Hi everyone, this is the regular Thursday posting to let you know what is coming up in the near future.
Airspace
Sorry to keep badgering about this but it is important – the consultation closes TODAY. Please can you review below and help wherever possible, the deadline is today.
https://members.gliding.co.uk/representation-and-consultations/oxford-and-raf-brize-norton-acps/
Your team this weekend is:
Saturday: Geoff Dailey, Glyn MacArthur – It seems we are short of a No 1, so if you are one and are available & willing to supervise the field for a bit, please can you contact Martin asap.
Sunday: Mike Greenwood, Steve Alexander, John O’Reilly
Committee updates:
MT: The new winch engine has had a shipping delay, we are awaiting an accurate arrival date so that we can plan the fitting which should be mid/late April.
Caravan park: Dave Crowson and Guy have discussed the very muddy state of the north end of the caravan park since the new MT shed has changed the way water flows into the caravan park. We have tried to stablise the mud with some stone chippings and will look at a new drainage scheme and possibly a new road surface to resolve the issues.
CFI News – Check/Currency/Recency Flights:
Now the weather is (should be) getting better a number of us, including me, will be thinking of taking to the air for the 1st time in a while. This brings us to the thorny questions of “Currency” and “Recency”. You may well be within your Annual Check period of validity BUT if you haven’t flown 3 launches and 3 landings as handling pilot in the last 90 days then you’re NOT “Current”.
You also need to ask yourself if you’re “Recent”. You can easily be within the 3 launches & landings in 90 days requirement but ask yourself: – when was the last time you flew in today’s conditions? or, in today’s launch direction? Could you cope with an unexpected launch failure on your 1st launch?
Bear in mind that during a lay off our “skills” generally stay with us but our “judgement” deteriorates quite quickly, so, If there’s any doubt then there’s no doubt.
ASK for a check flight and be sure to tell your instructor WHY you want/need a check flight; maybe get them to demonstrate something you’re rusty with or a new skill?
Our instructors are all here to facilitate you flying safely and making progress, so use this valuable resource and get the best out of your flying.
Incidentally, I haven’t flown since October, because of my health problem, so I will be taking a series of Check/Refresher flights before I fly solo again. If I can do it -so can you !
MGC Stage System
Do you know what MGC Stage you are? Do you know what the check flight period is and what your annual renewal requirements are? Do you know what skills you need to move to the next stage?
If the answer to any of these questions is “NO” then talk it through with an instructor, particularly on wet “tea drinking” days and (particularly with Annual Check Time fast approaching) get a plan together, give yourself something to aim for both in the short term and for the season as a whole…….. Give it some thought, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Then, when you fly with an instructor TELL THEM what you’re trying to achieve – that way they’ can tailor your flying to make progress towards your goal.
In the meantime: – STAY SAFE & HAVE FUN.
Whatsapp group for flying updates – if any members would like access to this please drop a text to Rob Shepherd on 07709352826 asking to be added, including your full name and membership number if you know it. Please see previous blogs for further details.
Forthcoming events
All Events – We wanted to make it easy for all members to see everything that’s happening and planned, all on our website. Here’s the link http://www.midlandgliding.club/all-events/
Get checked week is this week – I’m looking out the window at a beautiful day. Notams have precluded any realistic tasks, but there are loads of gliders rigged and raring to get airborne.
Easter Junior Camp – 9th to 13th April
Easter Camp for junior members. All junior members are welcome to join for just one day or all week. Flying training and briefings will be given, and concentrated flying on opportunities like this is a sure way to make good progress. If any junior member is interested, please book a place through the office. As with coming along to the Club on any day, the consent of a parent or guardian is required and you will have to arrange transport. If you want to stay at the Club overnight, please speak with the office about the special arrangements for this. There will be no extra cost and you will just pay for whatever flying you do in the normal way plus food.
North Hill visiting the Mynd – 14th April for a week, so come along and say hello. There should be lots of aviation happening.
BI (Basic Instructor) Training week – 16th to 20th April
If you’re booked on, that’s brilliant. If you are interested in getting booked on or training to become a basic instructor, please contact Steve Male by emailing him here to check the criteria and find out what’s involved and to get booked onto this or a future training event.
Rockpolishers – InterClub League at Nympsfield – 21st/22nd April
Contact Mark Sanders for more information – if places are not already filled, he will no doubt will be looking for pilots, crew and other willing volunteers to take part.
Club Week – 23rd-27th April
Come along and fly lots! Get those checks finished if you still need to. Get some training on something that you’re finding tricky. We recommend you book accommodation and any check flights fairly quickly for this one, via the office.
Gliding Course No 1 of 2018 – 30thApril to 4th May
This is very early sold out, but it looks like there may be a space on Tues, Thur and Fri. So if you are interested, please contact Martin in the office without delay.
Prospective Members Weekend – 4th-6th May
We are inviting local folks who are interested in joining our wonderful club, to join us for a mini tour of the club so they can see everything the club has to offer. We are not guaranteeing them a flight, but if there’s availability then we may choose to offer that. If you’re around that weekend, and can lend a hand for half an hour, it would be much appreciated.
Rockpolishers – InterClub League at The Mynd – 5th/6th May
Contact Mark Sanders for more information – if places are not already filled, he will no doubt will be looking for pilots, crew and other willing volunteers to take part.
Aim Higher at the Mynd 7-11 May.
Last year’s Aim Higher courses precipitated our busiest XC season at the Mynd with a best ever 79 flights totalling 14500km recorded on the club ladder, SIX Silver Distances during the season, and Dominic flying the first ever 500km FAI triangle in Wales (an achievement recognised by the BGA with an award at last week’s BGA annual conference).
This year we are running the full five day course from 7 – 11 May.
Aim Higher lead, Kevin Atkinson, will once again be taking the reins, with informative, entertaining and thought provoking briefings in the mornings, lots of opportunities for XC flying, both solo and dual, as soon as it gets soarable, and debriefs once the hangar doors have closed!
As last year, the charge will be a nominal £10 per person per day to cover expenses, with flying at normal club rates.
Build on your achievements in 2017; aim to take your flying to new heights in 2018; kick start your season with a group of like-minded pilots and get yourself booked in today by phoning or emailing the office – Aim Higher!
Sarah marketing@midlandgliding.club,
on behalf of Neal 🙂 chairman@midlandgliding.club