February 2010

Newsletter and Roster
February 2010

             Date         Tow pilot           Instructor             Instructor          Duty Pilot
             Feb. 6      Sharp                 Hdw Smith                                       Arden
                     7      McKay                Hdw Smith                                       Arden
             13/26     McKay
                             Gibson
                             Sharp RWS @ Tpo

                   20 Finer Tullett McLau-n
                  21      Finer                   Tullett                                              Barham
                  27      McKay                Williams                   Cook                 Arden
                  28      McKay                Williams                   Cook                 I. Finer
            Mar. 6      Sharp                 Hdw Smith               Barham            Walker
                    7      Drummond        Hdw-Smith               Barham            Hopkirk

The month that was:

Only two days flying this month, on the 9th and 30th. Not much to be said about either of them except that on the 9th, Les Sharp and new member Andre van der Elst got out over the Nth Egmont Visitor Centre in WZ and a 48-minute flight. While they were doing this, Jim McKay was trying out the York Road quarry thermals, which are often good value. The next weekend however was one out of the box with some very good flights on both days. Stories saved for next newsletter.

New members:

A big welcome again to Andre van der Elst, Kieran McLaughlan and now Stephen Engelbrecht who have joined the Taranaki Gliding Club. Stephen has previously enjoyed winch launched glider flights in South Africa, Andre trained to solo at Taupo and Kieran took part in a course at Taupo recently and is nearing solo status, I’m sure. Andre had a flight in the Taupo K21 the other day and reports it a delightful glider to fly. We hope you all enjoy your flying with us.





RWS at Taupo:

RWS is currently at Taupo, towing for the Nationals there. Jim McKay, Ralph Gibson and Les Sharp do the flying. Hopefully, the aircraft will be back for flying on the weekend of Feb. 27/28. Judging by the weather, they might all need raincoats. Launching by JTA on the 20/21st.

Mike Jones:

With sadness, we note the passing of Mike Jones, tow pilot and Chief Tow Pilot and a valued committee member. A skilled pilot and a man of outstanding integrity, he was admired by all he came in contact with. For my part, I greatly valued his counsel and efforts on behalf of the TGC. Jim McKay flew RWS as part of a fly-past tribute to Mike after the service at the Hawera Airfield. Our sincere sympathy to Benita and family.



Mike Jones with Ralph Gibson on the occasion in 1996, that their syndicate took possession of our Piper Cub ZK-BRY.

Te Wera:

No date as yet, but arrangements are proceeding so watch this space.

50th Anniversary:

Earlier efforts at fostering gliding in the province had been initiated by the New Plymouth Aero Club in 1953 with Dave Avery and Banga Martin seconded to look after the Gliding Section of the Aero Club. A T31 two seater was purchased from the Auckland Gliding Club and towing done by the NPAC Tiger Moth. The T31 was sold in 1957 and Harry Smith led the formation of the Taranaki Gliding Club in May 1960.
At present we are considering a social function during the middle of this year and a flying event in 2011. You might reasonably expect that we could have done it all now, but some things seem to have intruded and conspired to divert our attention.

Flying the Primary:
Anna Klauser sent these pictures of her taking a winch launch in a primary glider. She is soon to begin an aeronautical degree course.. Good luck Anna!

Cockpit(?) checks.

All Out ! In Flight. Wunderbar !!

Some other things:

Whilst we had a great time the other evening soaring the cloud street between Stratford and the mountain a few things should be considered: -

1. Lookout
2. Treat the cloud-street as a ridge.. port to port passing.. the glider with the cloud street on it’s right will have right of way. All turns away from cloud.
3. Pilots on aero-tow should be clear of traffic and cloud when on tow and when releasing. On release advise intention.
4. A follow the leader system conforming to the established pattern would be safer with clear radio (same frequency!) info as to intention, height and direction.
5. Calibrated altimeters.
6. Lookout!

Noise from the Goverment about increasing GST will have an effect on our costs and charges, should the noise become fact. An example will be membership fees. Paid up July/August including 12.5% GST and GNZ affiliation fees charged including 15% GST in December, is an example of one anomaly to consider.

A “how it is done” session on our oxygen system and flight recorders will be coming up.

25 years back:

Down to two instructors, Bob Struthers and Jim Chaplin.
John Carter, Tim Fidler and Francis Hale join the club.
Jan. 20th a great day with the 33rd flight finishing at 7.30pm and the BBQ and beer followed till 10.30pm! (And we think we are busy with 12 flights.)
Hangar rash to the Rhonlerche and the Auster towplane.
Mogas used as aircraft fuel.

Papa Mike.

The Tullett family towing out their glider