Another gloomy and wet forecast, with a low cloud base, caused the Duty Instructor to cancel flying at Brentor today. But there has been activity at the club recently in anticipation of the big day by the DGS Maintenance Team. Here is their latest fleet update:
 |
| As spotted last year (Ed: By the number of reindeer fog must have been forecast) |
DGS Fleet update - Sunday 24 December 2023
Santa Sleigh - G-HOHO - Serviceable
Annual inspection completed, ARC issued, BGA and CAA informed.
Reindeer droppings and stray Bourbon biscuits vacuumed out of the the cockpit.
Repairs
have been effected to the existing landing damage to the LH side of the
cockpit with fresh 1.5mm aviation grade plywood using Aerodux glue.
Repainted with Cirrus Red paint (RAL 3000). New CAA registration
letters applied as required.
Damage
to the left skid has been repaired by fitting a new skid. The pilot
was informed to attempt landings on grass in preference to landing on
concrete or rough terrain.
The TOST Aero tow hook was exchanged to cure the reported tardy release on demand.
The ASI and Altimeter have been checked against Colin's electronic manometer.
PowerFLARM
Fusion Firmware version 7.22 has been installed and checked against the
club's Atom base station so members can monitor the flights on Glide
and Seek or Flight Radar 24. Accordingly, the Stealth/competition mode
has not been selected.
Ventilation
holes were drilled in the front screen and a vent deflector was fitted
following the misting problems reported last year. This was another good vent
deflector installation by John Smith.
Traces
and reins inspected and assessed as serviceable for another year following DB's servicing of the eight reindeer tow ropes and checking of their weak
links. A ninth has been produced for Rudolf as a contingency if fog is
forecast on the flight plan. The
fifth strap on the safety harness has been removed as aerobatics are no
longer permitted due to the CFI's local ruling.
Mrs
Bennett has made new safety cushion covers incorporating Navboy's latest air
foam safety cushions (Ed: These retain their energy absorption characteristics even in extreme cold unlike Confor or Dynafoam.) A new, large cockpit pocket has been fitted for
in-flight essentials and has a low-noise USB charging port.
The tatty yaw string has been replaced by an
MK IV “high tech” Yaw String courtesy of John Allan. It was procured
from Navboys before their move "Up north" from their previous base at
Lasham.
Hugh
Gascoyne worked on the air brake caps, fettling, and touching up the
paint to ensure no air brake cap "chatter" at high speed. Air brake
over-centre-lock pull-off force checked correct.
Weight
and Balance calculations were reviewed by the Chairman and the Fleet
Manager. The British Gliding Association 3% all-up weight concession
was correctly applied which has increased the luggage payload by a
useful 21.2 Kg. The placard has been reissued accordingly
Operation
of the 8.33 kHz spacing radio checked correct. David Archer has also checked
the antenna with the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio meter and it's within
tolerance. Oxygen equipment was removed to reduce weight as no wave
flying is expected this year.
The
glider log book has been updated and the sleigh released to service. Adam
has added a new aircraft type to his Personal Experience Record which
should help him on his path to get his BGA Inspector's ticket.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
from the DGS Maintenance Team
--------------------------
Gavin Short
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