Annuals

GNM is in Auckland getting it's annual check-over. Thanks to Paul for dragging it up there before he dragged his ASW20 back to Tauranga.

I'm picking that next summer;
with the speed Challange every second weekend,
the Regionals and Nationals in Matamata,
and an advanced soaring course to be held in Matamata as well,
the mighty Discus won't be spending much time in Tauranga.
I also note the DG400 is for sale.

It's going to have an empty feel to the hanger next summer.
Hopefully some other locals will take up the challenge and invest in a glider of their own...cos there is going to be a huge crush for the LS4...

With the dollar so high against the US, and the Euro, imports from overseas must be looking good value. There seems to be a few ASW27's coming up...an excellent 15 meter glider...best I've ever owned.

I guess if I was bold I'd swap the Discus (and some cash) for an 18 meter glider...but that might be a few years away. Currently the Discus is a great option given it qualifies for the Club Class Nationals and is still competitive (although not with me at the wheel) in the Standard Class.

Lastly, there had once been a suggestion that Airways charges for General Aviation were not supported in statute...we were going to get a refund. Not surprisingly that came to nothing...you don't beat Gov't Bodies that easily...however the bigger picture is..."if we don't want or need Air traffic Control and the IFR/Airlines do, why should we pay anything...".