With the forecast for light southerly winds and showers a flying day looked possible. After the recent “monsoon” style rain the airfield was very wet but with care and a single K13 it would be possible.
It was decided to test out the GusLaunch winch after it’s recent engine change. Instructor Ged Nevisky took the first launch and was whisked smoothly up to 1200 feet, not bad for a nil wind day. The winch gave faultless launches throughout the day and now only needs minor adjustments to the brakes and throttle linkage to return to regular use which will release the ML winch for some much needed TLC and new cables.
The flying conditions were simply inspiring. After endless flying days with strong blustery crosswinds, it was refreshing to launch into a still sky, the air was smooth; even at launch heights the winds were light; the visibility was was good; every shower passed us by either to the north or south. Apart for a little reduced sink there was no soaring to be had but, on a day like this, that did not seem to matter. It was nice to take a smooth launch ( thanks to the GusLaunch ) and then gently float back down.
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| Mike Gadd with his nephew jacob. |
We had several visitors to share the day with. Local pilot Mike Gadd arrived with his Australian nephew, Jacob French, and proceeded to exercise his newly awarded Friends and Family privileges. Well done Mike.
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| Julie was initially a little nervous ( my entry into this winter's silly hat contest probably didn't help ) but was soon enjoying herself trying out the controls |
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| Lapsed glider pilot Bob Vincent was soon back into the swing flying his second circuit unaided. |
Lapsed glider pilot Bob Vincent arrived with Julie Smith. They both enjoyed their flights and will hopefully be back for more soon. Our last visitor of the day was 10 year old Alyesha Cawse who flew with Ged. She enjoyed her flights so much that after we had returned to the clubhouse she proceeded to fly the simulator.
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| Alyesha wait for a launch with Instructor Ged |
The simulator also attracted Jacob French who spent more than half an hour practicing control coordination and soaring in ridge and thermal lift.
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| Alyesha concentrating on flying the simulator |
A great day.
Steve
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