There
was a lot of aviation going on at Caboolture
Airfield on Friday:
This photo was take immediately overhead the
threshold on RWY24, where the CGC crew spent most
of the day adding our 13 flights to the activity.
But the south west wind, strong enough to rip away
any thermals yet not consistent enough to create
any useful wave, ensured that it was not a classic
soaring day. The top flights, both at 20 minutes,
were scored in the Blanik. And the best the Twin
could manage was 19 minutes.
None of this mattered, however, because the reason
the Blanik dominated the flight sheet was that
this Friday was a classic training day: 9 of the
13 flights were instructional launches for three
pre-solo pilots.
Jessica Bellamy kicked off the day with two
crosswind take offs and landings on 30 before the
wind picked up to 24 strength. Well done, Jessica.
Duty instructor Tony Sorensen then introduced GYK
to our two newest members:
David Tan is a power pilot from Singapore. Guy
Templeman is an aspiring RAAF pilot with 25 power
hours.
They had a flight each with Tony, then switched
instructors when Steve Bowtell arrived straight
from work to take his first student flights as L2
- David logged a total of three flights (including
the two 20 minute flights of the day) and Guy took
off four times.
The rest of the day’s flying was Friday regulars
in IKW.
Bob Hainsworth got top billing with 19 minutes
flying his friend Sean Ward - a just reward for
both of them after they succeeded in getting the
Magna mobile!
Ken Mitchell expanded his IKW landing experience
twice - although according to him it was five
times, counting the odd bounce in the heavy wind.
Arthur Mailey and I thought we found traces of
wave, but not enough to keep us airborne more than
18 minutes.
And Judith Smith decided to stay in the Pie Cart
until a longer flight looks likely.
Mike Grady was in SPA for the whole day, earning
well deserved gratitude from us all.
To sum up:
9 flights 2:16 for GYK
4 flights 1:02 for IKW
Soaring conditions for the weekend look better, so
get out there and show the Friday folk up!
