Gliding 20th March 2016

We're all back on deck after a busy month of holidays...We going the winch out on Sunday and did 6 flights. John instructed Jacques, Nick and Masato, plus flew visitor Masato's friend Ke.
Ke got the longest flight, about 30 mins in weak wave to 5500'. Thanks to Phil for driving the winch.

Gliding during March

Although the club glider has not been that active for the last month, some members certainly were!

In mid-February John flew at Springfield with Vintage Kiwi and Canterbury Gliding Club members. The next week John and Pete took their gliders to Nelson Lakes for the annual soaring camp. Weather was OK but not as good as last year. We flew most days and had some challenging flying including a couple of good XC flights.

Soaring near Kepler Track

And 12/13/14 March Roland, Pete and John had a pleasant soaring camp at Lake Manapouri. KG did over 30  hours during the last month so I guess the weather was OK,

Rob Roy Glacier

On Saturday, I took an Australian visitor to the Rob Roy Glacier.  The Glacier is on the eastern side of the mountain, but to get there, you need to fly into a shallow valley.  This was a favourite spot for  mountain flight training when I did my course with Aspiring Air.  There isn't much room, so only fly to you own limits.


The trip took one and a half hours, but allow plenty of time because it is worth spending at least 15 minutes in the area.  Watch out for down drafts.  Mt.Rob Roy is 8675ft and there are steep slopes on the lee side where the entrance is. The weather to the west was heavy rain and flying around Mt. Aspiring was out.  However, the glarier was a great alternative, and I can recommend the trip if you are looking for somewhere different to go.


Happy flying
Stephen

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

The Cromwell Racecourse has been busy with the arrival of 32 aircraft on Friday.  While their owners were enjoying a BBQ along at the Golden Gates Hotel, I took a walk along the line-up.  If you are in Cromwell this weekend, it may be worth having a look for yourself.
I believe the programme includes a challenge race on the Highland Park Circuit on Saturday, local flying on Sunday, a flight through to Te Anau during the week and a few other events. (Still waiting for a programme to be released to me).
The Cessna Skylane TC with the glass cockpit took my interest, but all the aircraft looked well cared for.

Air Invasion

Greg Foster had a bit of company at the airfield on Tuesday. Swedish registered AIK is believed to be a Bucker Junmann.  It may be one of several visitors in our sky this month, with the Aircraft owners and Pilots Assoc. AGM being held in Cromwell this weekend and Warbirds over Wanaka later in the month.