08-Feb-13 Short Flight Friday

Short Flight Friday

08-Feb-13

We were welcomed by a gloomy sky with a relatively low cloud base as we headed for runway 12 where the first launch was at 9:49. Despite the cloud base lifting to around 3,000 feet as the morning developed, short flights became the pattern of the day.

Bob Turner and Arthur Mailey ... all smiles despite the low cloud base and pending rain.

Duty Instructor was Bob Turner. Tug Pilot duties were filled by John Knox (with side-kick Pat) in the morning and Karl Bodi in the afternoon. I took on the AEI duties and assisted Judith Smith and Arthur Mailey who acted as joint Duty Pilots. Other punters on hand with intent to commit aviation were John Nestor (supported by partner Anne Bradley) and Ken Mitchell.

Karl Bodi sets the fashion standard for the day!

All up we achieved ten flights before pulling up stumps at around 1:50 to avoid local showers and tuck the gliders away safely.

Anne Bradley commented that, for a man, Arthur wears his make-up very well!

GYK's six flights included Bob Turner's three instructional flights with John Nestor and a check flight with Ken Mitchell as well as Ken taking two solo flights later in the day.

Bob Turner and Judith Smith ... sharing some "digi knowledge" in the pie-cart.

Meanwhile, after Bob taking Arthur Mailey for an annual check flight, the remaining three flights in CQC became a fairly competitive chase for the longest flight of the day. Without finding any lift whatsoever and strict adherence to the only rule in the contest (release below 3,000 feet), Anne Bradley and I set the pace with a 20 minute flight from a 10:04 launch.

Arthur has obviously not been told of the salubrious qualities of fresh apple skins!

Judith Smith and Arthur Mailey took up the challenge and took the lead with a 22 minute flight from a launch at 11:53.

Anne Bradley and partner John Nestor ... no hint of "pommie" background here?

In the final flight of the day, Anne Bradley and I dodged squalls of light local rain to stretch CQC's 12/06 hangar flight as long as possible. Despite Judith and Arthur having an obvious strategic advantage over us (possession of the flight sheet clip-board), the result ended up as a draw when our official flight time was also recorded by them as 22 minutes!

In summary, another enjoyable Friday of flying at YCAB (despite less than favourable conditions) ... good company and the opportunity to fly in a friendly, relaxed and supportive Club environment above YCAB's beautiful scenery ... it makes one wonder what else could be asked for?

Achievement of the Day: Anne Bradley who flew in a glider twice in the one day for the very first time ... and it was an absolute delight to share her enthusiasm and excitement!

Safe flying,

Kevin Rodda

for the Friday Crew