August 2010
Welcome to the August newsletter. Can’t say that the weather has been that flash for flying. We have started to see a bit of sunshine, which has been very welcome. Hopefully you will be able to get some flying in now. This time of the year is a busy time for farmers so there will be no flying for me for a while. Please be aware of people lambing. Sheep and sheep farmers don’t appreciate low flying at this time of the year.
We have some new members this month. It’s welcome back to Paul Godfrey. Paul is busy giving a Drifter a makeover and hopes to be in the air soon. He used to fly a single seat Thruster back in the good old days. We also welcome his son Tony as a new member. Christopher Glassford has joined along with his father Gary. Hamish Fraser has also joined our club. We hope you all enjoy your time with us.
The MBZ is coming. An MBZ is a mandatory broadcast zone. If you want to fly at Rangiora (RT) you will need a radio and a license (FRTO) to operate one. Dave Mitchell, our intrepid CFI, is planning to run a FRTO course in October. More details will come out in the next newsletter.
The committee are planning in the future to build new clubrooms to cater for the needs of club members. These will be in our designated CRAC area close to number 3 hanger. Jerry Savage is compiling a wish list for the ideal clubrooms. We realise that there maybe need to be some cutbacks from the ideal clubrooms. For instance, the 3 table snooker room and the spa pool may not make it but if you have any ideas for a new clubrooms please let Jerry know so that these ideas can be put in the mix.
Some things that have been happening
Mike Sheffield has the Pober Pixie (Pathfinder) up and running and has been out flying and fine tuning it.
Duncan Fraser has Budgie’s engine back in and is busy running it in. He will be back in the air very soon.
Harry Devonish has been away at Mecca, well Oshkosh, but it is Mecca for many. Looking forward to a report.
My KTP is getting the rotax treatment and is coming along nicely in Paul Woodley’s workshop, along with Nigel Forrester’s KTN. You won’t miss Nigel in the air with his Karatoo painted fire engine red.
Jerry Savage has 2 rotax engines for his Pulsar and is trying to work out if he can make it a twin.
We have a new Advanced local pilot in the club. Buzz Harvey successfully passed his Flight Test (with the CFI) - which included a Passenger Rating. Congratulations Buzz!
Club captain Grant Porter has been involved in getting our club involved in the Spring Family Fest that is being promoted by Visit Waimakariri. This is a great promotion for our club. It is all happening at the beginning of October. More details next month
CFI’S Corner
MANDATORY BROADCAST ZONE
It is fairly well known now that Rangiora will have an MBZ embedded in the existing CFZ, which will be active on the 18 November. This MBZ will take the form of a circle of 1 1/2nm radius centred on the reference point for the airfield. People wishing to use the airfield from this date on must have a radio-equipped aircraft and must have a FRTO licence. Those that have been operating NORDO would be well advised to look now at getting a radio installed in their aircraft. As well, to assist with the FRTO requirement, the Club will be running an FRTO course - and exam - during October. All Club members not so qualified are advised to attend. The date and details of the course will be promulgated in the next Newsletter.
The November 09 Chart showed a CFZ in the Banks Peninsula/Lake Elsmere area called "Christchurch Traffic" on 118.75. Well, this has been extended to cover all of Banks Peninsula and the new Title is "Banks Traffic" - same frequency.
With all this rain we have been having, and aircraft out in the weather, or being refuelled in the damp, don't forget to check your fuel for water. We can get a bit blasé with this one, possibly having never found water in the fuel before - and the one time that it really matters - we miss the check - and have a forced landing on our hands when the engine stops. So get into the habit of checking the fuel for water on your Before Flight (as required by the Aircraft Flight Manual) - and after a refuel
Keep a good "Lookout" out there - and when preparing for takeoff especially upwards - where the helicopters are!
From Mike Sheffield
HI guys, I propose we have a DVD and egg and chip night on the 3rd. I will arrange all the grub and a couple of DVDs. $5 head.
That’s it for this month. Keep safe out there and remember you can email me at dbmcp@xtra.co.nz with any articles or stories we would all be interested in.
Dave McPherson KTP