So where's winter???

May was a hottie...average soil temperature of 12.2 degrees.
There will be some who think that's cold however last May's average soil temp was 11.5 degrees and the year before that it was 9.3 degrees. That's a whole 33% warmer than 2 years ago...

What does this all mean for gliding??? I haven't a clue...although we haven't had a westerly day in yonks (if you exclude last Saturday) and there is no more in the forecast. We have had rain - 1240mm's so far for 2011. Twice last years total to the end of May.

I've given forecasting away until better weather resumes...about September.

However if I look at my logbook, and the number of long distance flights completed out of Tauranga, a La Nina summer is good for grass growth, ducks and umbrella salesperson but crap for gliding.

I heard a rumour the Duo has done 50 or so hours total since December. That's 10 hours a month. That's positive cos when we go to sell it in 25 years time it will only have 3000 hours on the clock.

Matamata Soaring Center AGM was held last Sunday at the local clubroom's. Ironically the Tga representative was missing... Full support for the Speed Challange. All we need is enthusiasm and the weather to play ball...not too much to ask.

We received a short update on the micro-light towing on the North Shore. All positive so far...tows OK and cheap to run and maintain. Full years data will be illuminating...I am increasingly of the view that this will be the way of the future. What with the cost of maintaining 50 year old technology, the reducing supply (and therefore the rapidly increasing cost) of leaded AVGAS, noise, and the sole purpose use of a Pawnee or cub. The argument is getting increasingly persuasive...don't you think???
The first causality of a move to a Rotax (or similar) powered tow plane will be end of towing large 2-seat gliders out of Tauranga. So maybe a center for gliding at Matamata, with it's long runway, no ATC, and no airspace issues (at least for the first 4-5000ft).
Maybe having to make a decision to take the day off and driving for an hour will force a greater level of commitment. "Now I'm here I'm definitely going to go X-country."

Look at that!!! I've used up the 30 minutes while Shortland Street, Campbell Live and Close up are on. Most excellent.

Remember...Always treat your neighbour like some-one who lives near to you...