For some reason the 28th of Feb is considered the end of summer. Strange really as its 27 degrees outside, with energy lines and thermals as far as you can see. In truth summer typically lasts until the end of March.
From memory we normally had at least one decent snow fall in March on Mt Hutt back in the days when I lived in Chch.
I'm certainly hoping we get rain...tomorrow, the next day or sometime really soon.
Good summer gliding normally means crap summer farming...and so it has proved.
I've just flown from Tga to Palmerston Nth to Akl and home this afternoon...sounds good if it was in a glider...but it was thanks to Air NZ. Dry and brown as far as I could see...you could mistake it for the West Island...but there weren't any snakes spiders sharks crocodiles or cricket players.
But we farmers...whilst we are the backbone of NZ, account for most of NZ's income, guardians of the environment, maintainers of airstrips, providers of tea and scones for landed-out pilots, and all round good guys...we do mention the weather in passing quite often. It should be remembered, that in my opinion, there are only 2 days of good weather per year...one once the ground has dried out after winter, and one just before winter.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Checking til the cows come home...
A number of issues and articles have converged recently that makes me wonder whether the proliferation of "check lists" is actually becoming counter-productive????
A couple of examples;
It appears members have forgotten to collect the tow ropes at the end of a days gliding...very naughty...a safety issue apparently...for who?? I'm not sure...The mower driver perhaps??
It also appears that some forgot to lock all the doors on the hangers...very naughty...a safety issue apparently??? We really should lock the doors (remember this from some-one who left his keys in the car and had it removed)...
On the Soaring Cafe website this morning there is a helpful check list for wing runners and pilots to complete in the last minute or two before take-off. It's a whole A4 page long...good grief...
We have a long list of pre-flight checks, landing checks, re-rigging checks, pre-aerobatic checks, landout checks, and so on and so on...
Do you know how many road signs there are between my place and the end of the road? It's only 8 kms...go on, count them one day...I know you won't...
There remains the question - can anybody be reasonably expected to remember all these lists and procedures and signs???
There is a really neat example of what happens when you over prescribe what people should do (as in when committees get involved in determining an outcome). In Europe they removed all the road signage from a series of round-abouts. You know...those helpful signs like..."roundabout ahead", "50 km", which way to turn, lane markers, pedestrian crossing markers, stop signs etc etc. All brightly colour coded.
So what was the result...less accidents and crashes, the pedestrians were safer, as were the cyclists. Why? Because people had to think for themselves. They didn't automatically assume that because they were inside the lane markers that they could safely forget all other considerations...
So what about gliding and life in general?
Could I suggest 2 things;
Firstly, that if anything is to be added to a check list or procedure then something else should be removed. An example...when I started gliding we had this procedure -the first tow of the day we did a "check release". Great idea...when we had tow rings of different sizes... But we standardised ring sizes years ago...and yet this procedure persists...why??
Secondly, do everything possible to solve the problem, issue or general stick waving, by finding another solution. People leaving the tow ropes on the runway after the end of the day??...paint them red or tie some red ribbon on them so there are easily visible. We seem to specialise in procuring dull grey ropes...so is it any surprise there aren't visible from the clubhouse??
Hanger doors not all locked at days end...rig the alarm system so its not possible to set it until they are...
Work very hard to get people to think for themselves...
In the manufacturing sector there is a process called "Lean". It revolves around getting floor staff, line managers, and so on up, to think through their tasks and suggest better ways to save time, effort and money. It works because instead of following check lists, and doing it the same way we did it yesterday, people try for improvement.
A couple of examples;
It appears members have forgotten to collect the tow ropes at the end of a days gliding...very naughty...a safety issue apparently...for who?? I'm not sure...The mower driver perhaps??
It also appears that some forgot to lock all the doors on the hangers...very naughty...a safety issue apparently??? We really should lock the doors (remember this from some-one who left his keys in the car and had it removed)...
On the Soaring Cafe website this morning there is a helpful check list for wing runners and pilots to complete in the last minute or two before take-off. It's a whole A4 page long...good grief...
We have a long list of pre-flight checks, landing checks, re-rigging checks, pre-aerobatic checks, landout checks, and so on and so on...
Do you know how many road signs there are between my place and the end of the road? It's only 8 kms...go on, count them one day...I know you won't...
There remains the question - can anybody be reasonably expected to remember all these lists and procedures and signs???
There is a really neat example of what happens when you over prescribe what people should do (as in when committees get involved in determining an outcome). In Europe they removed all the road signage from a series of round-abouts. You know...those helpful signs like..."roundabout ahead", "50 km", which way to turn, lane markers, pedestrian crossing markers, stop signs etc etc. All brightly colour coded.
So what was the result...less accidents and crashes, the pedestrians were safer, as were the cyclists. Why? Because people had to think for themselves. They didn't automatically assume that because they were inside the lane markers that they could safely forget all other considerations...
So what about gliding and life in general?
Could I suggest 2 things;
Firstly, that if anything is to be added to a check list or procedure then something else should be removed. An example...when I started gliding we had this procedure -the first tow of the day we did a "check release". Great idea...when we had tow rings of different sizes... But we standardised ring sizes years ago...and yet this procedure persists...why??
Secondly, do everything possible to solve the problem, issue or general stick waving, by finding another solution. People leaving the tow ropes on the runway after the end of the day??...paint them red or tie some red ribbon on them so there are easily visible. We seem to specialise in procuring dull grey ropes...so is it any surprise there aren't visible from the clubhouse??
Hanger doors not all locked at days end...rig the alarm system so its not possible to set it until they are...
Work very hard to get people to think for themselves...
In the manufacturing sector there is a process called "Lean". It revolves around getting floor staff, line managers, and so on up, to think through their tasks and suggest better ways to save time, effort and money. It works because instead of following check lists, and doing it the same way we did it yesterday, people try for improvement.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Fun in the Sun
I'm jealous...I'd rather be at the Taupo club class contest than stuck inside. However its my choice...no one elses.
Looks like a nice day today, perhaps a little more blue...
Judging be the first days scores it will be a closely fought contest...excellent.
With 12 entries the club class is starting to really fill a need in contest flying.
By comparison the largest class at the Omarama Nationals had 10 entries.
I suspect that over time the standard class will morph into the club class as no more 15 meter gliders are being produced. You'd only have to extend the handicap range 1 or 2 points and the overlap would be complete...I think 1 point gets the LS8's in.
So well done to the team who promoted the club class as a stand alone contest held away from the Nationals, and well done to the organises for moving the contests around to new and different venues.
I'd venture to suggest that either Lake Station or Springfield are possible sites in the future.
To complete the picture I think there is room to hold a 20 meter 2 seat contest alongside the club class. Away from the 15, 18 and Open Class Nationals and in the opposite island.
There is about 10-12 20 meter 2 seaters who could race and maybe more if you include Janus's.
So think fun, training for up and coming youth gliders (who would be on cheaper rates presumably), and a bit of sport. With a field of 10-15 club classers you would have the infrastructure in place to cope with the big wings...read tow planes, forecasters, and helpers.
This not a new idea...
Looks like a nice day today, perhaps a little more blue...
Judging be the first days scores it will be a closely fought contest...excellent.
With 12 entries the club class is starting to really fill a need in contest flying.
By comparison the largest class at the Omarama Nationals had 10 entries.
I suspect that over time the standard class will morph into the club class as no more 15 meter gliders are being produced. You'd only have to extend the handicap range 1 or 2 points and the overlap would be complete...I think 1 point gets the LS8's in.
So well done to the team who promoted the club class as a stand alone contest held away from the Nationals, and well done to the organises for moving the contests around to new and different venues.
I'd venture to suggest that either Lake Station or Springfield are possible sites in the future.
To complete the picture I think there is room to hold a 20 meter 2 seat contest alongside the club class. Away from the 15, 18 and Open Class Nationals and in the opposite island.
There is about 10-12 20 meter 2 seaters who could race and maybe more if you include Janus's.
So think fun, training for up and coming youth gliders (who would be on cheaper rates presumably), and a bit of sport. With a field of 10-15 club classers you would have the infrastructure in place to cope with the big wings...read tow planes, forecasters, and helpers.
This not a new idea...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Done Deal
I sold GNM this afternoon.
To a keen and enthusiastic pilot in Taupo.
So the glider has gone full circle...it started life in Taupo.
Interestingly I did 650 hours in the Discus.
Or 39000 minutes.
Therefore at a $1 per minute that's $39k worth of flying.
That's OK I think...and I didn't have to cue for a club glider.
So what glider to buy next?
Left Taupo at 3pm this afternoon. Great looking day. Given it quite dry around the Reporoa area we passed a huge dust devil just outside Reporoa township...
To a keen and enthusiastic pilot in Taupo.
So the glider has gone full circle...it started life in Taupo.
Interestingly I did 650 hours in the Discus.
Or 39000 minutes.
Therefore at a $1 per minute that's $39k worth of flying.
That's OK I think...and I didn't have to cue for a club glider.
So what glider to buy next?
Left Taupo at 3pm this afternoon. Great looking day. Given it quite dry around the Reporoa area we passed a huge dust devil just outside Reporoa township...
Friday, February 8, 2013
Could this be the end?
Updated...to fix the spelling etc.
Tomorrow I'm taking GNM to Taupo so 2 prospective buyers can view and fly her.
If my Discus sells over the weekend I'll be "Discusman" no more...in which case the reason for this blog diminishes somewhat. "JS1man" doesn't quite have the same feel...or "ASG29man" (before the local JS1 dealer spends the commission on a new jet unit)...
I know this blog is very widely read...45000 readers can't be wrong. While most come from NZ, Australia (and I'm discounting my local Aussie friend), the US of A, even Azerbaijan (its near Turkmenistan...or one of those stans) feature on the list. I'd have to say to my readers in Azerbaijan that I'm slightly bemused at your interest in a kiwi glider pilots blog site...
I'm haven't decided how I'll handle this. Admittedly blogs are becoming "old school"...seems Facebook is the new trend. Although give it a year or so and we will be on to the next fad...
Any thoughts would be helpful...but I know you are a bashful lot. I also know that there are a few who would be pleased to see me hang up my keyboard...although counter-intuitively they seem to be big readers of the site...go figure.
Anyhow there is plenty of time to decide these things...
Looks like the weather for the start of the club Class Nationals will be good. I flew over the task area yesterday on the way to Palmerston Nth and back from Napier this afternoon, it looked quite nice and soarable. Pity I'm going to be busy with work stuff, I had planned to fly the Nationals...2 in one year.
Looking further ahead...as in way way further ahead...I'm taking a back seat from gliding while my two daughters finish their last few years under our roof, which includes an 8 week winter skiing holiday to Canada. I just looked at the weather near the house we will be staying in...minus 12.
Tomorrow I'm taking GNM to Taupo so 2 prospective buyers can view and fly her.
If my Discus sells over the weekend I'll be "Discusman" no more...in which case the reason for this blog diminishes somewhat. "JS1man" doesn't quite have the same feel...or "ASG29man" (before the local JS1 dealer spends the commission on a new jet unit)...
I know this blog is very widely read...45000 readers can't be wrong. While most come from NZ, Australia (and I'm discounting my local Aussie friend), the US of A, even Azerbaijan (its near Turkmenistan...or one of those stans) feature on the list. I'd have to say to my readers in Azerbaijan that I'm slightly bemused at your interest in a kiwi glider pilots blog site...
I'm haven't decided how I'll handle this. Admittedly blogs are becoming "old school"...seems Facebook is the new trend. Although give it a year or so and we will be on to the next fad...
Any thoughts would be helpful...but I know you are a bashful lot. I also know that there are a few who would be pleased to see me hang up my keyboard...although counter-intuitively they seem to be big readers of the site...go figure.
Anyhow there is plenty of time to decide these things...
Looks like the weather for the start of the club Class Nationals will be good. I flew over the task area yesterday on the way to Palmerston Nth and back from Napier this afternoon, it looked quite nice and soarable. Pity I'm going to be busy with work stuff, I had planned to fly the Nationals...2 in one year.
Looking further ahead...as in way way further ahead...I'm taking a back seat from gliding while my two daughters finish their last few years under our roof, which includes an 8 week winter skiing holiday to Canada. I just looked at the weather near the house we will be staying in...minus 12.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Youth Glide
Or perhaps more correctly...how to get younger people into gliding AND keeping their interest.
It's been the real Buzz-word(s) in gliding over the last 2 years.
Ask any older member and he/she will have a view.
It would appear the most common is..."we have to have a "Youth Glide" component to our club".
Yip...good idea but;
Who's going to be the chief enthusiast?
Where's the best place to centre it?
Has anyone actually asked these young people what they want?
What's the target end point?? Solo? x-country? Contests? Wing runner?
Alongside this is an idea that came out of a GNZ Strategic Plan from 10 years ago. This was a plan put together by an outsider...perhaps some-one with no "skin in the game" and therefore less emotion.
Centres of Excellence was one of the main thrusts of that plan.
So lets survey the scene...
We had a very good presentation from 2 youth gliders at the GNZ AGM last winter. Lots of photo's and experiences were shared. An interesting aside, it would appear a big part of success was the camp/weekend component to the whole project. A week or so at a site meant a focus on gliding, but if the weather was crap (as is often the case) younger people tend to do stuff (other than sitting in the Kahu cafe drinking trim flat whites). Have a look at the video's that Abbey Delore et al, produced...there's gliding, but also, high jinks, water skiing, swimming, etc
Also peer pressure was brought to bare...
Keeping the "old codgers" away is probably an unintended consequence...
That's fine for Omarama...but what about up here??? In the central North Island where we have 60% of the nations young people???
The obvious option is to base the project around Matamata.Why?? There are 3/4 clubs within an hour or so's drive...close enough to get to, but far enough away to necessitate a camp/staying over situation.
We already have camping, toilets, and bunks available. AND there is a nice Cafe just 5 minutes drive away...short black please...
Plus we can get extra gliders and tow planes at the drop of a hat.
No airspace issues to destroy your day.
And a very handy ridge for building time in the air, doing your first 50km, racing, beating up the road crossing (strike that last one, who would encourage that??), and generally staying airborne.
So why would we encourage each local club to have a "youth glide"?? I've no idea but that's certainly the favoured option of one Club President. Perhaps some one should encourage him ask the young people what they want...
It's been the real Buzz-word(s) in gliding over the last 2 years.
Ask any older member and he/she will have a view.
It would appear the most common is..."we have to have a "Youth Glide" component to our club".
Yip...good idea but;
Who's going to be the chief enthusiast?
Where's the best place to centre it?
Has anyone actually asked these young people what they want?
What's the target end point?? Solo? x-country? Contests? Wing runner?
Alongside this is an idea that came out of a GNZ Strategic Plan from 10 years ago. This was a plan put together by an outsider...perhaps some-one with no "skin in the game" and therefore less emotion.
Centres of Excellence was one of the main thrusts of that plan.
So lets survey the scene...
We had a very good presentation from 2 youth gliders at the GNZ AGM last winter. Lots of photo's and experiences were shared. An interesting aside, it would appear a big part of success was the camp/weekend component to the whole project. A week or so at a site meant a focus on gliding, but if the weather was crap (as is often the case) younger people tend to do stuff (other than sitting in the Kahu cafe drinking trim flat whites). Have a look at the video's that Abbey Delore et al, produced...there's gliding, but also, high jinks, water skiing, swimming, etc
Also peer pressure was brought to bare...
Keeping the "old codgers" away is probably an unintended consequence...
That's fine for Omarama...but what about up here??? In the central North Island where we have 60% of the nations young people???
The obvious option is to base the project around Matamata.Why?? There are 3/4 clubs within an hour or so's drive...close enough to get to, but far enough away to necessitate a camp/staying over situation.
We already have camping, toilets, and bunks available. AND there is a nice Cafe just 5 minutes drive away...short black please...
Plus we can get extra gliders and tow planes at the drop of a hat.
No airspace issues to destroy your day.
And a very handy ridge for building time in the air, doing your first 50km, racing, beating up the road crossing (strike that last one, who would encourage that??), and generally staying airborne.
So why would we encourage each local club to have a "youth glide"?? I've no idea but that's certainly the favoured option of one Club President. Perhaps some one should encourage him ask the young people what they want...
Friday, January 25, 2013
Forecasting...
A skill I'd almost forgotten.
Today - Friday.
Quite good I suspect with cloud bases upto 7-8000ft inland.
Light winds, minor overdevelopment.
Below is for the Pori-pori area...5000ft at lunchtime which will be good enough to get out of the Bay.
Good luck...I'm working and over gliding at present.
Today - Friday.
Quite good I suspect with cloud bases upto 7-8000ft inland.
Light winds, minor overdevelopment.
Below is for the Pori-pori area...5000ft at lunchtime which will be good enough to get out of the Bay.
Good luck...I'm working and over gliding at present.
Below is an excellent video put together during the Nationals. the thunderstorm is the best I've ever seen.
http://vimeo.com/57126105Wednesday, January 23, 2013
10 points Tim
I know this is late, everyone already knows the news and you're probably already back in NZ and back at work...BUT...well done Tim.
Winning 2 days proves it wasn't a fluke...
Beating a West Islander in his home country, with home crowd is a great achievement.
Very cool...want to buy a Discus???
Winning 2 days proves it wasn't a fluke...
Beating a West Islander in his home country, with home crowd is a great achievement.
Very cool...want to buy a Discus???
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Moore's Law
This is actually about the exponential increase in storage capacity and processing speed...however you could apply this to gliding technology and new products.
Flarm mouse - from LX Nav.
A Nano with a Flarm added. Cool
I suspect the issue of compulsory use of Flarm at contest just got a leg up.
Flarm mouse - from LX Nav.
A Nano with a Flarm added. Cool
I suspect the issue of compulsory use of Flarm at contest just got a leg up.
Wanaka...
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Photos...as promised
Holiday snaps...feel free to snooze.
Whilst driving home you get time to think...lots of time.
I think that there were 12 North Island pilots who made the effort to travel down to the Nationals.
So a third of the field were flatlanders...
The Nationals that were held in Taupo had 3 South Islanders.
What does this mean??
I guess that without the support from the Nth Is a Nationals in Omarama would be a non-event...or at least a very small contest.
However its still possible hold a contest of 30 pilots in Nth Is venues with any requirement to get pilots to cross the Strait.
I have heard calls for the Nationals to be only held in Omarama...or at least more often than elsewhere. Clearly this is bollocks.
Overriding all of this is the slow decline in the total number of pilots willing to compete at a contest. I know some people dislike contests but there are still the focus point for much of the gliding calender.
Whilst driving home you get time to think...lots of time.
I think that there were 12 North Island pilots who made the effort to travel down to the Nationals.
So a third of the field were flatlanders...
The Nationals that were held in Taupo had 3 South Islanders.
What does this mean??
I guess that without the support from the Nth Is a Nationals in Omarama would be a non-event...or at least a very small contest.
However its still possible hold a contest of 30 pilots in Nth Is venues with any requirement to get pilots to cross the Strait.
I have heard calls for the Nationals to be only held in Omarama...or at least more often than elsewhere. Clearly this is bollocks.
Overriding all of this is the slow decline in the total number of pilots willing to compete at a contest. I know some people dislike contests but there are still the focus point for much of the gliding calender.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Made it.
19.5 hours from Omarama to home. 1150kms plus a ferry crossing.
A record.
And we could have saved an extra 30 minutes as we were too early for the ferry sailing.
So a fun couple of weeks overv and done with. Time for work.
NEWS
My Discus CS GNM is for sale.
Wings refinished in 2008.
LX V7, LX Nano, and Oudie equivalent. SeeYou loaded.
Oxygen bottle.
Becker Radio and Transponder.
Outside Temp probe, back-up vario.
Excellent trailer.
Rig or de-rig in 20 minutes or less if you are organised.
Winglets, tip up panel, auto control rod hook-ups.
Excellent for early X-country pilots or experienced contest pilots in the Club or Standard Class. Also considered the best single seat option for clubs.
$92k
Contact me on 0274 517757
A record.
And we could have saved an extra 30 minutes as we were too early for the ferry sailing.
So a fun couple of weeks overv and done with. Time for work.
NEWS
My Discus CS GNM is for sale.
Wings refinished in 2008.
LX V7, LX Nano, and Oudie equivalent. SeeYou loaded.
Oxygen bottle.
Becker Radio and Transponder.
Outside Temp probe, back-up vario.
Excellent trailer.
Rig or de-rig in 20 minutes or less if you are organised.
Winglets, tip up panel, auto control rod hook-ups.
Excellent for early X-country pilots or experienced contest pilots in the Club or Standard Class. Also considered the best single seat option for clubs.
$92k
Contact me on 0274 517757
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Surprise surprise
Yesterday was the last day and this morning it's raining. What luck.
So what does competing down cost a north islander?
Ferry crossing...about $800....thanks to the deal with the Interislander.
Tows...$885 including the entry fee.
Fuel...$800
Accommodation...$600
Fish and chips, pub meals, coffees, contest dinner, beer, more coffee, muffins, wine...who knows.
So it's certainly cheaper to bring your own glider down rather than rent.
It's just the long drive that does your head in.
So what does competing down cost a north islander?
Ferry crossing...about $800....thanks to the deal with the Interislander.
Tows...$885 including the entry fee.
Fuel...$800
Accommodation...$600
Fish and chips, pub meals, coffees, contest dinner, beer, more coffee, muffins, wine...who knows.
So it's certainly cheaper to bring your own glider down rather than rent.
It's just the long drive that does your head in.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Nationals done and dusted.
A nice fast wave day to finish. I think some of the speeds were 180 kph or more.
Down to Tarras, across towards the Dunstans,up to the Arrowsmith Range and home. About 400 kms.
So a good contest with plenty of fun, a few very competitive pilots in each class, a larger bunch who just wanted to be here and involved, and a good find in the Contest Director.
Time to head home tomorrow. 22 hours door to door...oh joy.
What's even more interesting is we have a few young up and coming new pilots. With some financial help, coaching and support maybe NZ could be back in the game at the Worlds...especially the Junior Worlds in Australia in 2015.
A quick count up of the number of 2 seat 20 meter gliders in NZ suggest we could hold a 20 meter contest perhaps alongside the Club Class Nationals down here next summer. A good environment for coaching and having fun. I realise we have lots of classes already (18 meter, Standard, 15 meter, Open, Club, and sports or 13.5 meter class) but there is food for thought here. A 20 meter 2 seat class alongside the Club shouldn't devalue or detract from that Class...no doubts others will have a view.
GNM is back in its trailer where I suspect it'll stay for a while now. I'm over gliding for while now...although the Club Class Nationals looms...
Down to Tarras, across towards the Dunstans,up to the Arrowsmith Range and home. About 400 kms.
So a good contest with plenty of fun, a few very competitive pilots in each class, a larger bunch who just wanted to be here and involved, and a good find in the Contest Director.
Time to head home tomorrow. 22 hours door to door...oh joy.
What's even more interesting is we have a few young up and coming new pilots. With some financial help, coaching and support maybe NZ could be back in the game at the Worlds...especially the Junior Worlds in Australia in 2015.
A quick count up of the number of 2 seat 20 meter gliders in NZ suggest we could hold a 20 meter contest perhaps alongside the Club Class Nationals down here next summer. A good environment for coaching and having fun. I realise we have lots of classes already (18 meter, Standard, 15 meter, Open, Club, and sports or 13.5 meter class) but there is food for thought here. A 20 meter 2 seat class alongside the Club shouldn't devalue or detract from that Class...no doubts others will have a view.
GNM is back in its trailer where I suspect it'll stay for a while now. I'm over gliding for while now...although the Club Class Nationals looms...
Friday, January 11, 2013
I was right...
The task setters did send us somewhere new. Branches...or by its other name the Shotover Valley.
I'd never been in there before. A bit scary. Given that the thermals were broken and fairly shattered, we had to rely on ridge lift and bits and pieces.
Getting above 7000ft was a real challenge.
Needless to say we all got into and out of Branches ok. One pilot had a real struggle to get out. The prospects of landing in there are interesting...to say the least.
Most pilots got around the 400 km task...yours truely couldn't quite work out how to get out of the Ben Ohau valley/ridge and over in the Jolly for the last turnpoint. Wave was the answer...quite why I didn't think of that I'll never know. Seems so easy when you think of it. Local knowledge (of which I though I had a bit) does help.
Last day tomorrow. There are quite a few possibilities in the scoring...albeit a real disaster would have to befall a current leader. But that's what all good Nationals are about.
I see young Tim is climbing up the scoring board in Benella. Excellent. We are watching Tim...no pressure.
On the Airspace front drama with Airways continues. Now they want to take away the uncontrolled airspace overhead Mt Cook. Apparently because of the twice a week flight from Melbourne to South America. Just great...not only do we have our own desk jockeys trying to stuff our access to a public good but now the Lucky Country are in on the game as well. What's next? The pavlova was invented in Australia as well, Phar Lap was born somewhere other than Washdyke...perhaps Jondongwillagong...
On a positive note our National Airspace Officer (who I last saw disappearing on the Ben Ohau Range) has a cunning plan for the Waikato airspace grab. You might remember that we were subject to a possible violation of our airspace rights in the spring. The first advance of the desk jockeys was repelled...but they will come again. So to beat them to a solution a proposal that meets theirs, ours, and CTC's requirements will be suggested. It remains to be seen how open to ideas Airways are.
I'd never been in there before. A bit scary. Given that the thermals were broken and fairly shattered, we had to rely on ridge lift and bits and pieces.
Getting above 7000ft was a real challenge.
Needless to say we all got into and out of Branches ok. One pilot had a real struggle to get out. The prospects of landing in there are interesting...to say the least.
Most pilots got around the 400 km task...yours truely couldn't quite work out how to get out of the Ben Ohau valley/ridge and over in the Jolly for the last turnpoint. Wave was the answer...quite why I didn't think of that I'll never know. Seems so easy when you think of it. Local knowledge (of which I though I had a bit) does help.
Last day tomorrow. There are quite a few possibilities in the scoring...albeit a real disaster would have to befall a current leader. But that's what all good Nationals are about.
I see young Tim is climbing up the scoring board in Benella. Excellent. We are watching Tim...no pressure.
On the Airspace front drama with Airways continues. Now they want to take away the uncontrolled airspace overhead Mt Cook. Apparently because of the twice a week flight from Melbourne to South America. Just great...not only do we have our own desk jockeys trying to stuff our access to a public good but now the Lucky Country are in on the game as well. What's next? The pavlova was invented in Australia as well, Phar Lap was born somewhere other than Washdyke...perhaps Jondongwillagong...
On a positive note our National Airspace Officer (who I last saw disappearing on the Ben Ohau Range) has a cunning plan for the Waikato airspace grab. You might remember that we were subject to a possible violation of our airspace rights in the spring. The first advance of the desk jockeys was repelled...but they will come again. So to beat them to a solution a proposal that meets theirs, ours, and CTC's requirements will be suggested. It remains to be seen how open to ideas Airways are.
Great BBQ last night
This Contest Director of ours is turning into one of the best I have ever met/worked with...actually he's Australian by way of New Zealand. And as it turns out the Duo Discus he owns I've flown in Darling Downs.
He got around most pilots during dinner last night...well done.
Yip...I got pinged for airspace yesterday. It will have been the pull up to slow down enough to pull out my airbrakes. I never thought about lowering my wheel for awhile to creat some drag. From memory the vario needle was stuck hard against the top of the dail and the netto readout suggested 16 knots. 200 ft in airspace for 30 seconds....never mind. One pilot has had all his points revoked...
Actually I've just discovered that leaving your main wheel down at VNE runs the risk of removing your gear doors in an unapproved manner.
2 days left.
Looks a little blue today and the thermals don't appear to be very strong in the forecast. No doubt the task setters will send us somewhere new and challenging..and no doubt I will feel appropriately doubtful of my ability to get around. I'm picking somewhere west in the mountains.
Breakfast awaits...yum.
He got around most pilots during dinner last night...well done.
Yip...I got pinged for airspace yesterday. It will have been the pull up to slow down enough to pull out my airbrakes. I never thought about lowering my wheel for awhile to creat some drag. From memory the vario needle was stuck hard against the top of the dail and the netto readout suggested 16 knots. 200 ft in airspace for 30 seconds....never mind. One pilot has had all his points revoked...
Actually I've just discovered that leaving your main wheel down at VNE runs the risk of removing your gear doors in an unapproved manner.
2 days left.
Looks a little blue today and the thermals don't appear to be very strong in the forecast. No doubt the task setters will send us somewhere new and challenging..and no doubt I will feel appropriately doubtful of my ability to get around. I'm picking somewhere west in the mountains.
Breakfast awaits...yum.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
That was unexpected.
After a marginal forecast and rain from the west sitting about the hills we finally got a launch at 3.15 pm if you please. That's the latest I've ever launched in a contest.
The task was 300 kms. They glide late in the day down here.
What a task. It turned to very strong wave off the Dunstans. In fact its probably the fastest 300 kms I've ever done, on the long leg I never stopped. At VNE I was still going up at 2-3 knots. The problem was the airspace boundary was 200 feet above me. In the end I had to pop up, open the brakes and descend...I expect points to be deducted.
However on the downside it was a little rough in places. Especially the Lindis Pass.
I know it's hard to believve but a number of pilots finished the task and then decided to do it again. It's now 7 pm and maybe 7 to 10 pilots are back re doing their task. So that'll be 600 kms for the day having started after 4 pm. Not this camper...once was enough. And besides I'm not leading and under pressure.
BBQ tonight. Countrytime Hotel. I'm staying here for $40 per night including breakfast...and some one comes in and makes the bed each day...this is better than home.
The task was 300 kms. They glide late in the day down here.
What a task. It turned to very strong wave off the Dunstans. In fact its probably the fastest 300 kms I've ever done, on the long leg I never stopped. At VNE I was still going up at 2-3 knots. The problem was the airspace boundary was 200 feet above me. In the end I had to pop up, open the brakes and descend...I expect points to be deducted.
However on the downside it was a little rough in places. Especially the Lindis Pass.
I know it's hard to believve but a number of pilots finished the task and then decided to do it again. It's now 7 pm and maybe 7 to 10 pilots are back re doing their task. So that'll be 600 kms for the day having started after 4 pm. Not this camper...once was enough. And besides I'm not leading and under pressure.
BBQ tonight. Countrytime Hotel. I'm staying here for $40 per night including breakfast...and some one comes in and makes the bed each day...this is better than home.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Very cool thunderstorm
Best I've ever seen in kiwi land.
Probably an hour of lightening directly overhead.
My little Discus is tied down outside...hail would not be a crowd pleaser.
It's not looking crash hot for a contest day tomorrow...or Saturday.
Damn this is starting to feel like a Matamata contest...only I'm 22 hours from home not 40 minutes.
Update...the weather forecaster here in Omarama claimed that last nights thunderstorm was the best he'd seen in all the years he's been coming here.
There was a fleet of pilots sitting in their cars, out on the runway at 11pm watching. However once the lightning strikes got quite close most retreated.
No hail...thankfully.
Probably an hour of lightening directly overhead.
My little Discus is tied down outside...hail would not be a crowd pleaser.
It's not looking crash hot for a contest day tomorrow...or Saturday.
Damn this is starting to feel like a Matamata contest...only I'm 22 hours from home not 40 minutes.
Update...the weather forecaster here in Omarama claimed that last nights thunderstorm was the best he'd seen in all the years he's been coming here.
There was a fleet of pilots sitting in their cars, out on the runway at 11pm watching. However once the lightning strikes got quite close most retreated.
No hail...thankfully.
What's an Oxymoron in gliding?
A smooth and productive contest pilots meeting totally lacking in vested interests and personal preferences. Actually as far as contest pilots meetings go today's was quite good if a little long.
The three stand out issues where (fascinating as I'm sure they will be to non-contest glider pilots...or in fact any other sane person);
Finish lines vs finish circles. Yip it's possible to sustain a hour long discussion about this. And the vote was...wait for it...16 for the use of circles and 16 against. That was productive... However it gives Contest Directors some latitude to decide what's best for each contest and each site.
FLARMS This was a bit more interesting. In this special site ( which some consider the only gliding site of worth in the whole country...sarcastic comment intended) its probably going to be mandatory to use a Flarm in each glider for contests but I also suspect for recreational flying as well. This will be achieved either by rules or through peer pressure.
So what of the north island??? It's coming. And the most logical first place would be ridge flying in contests on the Kaimais. However it will require a critical mass...there is nothing more pointless as being the only glider with a Flarm....and maybe the potential use of PowerFlarm that also detects transponders. We have a lot of transitory light aircraft traffic through the greater Waikato.
Lastly, our youngest contest pilot asked about the possibility of a juniors contest. Great idea and he is to be congratulated for having the gumption to stand up in front of a group of mostly over 50 year old grumpy contest pilots. There are lots of reasons not to have a juniors...none are compelling. My advice to our junior members...just do it.
The three stand out issues where (fascinating as I'm sure they will be to non-contest glider pilots...or in fact any other sane person);
Finish lines vs finish circles. Yip it's possible to sustain a hour long discussion about this. And the vote was...wait for it...16 for the use of circles and 16 against. That was productive... However it gives Contest Directors some latitude to decide what's best for each contest and each site.
FLARMS This was a bit more interesting. In this special site ( which some consider the only gliding site of worth in the whole country...sarcastic comment intended) its probably going to be mandatory to use a Flarm in each glider for contests but I also suspect for recreational flying as well. This will be achieved either by rules or through peer pressure.
So what of the north island??? It's coming. And the most logical first place would be ridge flying in contests on the Kaimais. However it will require a critical mass...there is nothing more pointless as being the only glider with a Flarm....and maybe the potential use of PowerFlarm that also detects transponders. We have a lot of transitory light aircraft traffic through the greater Waikato.
Lastly, our youngest contest pilot asked about the possibility of a juniors contest. Great idea and he is to be congratulated for having the gumption to stand up in front of a group of mostly over 50 year old grumpy contest pilots. There are lots of reasons not to have a juniors...none are compelling. My advice to our junior members...just do it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Lets try that again...
So super hot and stable air was followed by a cool day with very strong easterlies up the valley.
So it was a relief to return to the sky yesterday.
The task yesterday was quite straight forward with the possible exception of a push into the Ahuiri Valley and a turnpoint in the lee of the Dingle Ridge. A very rough crossing through the Ribbonwood Gap followed by a fair old thrashing to get high enough to push across to Ben Avon Station and get out of the valley. After that it was an easy run to Tarras and back up to the Two Thumb Range.
Today the task setters got out of bed very early, drank way too much coffee and got very enthusiastic. The little glider task (me) was 445 kms while the big boys (and girl) had a 500 km task.
It was a day of firsts for me (albeit not a first place...far from it) as I hadn't done that the nasty run from Dansys Pass cross to Kurow and onto the mountains to the north. Nor had I dropped off the Two Thumbs into the Rangitata river valley. Achieved both today...and a small amount of sweat.
The best climb was 12 knots...in a convergence/thermal/ridge combo.
I've taken plenty of photos of wild and woolly places so when I get a chance to download them I'll post some. But probably not the one of the fullest pee bag I've ever generated....must have been the nervous energy.
Go Tim...we are watching from here...no pressure.
Oh and if you think your day was bad...yesterday a Duo launched from here with the intention of flying to Lake Station....no mean feat by itself...probably 500 kms. However once they arrived overhead Lake Station there were sheep on the strip so they flew onto Nelson only to find the cross wind too strong so they elected to go across Cooks Strait and land at Wellington. So the long suffering retrieve crew needed to drive to Picton (8-9 hours), cross the strait, and de-rig, re-cross the strait, then on the Lake Station.
So it was a relief to return to the sky yesterday.
The task yesterday was quite straight forward with the possible exception of a push into the Ahuiri Valley and a turnpoint in the lee of the Dingle Ridge. A very rough crossing through the Ribbonwood Gap followed by a fair old thrashing to get high enough to push across to Ben Avon Station and get out of the valley. After that it was an easy run to Tarras and back up to the Two Thumb Range.
Today the task setters got out of bed very early, drank way too much coffee and got very enthusiastic. The little glider task (me) was 445 kms while the big boys (and girl) had a 500 km task.
It was a day of firsts for me (albeit not a first place...far from it) as I hadn't done that the nasty run from Dansys Pass cross to Kurow and onto the mountains to the north. Nor had I dropped off the Two Thumbs into the Rangitata river valley. Achieved both today...and a small amount of sweat.
The best climb was 12 knots...in a convergence/thermal/ridge combo.
I've taken plenty of photos of wild and woolly places so when I get a chance to download them I'll post some. But probably not the one of the fullest pee bag I've ever generated....must have been the nervous energy.
Go Tim...we are watching from here...no pressure.
Oh and if you think your day was bad...yesterday a Duo launched from here with the intention of flying to Lake Station....no mean feat by itself...probably 500 kms. However once they arrived overhead Lake Station there were sheep on the strip so they flew onto Nelson only to find the cross wind too strong so they elected to go across Cooks Strait and land at Wellington. So the long suffering retrieve crew needed to drive to Picton (8-9 hours), cross the strait, and de-rig, re-cross the strait, then on the Lake Station.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Good grief it's hot...
So hot and stable that the Contest Director pulled the pin on the task at 2.30pm.
33 degrees according to my car. So 2 days ago we had snow and rain...and now it's hot and dry. What a place. And the river is still too high and dirty to swim in.
Interesting things today;
The LS 6 that crumpled its main wheel yesterday was out on the grid today. Amazing what can be achieved in a hurry. A borrowed wheel strut and main gear from a LS 8 and plenty of hours through the night got the aircraft serviceable again. Good effort.
Saw one of the best low passes in a Duo...although I suspect the grumpies will be on to him.
I witnessed the first ever "flash mob" at a gliding venue...after days of interest and questions Brett finally relented and fired up the Jet. On the ground. What a leave blower...albeit quite a bit louder.
We had pilots running from all over the field to get a glimpse...even famous glider pilots like the one on the front page of the local paper...who's also the captain of a certain rugby team. The best advert by a glider sales rep I've ever seen....
I learnt where my mistake was yesterday...and how easy it would have been to go up the Ben Ohau's.
An impromptu, on the spot, totally unauthorised reccomemdation was made that all gliders in future Nationals must uses Flarms. That'll be an interesting discussion point in the north. I'd buy a Flarm ( as my V7 supports and displays Flarms outputs) but if no one else has one what's the point?
And lastly, December was another record month for hits on the blog. I'm not sure whether to thank you or suggest you must have bette things to do.
Go Tim....we will be watching.
33 degrees according to my car. So 2 days ago we had snow and rain...and now it's hot and dry. What a place. And the river is still too high and dirty to swim in.
Interesting things today;
The LS 6 that crumpled its main wheel yesterday was out on the grid today. Amazing what can be achieved in a hurry. A borrowed wheel strut and main gear from a LS 8 and plenty of hours through the night got the aircraft serviceable again. Good effort.
Saw one of the best low passes in a Duo...although I suspect the grumpies will be on to him.
I witnessed the first ever "flash mob" at a gliding venue...after days of interest and questions Brett finally relented and fired up the Jet. On the ground. What a leave blower...albeit quite a bit louder.
We had pilots running from all over the field to get a glimpse...even famous glider pilots like the one on the front page of the local paper...who's also the captain of a certain rugby team. The best advert by a glider sales rep I've ever seen....
I learnt where my mistake was yesterday...and how easy it would have been to go up the Ben Ohau's.
An impromptu, on the spot, totally unauthorised reccomemdation was made that all gliders in future Nationals must uses Flarms. That'll be an interesting discussion point in the north. I'd buy a Flarm ( as my V7 supports and displays Flarms outputs) but if no one else has one what's the point?
And lastly, December was another record month for hits on the blog. I'm not sure whether to thank you or suggest you must have bette things to do.
Go Tim....we will be watching.
Of mice and men...
Yesterday I was a mouse...the concept of heading into the Ben Ohau's in the blue, with not much wind scared the Bejesus out of me. One must be getting old. However the alternative path up the valley in the blue didn't work either. Hitting the encroaching sea breeze up near Burkes Pass killeed it for me. The scorer lists a land-out which is in fact me turning 20 km short of the turn point. It was a struggle just getting back home. No crew does alter your decision making. Landing on the east side of the Tekapo River would require a 4 hour road trip.
Yesterday saw the repeat of a flat tire on GVR...tire full of air in the tie down area, still full half way down the track to the grid, completely flat on the bottom 40 meters later.
So a repeat of getting the trailer out, jacking up the glider, taking the wheel off (no mean feat I might add) removing the tire, discussing all the options with the 20 assembled chiefs, replacing the inner tube, putting it all back to together, getting in and flying. We look forward to a repeat today...
One very low finish yesterday, just making over the road only to have the wheel collapse on landing...so a top competitor out of the 15 meter class...although panic repairs throughout the night could change that.
A Duo landed out in Wanaka...not the far away you would think...the retrieve took 5 hours...bloody hell...
I should know all this but surprisingly it has been 4 years since I've flown here...time flies...pun intended.
Speaking of today...looks very blue...and hot...if we get a start at all it will be late.
Yesterday saw the repeat of a flat tire on GVR...tire full of air in the tie down area, still full half way down the track to the grid, completely flat on the bottom 40 meters later.
So a repeat of getting the trailer out, jacking up the glider, taking the wheel off (no mean feat I might add) removing the tire, discussing all the options with the 20 assembled chiefs, replacing the inner tube, putting it all back to together, getting in and flying. We look forward to a repeat today...
One very low finish yesterday, just making over the road only to have the wheel collapse on landing...so a top competitor out of the 15 meter class...although panic repairs throughout the night could change that.
A Duo landed out in Wanaka...not the far away you would think...the retrieve took 5 hours...bloody hell...
I should know all this but surprisingly it has been 4 years since I've flown here...time flies...pun intended.
Speaking of today...looks very blue...and hot...if we get a start at all it will be late.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The big snow.
That was one of today's highlights. Quite a lot and really low for Jan. Meridian are spilling water from the dams...looks really impressive from the air. There should be no power shortages this winter. All the mountain fed rivers are in flood.
The other interesting points were;
The fastest winning time was 130 kph...about 15 kph faster than anybody else.
Brett managed to get his tyre repaired, refitted and launch, still manage a second place and was probably the only glider without ballast.
On the other hand I spent an hour getting out of the Maniatoto.
Looks like a good day today.
I can't get photos from my camera to this IPad thingy...that'll have to wait until I get home.
The other interesting points were;
The fastest winning time was 130 kph...about 15 kph faster than anybody else.
Brett managed to get his tyre repaired, refitted and launch, still manage a second place and was probably the only glider without ballast.
On the other hand I spent an hour getting out of the Maniatoto.
Looks like a good day today.
I can't get photos from my camera to this IPad thingy...that'll have to wait until I get home.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
It's raining, it's pouring...
The old man is snoring....
This is starting to feel like a Nationals in Matamata.
As I look outside its raining and 12 degrees. I'm picking that'll mean snow on the hills in the morning.
The Ahuriri River is in full flood.
Campers in tents have abandoned their sites and headed for home.
The West Coast is no longer a round trip as the only road bridge in Hari Hari has been washed out.
And I've been to Oamaru again...for a nice lunch with friends.
So what about gliding???
Tomorrow we hope. Actually it's looking quite good for the next few days...but I'll believe it when I see it.
We have a sponsor for this years Nationals. Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. Yum salmon.
Also because the locals don't use Soaring Spot ( a mistake in my humble opinion) you will have to get the link to the results off the GNZ site .... Gliding nz.co.nz I think.
Also we have a new Facebook page...the link is on the contest web site...like it and that'll help keep the sponsors happy. Maybe next time we can get some more cash.
And the gossip....there is plenty.
The first land-out of the year happened 1 km short of the airfield...in rain and strong NW winds.
The Tauranga Club is very thin on the ground this year. There are more from Auckland...5 I think.
More later...
This is starting to feel like a Nationals in Matamata.
As I look outside its raining and 12 degrees. I'm picking that'll mean snow on the hills in the morning.
The Ahuriri River is in full flood.
Campers in tents have abandoned their sites and headed for home.
The West Coast is no longer a round trip as the only road bridge in Hari Hari has been washed out.
And I've been to Oamaru again...for a nice lunch with friends.
So what about gliding???
Tomorrow we hope. Actually it's looking quite good for the next few days...but I'll believe it when I see it.
We have a sponsor for this years Nationals. Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. Yum salmon.
Also because the locals don't use Soaring Spot ( a mistake in my humble opinion) you will have to get the link to the results off the GNZ site .... Gliding nz.co.nz I think.
Also we have a new Facebook page...the link is on the contest web site...like it and that'll help keep the sponsors happy. Maybe next time we can get some more cash.
And the gossip....there is plenty.
The first land-out of the year happened 1 km short of the airfield...in rain and strong NW winds.
The Tauranga Club is very thin on the ground this year. There are more from Auckland...5 I think.
More later...
Saturday, December 29, 2012
In da house...
And what a house it is...overlooking the cloud hills and up into the Ohau's.
It's good to back in the Mackenzie...
It only takes 1200 kms, 16 hours in the car, 4 hours on Cook Strait, 12 cups of coffee, $200 of fuel, and 8 CDs to get here.
Spent yesterday in Christchurch. I might have spent 4 years in the Garden City but its now really hard to find your bearings. So many buildings are gone...really sad.
Wave and high cloud in Omarama today. Rain tomorrow by the sounds of the forecast so it'll be a chance to do something else.
However it sounds like rain almost anywhere you go in NZ tomorrow.
It's good to back in the Mackenzie...
It only takes 1200 kms, 16 hours in the car, 4 hours on Cook Strait, 12 cups of coffee, $200 of fuel, and 8 CDs to get here.
Spent yesterday in Christchurch. I might have spent 4 years in the Garden City but its now really hard to find your bearings. So many buildings are gone...really sad.
Wave and high cloud in Omarama today. Rain tomorrow by the sounds of the forecast so it'll be a chance to do something else.
However it sounds like rain almost anywhere you go in NZ tomorrow.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Heika Parata approach to consultation...
There is a nice little parallel between the bumbling performance of the Minister of Education and my local clubs High Command...
Try to ignore the issues and maybe they will go away over the Xmas break...fat chance sweetie's...
The public won't forgive the Minister and she'll be for the chop sometime in the New Year whilst we and all the reporters are at the beach...
And I'm not about to let this change in club direction from promoting activity to counting beans drop.
And I'm not a solitary aggrieved, single issue, grandstanding, loony (well maybe a few of those) but I'm not alone...so thanks to those who have noted these strange goings on...
And while I'm on farcical, out of touch organisations...the National Rifle Association believe arming teachers and putting armed police officers in every American School is the solution to their out of control gun culture...
If they want the constitutional right to bare arms...take your bloody shirt off you total nutters...
Try to ignore the issues and maybe they will go away over the Xmas break...fat chance sweetie's...
The public won't forgive the Minister and she'll be for the chop sometime in the New Year whilst we and all the reporters are at the beach...
And I'm not about to let this change in club direction from promoting activity to counting beans drop.
And I'm not a solitary aggrieved, single issue, grandstanding, loony (well maybe a few of those) but I'm not alone...so thanks to those who have noted these strange goings on...
And while I'm on farcical, out of touch organisations...the National Rifle Association believe arming teachers and putting armed police officers in every American School is the solution to their out of control gun culture...
If they want the constitutional right to bare arms...take your bloody shirt off you total nutters...
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