Well the overcast sky at Caboolture did not promise much lift this morning, and it certainly delivered in that respect. It was however, still long, and without a doubt, an enjoyable and rather entertaining day at times.

Unfortunately the suzuki was the first casualty of the day however when it failed to start but as such the little Barina TAXI proved it's worth as the main, (well the only) retrieve machine of the day. Thankfully the Falcon also treated myself pretty kindly today considering yesterday's report and an eyewitness account I heard in a powered aircraft hanger this morning. So thanks to Lindsay for 'talking' to it and Judith for the little heads up about it's recent behaviour.

We headed for Rwy 30 where Kevin Roden began a series of training flights in CQC, and QA started the day flown by Chris and Phil Weir for what proved to be the first of many flights of 20 minutes, or there a bouts. Tim Williams started the training flights with Kevin and the longest of the day at 22 minutes. Dan Kershaw continued his transition to the IS-28 with three quick flights, the second included some great looking aerobatics, and the third did not include Kevin. As such, Dan achieved his first solo in the IS-28 and finished with a touch down in front of the peanut gallery that anyone would be proud of. I can say that quite honesty too as I actually videoed it and just watched back again as I'm writing this report. Very tidy Dan and congrats to you mate !!

Meanwhile Neil Muspratt took Rosina Renault for her AEF for 20 minutes, and then the owner of one of those Gyro copter plane thingys we see a lot of at YCAB, who stopped by on his way to the threshold, and decided to try gliding instead. We could hardly blame him of course and then pointed and giggled at his crazy looking machine while he was away for, another, perfect 20 minute flight. 

 

Unfortunately, it was about this time our tuggie for the day, Steve Chapman, had the same old issue with the fuel bowser and the day looked in trouble of being finished early. It was therefore decided to send Steve off to Redcliffe while he still had enough fuel to get there as there were students still keen to fly and plenty of time left in the day. With that decision made, Steve happily received advise and instruction from all and sundry on runway direction, size, slope, circuit procedures, radio frequencies and much much more at Redcliffe before he set off minus a glider, but fully prepared and full of confidence for his short NAV. 

With a total delay of about an hour and a half though, the rest of us had to entertain ourselves with numerous jokes, stories and finally even some fancy knot tying and rope techniques in what could be the most enjoyable delay I have witnessed due to the fuel bowser issue.

Upon Steve's return, Larrs Widjsman, who had been waiting patiently all day, finally got first of two flights of the day with Kevin in CQC, and Michael Bernett got a second. Tim then took the IS-30 for the tie down flight with Kevin Rodda before it was really time to put everything away. Not a moment to soon too as it was getting dark when the last of the members including myself left for the day. As I said, a long day, with 12 flights not longer than 22 minutes and a delay, but probably one the best days I have had at Caboolture, and I did not even go flying. Thanks to all concerned for assisting with instructing, towing, retrieving etc, and most of all entertaining. 

Total times for the day:

CQC  8 flights for 2 hours 22 mins
QA   4 flights for 1 hour 11 mins

As a final note, Steve did get the bowser to work at the end of the day and as such SPA will be ready to use on Sunday morning, but just be aware of the issue failure today and keep it in mind around refuelling time.

Regards,

Nick Sheahon
Duty Pilot