Australia Day - 26th January, 2014

Wind, Wind, and Wind !
Even though the wind was up, members,family and friends enjoyed the fellowship and the novelty flying events.
The wind was so strong at times that it would have blown the dog of the end of the chain, if it wasn't bolted to the post.

As part of the Australia Day festivities morning tea of lamingtons, pikelets with jam and cream, chocolate biscuits and potato chips were washed down with tea, coffee, soft drinks and cold water.
A BBQ lunch followed at noon.  Hamburgers, prepared by Roy and Pauline were much appreciated and so was that second lamington.

Our events co-ordinator Rod Winton had volunteers lined up for a go at 'Drop the Aussie Bear' competition.

This event really tests your ability to drop (from 100 feet) the Aussie Bear as close as possible to the marker on the runway.  And in a strong wind, what a task this was.

The winner was Norm Cardinal with his drop only 3 metres from the marker.

The spot landing competition  is where the pilot has to take off, exit the runway areas and return to make a landing as close as possible to the marker. And again this was done in very high crosswinds.

The winner was Geoff Pinkerton who landed within a metre of the marker.  Tell me Geoff, how many times did your aircraft have to go-round before touch down???  Um, I lost count.

Desley, Wendy, Ann and Trish try out the lamingtons.

We were very pleased to see our mate Bill Rogers back at the flying field after recovering from a nasty injury which he sustained to the index and second fingers on his right hand.  He was trying to start the second engine of the B17 when he accidentally put his hand into the propeller of the first engine.  We suggest you do not try this as it inflicts much pain and discomfort.  Ask Bill, he'll tell you how much.

Shane Bayliss who has been practicing for the past 2 months, skillfully flew his aerobatic aircraft and demonstrated that it is possible to achieve the Bronze Wings (fixed wing) even in high winds.  Congratulations Shane.

Lots of laughs were had all round with some accurate (or just good luck) flying.

We had an enjoyable day and that is what it's all about.