August 2010

Newsletter
August 2010

A short newsletter to keep you informed as to what has happened and where we are at the moment. The past few weeks have seen a concerted effort addressed to the towplane. The aircraft was de-rigged in early June then the fabric stripped from the fuselage, followed by diligent sanding scraping and polishing of the exposed airframe.
That completed, the fuselage was thoroughly cleaned and then painted and new fabric laid over. That too was painted. The wing root attachments were x-rayed and a penetrant dye used. Some fine cracks were found. These were ground out, re-welded and tested again. Once passed OK, the attachments were painted, decorative markings and registration letters applied and the big day on Sunday when a good muster of members plus Paul Muller, re-assembled the aircraft. Restored to its former glory, the aircraft was pushed outside the hangar, the engine burst into life with no hesitation and came up to full noise. A satisfying moment for all concerned. RWS is now at Flight Tech for its annual which should be straight forward. (touch wood!)

That’s the good news, not so good is that L13 Blaniks the world over, have been grounded following a fatal accident after a Blanik in Austria lost a wing whilst still airborne. Hopefully, the matter can be resolved with the A/D inspection regime and closer inspection periods.

A most enjoyable pot-luck tea at Helen & Peter Cook’s new home at Hawera in early August was enjoyed by all who attended.

After several false starts, an Official Observer re-validation evening was held at Debra & Steve’s place where we were all brought up to date on matters particular to observing and processing claims. Badge flights rather than records the focus.

We note with sadness, the passing of Batch Collins who was the first CFI of the Taranaki Gliding Club when it was formed in 1960. A flying instructor during the war at Ashburton and then Taieri, Batch had flown Mustangs as part of his Territorial Air Force duties. Tough work but some-one had to do it. He attained the rank of squadron leader. For awhile he owned a Slingsby Prefect glider, one of the early single seat sailplanes in the country. I guess that Harry Smith may have been responsible for ensuring his active role with the fledgling Taranaki Gliding Club. His paid job in Taranaki was that of art adviser with the Taranaki Education Board and a later hobby was fashioning model aircraft from empty beer cans.

Worthy of mention is Glyn Jackson, who phoned in on Sunday from Holland, claiming the first flight of the season having had two flights in a Duo Discus off the wire at a gliding club he’d “just happened to visit.”


He does look happy.



Jim McKay fires up the Pawnee under the watchful eye of Paul Muller.

More good news is that The Taranaki Electricity Trust has awarded us $30,000 for hangar extension. Added to $15,000 from the TSB Community Trust and $10,000 from Pub Charity, we have enough to get the building built, though we might have to forgo a concrete floor for a while. We are very grateful for the financial assistance. The task of raising funds of that amount is formidable.



25 years back:                                                                                                                                   Les Sharp reported on an active year. Three first solos – Rodney Smith, Varina Way and Rangi de Abaffy. C Certificate – Rodney Smith. Instructor ratings- Louis Trichard, Chris Griffin.
Auster BDW sold for $22,000 and the Piper Cub BRY
purchased for $35,000.

Subs for the new year to be $80.

Flying members       35
Associate members 11
Life members            3

Hours: Rhonlerche 32hrs
           Blanik 55hrs
           Astir 73hrs (?)
           Piper Cub 70hrs since purchase

Annual Meeting: About the second Tuesday in September.  To be confirmed.

Papa Mike.