Not surprisingly the level of flying activity recently has
been quite low – time of year and weather etc. – so not a huge amount to report
in that respect. The AGA had an expedition to Aboyne in Oct and perhaps one of
the participants from Wyvern might be able to share the triumphs and
disappointments with us soon. We also
ran WGC7 in middle of Oct which was fully subscribed with a Signals Regiment
from Bulford and had a solo who was a previous course member back for more,
overall it was very successful. I also
have to say last Saturday was a fine winters day and I thoroughly enjoyed an
outing in my Libelle (probably the last of the year and the first time I’ve
flown the glider since I re-arranged the undercarriage in a field in the
summer!). The LS8 is already in storage
at Larkhill and, at time of writing, all other gliders and motorglider are
trailered or in the workshop out of the way of the wind and weather.
CFI
With Graham currently having his hip replaced and in
consideration that he has been CFI for a good number of years, the opportunity
has been taken to both have a new CFI and to nominate 2 new DCFIs to enable
them to get some ‘hours on type’ before taking over themselves as CFI in due
course. Subject to ratification by the
AGA, Tochi has agreed to take over as CFI for no more than 2 years. Both Danny Carter and Rick Malam have agreed
to take on DCFI duties with emphasis on club member Cross-country development
and Motorglider respectively, both with suitable mentors. In due course I will be asking Danny and Rick
to put forward their ‘terms of reference’ on how they would like to deliver and
develop the role. I would ask that you
give Tochi, Rick and Danny your full support, remember DCFI and Duty
Instructors are acting on behalf of the CFI. Roy continues as a DCFI for the time being with particular
responsibility for Instructor training and conversion in line with his Examiner
status.
Club
Secretary
A
while ago (towards end of Oct) I sought nominations for Club Secretary as Ali
has to relinquish the role from the New Year due to expected work commitments.
To date I have not received any and therefore ask you to think again and bring
your nominations along to the AGM, if not before.
Winch Cable Parachutes
In the past year there has been some expensive damage to
winch cable parachutes caused by thoughtless and careless handling by club
members.
The problem starts when the parachutes are removed from
the tow-out trailer. If the metal
shackles are dropped onto the parachute and then the strop is pulled to the
glider, the bundle of parachute can be rolled over the ground and the metalwork
tangled in the webs. If the glider is
then launched there is a chance of the parachute material being torn by the
metal as the parachute straightens up to align with the pull from the
winch. In the worst cases the material
is ripped from the lift webs and the winch pull can be transferred to a single
web that then breaks.
The problem can be avoided by sensible and careful
handling. If club members follow the
procedures below it should solve the problem.
When disconnecting the parachutes from the trailer, drop
the shackles to one side of the parachute and not on top of it.
When towing the parachute to the glider to launch, grip the
strop close to the parachute so that the chute is pulled straight and not
tangled.
When checking the weak link before launch, also check that
the parachute is laid out straight
and not tangled.
Remember to keep an eye on helpful visitors or course
members and tell them how it should be done. (John Welsh)
Airfield Manager’s Office
The site has informed us that they plan to build an
‘Airfield Managers Office’ on the edge of the airfield adjacent to our old LPG
compound. From the drawing (also
attached at the end), whilst it would not appear on our approach on ‘26’ it is
certainly quite close and very visible on the starboard nose whilst on the
approach. I don’t believe it is any
worse than when caravans were parked on the corner of the tarmac outside 86
Hangar, but may cause some pre- and early solo pilots concern. I suggest you take a look yourself on your
next approach.
Dates for the diary:
AGM: Sat 21 Jan @ 1730 in the clubhouse
Centenary
Longest Day and Annual Dinner: Sat 23 Jun
‘Parish Notices’:
Annual Awards: I
need your nominations for Wyvern Trophies for the forthcoming AGM (2010 winners
in Brackets) and thank you to those who have made nominations already:
· Chairman’s
Challenge - Award for whatever the
Chairman wants! (Club Members)
· Tempus Fugit Trophy - For the fastest closed circuit flight from Upavon (Allan
Tribe)
· Mike’s Mug - For the greatest progress in the sport (Alec Watt)
· Merit Cup - For meritorious services to WGC (John Bradley)
· Aquilla Cup - For the Best Ab Initio Pilot (not awarded)
· Robbie’s Wren
trophy - The CFI’s award (Rick Mallam)
· Barry Perks Trophy - For overall endeavour (Neil Godson)
· Whooops! Trophy - For the greatest foul-up of the year (Terry King)
Jamie as ‘Ladder Steward’ is hopefully doing the math for:
· Wyvern Open Cross
Country Shield
· Wyvern Non-Competition
Cross Country Ladder Shield
I’ve probably missed something… you will no doubt let me
know!
And finally… Happy New Year!
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