..WPS at Dalby
Oct 10..... WPS at Dalby
Oct 15 (Friday)...WPS finished at
Dalby
Annual Flight Reviews
Hello to all Members,
The Annual Flight Reviews are due around Early
August / September
We should have Completed the Annual Form 2 on all
Club Aircraft between the 17th and 24th of July During the Engineering
Course.
So hopefully no shortage of Aircraft
Please ensure that your Log Book is current with
Total hours Flown and Hours flown in the Last 12 months for the Duty Instructor
to check and sign .
If you have areas of concern in your flying please
discuss them with the CFI or Duty Instructor.
Independent Operators be aware that you need this
to be revalidated at the same time
Outlanding Checks can be arranged ...but we need to
schedule these in.
Regards
Graham Logan
Report From Weekend 26th/27th June 2010
RASP said Saturday 5000' Cu, Sunday Dismal.
Saturday
Arrived at club ~10:00, instability evidence of the front in the West (a
long way west) but all quiet in the vicinity of the club, patchy Cirrus, at
10:45 there were a few Cu's popping to the north, By the time Stuart and I got
the 8's to the launch the sky looked good.
I thought I heard Lara Bingle say something ….
A look at the Sky… Task AAT Warwick - Killarney(10) -
Pittsworth(10) - Killarney(10) - Warwick
On the 3rd leg Dan joined us north of Clifton in IZW,
obviously he'd heard Lara.
TASK Statistics
Reg Climb X/C Task Climb LD Cruise Task
Distance Extra
Kts kph kph % kph Km
flown km km
VSL 3.0 79.9 88.2 31 44 132 232 252
20 ( 9%)
IZW 3.2 79.8 85.2 29 42 119 140
147 7 ( 5%)
KU 3.2 86.2 89.3 23 63 128 243
277 34 (14%)
NA
Yellow RV Disqualified for gratuitous use of Motor while thermaling with
Stuart near Killarney
The high cirrus made things patchy, some areas
producing 5-6kt climbs to 6000' (blasting along at 90Kts) and others 1-2kts
(Tiptoeing at 65Kts).
Stuart had a skinny final glide into the strip, Dan
and I crossed at @4000' so kept going west, Les was over the strip in OP, Dan
continued out to just short of Leyburn but conditions were considerably weaker
(<2kts).
My airtime was 4.5hrs (319km) so the day was long by
winter standards.
Stuart, Dan and I topped OLC for the day, only 2
other flights were logged (Kingaroy & DDSC flights), so looks like we had
the best conditions.
Now is the time to start preparing for the coming
season…build currency...
Report From Weekend 22nd/23rd May 2010
After the rain Friday afternoon (~10-12mm on the
Downs), the weekend didn't look all that promising. Saturday morning Grey Fog,
I checked BOM, RASP… at 8:30 I'd decided "I'll give it a miss", then the phone
rang, Dan… just about to leave Munduberra… Oh..Ok see you there.
I pulled into the Club at 11:00, A light SW wind,
Blue sky…but a patch of Cu to the south, there was obvious instability near
Stanthorpe.
Gridded up ~11:45, Cu's poping arround the Strip,
Peter Stevens took the first launch in the Puck, me next then Dan.
No Nigel….He'd taken Aum in the Yellow Noise Maker
to the Watts Bridge Fly In.
3kts to 5500' off tow, there was a definite
Street/Convergence (a bit of both?) from Allora-Stanthorpe, Dan and I connected
with this and had an easy (but cautious at 5-6000', keeping an eye on options )
run to within 10km of Stanthorpe, next Wyreema (20k circle), near Clifton there
was water lying in the contour banks (west of Talgai some paddocks looked like
paddy fields), the climbs dropped off a little in strength and reliability. Dan
suggested Maryvale next, Nigel was back at Warwick and about to launch would
meet up with us at Maryvale. Dan went direct, I went west of track ended up low
arround Talgai/Allora, . Nigel and Dan met up at Maryvale and went to Clifton
then down a Street to the SW, I limped along 20km behind the pack.
By now (15:20) the Clifton Street was softening but
the Allora-Stanthorpe street (~6km east of strip) still looked good, the gap
between 24km.
Dan and Nigel at 5200' SW of Pratten and I was west
of Talgai at 6300'.
Dan was the first to try
the jump, Nigel them me
Stats for the Jump.
Start Dist Cruise Arrival
Height Km Kts LD Height
IZW 5150 24 64 46 3100 1km Short,
good air but nothing useable, did final glide to strip.
NA 5000 25 63 49 3400 Found 1kt and
sat in it for 500'
KU 6200 24
65 39 4200 Loads of height searched a bit further, found 2.5kt
climb, called Nigel over
For a gap between streets the achieved LD's indicate
very little sink, we suspect there was some wave action perpendicular to the
Streets, with periods of reduced sink (smooth air).
Nigel and I followed the street to the SSW with climb
avgs of 4.0-5.5kts + good air to cruise LD's >100:1 at 70-80kts…just
cruising...beautiful…
It was evident
that this was a combination of a convergence line and streeting, with a split
cloudbase 4000' east and 7000' west.
I returned along the street to the range north of
Allora could have beat back along it but glide home landing 16:40 (SunSet 17:06)
.
Flight Stats
Task Dist Speed Climb %
% Glides LD Cruise
Time km kph kts climb Wasted
Kts
KU 4:11 384 91 3.4
22 3 29x15.3 67 69
IZW 3:01 245 81 2.8 29 5 26X11.1
62 64
NA 2:23 209 87
3.0 23 >1 18x12.6 61 68
Comments
KU - Your flight trace looks like a piece of tangled
fishing line - better planning reqd.
IZW -
You disobeyed a directive to Pull Airbrakes in the event that you got ahead of
KU.
NA - Clearly an issue with Priorities, it
was soarable and you were off buzzing arround in your yellow sports
buggy.
Sunday
A
different day, 10-12kt SE, Cloud base 1000-1500'agl, probably 2000'agl later in
the day, but we left at midday.
Report from Errol on Saturday 15th May 2010.
Saturday...
RASP
indicated blue with higher convection towards the range and south, we set an AAT
in that area.
Spur (30) - Killarney (10) - Stanthorpe (30)
Launch order - StuartL, Errol, Nigel, DanPap,
Andreaus
Stuart climbed to 4200' off tow then headed for the
Quary at Leslie Dam which didn't produce, I scored a 3kt climb to 5200' and
headed to the SW (18km), Nigel pinged off at 2200' agl and headed for 800' agl,
Dan took a climb to 5000'.
A status check revealed that Whimpy Wings Stuart
had started 15minutes earlier, so I started, Dan and Nigel (who had recovered
from his low point) started a minute later at 13:00.
Blue is always a bit hit and miss, I had a long
glide down to 3000', trying sheds, silos and houses, called "KU getting low" to
which came some disparaging replys, 1.5kts saved the day for me, mean while
Nigel radioed good air and 4-5kt climbs, Dan wasn't really interested in flying
prefering to heckle the rest of us, Nine Knot Nigel coped a comment regarding
his comparitively high vario readings.. Stuart changed to silent running mode to
avoid any flak from Dan, only communicating when pressed. And so the day
proceeded, we struggled, Dan heckled. There seemed to be no justice as late in
the day Dan scored a climb to 8200' (1500' higher than anyone else achieved) and
screamed home from 40 km out at 100kts.
Statistics
Speed Dist AvgKts Climbg Glides LD Cruise
VSL 75.8 125 2.4 43% 14x9.2 34
69kts
KU 78.9 178 2.6 34%
18x11 41 66kts
NA 78.5 146
2.2 31% 16x9.6 44 60kts
IZW
57.8 129 2.3 43% 14X11.4 33 62kts (Final glide
100kts?)
WR unavailable
IZW's Killarney-Stanthorpe leg looked like Jessica
Watson tacking into sydney heads (take that) covering 60kms on the 30km leg
hence the lowish task speed.
Andreaus got some quality air time maximising the
day, landing long after the rest of us, well done.
The ATC had a busy day...
All in all a suprisingly enjoyable Blue Day.
Sunday… I had committments in Bris, but called Dan at
10:30, he was declaring a 500km task… Your report please Dan :)
Report From Weekend 8th/9th May 2010
Saturday, only 2 flew – Scott and
Stewart, Peter was the tuggie and Richard instructor. The sky overhead was blue
and the wind 5-10 knots SE/E. To the East and north there were quite good Cu but
you had to fly to it. As with all SE days there is normally a good convergence
at Clifton that
forms up and yes it was there. Stewart bombed out and hangar landed,Scott bombed
out and had a relight BUT got caught out trying to get back to the airfield and
outlanded! I had already left for Kingaroy in the RV but used the cu to the
north to climb out, averaging better than 500fpm on top of my normal rate of
climb so it was quite strong. By 3.00pm cloudbase was 7,500ft and at Kingaroy
9,000ft! I think a Bunyas return would have been possible, flying mostly along
the ranges.
Sunday – turned out to be a good
day. Ivor in the oil can , I mean IS29 – Craig and a work mate in the Twin and
Owen in the Ventus. Val towing and Bill as instructor. I had already returned
from a flight out west past Goondiwindi and it was working well, Cloudbase 6,500
and real bumpy and to the north it looked higher at 7,500 or more. They all
launched though as I was leaving I did see Ivor coming back?? Maybe someone can
let us know how it was??
Hi All,
Just responding to Nigel's 'how was it' last Sunday. I launched
at 12:15 and although blue around the Warwick strip area there was growing
Cu's to the east, west and north. I released into about 4 knots and got to
around 5,000 indicated. Thermals were a bit difficult to centre on so I
headed out to the north and started to get stronger climbs. Cu's were looking
better there and soon enough cloud base had lifted to 7,500. My highest was
8,000 for the day which took in Killarney, Maryvale, Clifton & Leyburn. I
landed 3:20 but could have stayed up much longer and probably could have done
greater distance.
Owen (NNA)
Goondiwindi.
Having been there twice in the last
few weeks flying off hours on the engine it has impressed me with the
surrounding gliding country. To the NW,W,SW and south its wall to wall paddocks,
and Kaputar within gliding range. It offers some excellent distance flying and I
mean 750’s and maybe 1,000km possible. At 10.00am there was cu and thermals at
this time of the year. The terminal building is modern, guys and gals toilets
and the Aero club has a beaut clubhouse with bar and toilets, shower. I am
proposing we look at maybe a November flying week which if towards the end of
November we should get good conditions and more daylight, any later and we run
the risk of getting the monsoon weather and storms in the evening. We could tow
up a 2 seater as well. Its 2 hours drive from the club – plenty of camping up
against the terminal building or lots of motels in town. We could also advertise
this to other clubs, if timed before or after the Narromine cup it could attract
a few. So any starters or expressions of interest??
Report
From Nigel on Flying Saturday 1st May 2010
Hi All,
Well it
couldn't be a better day, Cu building up at 10.00am but a slow start with 1st
launch at 12.00, we should have gone at 11.00! Anyway attendees were:
Bill in
Discus
Mike in PIK
Luke (chuckie) in the Cirrus
Luke,Ben,
Cassie, Rachel and Michelle - Twin
Greg and
Val plus 2 mutts - Pegase
Rod - Astir
Graham -
Duty instructor
Phil -
Tuggie
Me
So off the
launch, 6 knots to 6,000 and Errol and I flew to Maryvale whilst the
others launched. Mike had already left and was on track, Bill as well. When we
got back to the field Greg was about to relight! So we got out of there and
pushed on. Task was Jandx crossing 30 km radius, Kogan with 30km and home. Most
flew over Pittsworth and had a struggle, I went west over Brookstead and had a
great run. Mike and Bill elected to turn early Jandx and go home, Errol flew
within 30kms and I turned within 10kms. I overtook Errol and flew within 5 of
Kogan and he turned at 15km I think. Anyway we met up on track home, flew a bit
conservatively which was maybe our downfall in relation to speed as the trip
home was pretty good. Everyone made it home and results are on the OLC. I did
411 at 101 handicapped, and a first for SDASC - 3 winners for the day - Errol,
Me and Mike! For once none of the DDSC guys in front.
Saturday
night, Sandy creek Bus was full to the brim with some sitting on laps. Lots of
fun and Luke was officially nicknamed Chuckie after having a few heaves in the
Cirrus whilst doing his 50km's for his silver C, which unfortunately he didn't
get as he turned on some incorrect GPS co-ordinates
but I believe the next day he did it, so congratulations - a future xc champion
in the making, maybe...
Sunday I
towed and again a good line up, more gliders, different pilots - Owen flew the
Ventus, Stuart flew his LS8-18 and Andres/Eddie flew the LS1, Dougie in the
Cirrus after Luke landed. I had to leave early so after launching everyone
I drove home - maybe someone can fill in Sundays flying.
Truly
amazing weather for this time of year and very pleasant, cool mornings and not
so windy days - hope it hangs around a bit more.
Cheers
Nige
Report from Mike on Saturday 1st and Sunday
2nd May 2010
Well the flying on Saturday was fantastic.
The best 3 flights in Australia were all Warwick! They still are. Here
is the link if you have not seen OLC.
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/daily.html?rt=olc&sp=2010&df=2010-05-01&st=olc&c=AU&sc=
<http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/daily.html?rt=olc&sp=2010&df=2010-05-01&st=olc&c=AU&sc=>
We all could have done a lot more, as there were big
streets, but we had set a task going across them.
So Sunday was forecast to be even better.
It started off with a solid fog that lifted at about 8. As soon as it was
clear, There was that unmistakable sound as Nigel went for a few laps in the
RV. :)
The day started in earnest at about 11. We were all keen, and it was
looking good. Our task was a 455km Warwick, Kogan, Goondiwindi, Warwick.
Nigel was in the tug today.( Thanks for all the tows.)
Errol launched first, followed by Stuart, me, Luke in the twin, Greg,
Luke in the Cirrus (with the big tips on) , and Val I'm not sure who was next,
as we were all up and on our way.
The first half the flight was fast! Climbs were 5kts with peaks over 9kts !
Climbs were to 7500ft. I flew a few thermals with Errol, but he finally pulled
away. For the first 140km we were doing well over 100kph - then I decided to
cross the scrub in perhaps the longest point on the way. It was the longest
softest glide! If I had another 1000' I would have hit
the next thermal, but I was a little shy so I did a technical out landing 150km
from home. The day started to soften a little, and there were some big holes.
We changed the task to Kogan return. I flew another 170 km - but a lot slower.
Val carried out a fantastic low save. We all made it back.
It was another fantastic day. It is a toss up who won the day. Errol once again
is on top of the OLC table with a fantastic 423km @ 94kph, but I thing the days
winner for chievement would have to go to Luke for 181km @ 82kph on his second
XC flight - This would be his 50 and Silver C (I think).
Greg did an impressive 270km later in the day in soft air. I did about 320km,
but only the second 174km count because of the outlanding.
What a great day! -Great flying. Great people. If you weren't there......
:-P
So that was my weekend. I had a bedroom to paint on Monday. - even if the
weather looked like it was going to be even better.
If you are not familiar with OLC, it is a really great site. Not only can you
see where people were flying, but if you click on the "i" icon you
get to see their flight. Then if you want to have a really close look at
their flight you can click on the "IGC" file icon and download their
flight.
Here is a link to Errols' flight. First in Australia and Sixth in the world is
not that bad.
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1204287
There are some fantastic flights The best flight in the world on Saturday was
an 813km flight by a guy who spent almost all of the day below 1000'
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1203770
Or if you want to have a quick look at the best flight this year anywhere in
the world try 2128km
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1105018
Look up!
Mike
Report from Errol on Monday 3rd May 2010.
Monday was
slightly different, the wind had changed from a light ENE to +10kt SE.
For a task we decided Dalby
with a 30k circle then Inglewood with similar circle.
Stuart L launched first at
11:00 and as I was on tow he reported things were not as good as they looked...
off tow and searching for something to climb in, I saw him off to my left at
about 1000' in a gentle turn heading back to the strip, water streaming behind
as he dumped. The Timesheet is testament to how difficult it was to get
above launch height, with quite a few relights
But I had a
plan... I'd try the quarry then the piggery then a promising CU just north. On
transit between the quarry and the piggery I hit a bump coming off a house/shed
and sat in that, the 0.8kts which was better than nothing, as I slowly climbed
back up to release height 3500' where there was a definite wind shear, the SSE
changed to a ESE and the climb improved to 2.5kts. Things looked and felt
better at 5000'. Stuart was lined up for a relight as I crossed the strip and
headed on track to check conditions, it turned out to be a good move as shortly
after Stuart again reported an imminent return to earth. So I kept going... got
down to ~3000' twice before things improved just short of Brookstead 4kts to
5800'. I checked Oakey wasn't active and then changed to 122.7, the DDSC crowd
were doing Miles Goondiwindi (530km) and having a good first leg. I was getting
5kts to 6500', went to the west of Dalby, turned Macalister and headed south,
toyed with the idea of Goondiwindi but the 6500' cloud base made crossing the
scrub decidedly unattractive. 30 minutes later, 15km NW of Millmerran at 4000'
after a 32km glide things looked different, I parked in 1.4kts for 10minutes to
get back up to a more comfortable height as it was obvious things had
overdeveloped and were shutting down over a large area, Plan B "Get
Home". The best way home looked to be along the northern edge of the OD
which was directly into wind, a line to Clifton.
It worked well but by the time I'd reached Clifton
the OD had grown over an area bounded by Warwick Pittsworth Cecil
Inglewood ( and further west? ) . Of the
6 DDSC gliders only the Nimbus 4DM made it back to DDSC, the Ventus 2CM used it’s
motor and the rest didn't make it through the OD outlanding in the range of
70-40kms from home, their last leg was across quite a bit of scrub so 60:1 LD
was a big plus. Their comments on the OLC indicated they were stoked with
their achievement (~500kms)
After reaching
Clifton I extended the leg out to the Range along a street
A very
pleasing flight, good variety.
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
Tug dates away from Warwick.
Sep 18 is start of State Comps at Kingaroy.........
WPS to Kingaroy
Sep 19 ..........WPS will be at
Kingaroy
Sep 25 ...... WPS will be coming back to Warwick
after launching last day of Comps
Sep 26 ...... WPS is to go to Boonah for Grand
Prix.....
Oct 2 ....... WPS to come home to Warwick
after launching at Boonah
Oct 3
Oct 4 (Monday) WPS to go to Dalby for National
Comp
Oct 9.... ..WPS at Dalby
Oct 10..... WPS at Dalby
Oct 15 (Friday)...WPS finished at
Dalby
Annual Flight Reviews
Hello to all Members,
The Annual Flight Reviews are due around Early
August / September
We should have Completed the Annual Form 2 on all
Club Aircraft between the 17th and 24th of July During the Engineering
Course.
So hopefully no shortage of Aircraft
Please ensure that your Log Book is current with
Total hours Flown and Hours flown in the Last 12 months for the Duty Instructor
to check and sign .
If you have areas of concern in your flying please
discuss them with the CFI or Duty Instructor.
Independent Operators be aware that you need this
to be revalidated at the same time
Outlanding Checks can be arranged ...but we need to
schedule these in.
Regards
Graham Logan
Report From Weekend 26th/27th June 2010
RASP said Saturday 5000' Cu, Sunday Dismal.
Saturday
Arrived at club ~10:00, instability evidence of the front in the West (a
long way west) but all quiet in the vicinity of the club, patchy Cirrus, at
10:45 there were a few Cu's popping to the north, By the time Stuart and I got
the 8's to the launch the sky looked good.
I thought I heard Lara Bingle say something ….
A look at the Sky… Task AAT Warwick - Killarney(10) -
Pittsworth(10) - Killarney(10) - Warwick
On the 3rd leg Dan joined us north of Clifton in IZW,
obviously he'd heard Lara.
TASK Statistics
Reg Climb X/C Task Climb LD Cruise Task
Distance Extra
Kts kph kph % kph Km
flown km km
VSL 3.0 79.9 88.2 31 44 132 232 252
20 ( 9%)
IZW 3.2 79.8 85.2 29 42 119 140
147 7 ( 5%)
KU 3.2 86.2 89.3 23 63 128 243
277 34 (14%)
NA
Yellow RV Disqualified for gratuitous use of Motor while thermaling with
Stuart near Killarney
The high cirrus made things patchy, some areas
producing 5-6kt climbs to 6000' (blasting along at 90Kts) and others 1-2kts
(Tiptoeing at 65Kts).
Stuart had a skinny final glide into the strip, Dan
and I crossed at @4000' so kept going west, Les was over the strip in OP, Dan
continued out to just short of Leyburn but conditions were considerably weaker
(<2kts).
My airtime was 4.5hrs (319km) so the day was long by
winter standards.
Stuart, Dan and I topped OLC for the day, only 2
other flights were logged (Kingaroy & DDSC flights), so looks like we had
the best conditions.
Now is the time to start preparing for the coming
season…build currency...
Report From Weekend 22nd/23rd May 2010
After the rain Friday afternoon (~10-12mm on the
Downs), the weekend didn't look all that promising. Saturday morning Grey Fog,
I checked BOM, RASP… at 8:30 I'd decided "I'll give it a miss", then the phone
rang, Dan… just about to leave Munduberra… Oh..Ok see you there.
I pulled into the Club at 11:00, A light SW wind,
Blue sky…but a patch of Cu to the south, there was obvious instability near
Stanthorpe.
Gridded up ~11:45, Cu's poping arround the Strip,
Peter Stevens took the first launch in the Puck, me next then Dan.
No Nigel….He'd taken Aum in the Yellow Noise Maker
to the Watts Bridge Fly In.
3kts to 5500' off tow, there was a definite
Street/Convergence (a bit of both?) from Allora-Stanthorpe, Dan and I connected
with this and had an easy (but cautious at 5-6000', keeping an eye on options )
run to within 10km of Stanthorpe, next Wyreema (20k circle), near Clifton there
was water lying in the contour banks (west of Talgai some paddocks looked like
paddy fields), the climbs dropped off a little in strength and reliability. Dan
suggested Maryvale next, Nigel was back at Warwick and about to launch would
meet up with us at Maryvale. Dan went direct, I went west of track ended up low
arround Talgai/Allora, . Nigel and Dan met up at Maryvale and went to Clifton
then down a Street to the SW, I limped along 20km behind the pack.
By now (15:20) the Clifton Street was softening but
the Allora-Stanthorpe street (~6km east of strip) still looked good, the gap
between 24km.
Dan and Nigel at 5200' SW of Pratten and I was west
of Talgai at 6300'.
Dan was the first to try
the jump, Nigel them me
Stats for the Jump.
Start Dist Cruise Arrival
Height Km Kts LD Height
IZW 5150 24 64 46 3100 1km Short,
good air but nothing useable, did final glide to strip.
NA 5000 25 63 49 3400 Found 1kt and
sat in it for 500'
KU 6200 24
65 39 4200 Loads of height searched a bit further, found 2.5kt
climb, called Nigel over
For a gap between streets the achieved LD's indicate
very little sink, we suspect there was some wave action perpendicular to the
Streets, with periods of reduced sink (smooth air).
Nigel and I followed the street to the SSW with climb
avgs of 4.0-5.5kts + good air to cruise LD's >100:1 at 70-80kts…just
cruising...beautiful…
It was evident
that this was a combination of a convergence line and streeting, with a split
cloudbase 4000' east and 7000' west.
I returned along the street to the range north of
Allora could have beat back along it but glide home landing 16:40 (SunSet 17:06)
.
Flight Stats
Task Dist Speed Climb %
% Glides LD Cruise
Time km kph kts climb Wasted
Kts
KU 4:11 384 91 3.4
22 3 29x15.3 67 69
IZW 3:01 245 81 2.8 29 5 26X11.1
62 64
NA 2:23 209 87
3.0 23 >1 18x12.6 61 68
Comments
KU - Your flight trace looks like a piece of tangled
fishing line - better planning reqd.
IZW -
You disobeyed a directive to Pull Airbrakes in the event that you got ahead of
KU.
NA - Clearly an issue with Priorities, it
was soarable and you were off buzzing arround in your yellow sports
buggy.
Sunday
A
different day, 10-12kt SE, Cloud base 1000-1500'agl, probably 2000'agl later in
the day, but we left at midday.
Report from Errol on Saturday 15th May 2010.
Saturday...
RASP
indicated blue with higher convection towards the range and south, we set an AAT
in that area.
Spur (30) - Killarney (10) - Stanthorpe (30)
Launch order - StuartL, Errol, Nigel, DanPap,
Andreaus
Stuart climbed to 4200' off tow then headed for the
Quary at Leslie Dam which didn't produce, I scored a 3kt climb to 5200' and
headed to the SW (18km), Nigel pinged off at 2200' agl and headed for 800' agl,
Dan took a climb to 5000'.
A status check revealed that Whimpy Wings Stuart
had started 15minutes earlier, so I started, Dan and Nigel (who had recovered
from his low point) started a minute later at 13:00.
Blue is always a bit hit and miss, I had a long
glide down to 3000', trying sheds, silos and houses, called "KU getting low" to
which came some disparaging replys, 1.5kts saved the day for me, mean while
Nigel radioed good air and 4-5kt climbs, Dan wasn't really interested in flying
prefering to heckle the rest of us, Nine Knot Nigel coped a comment regarding
his comparitively high vario readings.. Stuart changed to silent running mode to
avoid any flak from Dan, only communicating when pressed. And so the day
proceeded, we struggled, Dan heckled. There seemed to be no justice as late in
the day Dan scored a climb to 8200' (1500' higher than anyone else achieved) and
screamed home from 40 km out at 100kts.
Statistics
Speed Dist AvgKts Climbg Glides LD Cruise
VSL 75.8 125 2.4 43% 14x9.2 34
69kts
KU 78.9 178 2.6 34%
18x11 41 66kts
NA 78.5 146
2.2 31% 16x9.6 44 60kts
IZW
57.8 129 2.3 43% 14X11.4 33 62kts (Final glide
100kts?)
WR unavailable
IZW's Killarney-Stanthorpe leg looked like Jessica
Watson tacking into sydney heads (take that) covering 60kms on the 30km leg
hence the lowish task speed.
Andreaus got some quality air time maximising the
day, landing long after the rest of us, well done.
The ATC had a busy day...
All in all a suprisingly enjoyable Blue Day.
Sunday… I had committments in Bris, but called Dan at
10:30, he was declaring a 500km task… Your report please Dan :)
Report From Weekend 8th/9th May 2010
Saturday, only 2 flew – Scott and
Stewart, Peter was the tuggie and Richard instructor. The sky overhead was blue
and the wind 5-10 knots SE/E. To the East and north there were quite good Cu but
you had to fly to it. As with all SE days there is normally a good convergence
at Clifton that
forms up and yes it was there. Stewart bombed out and hangar landed,Scott bombed
out and had a relight BUT got caught out trying to get back to the airfield and
outlanded! I had already left for Kingaroy in the RV but used the cu to the
north to climb out, averaging better than 500fpm on top of my normal rate of
climb so it was quite strong. By 3.00pm cloudbase was 7,500ft and at Kingaroy
9,000ft! I think a Bunyas return would have been possible, flying mostly along
the ranges.
Sunday – turned out to be a good
day. Ivor in the oil can , I mean IS29 – Craig and a work mate in the Twin and
Owen in the Ventus. Val towing and Bill as instructor. I had already returned
from a flight out west past Goondiwindi and it was working well, Cloudbase 6,500
and real bumpy and to the north it looked higher at 7,500 or more. They all
launched though as I was leaving I did see Ivor coming back?? Maybe someone can
let us know how it was??
Hi All,
Just responding to Nigel's 'how was it' last Sunday. I launched
at 12:15 and although blue around the Warwick strip area there was growing
Cu's to the east, west and north. I released into about 4 knots and got to
around 5,000 indicated. Thermals were a bit difficult to centre on so I
headed out to the north and started to get stronger climbs. Cu's were looking
better there and soon enough cloud base had lifted to 7,500. My highest was
8,000 for the day which took in Killarney, Maryvale, Clifton & Leyburn. I
landed 3:20 but could have stayed up much longer and probably could have done
greater distance.
Owen (NNA)
Goondiwindi.
Having been there twice in the last
few weeks flying off hours on the engine it has impressed me with the
surrounding gliding country. To the NW,W,SW and south its wall to wall paddocks,
and Kaputar within gliding range. It offers some excellent distance flying and I
mean 750’s and maybe 1,000km possible. At 10.00am there was cu and thermals at
this time of the year. The terminal building is modern, guys and gals toilets
and the Aero club has a beaut clubhouse with bar and toilets, shower. I am
proposing we look at maybe a November flying week which if towards the end of
November we should get good conditions and more daylight, any later and we run
the risk of getting the monsoon weather and storms in the evening. We could tow
up a 2 seater as well. Its 2 hours drive from the club – plenty of camping up
against the terminal building or lots of motels in town. We could also advertise
this to other clubs, if timed before or after the Narromine cup it could attract
a few. So any starters or expressions of interest??
Report
From Nigel on Flying Saturday 1st May 2010
Hi All,
Well it
couldn't be a better day, Cu building up at 10.00am but a slow start with 1st
launch at 12.00, we should have gone at 11.00! Anyway attendees were:
Bill in
Discus
Mike in PIK
Luke (chuckie) in the Cirrus
Luke,Ben,
Cassie, Rachel and Michelle - Twin
Greg and
Val plus 2 mutts - Pegase
Rod - Astir
Graham -
Duty instructor
Phil -
Tuggie
Me
So off the
launch, 6 knots to 6,000 and Errol and I flew to Maryvale whilst the
others launched. Mike had already left and was on track, Bill as well. When we
got back to the field Greg was about to relight! So we got out of there and
pushed on. Task was Jandx crossing 30 km radius, Kogan with 30km and home. Most
flew over Pittsworth and had a struggle, I went west over Brookstead and had a
great run. Mike and Bill elected to turn early Jandx and go home, Errol flew
within 30kms and I turned within 10kms. I overtook Errol and flew within 5 of
Kogan and he turned at 15km I think. Anyway we met up on track home, flew a bit
conservatively which was maybe our downfall in relation to speed as the trip
home was pretty good. Everyone made it home and results are on the OLC. I did
411 at 101 handicapped, and a first for SDASC - 3 winners for the day - Errol,
Me and Mike! For once none of the DDSC guys in front.
Saturday
night, Sandy creek Bus was full to the brim with some sitting on laps. Lots of
fun and Luke was officially nicknamed Chuckie after having a few heaves in the
Cirrus whilst doing his 50km's for his silver C, which unfortunately he didn't
get as he turned on some incorrect GPS co-ordinates
but I believe the next day he did it, so congratulations - a future xc champion
in the making, maybe...
Sunday I
towed and again a good line up, more gliders, different pilots - Owen flew the
Ventus, Stuart flew his LS8-18 and Andres/Eddie flew the LS1, Dougie in the
Cirrus after Luke landed. I had to leave early so after launching everyone
I drove home - maybe someone can fill in Sundays flying.
Truly
amazing weather for this time of year and very pleasant, cool mornings and not
so windy days - hope it hangs around a bit more.
Cheers
Nige
Report from Mike on Saturday 1st and Sunday
2nd May 2010
Well the flying on Saturday was fantastic.
The best 3 flights in Australia were all Warwick! They still are. Here
is the link if you have not seen OLC.
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/daily.html?rt=olc&sp=2010&df=2010-05-01&st=olc&c=AU&sc=
<http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/daily.html?rt=olc&sp=2010&df=2010-05-01&st=olc&c=AU&sc=>
We all could have done a lot more, as there were big
streets, but we had set a task going across them.
So Sunday was forecast to be even better.
It started off with a solid fog that lifted at about 8. As soon as it was
clear, There was that unmistakable sound as Nigel went for a few laps in the
RV. :)
The day started in earnest at about 11. We were all keen, and it was
looking good. Our task was a 455km Warwick, Kogan, Goondiwindi, Warwick.
Nigel was in the tug today.( Thanks for all the tows.)
Errol launched first, followed by Stuart, me, Luke in the twin, Greg,
Luke in the Cirrus (with the big tips on) , and Val I'm not sure who was next,
as we were all up and on our way.
The first half the flight was fast! Climbs were 5kts with peaks over 9kts !
Climbs were to 7500ft. I flew a few thermals with Errol, but he finally pulled
away. For the first 140km we were doing well over 100kph - then I decided to
cross the scrub in perhaps the longest point on the way. It was the longest
softest glide! If I had another 1000' I would have hit
the next thermal, but I was a little shy so I did a technical out landing 150km
from home. The day started to soften a little, and there were some big holes.
We changed the task to Kogan return. I flew another 170 km - but a lot slower.
Val carried out a fantastic low save. We all made it back.
It was another fantastic day. It is a toss up who won the day. Errol once again
is on top of the OLC table with a fantastic 423km @ 94kph, but I thing the days
winner for chievement would have to go to Luke for 181km @ 82kph on his second
XC flight - This would be his 50 and Silver C (I think).
Greg did an impressive 270km later in the day in soft air. I did about 320km,
but only the second 174km count because of the outlanding.
What a great day! -Great flying. Great people. If you weren't there......
:-P
So that was my weekend. I had a bedroom to paint on Monday. - even if the
weather looked like it was going to be even better.
If you are not familiar with OLC, it is a really great site. Not only can you
see where people were flying, but if you click on the "i" icon you
get to see their flight. Then if you want to have a really close look at
their flight you can click on the "IGC" file icon and download their
flight.
Here is a link to Errols' flight. First in Australia and Sixth in the world is
not that bad.
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1204287
There are some fantastic flights The best flight in the world on Saturday was
an 813km flight by a guy who spent almost all of the day below 1000'
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1203770
Or if you want to have a quick look at the best flight this year anywhere in
the world try 2128km
http://www.onlinecontest.org/olc-2.0/gliding/flightinfo.html?dsId=1105018
Look up!
Mike
Report from Errol on Monday 3rd May 2010.
Monday was
slightly different, the wind had changed from a light ENE to +10kt SE.
For a task we decided Dalby
with a 30k circle then Inglewood with similar circle.
Stuart L launched first at
11:00 and as I was on tow he reported things were not as good as they looked...
off tow and searching for something to climb in, I saw him off to my left at
about 1000' in a gentle turn heading back to the strip, water streaming behind
as he dumped. The Timesheet is testament to how difficult it was to get
above launch height, with quite a few relights
But I had a
plan... I'd try the quarry then the piggery then a promising CU just north. On
transit between the quarry and the piggery I hit a bump coming off a house/shed
and sat in that, the 0.8kts which was better than nothing, as I slowly climbed
back up to release height 3500' where there was a definite wind shear, the SSE
changed to a ESE and the climb improved to 2.5kts. Things looked and felt
better at 5000'. Stuart was lined up for a relight as I crossed the strip and
headed on track to check conditions, it turned out to be a good move as shortly
after Stuart again reported an imminent return to earth. So I kept going... got
down to ~3000' twice before things improved just short of Brookstead 4kts to
5800'. I checked Oakey wasn't active and then changed to 122.7, the DDSC crowd
were doing Miles Goondiwindi (530km) and having a good first leg. I was getting
5kts to 6500', went to the west of Dalby, turned Macalister and headed south,
toyed with the idea of Goondiwindi but the 6500' cloud base made crossing the
scrub decidedly unattractive. 30 minutes later, 15km NW of Millmerran at 4000'
after a 32km glide things looked different, I parked in 1.4kts for 10minutes to
get back up to a more comfortable height as it was obvious things had
overdeveloped and were shutting down over a large area, Plan B "Get
Home". The best way home looked to be along the northern edge of the OD
which was directly into wind, a line to Clifton.
It worked well but by the time I'd reached Clifton
the OD had grown over an area bounded by Warwick Pittsworth Cecil
Inglewood ( and further west? ) . Of the
6 DDSC gliders only the Nimbus 4DM made it back to DDSC, the Ventus 2CM used it’s
motor and the rest didn't make it through the OD outlanding in the range of
70-40kms from home, their last leg was across quite a bit of scrub so 60:1 LD
was a big plus. Their comments on the OLC indicated they were stoked with
their achievement (~500kms)
After reaching
Clifton I extended the leg out to the Range along a street
A very
pleasing flight, good variety.
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