October 2004

From the President

I haven’t produced a newsletter for some time for a number of reasons all of which are no excuse except to say as all editors say from time to time ;where are the members contributions?  Are you not doing anything worthy of note that may entertain or educate your fellow members- obviously not as no one has sent a thing lately.

So here I go again trying to fill a few pages with interesting aeronautical tales.

Some important messages from our sponsors

...err, In light of no sponsors here are a few words from our CFI

  • Do not remove any placards from inside the new plane.

  • Check you medical expiry date.

  • Make sure you licence is current.

  • Keep you log book available for inspection - spot checks will be made.

  • Make sure you permit to fly is current.

  • Carry out standard overhead rejoins when entering the airfield airspace.

  • Use runway 25 when there is no wind.

  • Fly Safe.

  • In light of the recent tragedy be careful as even the most experienced pilots get caught out.

New members payment plan.

Due to some confusion both within the club generally and the committee, we would like to clarify the incentive plan for new members to as follows:

  1. $300 one off payment

  2. $50/hr for all dual training flights for 12 months

  3. $80/hr for solo flying after your first solo.

So what’s happening out there?

Mike’s Hawk is leaving the South Island on the 6th November bound for TeAwamutu

I have decided to build a new plane - a Pober Pixie . Wooden wings ,molly fuse and tail.

Congratulations to Dave Mitchell on his solo last month. Dave is progressing very fast and has already clocked up 18hrs since his solo. Keep up the good progress and it’s good to see you are enjoying the full size after many accomplished years with your models.

Welcome to Peter and Margaret Parkinson from Rangiora . This husband and wife team are egging each other on to see who will solo first!. Peter brings with him an extensive engineering background of designing and building specialist cars from scratch. He is now turning his talents to the building of a fourth Fisher Tiger moth in the area . He is building at home in the garage and has the ribs already complete after only a couple of weeks .

Good to see new keen members.

Mike Jones has been stretching his wings with a recent flight to Hawera for a flyin. The Storm is being well used and he and his wife love it.

Mike Holland has decided to sell the Challenger and the Mini Cub both can be seen at Rangiora just contact John Grey.

Dave McPherson’s Karatoo is progressing very well with the fuselage covered and wings not far behind. Let’s hope Dave has a big Christmas gift from Kiwi Karatoo!

The new runway is well on the way after some delays with poor weather. The new strip is much longer and wider and hopefully smoother. Once it is complete we will see some action with new hangars and other facilities.

Word has it we now have a weekend caterer to keep us supplied with hot takeaways . Keep an eye for them .

EVENTS

Working Bee

Saturday 6th November

2.00pm

All welcome

  • Gardening - bring a few tools from home . Weed the garden ,cut the grass, fix the irrigation system. If you have a few spare flowering plants please bring them along.

  • Mounting of a couple of new spot lights- Mike Sheffield

  • Cleaning the clubhouse - General house keeping as in any house . We have cleaning materials ,just need some one to use them.

  • Finish off the BBQ area . Mike Small will be bringing along some wood to finish off the fence and shelving. We need some heavy planks to make seats. We have some 6 inch blocks for stands and now just need seats . Call me on 327 6448 if you can help.

  • Re-varnish and sand down the club sign - Brent

Bar-b- Que

6PM to 9.00pm

Saturday 6th November.

Yes after we have finished the working bee a BBQ will lead us into a

Family Firework display

Food and fireworks provided

Please bring drinks

Beer available at the clubhouse at usual cost.

$5 per head or $10 family.

We will have a bonfire in a drum .

Come along and enjoy the start of another social season with the club.

The committee look forward especially to new members attending.

Next committee meeting at Mike Sheffield’s on Tuesday 16th November at 7.30pm