April 2011
Welcome to Aprils newsletter. We have the annual meeting of our club this month. It is a good chance for us all to get together and have some input into the direction of our club. Be at the clubrooms 7.00pm Monday 18th April.
Happenings on the field
Rumour has it, the Glassford clan (Chris and Gary) have themselves a yellow Technam Bravo. It should be seen around the field in the next couple of weeks.
Graeme Mains Jodel is inching closer and closer to flying, as is Jerry Savage’s Pulsar
Grant Porter has started a business servicing Rotax engines. He will be operating “The Landing Spot” from Buzz Harvey’s hanger. He has an advert further on in this newsletter.
My Karatoo is up and flying once again with it’s new Rotax 912s. I am very pleased with it. I have flown up to the North Island for the national RAANZ flyin. I will write an article on that trip some time in the future.
We had a great flyin at the Oxford strip on April the 3rd. Seventeen aircraft were counted and we all enjoyed BBQ (albeit a modest affair). It was a beautiful day and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves.
Coming events
Easter flyin is at Woodbury this year. There is a poster on the clubrooms wall, (which you will be able to see when you attend the AGM on Monday) which explains what is happening. If everything goes well there will be a copy at the end of this newsletter.
The Landing Spot
The only Certified Rotax Service Center on the Mainland
Located at Rangiora in a new hanger located at the West end of the field Also offering a one stop shop for all aircraft issues
Annuals, general maintenance, Repairs, for all Microlight aircraft.
Also Service on any Rotax motors in GA aircraft.
See Grant at “The Landing Spot” (Buzz Harveys hanger)
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.
3Hangar opening was a great success wasn't it! Brilliant weather, a big crowd and many aeroplanes. The novel 'duck dropping' competition caused much hilarity and one competitor even managed to drop a duck into the paddling pool! Height 'over target' will require more attention by 'duck droppers' in future as many were lower (and some MUCH lower) than the authorised 200ft agl
As I finish off this newsletter I hear the news that an 86-year-old microlight pilot is missing. Geoff Smale is a good friend of my brothers (and to some members of our club). My brother John introduced me to Geoff at the RAANZ flyin. What an amazing man. He has led an amazing life including being an Olympic sailor. He learnt to fly at age 82 or 83 and has done 5-600 hours. He has an amazing aircraft with all the bells and whistles. I have no idea what the outcome will be as I write this but we are thinking of his family and friends as they wait for news. Just a reminder to be safe out there.
Don’t forget the AGM. Monday 18th April
Until next time
Safe flying
