Apologies for the late report - it only
mirrors my late arrival at the field (sorry
about that).
I got there shortly before 9 to discover the
GYK and IKW both prepped with Messrs Higgs, McCluskey,
Moloney and Wilson all waiting to go.
We found that Prime Minister (Steve) Chapman had
"PASSED GO" and "GONE
STRAIGHT TO THE TUG", which appeared at
the threshold at about the same time
we did.
Second
arrival after the Pie Cart
We set up on 12 and enjoyed watching the
powered guys braving the sporting "blustery" conditions.
First out of the starting gate was Lord
Admiral (David) Higgs with an intrepid customer,
David Archer, who's partner Kerin Hood had
bought him an aerobatic ride. David
delighted us all to a spiffing view of the
top of IKW (from below) and 18 minutes later
he landed smoothly with an amused Mr
Archer.
Next up was Keira De Lore with Professor
(Mike) McCluskey
who's father had bought her a 16th
birthday flight. Though it wasn't her
birthday, I think she had a lot of fun in
her 20 minutes aloft. Her father turned out
to be a Virgin pilot and an ex-military
pilot. Much shooting the breeze occurred.
Keira
is shown the ropes by the Professor
Chief of Surgery Dr (Rod) Wilson took his
colleague up for a wee scoot about the
heavens, notching up another 20 minutes.
Doctor
Wilson’s colleague, Brent
Dixon
Colonel Speedy (Bernard Gonsalves) suddenly realised he had a
gap in his work schedule where he couldn’t get to
the
IS-30 and appeared for a flight.
The
Lord Admiral graciously
strides to give the Colonel a hand
The
good General - as always -
stern but fair.
General (Mick) Moloney took Lynette Finch up who
had arrived with Peter Kenyon and his mother
Rita. He managed to break the illusive 20
minute mark at 21 minutes.
During the preflight, I took a call from
James Maloney's mother Becky who asked
whether we would be still operating an hour from then,
and we decided we would wait around for
them.
The
General settles Lynette in whilst Peter
records proceedings.
Professor (Mike) McCluskey decided to take IKW for
a hanger flight and trumped everyone with 23
minutes from 3000ft.
James Moloney (no relation to the General) turned up about the right time and
General Moloney took him for two 20 minute training
flights in GYK. He
did very well I'm told.
General
Moloney, James, Becky and the Prime Minister
in the background.
All in all a great day with everyone
enjoying a well deserved promotion.
