A long weak end
The wind had blown all Wednesday night and did not abate for Thursday at all. Ari decided to use NIG for tugging and Mike Pascoe decided to brave the conditions and take a launch. The wind gusted over 75kph and Kelvin, who was duty pilot, and Ian, Duty Instructor, assisted with the launch. After NIG landed, Ari had to shut the motor down and we towed the tug back to the hanger. Unfortunately Mike had to return from Vic Peak due to a flat battery. The entire front row of hangers, including Graham’s and Peter’s, have a power problem and hence his batteries were flat. Two paxes arrived via an Albatross that had flown in from Stellenbosch but they were unable to have an AE flight due to the conditions. Later in the day Kevin tried a launch with his DG400 but experienced power problems and aborted his take off.
Mark Howes was putting the finishing touches to GOK and he really had done a fantastic job of the canopy repair. Thanks to all, especially Hans, who lent tools to do the job. Rudi was there preparing for the AAI on GHB with the assistance of Ari. Johnny replaced the muffler on MIV in time for her to work on the weekend.
Friday’s weather was worse than Thursday with more rain and wind. The water table on the airfield is so high that the water is not draining away fast enough. Saturday also saw no flying although Bill had arrived in case someone wanted a tug, but had no takers. Sunday was a beautiful day.
The wind had turned to a light SE and later in the day to no wind at all. Wally had arrived to instruct but there were no students to fly so he eventually went home. Martin arrived with Johan Pretorius from Stellenbosch who wanted to experience gliding. Johnny and I had flown for an hour in the Grob and found a little lift against Brandwacht peak earlier. Martin Young had arrived on his way back to Knysna with his family and had a short flight in GIG before continuing his journey. By then there was no lift as the wind had died. Martin Grunert, with Nina tugging (as well as retrieving with the golf cart) and Johan’s girlfriend running the wing, flew four flights with Johan in GUZ. Peter Wooley had wisely decided not to fly as he saw the state of the Grob after we had landed. Mud everywhere!! We needed off-road tyres on the Grob to get past the front of Otto’s hanger!
Hopefully, from hereon, the weather will improve.
And that was the weekend news!
Alison
Mark Howes was putting the finishing touches to GOK and he really had done a fantastic job of the canopy repair. Thanks to all, especially Hans, who lent tools to do the job. Rudi was there preparing for the AAI on GHB with the assistance of Ari. Johnny replaced the muffler on MIV in time for her to work on the weekend.
Friday’s weather was worse than Thursday with more rain and wind. The water table on the airfield is so high that the water is not draining away fast enough. Saturday also saw no flying although Bill had arrived in case someone wanted a tug, but had no takers. Sunday was a beautiful day.
The wind had turned to a light SE and later in the day to no wind at all. Wally had arrived to instruct but there were no students to fly so he eventually went home. Martin arrived with Johan Pretorius from Stellenbosch who wanted to experience gliding. Johnny and I had flown for an hour in the Grob and found a little lift against Brandwacht peak earlier. Martin Young had arrived on his way back to Knysna with his family and had a short flight in GIG before continuing his journey. By then there was no lift as the wind had died. Martin Grunert, with Nina tugging (as well as retrieving with the golf cart) and Johan’s girlfriend running the wing, flew four flights with Johan in GUZ. Peter Wooley had wisely decided not to fly as he saw the state of the Grob after we had landed. Mud everywhere!! We needed off-road tyres on the Grob to get past the front of Otto’s hanger!
Hopefully, from hereon, the weather will improve.
And that was the weekend news!
Alison
posted by CGC Reporter at 13.8.07
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