Weekend 15-16 March

Another busy weekend at Waikerie – despite the continuing hot, dry weather.
The Committee met on Friday evening – with the main issues addressed being fleet insurance and the purchase of an AS K21. More about these later.
A Flight Crew meeting was held on Saturday morning under the Chairmanship of the CFI, Mark Morgan. A range of operational issues were addressed, Independent Operator ratings were renewed and it was agreed Peter Robinson would be Acting CFI when Mark is away for 6 weeks overseas. Notes from the meeting will be circulated to the Flight Crew Members and a summary to the wider membership.
After the meeting, Bill Mudge flew a couple of AEFs and conducted severl Checkflights in the Duo-Discus. Phil Hollick flew his recently purchased Twin Astir performing aerobatics above the airfield with Aiden and Dion Baker. Fifteen members sat down to dinner in the evening over a few wines before the recently screened Darwin Thunderstorm program was viewed.
Perhaps the highlight of the weekend was the gliding conditions on Sunday. The day started late – but boomed. Greg Jackson (LS-7), Peter Paine (Discus) and Art Hohmann (LS-4) launched into a sky with developing Cu. Greg and Peter flew south to Alawoona then north to Burra and return, while Art flew to Wunkar, Blanchetown, Burra and return, all experiencing climbs above 10,000 under Cu with a base at around 13,000.
Cath Conway and Phil Hollick launched in the Nimbus 4DM and flew to Stonefield, Burra and return.
All in all, a great weekend.
John Hudson