July 2010
WOW. What a fantastic day we had on the 4th July at the opening of the new number 3 hanger. The weather was crystal clear perfect and everyone got into the spirit of the day by getting their aircraft out for all the visitors to see. Hard luck trophy of the day had to go to Ross Marfell who had a prop strike when he was taxiing quietly on the airfield. I hope that all the landing fees that are going to be collected by the WDC will be put to good use and improve some of the taxiways around the field.
After a speech and presentation to Mike Sheffield and Phil Richards by President Bruce. At the same time that Terry Salmon was doing a high speed run in the ‘little corby’, Mike Sheffield officially opened the building. This was the signal for people to have a look around and have a ‘snarler’. It was great to see people wandering around enjoying themselves. We even had Sue White from “The Breeze” radio station there doing a bombing run with Caroline.
Talking of bombing, thanks
to Grant Porter and Steve Noad, we had a bombing competition. The
idea was to drop the plastic duck into the swimming pool from 200ft
above ground level. At the height some flew, I think they thought
that it was 200 ft above sea level. Never mind, it was good fun and
you will be pleased to know that no ducks were hurt during the
competition. Here are the official top three placings. Thank you to
all who entered.
|
|
|
Drop 1 |
Drop 2 |
Drop 3 |
|
|
Place |
|
Mike Small |
|
2 |
4 |
7 |
|
13 |
1st |
|
Bruce Norrie |
|
10 |
10 |
2 |
Bounce in to Target |
22 |
2nd |
|
Phil Richards |
|
19 |
20 |
5 |
|
44 |
3rd |
This is your Captain Speaking
So here we are with the first event at RT behind us since the new Committee has been in,
The weather was great and a good turnout from members and the public, so now that we have broken the ice and found a few glitches that need addressing, in the future, we will endeavour to get more events happening.
The main thing is the events are for YOU, “the club members” and its important that we develop each event to be suitable for more to take part in, so ideas are always needed. (So send them in)
Some things to consider is how do YOU want to be informed, Email, Phone, TXT and or web site? I have found that a few didn't check emails for several weeks and often people only check emails once or twice a week and even then don't open attachments such as the promo we sent! Also we had a promo up at the club and many didn't read it even though they had been in the clubrooms over that period. (Please take time to look)
We have been trying to promote the club as much as we can without costing too much and so far with the help of some club members we have received a good response from the Essence Magazine in the way of a 2 page story along with the efforts from Sue White from the Breeze radio station talking about the club, both of which cost us next to nothing apart from a flight or two for both concerned.
(The big plus is we have made some good new friends that we hope will keep in contact and hopefully join the club)
CFI's CORNER with Dave Mitchell
WHO HAS CONTROL ?
I see another Tiger Moth has taken to the skies in the last few months. What a sight that is going to be when eventually we see all four of them flying in formation.
Following on, I thought it timely to remind those flying tandem seat aeroplanes, of the correct technique for handing over control from one pilot to the other. This is especially important where the crew are physically unable to see each other, Many accidents - or near ones - have been caused through each of the crew thinking the other was flying the aircraft - when in fact - neither was!
A briefing before flight is always necessary with this type of aircraft, as to how control will be handed over. Lets take an example where the pilot in the rear seat wishes the pilot in the front seat to take control. If the aircraft is radio equipped he will announce over the intercom "YOU HAVE CONTROL" and then rock the wings twice. The pilot in the front seat will reply "I HAVE CONTROL" and rock the wings twice. The pilot in the rear seat will then release his grip on the controls and raise his both hands head high so the pilot in the front seat can see them through his rear view mirror (you do have one fitted don't you!). This is the standard technique used to hand over control and works just as well if no radio is fitted. Just leave the radio bits out!
On another note, I have observed The Pilots Intention Board in the clubhouse - BLANK - and JOR nowhere to be seen! Pilots of Club aircraft are reminded that the Intentions Board is exactly that - and is to be filled out when taking aircraft out of the circuit. This is especially important if you are on a cross-country. We need to know where to start looking if you become overdue! Pilots must also ensure the aircraft is "booked out" on the computer booking system and this of course applies to ALL aircraft operated by the club. It is extremely inconvenient having checked on your computer at home, that an aircraft is available, to arrive at the club to find the aircraft - gone!
Cross-countries are almost always going to involve an "out landing". Remember, Club aircraft are only permitted to land at Registered Airfields - as listed in the NZAIP Vol 4. The committee have also approved other airfields eg Oxford and Woodbury. All other sites require the specific approval of the CFI or his Deputy.
Roy gets his ducks in a row.
Keep a good LOOKOUT up there,
Dave
Club News
We have some new members. Welcome to Karl Ruddenklau, Robert Northcroft and Graham Johnson.
A committee has been formed to design some new clubrooms. If you have some ideas about what should be in our clubrooms or are interested in joining the committee, see president Bruce.
Lights will soon be going up in number 3 hanger.
Club Captain Grant is looking at doing a Fathers Day promotion. Any thoughts on this please talk to Grant.
The repair and refurbishment of JOL is going well. The wings are recovered and engine work is being done. It is probably still two months from being finished but it will be like a new aircraft when it is finished.
The coroners report
on Noel Vallances accident has been done. You can view a newspaper
report at this web
address.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/3928713/Microlight-carrying-out-exercise-before-crash
This is the CAA report:
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Accidents_and_Incidents/Accident_Reports/ZK-WYN_Fatal.pdf
A MBZ is coming to RT in November. Be warned that you will need a radio and a FRTO (radio licence) to be able to fly from or into Rangiora airfield.
The WDC (Waimakariri
District Council), bless them, have put in new landing fees. Fees
must be paid to the Waimakariri District Council, not the club.
For
Microlights, you have the following options...
Per
Landing - $5 to honesty box
Per Landing - $30
invoiced ($5 + $25 administration)
50 Landings/Year -
$100 per year in advance
100 Landings/Year - $200 per
year in advance
Unrestricted - $37.50/Month
Unrestricted - $400/Year per year in advance
The club has tried to prevent this happening but to no avail A landing is effectively as many landings on a day as you like.
Ironically a coming event will be a spot landing competition. Watch this space.
From the Editor
I will endeavour to get a newsletter out after each committee meeting. This held the first Wednesday of each month. Sorry I was a bit late this month. I love getting articles, airfield happenings and general stuff to put in to make it interesting. Please email me at dbmcp@xtra.co.nz with anything you might have. Please get them to me by the end of the month so I can get them in the next months newsletter.
Be safe out there.
Dave McPherson