Saturday 8th December 2012

A chilly, blue sky day with a very light northerly breeze promised very smooth conditions and no real prospect of much soaring. Ideal conditions to perfect / demonstrate classic circuits.

Originally, I thought today would be a game of two halves. As it turned out it was a game in 4 parts, so that spoiled that train of thought. Literary greatness is sometimes not easy.

Getting ready for a trial flight as the family look on

Part 1 was the flying. We welcomed a visitor and her family for a trial flight. Tony returned to complete his one day course. Victor continued his lessons. Several other pilots kept their currency up to date. The highlight was the arrival of club secretary Sandra bearing seasonal mulled wine ( non alcoholic of course ) and mince pies.

Vic and Don were not about to miss the festive cheer even if they were flying

Part 2 was the installation of the “new” engine in the Guslaunch winch. The heavy lifting was supplied by our neighbour and one of the club’s founder members, Mike Stacey, who turned up with a suitable machine from his son’s farm which borders the airfield. By the end of the day the engine had been connected and started. Several jobs remain but this was a big step forward.

Mike Stacey ( driving the Manitu ) carefully lowers the engine.

The smile of winch master Rick says it all. 

Part 3. The Twin Astir syndicate returned with their newly repaired fuselage ( undercarriage damage ), and a small army of willing helpers reassembled the aircraft and put it back in it’s “T” hanger ready for some better conditions.

Part 4. While all this was going on the committee held a meeting in the club house. Even this did not produce enough hot air to produce a thermal.

The Epilogue ( or is that part 5 ). The day finished in the clubhouse with a can of beer and some friendly chat in front of a roaring log burner.

Steve