Another fabulous Friday

25-Jul-14

Hi all,

The usual suspects gathered this morning with some notable absentees, namely Judith (no note provided), John Nestor at his book club last Friday of every month, Garrett, Barry and Charles all OS. Present were Bob Turner as Level2, John Knox to fly the tug, Tony Sorensen to assist, Arthur Mailey, Shane Tuck, Karl Bodi and Muz (Murray) Latham, a sand groper visiting Queensland for a few months who flies at Beverly in WA. And of course yours truly and late arrival Kevin Dobbie returning to flying after a lengthy absence.

We started at 30 and launched XQ and JY, both of which were instructed to land on 06, after the power boys ignored our calls to join us and the light wind changed. The Blanik with Muz and Bob Turner landed after 20 mins but Arthur in the Libelle arrived back after a 1 hour 26 minute flight. Meanwhile our passenger Robert Whitehead had arrived and was given a 23 minute flight by Karl, who obviously did not find the lift being enjoyed by Arthur. Shane took the next launch and as you have already been made aware achieved his first hour, he kindly shouted the drinks at close of play. Congratulations Shane. I took the next launch and managed 1 hour 21 in the Libelle, only coming down due to being desperate for a pee, I swear.

Kevin Dobbie then resumed his training program and Muz went again with Bob, after which he had a short solo flight. All up 7 flights for XQ totaling 3 hours 8, and 2 for the Libelle totaling 2 hours 47.

 We intended to use GYK but during the DI an already listed minor defect with the Airbrakes seemed to have got worse, the control lever balked at fully shutting the brakes and required excessive force to reach the locked position. Speedy had a look and it was decided an investigation was necessary, he entered it as a major. GYK is therefore grounded until the problem is resolved.

Finally, when I got home I realised that I had left my coat amongst the bags lined up outside Kevin's hangar. I hope whoever left last saw it and left it in the hanger. It is a fawn wind cheater with a black lining, actually a reversible coat, I hope I can retrieve it next Friday.