10th of November 2012

Finally the weather was kind to us with a much weaker crosswind than recent weeks & even better, by late afternoon we had complete still over the farm which had planes in the air until well after 5pm.

We didn't have it all our way however as Terry had arranged a series of challenges consisting of grass that was missing, along with piles of pallets that threatened to destroy any aircraft that wandered off its landing course!

We had a good turn out of members & many aircraft made it into the air over the day.

James brought out the 'Old Girl'.

I brought along the Saratoga & the Stuka whilst Paul brought out the mighty Bulldog.

Anthony's hangar.

Curtis' hangar with the all important esky!

Also pictured is Michael getting some help from James to sort out his Katana & welcome back to Stu who brought out his Zephyr for a blast.

Brendon put on a show with his Tiger Sports by taking off with his ailerons reversed which led to some amazing 3D moves followed by his best ever landing!

He also had his PC-21 with him that James put through her paces after Paul sorted the engine issues.

Pilots box with obstacle course in the background!

 

Waiting in the start-up area - James' Edge 540.

Only one mishap which I think Anthony actually wanted to happen so he could buy a new one!

Dennis & Bob both flew a number of electric foamies whilst Paul flew the wings off that big Pitts!

Thanks to James & Paul who coached me through my first solo take-off with the Stuka & also helping to sort out the flap/elevator settings.

The last landing with full flaps was beautiful to watch!

Here's a couple of snaps from a video of a low pass with James at the controls.

 

The bar was opened late & because of the excellent conditions the last of us didn't leave until after 6pm.

See you next week.

Cheers, Rob.

3rd of November 2012

Yesterday at the turf farm started with nice light winds but by around 11:30am that gusting, swirling wind that we've been putting up with for weeks was back! (Getting damn hot too)!

It didn't stop quite a few members coming out for a fly & we had a few laughs along the way.

Apologies to everybody that most photos from yesterday are of Stuka Mark II but I guess that was the main focus of my attention for the day - I'll do better next week I promise.

Anyway, here is the new improved Mark II which flew very nicely after some expert trimming from test pilot Greg W.

Another massive thanks to Paul Dixon who again put in many hours with me to get this bird into the air, including resurrecting my YS FZ-140 Limited which had some major issues after arriving from the USA.

When I grow up I wanna be just like my Dad! (Anthony's JU-87G in winter camo).

Paul's 55 powered PC-9 met an unfortunate end after a radio glitch on approach.

Dennis showed off the foot-operated bungee launcher which was expertly designed & built by Graeme - what a piece of engineering!

 

Also in attendance but not mentioned above were Bill x 2, Peter, Michael, Curtis & Bob.

We opened the bar late & had a few beers & a few more laughs.

Again we hope for better weather next week.

Cheers, Rob