Monday 26 January 2015

Newsletter January 2015



26 January 2015

Dear fellow pilot

Happy new year to all.

It is now less than four weeks to the Central Districts Championships to be held from Waipukurau Aerodrome from Sunday 15th to Saturday 21st February 2015 inclusive with Saturday 14th available as a practice day.

We currently have three towplanes organised to be available for towing. We appreciate all of those who have confirmed their entry to date. For those who have advised they will be entering, it would be appreciated if you can get your completed entry forms to us as soon as possible to help with planning. A copy is available at http://www.glidinghbw.co.nz/links.html.

For newer pilots, this is an ideal first competition and we ask you all to consider entering to have the experience of a fun competition flying over safe country with all types of lift being possible. Consider grabbing one of your instructors and a two seat club glider and come and join the flying while learning new skills.

Below are some photos and a brief report from Gliding Hawkes Bay & Waipukurau member Craig Hunter who flew last Sunday and took some photos:

After one 18 minute attempt, I re-launched releasing above the Pekapeka swamp at 3,000ft just south of Hastings. I then  continued on a southward track  noting turbulence and wisps forming over Lake Poukawa. Soon after I struck lift of 4 to 6kts and climbed to 7,000ft. I then proceeded using a line of convergence to the SW passing Te Aute, Argyll and then eventually Kereru, then NE across the Ngaruroro river to the Taihape Rd then directly tracking back to Hastings. Best altitude 8,000ft. Really enjoyed the blue conditions and the fantastic views. Photos below.





The flying for the contest area has plenty of reasonable priced accommodation available from on field tent sites to cabins, motels and hotels etc all within reasonable distance of the airfield. There are plenty of activities for those odd non-flying days with a wide range of wineries, beaches, cafes and restaurants in the Hawkes Bay area.

Graham White will again be weatherman and along with other experienced pilots, will set tasks suitable for all pilots. Neil Faulknor will be contest director and volunteers have been arranged for ground duties and any retrieves. A number of BBQs and a restaurant dinner are planned for during the event. Any further volunteers would be appreciated and can contact us either prior to or during the competition to volunteer.

Further information will be sent to confirmed entries in the week leading up to practice day on Saturday 14th February.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s competition

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