Narromine Gliding Club Members Blog

ROB MOORE NARROMINE MEMOIR

2011-10-02T18:16:00.002+11:00

Hi Ross,

I Remember it well it was late 1962 as my brother and I were there crewing for Bill Selge who was flying a BG12, as 19 year olds and just as well he had some young bucks to help as the glider was "B"heavy and he landed out a lot. Even so we had a great time and will remember it for ever.

I had my first flight in a Kookaburra. met George Detto, Peter Simpson Col Vassarotti and "Jet "Jackson who were flying the SC Grunau Baby against Ka6's etc.

Because of those comps I was hooked on the sporting side of gliding until this day.

Rob Moore

NARROMINE CUP AND 50th MULTICLASS NATIONALS AT NARROMINE

2011-10-02T13:53:00.000+11:00

Hello everyone
NARROMINE CUP:
Don’t forget Narromine Cup week is coming up in the last week of November. Come up and fly with all your friends, try for a personal best, be it Silver C, Gold C, 500K, 750k or maybe that elusive 1000k you are after. We are always looking for willing helpers to take some of the load off Beryl, Arnie, Chris, Kenny Mc and David. So don’t be bashful about offering to help.
If you are thinking about attending please let Beryl know at arnie.hartley@gmail.com

50th MULTICLASS NATIONALS:
The 50th MultiClass Nationals are coming to Narromine in January 2012. Work has already commenced in earnest and the Contest Director is our own Chris Stephens who does such an outstanding job running Narromine Cup week. Chris is also looking for willing helpers. This is quite an historic event for Narromine Gliding Club as the very first Nationals were held at Narromine 50 years ago and we would all like it to be a great event. The competition website is well established and can be accessed from the “MultiClass Nationals” button on any page of the NGC website or you can go there directly via the following link:
http://www.narromineglidingclub.com.au/Narromine50/MultiClass2012.html

If you intend to enter but have not yet done so, please go the site and click on the “ENTRY FORM” button, download the entry form and send the completed form back to Beryl with your entry fee. Banking details are on the form.

ROSS

Easter Gliding

2011-04-05T00:21:00.003+10:00

Hi All,
Consider this, use Easter this year to go gliding with us at the Narromine Gliding Club
This is an invitation to consider doing some serious and recreational gliding in this extended Easter Breaks (five day with Anzac day I do believe).
Take up this chance to have a few days of gliding with a lot of camaraderie in the Narromine tradition of soaring.
There are no scheduled events on the airfield and NatFly, which for many years gliding activity deferred too, is not being held at Narromine this year. So a wonderful opportunity exists to do unencumbered gliding, reclaiming the airfield and delight yourself with the flyable autumn skies for up to five days if your crib in Anzac Day.
So make your plans, book a glider or bring your own, come fly the skies while the locals keep the beer cold and the BBQ hot.
Nothing official has been organised, so organise yourself to glide and make use of this Easter Break.
See you here and be sure to let us know of your intentions.

David
Secretary, Narromine Gliding Club

Committee Meeting

2011-02-27T10:56:00.002+11:00

Hi Guys, our next committee meeting is scheduled for March 5 at 7pm.
David

What You Missed This Weekend

2011-02-20T18:39:00.004+11:00

Narromine turned on some interesting weather today with lots of wave arround late in the afternoon. Ian Cooper enjoyed some refresher flights in OC and as usual we are now enjoying some refreshments as apprentice Matt Thompson burns the sausages....where are you Arnie when your needed!!!!!

Next week looks like returning to normal late summer conditions so get your leave passes early and see you at NRM next weekend

cheers Thommo

BERYL'S BLOG ON NARROMINE ACTIVITY THIS WEEK

2011-02-04T19:44:00.001+11:00

After a week of very hot and blue weather we finally have some fabulous cumulus days. The terrible cyclones in the north are pushing some moisture into our area and although still close to 40 degrees each day we have plenty of Cu as the system moves from Western Qld through far Western NSW and into Victoria. The last two days were a bit too much with some overdevelopment later in the day although we did have some good cross country flights. Today was Cu at 11.00am and still going strong at 7.00pm. Cloud base between 8,000’ and 9,000ft. Welcome to the Japanese group of 6 pilots for the next weeks. A busy time for Tuggies Ben and Arnie and Instructor Goe Teramoto.
BERYL

Goe Teramoto (left)

60 Year Young

2011-01-22T10:37:00.002+11:00

Guess who...Many happy returns for the day.

NARROMINE IS BOOMING

2011-01-21T20:22:00.000+11:00

There must be no gliding championships in Australia for the next week as the summer has finally arrived.
Wonderful cu with cloud bases to 10,000ft. It is expected to be in the 40’s by Wednesday (Australia Day).
So if you are looking to fly for a week of good soaring be ready this weekend anywhere in NSW.
Front up to your club or favourite summer camp site and enjoy the week.
BERYL

2011-01-21T19:58:00.005+11:00

Narromine Perfect Today and better Tomorow

As promised summer has finally arrived at Narromine. 8kts to 9000ft beautiful. Had a vist from Robert (Temora Club) who found conditions so good that he he planned to go to Bennalla yesterday but thought better and outlanded 10klms away. Arnie airtowed him out and he arrived at Corowa after dodging some storms around Temora.

Great day with all flyers enjoying great conditions so get out to your club and enjoy the taste of summer. Then enjoy a few beers at the end of the day.

A Real Summer From Now On

2010-12-17T18:19:00.001+11:00

We have had no rain and our people flew in very good weather last week. Today we have the Cirrus that is over the whole southern part of Australia in the jet stream over us. Conditions have been 6/8 kts to 9000,10000’.

The issue with the wet country is not because we have had rain but because the dams are releasing water into the river systems. The peak of the water has now gone through Narromine last week and the whole area is now drying out very fast. The headers are busy again and the harvest is on full time.

I suspect that we are over the worst and we are looking forward to a real summer from now on.

Hope to see you all here after Xmas.

BERYL.

BRYAN HAYHOW - The Narromine Cup as a transition to XC & Competition Flying

2010-12-01T07:25:00.003+11:00

We all had a great week at Narromine Cup this year and were blessed with good soaring weather. Narromine Cup Week has been the only organised meet this season to not be interrupted by bad weather so far. Following are some of my thoughts on the Narromine Cup.

There has been a resurgence of the regatta concept among many of the more cross country oriented clubs in Australian Gliding of late. Some have a more formal competition element, others less so. All, however, share the same aim of giving less experienced pilots, the opportunity to experience XC/Comp flying in a less pressured environment, while having access to coaches and mentors. The concept has had great success with a good roll up of pilots and a lot of great flying being achieved.

The Narromine Cup has been around now for some eleven or twelve years and has become, probably, the most well known of these events. It continues to draw pilots from all over the eastern and southern states, and usually, some overseas visitors (this year from Spain, The Netherlands, Japan & the USA). It is always a chance to catch up with old friends, as well as get in some good flying for the old hands, while affording the newcomers the opportunity to take advantage of that wealth of experience.

The Cup has always been about providing the opportunity for pilots to be able to achieve their flying goals. There is a complete infrastructure on hand to facilitate that, along with full catering and the scoring via the On Line Competition (with its associated handicap factors). It really could not be made easier or more encouraging for the pilot. The focus is on distance flying and after the morning briefing & weather, pilots will usually split up and task according to their experience and aims.

It’s not uncommon to meet pilots who are looking for their first 50km or 300km flights and just down the grid, find others who are attempting 1000km. It is just that diversity that makes the Cup one of the more interesting for all the pilots involved, the newcomers can fly with coaches and mentors and pair up with others who can assist them around a task. That encouragement & assistance has always resulted, year after year, in many pilots going home with substantial developments in their flying.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Cup for that reason, and in previous years have been involved in a coaching role there at an introductory XC level. This year Paul Mander ran the morning lecture series and, as always, gave great insight into the art of soaring. We were blessed with six challenging days flying and a lot of kilometres covered.

If you are looking to extend your flying, or just want an atmosphere of mutual encouragement, consider adding the Narromine Cup to your schedule. I know that having flown five of the last six Cups has been of tremendous value to me and I look forward to seeing you there at the next one.

CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN AND THANK YOU EVERYONE

2010-11-27T07:30:00.002+11:00

Congratulations to Bryan Hayhow on winning the Narromine Cup, well done mate!

Everyone's all packed up and off to the State Comps at Lake Keepit, but it has been a great week of Soaring at Narromine this year.

Thank you to Paul Mander for running an excellent coaching course during the week, and of course a huge Thank You to Greg Schmidt who stepped in for Chris Stephens and ran the show every day.

Beryl & Arnie and their team worked their hearts out each day to make sure the logistics came together and everyone had tugs to launch and food to eat. Heartfelt thanks to you guys.

Some excellent photos contributed to the blog by David Burrell, Jo Pocklington, and Nikki Douglas, thank you.

If you missed Narromine Cup Week this year, book it into your diary now for next year, it's going to be BIG!

THE END OF ANOTHER GREAT WEEK AT NARROMINE CUP

2010-11-26T19:48:00.000+11:00

Anne Elliott
The airfield looks pretty sad now following a mass exodus of pilots and trailers this morning, some on their way to Keepit. Congratulations to Brian Hayhow on winning this year's Narromine Cup ... couldn't have happened to a nicer fellow. After being o'cast this morning the day has turned out to be pretty good.

SOME GREAT NARROMINE CUP WEEK PORTRAITS - THANKS TO JO POCKLINGTON

2010-11-26T19:46:00.001+11:00


William and Evelien Stalenburg - Keen Glider Pilots, Dutch Airline Pilots and Narromine Airfield Residents. WELCOME BACK!

William and Evelien Stalenburg

The Two Davids and Friend...

DYNAMIC DUO...

You did a GREAT JOB Schmidty - We all thank You.

Ian McCallum, Morgan Sandercock, Phil Eldridge, the lovely Monica and Griffo

THURSDAY AT NARROMINE CUP 2010 - ANOTHER GREAT DAY

2010-11-26T01:41:00.001+11:00

Another great day at Narromine Cup. After 6 days of big flying days some pilots were looking for an easier day and today started with about 10-15 kts of wind from the north west. It rapidly heated up and the cu popped about 12 noon and the line filled up with gliders rushing to get into the best of the early climbs. Good cumulus to 8,000ft with regular 6/8 kts of lift.

Another day of good streeting and tasks in excess of 600klms.

One pilot on the grid today noted he had flown 6 days , two over 300, three over 500 and one over 600. A good start for the season.

The last day tomorrow is shaping up to be another day with the Narromine trough steady over the central west.
Enjoy, BERYL

SCENES FROM THE GRID - NARROMINE CUP 2010

2010-11-26T01:33:00.001+11:00

The Busy Grid at Narromine Cup - Thursday 25 November 2010

Tango Papa Ready To Go

Late Finish At Narromine Cup

A Packed Grid

Tango Bravo is ready to go - while Camden's DG1000 crew prepares to strap in

Ian McCallum from Bathurst club readies his Ventus while Kerrie Claffy does the Zen Thing

Kerry Claffy prepares her Zen Prayer Mat - Oh, no it's just Tango Charlie's canopy cover

11 am and the Cu is already popping in the background

NARROMINE HERO'S

2010-11-26T01:20:00.003+11:00

WE CAN SMELL THOSE SNAGS FROM HERE ARNIE -YOU'RE A LEGEND

THE TRUE HERO'S OF NARROMINE CUP - THANK YOU LADIES - WE LOVE YOU!

NARROMINE GLIDING CLUB'S STATE OF THE ART PAWNEE

EVER DEPENDABLE - BATHURST GLIDING CLUB - THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

UPDATES FROM FACEBOOK TODAY

2010-11-25T16:52:00.002+11:00

Anne Elliott

Look like it's been a top day here in Nrm ... started around 1100 and still working. In staying that I must admit I saw a trailer heading out along the Tullamore Rd about 1645 and heard the tug take off a little while ago. Not sure about Friday and Saturday; check the weather for that. Hopefully the days will be good.

Bernie Baer

Did 451 Km and saw 9,000' a few times but the good thermals were widely spaced and I had a few low spots. Everybody reported it was a bit of a struggle but some flights over 600Km........

DAVID'S PICTURES FROM NARROMINE CUP WEEK

2010-11-25T09:10:00.001+11:00

Good Cu Development to 8,000ft with Streeting

Kenny Mac & some hungry pilots. Good to see Dick is back this year.

Typical Narromine Cup weather, great conditions South West

Beautiful Big Cu's & Lots of them

ASW28 Tango Charlie arriving home after another 500k

Southern Cross Gliding Club brought the DG1000 to Narromine this year

A beautiful shot of Duo Discus IE landing after a good day's soaring

Looks like a very Happy Morgan Sandercock in the Duo Discus

Beryl has catered great food in the traditionally generous Narromine Cup style

Where would we be without you Beryl! You are a Legend.

NARROMINE CUP WEEK - UPDATE WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER

2010-11-24T12:12:00.001+11:00

Perfect gliding conditions today at Narromine.

The weather man David Wilson presented the forecast and at 10.00am the cumulus popped just north of the airfield and the rush was on with tugs ensuring a continuous launch of sailplanes heading off on flights from 500 to 800klms set in their loggers. A light tailwind is helping on the first leg as most head to the southern turn points to meet up excellent conditions predicted in front of the change in northern Victoria. At this time we have 5/8 of cu cover to the horizon in every direction.

The high spirits and camaraderie amongst the pilots who are enjoying the cup week continues to make this a great fun week of gliding. The prediction is for a better day tomorrow.

If you can sneak a day or two off work, get going!
Come flying!! BERYL

NARROMINE CUP WEEK IS OFF AND RUNNING IN 2010

2010-11-21T14:04:00.002+11:00

The Narromine Cup started this morning with early morning cu and a promise of a great week of gliding.

Greg Schmidt from the Kingaroy club as stepped in to fill in for Chris Stephens who is missing in action this year.

Paul Mander is busy with presentations on safety and performance flying and coaching each day in the ASH25.

The weather gods are smiling on Narromine this week with a trough setting up for the whole week to provide a reliable weather pattern in the central west.

Pilots were busy setting up yesterday rigging, checking instruments for the first time this season, fixing all the small jobs that come in the first day. However most flew if only to check out the local area. The farmers are busy getting this year’s crop out to the paddocks. It looks like the best wheat season for this area in many, many years.

Yesterday’s award for the best performance from a club pilot was Kevin Leo with a flight of over 300klms in the standard Cirrus.

Stand by for some great flights from Narromine this week

WEATHERS SHIT BUT MAINTANCE GOES ON

2010-11-14T17:21:00.005+11:00

A FRONT PASSING THROUGH BUT AS USUAL MINIMAL RAIN NO FLYING SO THE BOYS TRIED SOME UNUSUAL ATTITUDES. CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THEY ARE??

MUST GO NOW AS ITS BEER OCLOCK

SEE YOU DON'T HAVE TO FLY TO HAVE FUN

CHEERS

Friday 12 Nov 2010

2010-11-12T18:21:00.002+11:00

Back in operation with a Japanese visitor Mr Masa Horimto being checked in KC by Arnie. Cloud base about 8000 with excellent steeting. Tricky down low. Shino flew about 6 hours see OLC for details.

Maintance continuing with LS4 to finish tomorrow and Discus by next Saturday. Big week so if you can lend a hand please do.

Thermal in sink

Thommo

2010-10-25T15:09:00.005+11:00

GLIDING CLUB EXPANDS ACCOMODATION CHOICES

IN MY TRAVELS I HAVE FOUND A CHEAP ALTERNATIVE THAT SHOULD APPEAL TO THOSE IMPOVERISH GLIDER PILOTS. I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOU TO COME UP WITH THE PROMOTIONAL BANNER AND BLURB....A BOTTLE OF OUR BEST RED WINE (CHATEAU AGRILAND) FOR THE BEST BANNER AND PROMOTIONAL BANTER POSTED ON THE BLOG....SO GET THINKING!!!!!!

Beryl Reports on the Nationals at Dalby

2010-10-11T18:20:00.002+11:00

Another championship - Another Caravan -

Following a disappointing season in Europe our pilots were looking forward to a booming gliding season at home. The national championships are being held in Dalby over the first two weeks in October. This is usually a very reliable time for gliding in the state of Queensland and Dalby has produced some memorable racing days in previous championships.

However in keeping with many events in the northern hemisphere during this last summer, Australia is also experiencing very unusual rain events in many regions. The Queensland state championships planned for Kingaroy were cancelled in September due to a week of rain. The organisers of the Dalby nationals were optimistic that the worst was over and they would be ready for some hot and drier conditions.

We are now mid way through the National Championships and have flown two days for Open and 18 Metre class and three days for Standard and 15 Metre Racing Class. An extensive rain system has now settled over the task area and Dalby airport has turned into a slippery black morass.

My role as steward for the championships was planned to be an easy and enjoyable task and a time to catch up with gliding friends without the hard work associated with being part of an organising group or gliding team. I was very fortunate to be able to arrange for my sister-in-law to bring her very comfortable caravan to the airport and set up on a green and pleasant spot in the camping grounds. Our little dog Tom and I were well settled and enjoying a restful time.

What a few inches of rain can do to spoil this pleasant plan. My caravan is now an island in a sea of sticky black mud and three inches of settled water. My near camping neighbour moved from his tent to a camp on the roof of his 4 wheel drive. My car was rescued by kind Rolf and Peter just moments before it was not possible to move vehicles from the camp ground.

Some pilots have gone home but there is a small chance that it may be possible to still achieve the 4 flying days required to declare a valid championships. The weather stations are now reporting the rain as a “major weather event”. Not good news for gliding championships. It certainly seems that we will not fly tomorrow but there is a chance for Wednesday and Thursday before the next rain pattern. Pilots from the southern states are checking the roads home and wistfully looking to the north for some sign of clearing skies.

I have decamped with the dog to Kingaroy and my sister-in-laws warm and dry house to wait out the worst of the weather and will paddle back to the caravan when the water over the road goes down to allow safe passage. All the pilots who do not have engines are fearful of outlanding as it will be a major rescue if they end up in a wet field with no bitumen access.

Stand by for a further report on the wettest nationals ever.

Annual General Meeting

2010-08-29T15:53:00.004+10:00

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS! - The club Annual General Meeting will be held at 7:00pm on Saturday 25th September 2010 in the club house. All members are welcome to attend. Dinner will be available.

CFI Newsletter

2010-08-22T17:09:00.004+10:00

NARROMINE GLIDING CLUB CFI NEWSLETTER

Notice to all members,
Looking forward to our next season and I just wanted to inform you that CASA has implemented some new procedural changes for radio procedures for non-towered (non-controlled) aerodromes which includes Narromine and Dubbo airports.
Rather than me writing it all into this letter you can read the official documents by clicking on the following links CAAP 166-1 (0) and CAAP 166-2 (0). Also GFA has an Ops Directive No 1/10 and can be found on the GFA website. Please read the documents carefully and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.
My email is k.mcanally@bigpond.com.
Basically the changes:
1. Dubbo is no longer a CTAF-R
2. All aircraft must carry a serviceable radio
3. All pilot must make and understand calls in English
4. The pilot in command shall make any call he decides is required for safe operations and to avoid conflict with other traffic

All solo cross country pilots are required to have an annual check flight. Annual check days are scheduled for Sat/Sun 25th/26th September and Sat/Sunday 23rd/24th October make a note in your diary. Bring your log books and brush up on Airways and Radio Procedures. I will be checking if you have the endorsement signed up in your log book. If not an oral exam will be required to fill this endorsement.
Airways and Radio procedures, a booklet is available from GFA and the club has some, You can also download from GFA website.
A sausage sizzle will be held in the club house on the scheduled days of the check flights.
Note:- Annual check flights are mandatory.
Also welcome to all our Cobar activity and new students and check our website Narromine Gliding Club, for any new blogs.
Regards Ken McAnally CFI

Bumblebees and Dryzabones

2010-08-05T10:38:00.002+10:00

The awesome turbo Z-37 Čmelák doing the towing at Szeged. Originally built with a Walter M 462RF air-cooled 9-cylinder radial engine, now sporting a Walter M-601Z turbo prop. We could possibly do with a few of these during Narromine Cup Week.

Tom & Kerrie enjoying the beautiful Szeged soaring weather (in their Dryzabones)

To The Rescue In Serbia

2010-08-04T10:14:00.000+10:00

BERYL'S SZEGED BLOG:
The world championships are being held in Hungary for the first time and as Europe moved to becoming the great dream of a united Europe many of the previous eastern countries are undergoing great changes in their contact with each other. It was with great delight that the Hungarian organisers informed the competitors of this championships that the airspace in both Serbia and Romania would now be available to them during the event.

We were all duly warned to obtain visas if they were required (Australians do not) and we understood that if our pilot landed in either of these countries we should ensure that all members of the crew and the pilot carried their passport. During the practise period two gliders landed in Serbia, the crew set off with the required documentation for what would be a two hour retrieve at most. The border is just 15 klms south of the airport so it seemed an easy exercise.

The poor crews found themselves under 5 hours of detention at the border, the pilots were stuck in the field unable to leave the glider as they were warned that everything would be stolen if they did leave,they were all in international phone coverage and their prepaid mobiles were ticking like cash registers and they were tired,hungry and very angry.

The organisers were very apologetic and assured all that they would certainly address the issue as a matter of urgency and it would not happen again. So it was with trepidation that the whole 15 metre class set off on their task into Serbia a week later. 48 gliders bravely crossed the border and 48 gliders landed out in regional Serbia. This time they were ready. Each crew carried papers for the glider, the car, the trailer, passports for all crew members present and signed documentation from the organisers. They escaped the traffic jam at the airport as all the other trailers for both open and 18 metre class took off to retrieve their aircraft in Hungary. The whole fleet of 146 gliders landed out on this day.

The cavalcade travelled to the border and gaily passed through the Hungarian sector for just 500 metres until they came to the Serbian border check point. Hours and hours and hours later with pilots waiting in fields throughout northern Serbia the crews battled with the border control police. Some of the stories from this night are worthy of a really good book. It is sufficient to say that after many late adventures the majority were safely back in Szeged and in bed by 4.00am. The next day was cancelled for the 15 metre class due to the loud snoring from all concerned at briefing time.

We are yet to test the Romanian border and we still have three days left so stand by for another adventure in cross border gliding in eastern Europe.

Mother san in Hungary

2010-08-04T01:51:00.003+10:00

BERYL'S SZEGED BLOG:
I am a happy member of the Japanese team at the world gliding championships for the flapped classes in Szeged, Hungary. My friend Makoto Ichikawa kindly invites me to assist him in his international endeavours and his small team is always an interesting mix of nationalities and skills.

The glider crew man Mirek is from Poland and is a professional glider repair man. He is young, strong, stoic, competent and friendly. The team captain is Toshi from Japan and he is a new member of the team. He is an experienced glider pilot, instructor, aerobatic pilot and obviously a very fit person who participates in numerous other activities on water, bikes and in the air. Toshi is gentle and kind. Our local content is Arpie who is a young Hungarian pilot from this district. He comes from a flying family and his father is flying in this championships in the open class. Arpie is familiar with the local conditions and terrain, he is Mac's Sherpa as every time I see him he is carrying the packs for Mac who is suffering from a sore back. I am the mother of the team and look after all.

In planning for the event I requested to stay on the airport in a caravan as I had heard that most of the teams would be camping and I have seen this before in European championships. The airport is usually very social and I like to catch up with gliding friends who gather at the international events. In the 12 world championships I have attended I am starting to be one of the regulars. I was delighted to find my caravan set up in the most pleasant place in the park when I arrived. Air conditioned and all facilities within a short distance. Basic facilities but quite adequate. Ah! but that was before 600 other people turned up to stay in the parking ground at the airport.

It was very hot and humid when I arrived and I found that I had forgotten what it is like in some of these newly opening eastern countries. When all the airconditioners where turned on in the camp ground the power system had a meltdown. The water system not used to supplying filling for 146 gliders and 600 people taking numerous showers a day decided enough was enough and slowed to a trickle. Hot water became a distant dream. I was still enjoying the camping and it was a real release to have a comfortable spot under the trees during the day's crewing activities but I did have the occasional distant thought of a hot shower.

For the last week I have moved into town a few minutes away to a palatial apartment in the same building as the rest of the crew. This will work out well as I am nearer to assist as we get busier each day and we can still use the caravan during the day when we are at the airport.

So my daily tasks are now easy and pleasant. Up early around 6.30 as it starts to warm up, take my long hot shower and head up the street to the small local bakery for the morning and lunch rolls, the greengrocer for the fresh fruit and salad, the corner store for the milk and yogurt, cheese and ham.

We all take breakfast together and then I head out to the airport for the team captains meeting. The boys get on with their numerous tasks and we are at briefing for all the news of the competition.

The time between the end of briefing and start time for me is time to tidy the van, put on the washing, do the emails, talk with my family in Australia by video or messenger and generally sit and cool down under the trees getting ready for the days task.

Gridding is usually finished by 11.00am and first launch around 11.30 to 12.00noon. I am the lucky one who gets to stay in the cool spot with the radio while the others sweat it out on the grid. Soon they are all away, all 146 gliders and our job as crew starts. When our pilot is safely on final glide or in a paddock as is the case here where some days finished as mass outlandings, I am off to the supermarket to shop for dinner.

We eat together in the evening, discuss the days events, this is our own social time so we either go to gym, pool, the bistro at the airport, or sit in our garden and relax.

The days are rushing by and of all of the competitions I have been to this one is unique. I will send you some of the more interesting stories.

Wheeler Landings

2010-07-28T19:15:00.004+10:00

Thought you all might appreciate some different attitudes to landings. Remember to apply brakes!!

IAN COOPER FIRST SOLO

2010-07-28T19:04:00.002+10:00

Its a tribute to his personal goals but our first member from Cobar has been let loose and made his first solo (actually two) on Sunday 25th July. We look forward to you now attaining your silver C and then upwards and onwards. Congratulations

2010-06-23T11:35:00.002+10:00

Minor Repair Course photos.

2010-06-23T10:36:00.006+10:00

Minor Composite Repair Course

2010-06-22T14:00:00.006+10:00

Our club was host to the New South Wales Gliding maintenance course for Minor Glass repair on gliders in the week 12th to 19th June. The Regional Technical Officer Airworthines Arnie Hartley organised the course and Mark Rowe undertook the role as trainer.
The week was well attended with students accommodated at the on site airport tourist park with meals in our club house. The Airborne Avionics workshop and the club workshop were both set up for a number of minor repair tasks.
This was the first time the club has hosted any airworthiness school however the feed back from those who attended was very positive, so I am sure it will not be the last one. Some of our own members have now expressed interest in the next course so consideration will now be given to another suitable time.
Our Discus GFV was the fortunate aircraft to be used as a part of the course and is now well on the way to a fresh start for our members.
Special thanks to Arnie and Mark who made their time available and I can now boast to being a somewhat expert biscuit and low GI cake baker.So much food that the guys on the coarse said they will need to modify their aircraft to fit now.
The coarse attendees were a skilled and friendly group and a great social time was had by all.
Credit and thanks must be given to the course attendees who put in long days and hard work to make our glider better in structure and finish.

Cruising to Cobar again

2010-06-22T13:42:00.002+10:00

Our usual winter slow time is a distant memory. This year the activity has been so hectic we have been too busy to update the blog. The planned travel to Cobar for the second weekend of training was cancelled due to weather however our Cobar members were very active and the club travelled there for three days on the 4/5/6th June. Arnie Hartley in TDN with Mark Rowe in GOC flew out for training on Friday 4th. David Miller in KJH and Ken McAnally in GKC left early on Saturday morning. Ken was prepared with Ugg books, snow mittens and woollen beanie. Poor David Miller found the Pawnee was not as well equipt as his own excellent fleet of aircraft and could find no heater on board. I am sure there will be one fitted next time the Pawnee goes through the workshop. He arrived with frozen fingers and toes.

Hot coffee, steak sandwiches and a warm welcome were in place however and the training started as soon as the crews had thawed out. Four instuctors and two tug pilots flew until dark on both Friday and Saturday and finished in time to return to Narromine in the short daylight on Sunday.

David Burrell and Fiona drove out to Cobar and Beryl Hartley took along the supplies to provide food for all the workers and visitors. The profits to go to the local Angel Flight group.

A great fun weekend with five students and a number of air experience flights. The weather was cold but mostly clear and all aircraft were busy. A fantastic effort from our Cobar people with special thanks to Rhonda and Ian Cooper and Angela Webb. We hope to see them at Narromine within the next weeks to continue their training.

When the weather warms up and the days are longer we are planning another visit to Cobar. In the meantime we welcome our new Cobar members.

2010-06-20T19:07:00.000+10:00

Well, here's a different view of yours:

One of our "favourite sons"

A nice little low Tornado

Fat Albert showing just how low a Herc can go

And......The Winner IS...

Bookings Page

2010-06-20T11:41:00.002+10:00

Ross mentioned booking page working quite well at last meeting. I had a look and could not see any bookings. Am I missing something??

Slack Postings

2010-06-19T21:14:00.004+10:00

Well I have been away for 6 weeks overseas and not a single word of news on the blog so I assume it rained every weekend and no flying was done. This being the case I thought I would add something for all the Walter Mitties of the club as a number of them expouse the virtues of low level finishes etc etc (bullshit, bullshit) and as it appears nothing happened in the 6 weeks there must have been alot of flying done in the bar.

CAN YOU MATCH THIS ONE

Cobar Barnstorming Weekend

2010-04-22T15:07:00.001+10:00

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

SIGNS ON AIRPORTS

2010-04-13T10:50:00.004+10:00

It has always been a mystery to me the multitude of signs at Narromine Airfield. No it is not a RPT airport but it appears oppressive and overbearing the signage that takes up most space on the fences. Recently I visited Maitland airfield and was surprised to see only one sign on the gate (which was open) being the normal Commonwealth tresspass sign, nothing else. I also picked up some passangers at Newcastle Airport and once again very sparce Commonwealth signage.

So whats the go at Narromine, it reminds one of entering a Gulag or maybe someone has shares in the signage company. In any event they do not adhere to their own signs as evidenced by the attached photo.

Whats your view or opinion?

Red Bull Glider Stunt Team

2010-04-12T17:07:00.004+10:00

Check out the new video clip just posted to the Club Website Video Gallery.

http://www.narromineglidingclub.com.au/NGC_Video.html

"Austrian Paul Steiner and his glider team Blanix have created flying history. At a height of more than 2000 metres, they performed a breathtaking stunt."

Sarah Thompson's Photo Gallery

2010-04-06T20:35:00.001+10:00

Jenny and Sarah Thompson took the opportunity to do some Mother-Daughter bonding in the Narromine Gliding Club Duo Discus KC recently.

See Sarah's Photo Gallery on the club website at:

http://www.narromineglidingclub.com.au/NGC_Gallery.html.

Easter Gliding

2010-04-06T11:56:00.002+10:00

It is many years since the Narromine club has had the pleasure of pushing out the gliders at Easter time. While Natfly has moved on to Temora the weather came to Narromine over Easter with perfect autumn soaring conditions.
Saturday was a perfect club day with our new tuggie David Miller racking up 14 launches. David Burrell and Arnie Hartley found lift to 6.500ft in well defined thermals and all the visitors from the Dubbo Aero club and the Miller extended family enjoyed an afternoon of fun flying.

David Burrell and Adam Miller found the resident eagle was happy to go soaring with them and a number of power pilots enjoyed a quieter flying experience.

The social club provided an evening meal on both Saturday and Sunday night and both nights were very well attended.

Plans are underway now for the Cobar barnstorming weekend of the 17th/18th April and any member who is keen to join the expedition should book with Beryl Hartley

Club Roster for April, May, June 2010

2010-04-03T14:52:00.002+11:00

The latest roster for April, May, and June 2010 has been posted to the Members Page on the club website.

Cobar Weekend Away

2010-03-26T13:21:00.003+11:00

The dates for the Cobar weekend will be changed to the 2nd weekend after Easter. The 17th and 18th of April. The club will be sending the Duo Discus, the Twin Astir and the Pawnee. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our new member, Ian Cooper, we are all looking forward to a fun weekend away for our members and we will be bringing our sport to interested people in Cobar.

2010-03-26T13:18:00.001+11:00

Narromine is host to the Australian pilots who will participate in the International Championships in Europe in the coming summer in company with some of the invited pilots from the junior group and womens pilots.
A damp start with rain on Sunday over all of eastern Australia has resulted in weather more suitable to European conditions than typical Narromine summer time flying. Tasks were set on Monday, Tuesday and today. Tasks of up to 250 klms in conditions of up to 5 kts to 5000'.
The chief organiser Mandy Temple with assistance from Helen Woods, Ralph Henderson and weather supremo Jenny Thompson is working with crews, team managers and pilots to form a working team of Australian competitors.
Paul Mander and Tom Claffey as the Open Class team, Graham Parker and David Jansen for 18m, Peter Temple and Mike Durrant as Standard Class team and Mike Codling with Alan Barnes for the Club Class. Talented young pilot Nathan Johnson is representing the juniors.
Pilots are checking their equipment and playing the game each day with testing tasks set by Mandy.
Bruce Taylor has arrived tonight and will be a welcome participant for the rest of the week
The social setting of Narromine Gliding Club is an excellent facility for this type of training event.
Good flights today for Graham and Nathan. Outlandings for Peter and Jenny.

COBAR WEEKEND

2010-03-23T18:12:00.002+11:00

Recently Ian Cooper from Cobar signed up for a 5 flight package. Having had this experience he has now signed up as a Club member. Welcome Ian. As a result a Ian has a group of 5 people who would also like to participate in the 5 flight package.

The club has decided to travel to Cobar with the tug and twins and have a weekend at Cobar on the 10 and 11th April to introduce gliding back to Cobar and to sample some outback fun and entertainment. It promises to be an enjoyable weekend so if you can stick your hand up and show that gliding is our passion and enjoyable sport. Be part of something different.

Please advise David or Beryl of your availability to participate.

2010-03-13T15:05:00.002+11:00

A beautiful autumn day for the last day of the squad week. Cumulus 7000' to 8000', 7/8 knots and a light north east wind for the 300 klm plus task. Narromine, Tichbourne, Tullamore, Nyngan, Narromine.

The pilots were able to enjoy the sky above 5000' today after being restricted to that height yesterday with an imaginary airspace restriction over the whole task area. Very fustrating when the best lift of the day was 5000' to 8000'.

The team building was in full swing with captains and crews managing start times, start gates, radio procedures and all the task associated with effective management of a competition team.

Our club provided tows courtesy of Arnie Hartley and Paul Thompson, Meals courtesy of Beryl Hartley and Jens Hertfurt and a welcome and friendly atmosphere courtesy of all the club members who turned up at some time during the week to meet the visitors and help out in the clubhouse.

Autralian Team Week

2010-03-11T17:23:00.004+11:00

After torrential rain on the weekend Monday cleared and all participants flew. Conditions were described as European and challenging. Amost as challenging as the morning and night sessions and debriefs with topics as follows, getting to know your partner, making assumptions for your partner, stress/success (I am not sure what order) but I think you get the picture.

Results are apparently on Soaring Spot but thats not really the point with this gathering. Its good to see the relaxed side of soaring together with pilots helping one another. Special mention to our Junior pilot Nathan Johnson who seems to be beating most other pilots.

To-day was cancelled due to a strong inversion, although 30 klms to south it looked good but this was blocked. Anyway pilots exercising ready for Paella night at the club.

2010-02-28T07:39:00.004+11:00

AUSTRALIAN TEAM TRAINING - SQUAD WEEK

From the 6th March the Australian Team will conduct a practice week at Narromine in preparation for the World Gliding Championships at Prievidza (Slovakia), and Szeged (Hungary), later in the year. The club will be providing facilities, towing, and catering during that period.
Anyone who wishes to fly would be welcome and club gliders will be available, so get your bookings in early.
Also anyone available to help on the launch line or become apprentice kitchen bitches would be more than welcome.
Enquires to Beryl/David Burrell

See you there!

Australia Day

2010-01-26T18:41:00.001+11:00

Today "Australia Day"

Once again we have Tomas Suchanek and Mac Ichikawa with early lauches for another planned huge task.

Blue slow start again with a promise of cu to the north west. Members in the clubhouse checking number 5 spot as they
slowly move past Trangie and on to Nyngan. The first two hours average about 60kph but this counts at the end of the day.

The pace picks up and the cu starts to form in the north west of the airport. Hans Rasche in the Duo, Trevor Brackley from Hunter Valley and Ursula Husy from Kingaroy launch and head for the cu.

Tomas and Mac pass Bourke, Fords Bridge and head for Wannaring. They turn and the club watchers start to calculate the day time left and check out the line of cu on the trough from Mudgee to Qld/SA border.

Arnie Hartley and David Miller push the Twin Astir out and head fo the Cu. They land at 5.45.

Time to sit out the next 2 1/2 hours for the return of Tomas, Mac and Hans.

Just another day for Tomas and Mac. Tomorrow looks to be a promising one for a big 1200 klm out and return with the suggestion of an earlier start.

Between them Tomas and Mac have now flown 6 times over 1000klms this season. 2 flights of more than 1100klms and 2 flights of more than 1200klms.

Our visiting tug pilot Daniel has caught the gliding bug and has completed his silver C in the Twin Astir. He is going home this week and he has now converted to the LS4. Daniel is hoping for another great day tomorrow and is now hunting for a glider to complete his gold badge before he heads off to the Czech Republic.

Chris Stephens finally got G2 into the sky for this season. Hopefully we will see him again soon before all the good weather leaves us. Ken McAnally took FV for a few hours yesterday.

Both Lionel Simpson and David Miller have completed their taildragger endorsements with Stewart Hignett so we may have two more tug pilots in the near future.

Narromine Cup and how I won the Rooster

2009-12-16T16:49:00.002+11:00

Well folks another Narromine Cup has come and gone. A good rollup of the usual suspects and a few new faces. I counted 39 trailers and then you add club and massie flyers and we had in excess of 40 pilots.

Weather varied from excellent to dust storms but in general flying was interesting and on on day thre were 19 flights in excess of 500klm. Needless to say Narromine was top of the OCL on a number of days.

The club Duo and discus were hired togeather with LS4. Unforteately the lack of cross country flying (esp with water) showed up some problems in the fleet which disrupted hire somewhat...easily remedied by club members getting in and doing some cross country. Fortuneately our german member Hans was on hand to sort out some problems and do some test flying plus 6 joy flights on a mid week day...I also think that Hans has taken on the title of "Kitchen Bitch" for the period of cup week, NSW Comp and Juniors...a well done and many thanks to Chef Beryl Barbie Arnie Hans, Jens and Massie san for their help in the kitchen as few other club members appeared in what has become the most important yearly fund raising exercise of the club. Beryl tells me that thanks to her band of workers the electricty, rent and insurances are now covered for the year. Expect to see you all volanteering for next year or it might not happen.

Now back to the story........

I had considered that there were too many hot shot pilots to finish in the comp at the pointy end...so I devised that the rooster award had never been awarded to a Narromine pilot. I flew the aThursday with Hans a small task to Tullamore,Nygan and home. Somehow the undercart was lowered on the first leg and there was not enough power to raise it....we got to Nygan at 10,500ft and the thought raised itself that flying all day with the undercart down(we made sure enough other gliders saw it) might not be enough to fit the exacting critera for Chris Stevens rooster award. So we elected to do a final glide from Nygan home with gear down and no thermalling...after all we had 10,500ft and had not used the main battery so we had an engine..or so we thought!

Off we set at best LD of 65-70kts and by Trangie the ground was looking suspiciously close. Never fear we pressed on till 1500ft above ground, select paddock (happened to be a nice strip under us) fly the area and attempt engine start.....Nothing on the main battery and nothing on the aux...Oh well this will ensure the rooster award and a good landing at the ag strip. Ring for a lift and Beryl asked if we wanted an air tow retreive...she did not believe Stemme had no tow hook!!

But there is more to this saga. Next morning hans and myself out to strip and fired up all batteries working ran the motor up and did checks .. all well...takeoff climb to 700ft and bang motor stops....no power to restart and in the words of my Paki freinds What too dooo. Can see the end of 11 so thermal local and gain a couple hundred feet but it is 9am and we have a 15kt wind from the east. Knowing the paddocks around the airport I set of following the tree lines and make sure I fly over ever house on route...maybe I can maybe I wont make it. The rooster award would be certain if I outland again so I put down in cropped paddock the size of the airport 1km from the runway. My faithfull crew pick me up and deposit me at the gliding club much to the merth of fellow participants.

The next day after obtaining new battery we have 4 days of total fire bans so cannot fly out. There are many reports of a glider outlanding radioed in and the final comment that takes the cake is "Thommo has just found cheap hangerage". The mighty Stemme flies out on the next avilable day its owner being the proud recepient of the highly prized Rooster Award.

Most enjoyable...you should try it!!

New full week training course

2009-10-02T09:11:00.003+10:00

On the first week of November 2009 the NGC are holding a full week training course for the first time in many years.
By prior arrangement this will hopefully be capable on an ongoing basis.

Promotion Discussion Paper

2009-10-02T08:45:00.001+10:00

TOWARDS 70 DAYS

A sizeable challenge awaits our active membership to embrace a challenge that I have set for the club to accomplish over the next 2 years. In determining this challenge I have closely looked at past glider utilization and our members pattern of club glider hire. Last year, for example, only KC was used by a club member for part of Narromine Cup, the other gliders were not hired by club members.

I believe that for too long now the cost of maintaining and insuring our fleet has been subsidized by the work of the social club and a dependence on the Commercial operations cross hire of our fleet aircraft.

How do we attempt to remedy this? WE SHOULD AIM AT EACH GLIDER IN OUR FLEET FLYING FOR 70 DAYS PER SEASON.

At the time of writing this the booking situation for our fleet for the season is as follows:

OC No bookings
FV 46 days bookings
KC 11 days bookings
QO 21 days bookings

We now have a modern high performance fleet that would be the envy of most clubs..They are there for the enjoyment of club members and for the development of their flying skills. We are fortunate to have one of the best soaring sites in Australia and we have in our membership skilled competition and X-country flyers and coaches but this is not enough.

We need to communicate more with our members and to offer encouragement and organized events to encourage our members to fly more often. We also need to attract new members to the club. How could we attempt to do this?

We need to be prepared to offer training courses not only a week course but also long weekends (ie 3 days) and also 2 day courses with a guaranteed number of flights. Courses would be run subject to numbers for week course but for others this may not be necessary Measure of success NEW MEMBERS
We need to let prospective members know we exist and get them to sample gliding by a TIF. This may mean that we target 3 town and do a weekend camp with necessary publicity. Measure of success NEW MEMBERS + UTALIZATION OF CLUB 2 SEATERS
We need to promote ourselves to the various aero clubs as a worthwhile destination that not only offers a gliding flight but such things as the Museum and the Wright Flyer. Measure of success UTALIZATION OF CLUB 2 SEATERS
Consideration of attending such things as Wave Camps and Regattas/Competitions. What is wrong with a team Narromine where less experienced pilots can be introduced to Competitions with experienced pilots.This has the benefit of not requiring each pilot to attend a full competition…much the same as we did at Gulgong some years ago. Measure of success ATTENDANCE AND UTALIZATION OF CLUB FLEET
Introduction of X Country weekends to introduce pilots to X country flying and this could be coupled with a new award and benefit for the pilot that has best OCL score over 4 months for his flights. Maybe not only a trophy but say two free flying days (excluding aerotow?) Measure of success ATTENDANCE AND UTALIZATION OF CLUB FLEET .

These are some of the ideas that have come forward from my discussions with existing club members.

HOWEVER I realize that this will require a dedication of time and effort, so who is prepared to put this effort in to give it a try. You never know it may turn out to be enjoyable if you attempt.

Work Continues

2009-09-25T09:09:00.007+10:00

G'Day fellow bloggers, In the past few weeks work has continued on fleet maintance to ensure all gliders are ready for what could prove to be an exceptional season.
Look who has lost its bandaged tail and sports new paint work!! Book early folks as bookings are coming in quickly. Thanks Rowie for repairs.

Another project nearing completion is inspection on OC the club twin astir. Major work has included the fitting of a disc wheel brake...not a small job but thanks to Arnie, Simmo (can u paint my plane parts like the Astir ones?) and Rowie. Lets get in and give it a good workout this season to make all this work worthwhile.

My very first blog ever!

2009-09-01T22:04:00.002+10:00

Hello fellow bloggers and glider pilots. This is my first ever blog in my life. Heres for more to come.

2009-09-01T21:55:00.001+10:00

Hi Everyone, David Burrell is now an official Blog Contributor!!

2009 Annual General Meeting

2009-08-31T02:58:00.001+10:00

The Narromine Gliding Club 2009 Annual General Meeting was held at the Clubhouse at Narromine Airfield on Saturday 29th August.
Stay tuned for a report on proceedings in the next few days.

weekend of 22/8/09

2009-08-24T21:00:00.004+10:00

Just so you people that did not make it to Narromine last weekend do not feel left out, this is what happened. Tug release fixed by Mark Rowe and tug test flown by Kenny M who complained that the tyres were overinflated after a couple of bounces....no body flew...a pity as nice day with a Duo, and discus sitting there waiting to be flown....tug pilots not happy as they want the jollies.

So what happens appart from the traditional great barbaque and drinks. See photo of your team hard at work andwork out which team you will be on next week

fly high

IKB display fly by pics

2009-08-24T09:17:00.006+10:00

Stallenberg Hanger Build

2009-08-24T08:42:00.004+10:00

Hi Folks,

Over the last 2 months there has been a team building a new type of hanger for the Stallenbergs in the airpark.

It has hanging internal rolling doors and a concrete floor and compared to the other hangers of comparable size it is very cost affective.

18.9 m opening at the front and 18m in depth, it was quoted as a kit but dont let this fool you, a professional is required to erect it.

Photos attached.

Cheers

Mark

Narromine Gliding Club Blog Site

2009-08-22T14:33:00.000+10:00

This Blog is for the members of Narromine Gliding Club to share items of interest with each other. Generally related to gliding or other activities being undertaken by the club on a day to day basis. It is open to all club members to post information, news and photos that they feel will be of interest to other club members and you are encouraged to use it regularly. Normal rules of polite conversation apply.