Monday 27 April 2015

Balclutha Fly-in 18th April

Balclutha Fly-in  18th April

With eight planes now based at Alexandra, it was great to see their owners getting together to take part in the Balclutha Fly-in recently.

The 0930 hr departure time had to be put on hold until the morning low cloud had lifted.  However, this proved to be a great opportunity for pilots to get to know each other over a cup of coffee in Clyde.  Back at the airfield, it was all go by 1030 hrs and eight pilots in six aircraft were lining up on runway 32 for departure to Balclutha.



After climbing around some patches of low cloud, we set heading and climbed to our cruising level in almost perfect conditions.  With six aircraft from Central, as well as others from the Otago club, all heading to the same airfield, the radio was busy with position reports.  Approaching Balclutha, we assessed our position in the landing queue and touched down at 1130 hrs on runway 07, with Dave Burke at the controls.  I was surprised by the effort put in by the South Otago Club who had provided Taxi Marshalling as well as cutting the grass on the runway and taxi-ways. Unfortunately, over-night rain had made the ground a little soft.



A crowd of about 50 spectators had gathered to view the planes and watch the displays.  The BBQ was doing a good trade and other take-a-ways were on offer.  There was a display of model aircraft in one of the hangers, a combined Fire Service and helicopter fire fighting demonstration, and aerial fertiliser spreading display performed by a local top dressing Company.  However, for me the highlight must be a helicopter handling demonstration put on by one of the local Ag pilots.  
  
By 1300hrs it was time for our return flight. Having a second pilot with me was a great opportunity to catch up with some IFR cross country practice. Climbing to our assigned altitude, we set our heading for the Alexandra NDB and after crossing the beacon, made a simulated let-down to our missed approach height of 2300ft.  Then the hood off and a landing back on runway 32.

A big thanks to Dave King, Pauline Hogue, Fin White, Roger Sparks, Nigel Forrester, and Dave Burke for their participation and especially Dave Mitchell who organised and co-ordinated the days flight.

Happy flying
Stephen Morton



Monday 20 April 2015

Sunday 18th April 2015

It was great to see a couple of ex gliding members turn up Sunday. Chis Davis (living in the US) and Brendan Taylor (flying Qantas jets in Oz).

There was OK wave about at times. Chris and John in JW towed into the Dunstans and were soon climbing at 15kts to 13,000'. When they returned Doug took over giving Brendon and Dee flights in JW before enjoying an hour flight with Jacques.

Phil had a good wave flight too, soaring to good wave behind the Dunstans.  Thanks to Gary for towing us directly to the lift.

Chris in JW!

Friday 17 April 2015

Sunday 12th

A grotty day was forecast so we did the annual bunny hole fill-in on the grass runway.
There were certainly some big enough to swallow your wheel and more!
Well done to: Roger Sparks, Pete, Phil and self