Weekend Report: Kelvin goes blind
Saturday
A classical breathless super-hot day at the airfield. Unfortunately, once again, there were not enough takers for the winch so we aerotowed for the entire day. Rudi waited until later in the day and was rewarded with a two and a half hour flight in his Single Astir. Kelvin Holmwood, the only student present, had GHB all to himself and enjoyed four flights, one of which was his "blank panel". Well done Kelvin! Adri took accolades with her circuits and bumps in the Lambada - and later was cleared solo. Congratulations Adri! Andre Fechter flew in from Stellenbosch with Martin Grunert, in his brand new Pipistrel Sinus. Ari and Peter Clemence worked very hard instructing in the searing heat, ably assisted by tuggie Bill Griffiths, with duty pilots Henry Barnes and Marcel de Reuck. Well done to all of you.
Sunday
It looked promising to me early on (though I always seem to misread the weather). I was quickly proved wrong again when the north wind picked up to a very healthy 50kph. We were unable to take the trainers out of the hanger so all the students and AE flight visitors were all flown in GOK by Phil and Boet. Unfortunately Boet landed out near Brandvlei dam wall, and Phil and son Liam, plus friend Justin together with Coen, went off on retrieve.
Johan Gericke tried to get going early for a goal flight, but to no avail. Nevertheless he had two flights of over two hours each, in GUC. Sven and Peter Farrell had long flights in wave, thermal and ridge. Kevin Mitchell flew GUC and had such a rough time in turbulence on aerotow that the airbrakes were wrenched open and he had to release prematurely when he got out of position behind the tug. Hopefully he will have his DG400M in the air soon.
We welcome to our newest member Frank Dorey (and his wife Enid). Unfortunately Frank was unable to fly yesterday due to the outlanding, but he has already signed up for the April course.
Jaco Hartman worked extremely hard yesterday together with Coen Marais, as well as tug pilot John S, who handled the tug well in the strong winds.
Please note! Saturday is winching again and we really would like to get the winching operation going. However, we cannot do this if no one pitches up to fly off the winch. Remember, this is an opportunity to practice your circuit planning and landings – a really inexpensive launch method compared to aerotow. So all you students out there, please bear this in mind and come and winch with us next weekend. Besides - we are dying to try out latest acquisition - the FIAT TRACTOR!
Remember! ALL GLIDER HIRE BEFORE 11 AM IS FREE!
Alison
A classical breathless super-hot day at the airfield. Unfortunately, once again, there were not enough takers for the winch so we aerotowed for the entire day. Rudi waited until later in the day and was rewarded with a two and a half hour flight in his Single Astir. Kelvin Holmwood, the only student present, had GHB all to himself and enjoyed four flights, one of which was his "blank panel". Well done Kelvin! Adri took accolades with her circuits and bumps in the Lambada - and later was cleared solo. Congratulations Adri! Andre Fechter flew in from Stellenbosch with Martin Grunert, in his brand new Pipistrel Sinus. Ari and Peter Clemence worked very hard instructing in the searing heat, ably assisted by tuggie Bill Griffiths, with duty pilots Henry Barnes and Marcel de Reuck. Well done to all of you.
Sunday
It looked promising to me early on (though I always seem to misread the weather). I was quickly proved wrong again when the north wind picked up to a very healthy 50kph. We were unable to take the trainers out of the hanger so all the students and AE flight visitors were all flown in GOK by Phil and Boet. Unfortunately Boet landed out near Brandvlei dam wall, and Phil and son Liam, plus friend Justin together with Coen, went off on retrieve.
Johan Gericke tried to get going early for a goal flight, but to no avail. Nevertheless he had two flights of over two hours each, in GUC. Sven and Peter Farrell had long flights in wave, thermal and ridge. Kevin Mitchell flew GUC and had such a rough time in turbulence on aerotow that the airbrakes were wrenched open and he had to release prematurely when he got out of position behind the tug. Hopefully he will have his DG400M in the air soon.
We welcome to our newest member Frank Dorey (and his wife Enid). Unfortunately Frank was unable to fly yesterday due to the outlanding, but he has already signed up for the April course.
Jaco Hartman worked extremely hard yesterday together with Coen Marais, as well as tug pilot John S, who handled the tug well in the strong winds.
Please note! Saturday is winching again and we really would like to get the winching operation going. However, we cannot do this if no one pitches up to fly off the winch. Remember, this is an opportunity to practice your circuit planning and landings – a really inexpensive launch method compared to aerotow. So all you students out there, please bear this in mind and come and winch with us next weekend. Besides - we are dying to try out latest acquisition - the FIAT TRACTOR!
Remember! ALL GLIDER HIRE BEFORE 11 AM IS FREE!
Alison
posted by CGC Reporter at 12.2.06
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