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