May 2004

What the President has to Say..

The AGM was reasonably well attended by the usual people and some new faces . All went well and there was little of any controversial nature to discuss. The major items of interest were the introduction of a family membership ,the raising of our sub to $60 /year and the decision to buy a Rotax 582 for our new RANS.

The family membership was introduced to ease the burden on families in the same household who have more than one member. So if you have a son or daughter living at home who wants to be a member then it will only cost $90 not $120.

The new committee is slightly changed and is shown on the inside cover page. We welcome new members Ritchie White , Glen Finlater , Chris Dyer and new CFI Mike Small. Check out the inside cover for a full list of all committee members and their contact details.

It has been sometime since my last confession and a story containing these is contained later in the news letter.

Times they are a changing. In this ever increasing world of politics and red tape Microlighting is not going to go unnoticed. Some of you may have already heard that the flying rating system is going to be significantly upgraded as will be the ratings of our instructors. A paper for discussion has been generated by RAANZ and circulated to ATOs for comment. It is early days yet as to what the final outcome will be but there will certainly by some major changes in our sport. At this time the sport is under scrutiny by CAA and RAANZ and we must all do our bit to ensure that we obey the rules and regulations that currently govern us. People are out there that take notice of our flying habits and we must at all times obey the rules. If you are in doubt on the interpretation of some of these rules clarify them with your instructor or RAANZ. We must be seen to be proficient and intelligent with our flying and as I have said before (not including HAWK engines) check and double check your equipment, the weather and your flight plan before flying.

The Committee will soon be asking you to contribute to a club wide data base that we are complying to help you keep track of important dates relating to your flying activities, please provide dates of your medical, licence and aircraft fitness certificate expiry dates so that we can help you to stay legal. One of the problems that we are seeing is that pilots are having significant events while not being current with their medical certificate, licence or aircraft fitness certificate. It will be most embarrassing for you and the club if the significant events go to CAA and they find that you are not current. This does not go well for the club, or RAANZ when dealing with CAA. The database that we are putting together will help us avoid these situations and will present us in a more professional light with CAA if we have to front up to them. So when asked for this information please help out.

So ,What has been happening out there.

I have been a little slack lately in getting a news letter out . Must be post traumatic stress syndrome bought about by many practiced out landings.

The social scene is becoming more active with Glen's influence so get behind him and support the events.

Mike Small is getting to grips with his new job of CFI by introducing a new members kit containing log book, flying manual ,maps ,scale rule and hat. This will be provided at a modest cost to new members and old .

Simon Eden has been very busy in his little garage in Kaiapoi producing the next Karatoo. He has finished the wing construction and tail and has been busy cutting and welding the fuse. He is making a very professional job of it and it is a real tribute to his aero modeling skills transferred to the big stuff.

Bevan Chamberlin is busy in his hanger on his D11 and again he is doing a very fine job. The club has a lot of building talent that are only to willing to help the budding builder with ideas for a project and tips on how to carry them out.

Barry Gurdler and Bevan are putting the finishing touches on the mini Fisher Pitts that now has a new VW engine and a look alike Polykarpov nose.

Wayne Wilson has finished his Fiesler Stortch and it looks fantastic. Brent Thompson has made the fiberglass cowl and slats to make the plane look really authentic. Great job Wayne we look forward to the first flight and the next project.

Kim Twentyman is back on working on his Tornado after redecorating his house. The fuse is looking good with the aluminum covering being fitted now. The wing from the original will be repaired . Roger is also doing some work on his but the sleuth has not seen this one.

Wayne Woodward has bought the Z- Max and seems to be pleased with it . He was so elated with its performance and the plane was so pleased to have a new owner it went for a flight on it's own with Wayne as a reluctant but willing pilot.

Glen Finlater is the proud owner of Wayne's Mirage and he has carried out his first solo circuits for some time . Well done Glen.

Bevan Kendal has bought a single seat Thruster from Paul Woodley but is still flying his Mirage. If you want a good starting aircraft for a good price call Bevan. I have flown it and it is a pleasure to fly.

Mike Kindon has sold his Neiuport to Greg Sneddon and this is now domiciled in No 1 Hangar.

The Easter flyin was a great success and fun was had by all. The weather cleared for us for most of the weekend and some good flying took place . The highlight would have been the flight to Wigram by 16 planes of various types flying along the beach and along the Hills to approach Wigram on 03.

An interesting poker run took place in fine calm weather but we lost a couple of players who were caught in the local NW conditions at Dave McPherson's place.

Another local weather condition nearly cost a few planes when a very strong ,almost twister, whipped across the airfield and caught a Cherokee as it was landing . After a landing of sorts the pilot was later seen driving away and his wife flew the plane on to Christchurch.

Thanks must go to Graeme and Valarie Main who organized the meals and sponsorship of the kit packs. Thanks to Patricia, Anne Eade and Robyn for the help with the catering.

Sunday 30th May saw a rare visitor to Rangiora. A Boeing 107 twin rotor helicopter owned by Columbia

made a brief visit for refueling. This is a very impressive machine that is turbine powered and with a fixed rotor speed made quite a lot of noise while refueling. Once refueled the pilot adjusted the rotor pitch and the machine lifted effortlessly off the ground and headed South. Quite a crowed of people gathered after seeing the Heli in circuit. The brightly painted Boeing 107 helicopter was on its way to bottom of the South Island to do some log lifting and stopped overnight in Timaru.

Owned by Tauranga-based company Columbia New Zealand the helicopter arrived in New Zealand in February after a complete overhaul by the United States parent company in Portland, Oregon.

Columbia general manager Craig Keighley, who also pilots the Boeing, said the majority of work undertaken was heavy lifting in forestry, fire-fighting and construction.

"The tandem rotor system and twin engines makes it ideal for that type of work."

Mr Keighley said it was a very strong aircraft and a pleasure to fly.

The Boeing 107 was born in the early sixties and the Columbia's craft dates from later in the decade.

Mr Keighley said a recent overhaul means it effectively has zero hours on the clock.

The helicopter is a twin pilot aircraft and has a crew of three engineers as well as carrying a team of two forestry professionals.

While the Boeing 107 is a workhorse its big brother the 234 is better known by common name "Chinook" which was used extensively the United States army forces. (Courtesy Timaru Herald)

Our New Rans S6 'Crusader'

At the AGM it was decided to buy a Rotax 582 engine as the instructors thought that the 503 was a little small and did not provide a good margin. A 2nd hand 582 was sourced in Australia and this was purchased. On arrival this motor looked as though it had been stored on a dirt barn floor and then left there through numerous NW windy days and occasionally the owner ,just for good measure ,sprayed white paint in the vicinity of the uncovered engine . So it looked a little sorry on arrival and it looked as though it may need to be stripped down . On closer investigation after a good clean up it was found the owner had gone to some trouble to ensure that all vital bits had been lubricated and covered. So with a little more cleaning it was mounted and wired up by Ross. Thanks to Brent Thompson who has made a new prop for it . A new radiator is being fitted now and the cowls will follow that then she is ready to test. A great thanks must go to Paul and Brent who have got the plane into a flying state in such a short time. The club is waiting to get into it and I think you will have to book it well head as the thing is going to be popular. We have not set a definite cost/hr yet but it will definitely be less than VSI and at this stage we think that one up and dual pricing will be the same.

VSI will be leaving us soon after repairs have been carried out on the prop, wheels and covering after it had a fight with a waratah fence recently. Some times these thing just don't want to fly.

Ramblers Corner

6 is Enough ?

I decided 3 years ago that after flying model aircraft for 20 years that I would try something different. On occasions Microlights had dropped into the model field at Boundary road and I was mildly interested .As time went on I became more fascinated by the micros and decided to move from models to the real thing.

About this time I also met Ivan and got involved with his project at Loburn Abbey so I was hooked and soon bought the Hawk and started dual instruction with Mike Small. I had been a glider pilot in the late 70's but on getting married and moving to Kaiapoi I soon lost interest and time was taken up with building a nest for the family. I did however start to get more involved in modeling and this kept me busy for the next 20 years.

Microlighting looks like fun ,free as a bird ,go where you want ,meet new people ,got to be good.

Sold some planes ,worked for a little extra cash and bought the hawk. Stationed at Ivan's after my solo I built up hours doing small trips . My first cross country (from Rangiora to Ivans, I know a big one) ended in a tossing an turning exhilarating flight in a gusty NW . I landed safely and was ecstatic. What a buzz ,couldn't wait to do it again. As time went on the engine spewed more oil and Ivan thought it time to fix before it left me some where other than where I wanted to be.

I stripped it down ,found broken studs ,loose head bolts, leaking caskets and worn belts. I ordered replacement parts from the states and put it back together . It has to be better than it was surely!!

Ran it up on the ground for an hour (after getting the ignition wiring around the right way) before taking to the air. On downwind leg speed was around 70mph ,bit fast ,throttle back, go on to base, all quiet -unusual noise (no noise).Now What? Glides well doesn't it? That paddock looks OK . 30 ft high-S..t there's a waratah fence across it . Nose up, missed it ,good- Oh no !. Arrestor hook at back caught it and dumped the Hawk on the deck. Broken legs ,middle of paddock and 3 paddocks form the runway. Now What ? . Great day spent heaps of money and time for 60 sec flight.

After de-rigging and transportation back to the hangar ,on a sack barrow, the engine was stripped cleaned up and put back together. It ran OK but noisy. Put a new piston in and much better.

That was No1

Now my flying career restarted with confidence.

Went to Kim's one day ,had coffee and took off. Got to 800 ft, where can I go if I needed to ? Over there would be OK. So the Hawk obviously thought the same as me and promptly dropped a plug. Landed safely . Now What ? Have a look around ,what can I see? That plug cap usually sit's on top of the plug I think ,better put it back on . It won't go on!- I fixed it !! Off we go again, over the HT lines back to Ivans. That was No2

Approaching Ivans on finals - all goes quiet again . What is that big fluffy white thing in the middle of the strip I am heading for ? Am I going to miss it?-Touch down . I missed the wayward sheep wandering the runway, must warn Ivan. Now What? . Drag it back to the hangar. That was No 3

New spark plug caps fitted . Still confident and looking forward to the next flight . I took off for some local flying.

Over to Kims and a coffee on my own. Took off on the way home and passed the same paddock I had landed in before . Looks like a good paddock ,glad I chose it . What's that ? All quiet again . The Hawk wanted to re-visit the paddock so we did . Good landing . Now What? Had a look around ,all looked in place . Sit and ponder. Look harder. Pull on wires and plug leads. Hey that wire shouldn't come out like that. Lucky I have a good tool kit in the hawk! Put the wire back in and test engine . All OK fly over the HT wires again back to Rangiora. I feel my confidence starting to wane a little here and wonder if I will get home. That was No 4.

After a long session of checking everything again and then checking everything again some one said "welcome to the world of cheap aviation" Yeah ,thanks .

After 50 hours of nervous flying I was just starting to get to like this microlighting. It's a mid -summer evening the sky is clear and the air calm . I am flying into the circuit with the sun setting ahead of me ,the sky is pink ,red and a myriad of blue hues that pained a paradise. This is what it is all about . I think I will fly down to Russell Brodies next week .

I filled the tank and took off on route to Russell's . Through the victor lane ,shadowed by a 737 500 ft above me. I wonder if he saw me? I sure as hell saw and felt him!

A great day at Russell's ,good crowd and lot's of planes. Left for home early afternoon and decided to get fuel at Ashburton. Arrived Ashburton and had a look at the museum while waiting for Mike Small. Filled up and headed for Rakaia. The river approached and I climbed to 1200 ,don't want to get caught over there without power. Where can I go from here? Over there looks OK ,yes it does thinks the Hawk so it is very quiet again! Mike and Dave see me heading down and wonder what's going on . Dave took some good photo's.

Another safe landing . Now What? Mike circles overhead and then lands . Seems some things have come adrift inside the motor. Oh that makes a change I have got little bits of metal this time!.

Mike flew me back to Rangiora and Trisha is waiting for me . That was No 5

This is getting beyond enjoyment . After a while of contemplation I decided to fix it again . Fitted new parts and ground tested . Had the help of experts . What more can I do . It has to be OK now. Neville decided to go for a flight to the beach . I thought I would tag along for a short time. Along the beach to Amberley , far enough ,turn back. Gain height and pick a good route just in case. That route looks OK ,no trees or fences ,climb to 1200ft . That paddock looks OK ,yes it does says the Hawk ,let's try it . All goes quiet again! A bit high ,get the flaps down another notch, side slip a little ,that's better. Touchdown. That hedge is coming up fast , try a ground loop or skid . Not bad ,but not good enough . Only slight damage to the nose . Now What?

I can hear traffic on the radio but no one hears my call. I found a phone and made a call. Mike arrived in VSI and I guided him in . We secured the site and jumped into VSI . Wind was 0 ,paddock was 200m air was still.

We took off at 100m and gained no height .That fence is coming up quick. We dropped and took out the fence . Minor damage. Hurt pride .Now What? Thanks for cell phones. A trailer and helping hands arrive in an hour. The Hawk was dismantled and taken home. VSI was flown out the next day. That was No 6 ,or is it No 7!

What Makes us do this ? Am I ready for the next flight? Yes!!

Why I am I still going to fly ? Because I can!

Things learnt.

Planning your route and obeying the basics of our sport have helped me on a number of occasions avoid damage and injury (not including my nerves and confidence). I have found that keeping above minimal heights choosing a route free of ground hazards and always being on the lookout for a suitable landing place have all played there part in successful outcomes after a tricky situations. Do not fly over large areas of trees, river beds, hills and inhospitable terrain without sufficient height to make a suitable landing area. Fly within your confidence.

Calendar Events

Waikari Flyin is for 12th June. Again Sam Mahon and his team have organised a great day for us so please attend if it is at all possible. A briefing will be held at the Club rooms at 8.30 a.m.

Video Night - The first of a series of three nights will be held on Friday June18th at 7.30 p.m. at the Clubhouse. We will be showing a classic TV Serial about the early months of the RAF in France during 1940. This is a story about a Spitfire squadron sent to France before it was overrun by Germany. A Piece if Cake is six episodes long and we will show the next two on 2nd July and the last two on the 16th July.

Mid Winter Christmas Function - We are planning to have a Pot Luck Dinner and the Club will provide a roast turkey. Bring your Christmas spirit, clothes and grub along and enjoy a festive night around the campfire. Please do not forget to bring a plate. The date for this special event will be 24th July from 4.00.m. onwards. (Do not forget your PARTNER).

Air Training Corps Introductory Flying Day - 10th July

The 18 Squadron ATC will be visiting our club on this day for introductory flights.

Air Training Corps Flying Camp - 11th and 12th September

Our Club will be hosting a flying camp for the 18 Squadron ATC for those that have got the flying bug from the previous flying day. They will camp on site and organised events will be held. It is hoped that some of the Cadets will get a good taste of flying that may see them join the Club in the future.

Club Fund-raiser

The Club will be carrying out a fertilizer drive through out Rangiora to raise funds for the Clubs flying training program and possibly offering a flying scholarship to one or two locals. We will be delivering order forms and information to all Rangiora homes taking orders and then delivering 10kg bags of various fertilizers. This is an excellent quick way of raising funds that benefits everyone. I hope you will make yourselves available to help deliver order forms and the fertilizer when required. The drive will be approximately end of August.

WANTED

We have kindly had donated a real lawn mower that needs a bit of loving attention if you can help please ring Michael on 327-6448.

Any spare plants for our new garden area.

Articles for the magazine.

Tips and places that have done work for you so I can update our "Who does this" list.

Notice

From May 1st all aircraft rigged or un- rigged will be billed at $80 a month.

Please ensure that if you remove a plane from the hangar to get yours out ,put it back before you fly.

Parking

The airfield users group committee have asked that we do not park in front of our clubhouse or the side of the new hangar behind us. The area we can use is on the road way infront of the new hangar and Bevan Chamberlins hangar or at the back of the aero club. Please abide by this until we can sort out a common sense approach to parking for the CRAC.

Club Jackets and Hats

The committee is looking at organizing the purchase of club jackets and caps. We are looking at various types and designs. If you have any contacts in this field or ideas on what we should get let me know.

As part of this we are asking for the members to come up with a club emblem that we can embroider on the jackets and hats . If you have an idea send it to me either by e-mail or post to PO Box 440 Rangiora. A suitable prize is available to the winner.

A Jacket with embroidered emblem will cost around $45 and a cap about $10. Colour theme will be red and Black

Official Micro Chat Frequency.

Please use 133.375 MHz.

Aviation Quotes.

The following are actual exchanges between airline pilots and control towers around the world.

Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!" Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"

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"TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees." "Centre, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"

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From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long takeoff queue: "I'm f****king bored." Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!" Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f****king bored, not f***king stupid!"

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O'Hare Approach Control to a 747: "United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound." United 239: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight."

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A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was your last known position?" Student: "When I was number one for takeoff."

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A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower Noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadalupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport."

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There's a story about the military pilot calling for a priority landing because his single-engine jet fighter was running "a bit peaked." Air Traffic Control told the fighter jock that he was number two, behind a B-52 that had one engine shut down. "Ah," the fighter pilot remarked, "The dreaded seven-engine approach."

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Taxiing down the tarmac, a DC-10 abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant, "What, exactly, was the problem?" "The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine," explained the flight attendant. "It took us a while to find a new pilot."

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Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7." Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?" Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern .we've already notified our caterers."

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The pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed. The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian in the DC-8 got on the radio and said, "What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?" The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back with a real zinger. "I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours, and I'll have enough parts for another one."

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While taxiing at London's Gatwick Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming: "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going?! I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right onto Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew. she was now shouting hysterically, "God, now you've screwed everything up. It'll take forever to sort this out. You stay there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you and how I tell you! You got that, US Air 2771?!" "Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking: "Wasn't I married to you once?"

Data Base Information Sheet

Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club

Please fill out the details below and email them to the secretary or post The Secretary P O Box 440 Rangiora.

This new letter request will be followed by a phone call to all flying members in about a month if details are not received as above.

Thanks for your co-operation

Name

Medical Expiry Date

Aircraft Registration Expiry Date

RAANZ License Expiry Date

Aircraft Certificate if Fitness Expiry Date