Monday 16 May 2016

Gliding 15th May 2016

It was the usual keen three of Wills, Nick and Masato, plus Doug, Phil and John helping them get airborne. We decided to winch because the forecast was not great. John and Masato were off first, finding lift for a while although it was pretty rumpy up there. Strong sink then moved over the airfield and the circuit was a pretty unpleasant place to be. Doug instructed another round then we packed up before the rain hit.
We did a theory session over the beers. Thanks to Phil for driving the winch.

Sunday 15 May 2016

Local Flying

It is great to see that the apron and some of the taxiways have been repaired at the airport. ERW has been in for maintenance earlier this month, and has flown 17hrs since the 1st May. Most of those hours have been on training flights, although both Russell and Gary have helped the gliding guys to get airborne.

Today’s flight was meant to be into the Hunter Valley. However, with the weather forecast for a continuation of the frontal conditions that we have been experiencing this week, that flight was unlikely.

My alternative was to get some aerial photos of the Cromwell Aerodrome to send to CAA. With me was a young American guy, who has been working on the vineyard. When we left Cromwell, the conditions were good. However, by the time we were ready for departure, the wind had increased and the first of the rain showers had arrived over the Dunstan Rangers.

Work on the irrigation scheme at the northern end of  the runway. Cromwell NZCW
Once in the air, we headed for Roxbough. There is always plenty to see, even on a local flight. The weather was also improving and we were able to return to our original plan. From Roxbough, it was a direct flight through to Cromwell. Unfortunately, a second and more extensive belt of rain was making its way down the Cromwell basin. We were able to get our photos and head home to the Alexandra airport.
Cromwell Aerodrome - Runway reduced to 800m


Sunday 8 May 2016

Gliding 8th May 2016

There was a little wave about, but it was pretty fickle! John and Nick took a long tow to investigate the wave over the Old Man. They found a bit and hung up there for an hour but it was pretty hard work. Next was Roland (VH) and John (KG). They climbed up and headed to Roxburgh in weak lift. John headed down the Umbrella Range into Southland and Roland went to the Nevis.

Blue Mountains

Meanwhile Doug arrived and spend the rest of the day instructing Nick and Masato, both making excellent progress towards solo. After flying we ran a whiteboard session coving gliding theory.
Thanks to Russell for towing and Phil for driving the winch.

Friday 6 May 2016

Gliding Sunday 1st May, 2016

There was a rotor cloud ticking away in the lee of the Dunstans but not much else to mark the wave.
John towed up behind Gary...straight into strong lift. John saw 2500 fpm lift in one spot...
Next up was Wills in JW (with Doug). Same place, same strong lift. Both gliders flew north as far as possible, John just over into the McKenzie where the lift vanished so he returned.
Nick S flew next with Doug, followed by Masato. Both were soaring flights but the wave was disappearing and was being replaced by thickening Mammatus cloud. John tried to fly south but encountered rain below 10000' and snow above.
Phil derigged KJ to take up to Kerry's for some work. Thanks to all who helped.

Sunday 1 May 2016

Bonar Glacier

April has been another busy month for ERW, clocking up a total of 35 hours. Today was the first of the club and plane owners adventure flights for the year. Our destination, the Bonar Glacier on Mt. Aspiring.
Approaching Mt. Aspiring



Rob Roy Glacier
Bonar Glacier
Head of the West Branch Matukituki Valley
Heading back to Alexandra







Visitors Aircraft
Nigel must make a good cup of coffee
Tecnam P92 Eaglet - Visitor from Canterbury