Cobar Barnstorming Weekend

The Cobar weekend was a huge success. A very early morning start for the tow pilots, David Miller, and Arnie Hartley, Instructors David Burrell and Mark Rowe and ground crew, Lionel Simpson and Beryl Hartley.  We arrived in Cobar to a very kind welcome from a large group of locals.

Ian Cooper along with wife Rhonda had put in place a program for an excellent weekend. Four new students Paul, Poi, Ron and Angela booked for five training flights each along with many residents for first time air experience flights.

The terminal building with green lawn and shady trees provided a perfect setting for the bar-b-que organised by Rhonda with proceeds going to the local Angel flight group. Many of the town residents took the opportunity to enjoy a sausage sandwich and a cool drink while watching and participating in the gliding activity over the two days.

The weather was a perfect 29 degrees, Cu to 8’000 ft and 8/10 kt thermals. David Burrell and Barry Fransisco achieved the best flight with a 10 kt climb straight to 8,000’. Barry a long time power pilot was thrilled with his flight in the Duo Discus. Ian and Lionel were hard working ground crew driving the students back and forth to the launch area and running the flight line.

This was the first time the club has undertaken a barnstorming weekend away and I am sure it will not be the last. Many thanks to Rhonda and Ian Cooper for organising the weekend, Patty Fransisco for her help with the B-B-Que and to the club workers who put in the time for this great club activity.  We look forward to seeing our new students at Narromine in the next few weeks.

Photo:  Ian Cooper and Mark Rowe