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
