Weekend Report: A gauntlet blowout!
Friday evening at Worcester was stunning with the full moon, no wind and the valley lit up by the light of the moon and Saturday morning equally beautiful. A wonderful spring morning with no wind so we were airborne in VAE at 7.30am. We returned at 8.15 for breakfast and the Gauntlet briefing. Some of us thought that Alan was a little “off the mark” when he predicted strong NW which would increase with altitude and as the day wore on. We had NO idea how correct he was. Spot On, Alan.
We endeavoured to get everyone airborne before it blew out on the ground but were not quick enough. It was so strong by 11.30 that we had to pack away the trainers. Sven reported 113kmph at 7500’ and at that time it was gusting 80kph on the ground. The landings were interesting and some of the reports of rotor at Jan du Toits and over the golf course and the red hill made those of us who were on the ground happy that we were not airborne. Well done to all those who flew in those extreme conditions and landed so competently and safely!
A power pilot who had taken off at Fistantekraal earlier in the day had to land at Worcester and phone his wife to collect him and his passenger by car as the wind was too strong to cross the mountains. He was making no headway at all!
Rudi and Gareth continued to inspect GUC and Rudi found further damage under the seat which he then repaired so GUC was grounded once more. Thanks, Rudi for all your help and hard work. Thanks also to Sandy who came out to the Club three days last week to finish off the repairs to GUC so that she could be rigged on Saturday.
The winch team turned up to work on the winch and spent a great deal of the day on the winch runway sorting out cables in the wind. Great work, guys. Not an easy task.
Bill and Johnny worked on Bill’s G109 and, by the end of the day on Sunday, had started the motor. Bill is making great progress and the Grob really looks good.
Saturday evening was a merry occasion with the Potjie that Wally organized and, when I left at 11.00pm, the evening showed no signs of ending soon. Thank you Wally and Juliana for a great evening. (There are some interesting photos on Adriaan’s website)!
Sunday was washed out and blown out. Thanks to the duty pilot, Richard Harris, who turned up after all! There was virtually no flying – at about 2.30pm Martin Grunert took our newest member, Jesse Roos, in Paul and Brian’s Pipistrel for a flight. After that Brian flew some circuits in the same motorglider. Not pleasant conditions, though.
Thanks again to all those who worked hard on the ground to get the gliders off the runway in severe conditions on Saturday. It is great when everyone works together.
See you all next weekend.
We endeavoured to get everyone airborne before it blew out on the ground but were not quick enough. It was so strong by 11.30 that we had to pack away the trainers. Sven reported 113kmph at 7500’ and at that time it was gusting 80kph on the ground. The landings were interesting and some of the reports of rotor at Jan du Toits and over the golf course and the red hill made those of us who were on the ground happy that we were not airborne. Well done to all those who flew in those extreme conditions and landed so competently and safely!
A power pilot who had taken off at Fistantekraal earlier in the day had to land at Worcester and phone his wife to collect him and his passenger by car as the wind was too strong to cross the mountains. He was making no headway at all!
Rudi and Gareth continued to inspect GUC and Rudi found further damage under the seat which he then repaired so GUC was grounded once more. Thanks, Rudi for all your help and hard work. Thanks also to Sandy who came out to the Club three days last week to finish off the repairs to GUC so that she could be rigged on Saturday.
The winch team turned up to work on the winch and spent a great deal of the day on the winch runway sorting out cables in the wind. Great work, guys. Not an easy task.
Bill and Johnny worked on Bill’s G109 and, by the end of the day on Sunday, had started the motor. Bill is making great progress and the Grob really looks good.
Saturday evening was a merry occasion with the Potjie that Wally organized and, when I left at 11.00pm, the evening showed no signs of ending soon. Thank you Wally and Juliana for a great evening. (There are some interesting photos on Adriaan’s website)!
Sunday was washed out and blown out. Thanks to the duty pilot, Richard Harris, who turned up after all! There was virtually no flying – at about 2.30pm Martin Grunert took our newest member, Jesse Roos, in Paul and Brian’s Pipistrel for a flight. After that Brian flew some circuits in the same motorglider. Not pleasant conditions, though.
Thanks again to all those who worked hard on the ground to get the gliders off the runway in severe conditions on Saturday. It is great when everyone works together.
See you all next weekend.
posted by CGC Reporter at 9.10.06
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home