And here we are. The last month of winter already.
Most clubs are still flying. Some are dealing with grounds too boggy for flight.
Plenty of mid-winter ground training, get togethers, AGM's, landing comps and planning for the coming soaring season going on though.
Certainly there are lots of events to choose from this season if the advertisements that have been rolling in for this newsletter are anything to go by.
Time to get the polish out and find yourself a coach.
Further, faster, higher.
Start your planning now.
Steve Wallace
GNZ President
Congratulations
DAVID MOODY
Winner of the 'bent stick' award at the Auckland Gliding Club AGM for the longest retrieve after taking off from Drury.
MAURIE HONEY
Angus Rose Bowl
Featured last month but great to now have a picture of Maurie receiving GNZ's premier award in person.
GEORGINA SCHOFIELD
Most promising student pilot and one of the most unusual trophies (only a few will know what it is)
History Hustle
Who was the first to fly a glider in NZ?
This was a topic of conversation that came up at the GNZ AGM. We thought we might be coming up a 100 year anniversary. Turns out we missed it by about 12 years! Below is earliest known account to date. 21st or 22nd May, 1909. More amazingly, there are photos!
What we now want to know is when was the first gliding club formed in NZ? Send me your dates (with proof) and I'll publish the results. [email protected]
Well done Milan on an epic intro video!
A fantastic win for our airspace committee
After nearly 3 years of hard work, consultation and collaboration with Airways and CAA, we have had the GNZ Waikato airspace proposal officially approved! Effective from 2nd Dec 2021.
we are running a special two class for newbies + experienced pilot in the back seat. We hope to heavily sponsor YG and other new pilots entry fees flying in this class. More details to follow.
The Mountain flying course runs the week before
OGC Mountain flying course: Mon 29th Nov - Fri 3rd Dec 2021
South Island Regionals Competition: Sat 4th Dec - Sat 11th Dec 2021
Register your interest here:
Talk to us about group/club packages (bring your gliders or use ours)
Inaugural Matamata Youth Soaring Development Camp
The inaugural Matamata Youth Soaring Development Camp (YSDC) is being held from Monday 13 December through to Friday 17 December 2021. Attendees are required to be at Matamata Airfield on Sunday the 12th December.
Registration of interest close 13/08/2021
What is the Matamata YSDC? This year, we are hosting a Youth Soaring Development Camp at Matamata airfield… the camp uses gliders and tow-planes from other gliding clubs and private owners and has highly experienced volunteer instructors, tow pilots and ground support staff to make the camp possible, affordable and FUN. Costs are kept to an absolute minimum so more flying can be done!
Who can come? The camp is open to any member of Youth Glide New Zealand. We have availability for pre-solo through to advanced soaring pilots. Numbers attending are strictly limited to 16 students, so get in quick!
Please note that the completion of this form does not guarantee you a position on the camp.
You will be contacted shortly after applications close on Friday 13th August to confirm your attendance. Once attendance is confirmed, you will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place.
The GNZ Umbrella Trust has funds available to help your club purchase a new glider, host a course to train students in competition flying, x-country flying or instructing. Specific funds are also available to assist those pilots selected to represent New Zealand at contests overseas.
The trust does not fund equipment for gliding clubs or trial flight courses for potential new members.
Unsure if what you want to fund will qualify? Before applying you can drop a quick note to the UT secretary Karen Morgan and the trustees will endeavour to give feedback in a timely manner.
Tow ropes love tying themselves up in knots which significantly reduce the strength of the rope. These knots are good at hiding near the rings where they are harder to spot. Before hooking on your next glider don't forget to check and let the pilot know there are "no knots"
Incident Reports
From the desk of the NOO (National Operations Officer)
Brief Review of Incident Reports for August to October 2021
heavy landing in crosswind after early release from tow due to turbulence
instructional flight - front canopy opened on aerotow - trainee able to close it
tow pilot failed to make radio call when entering MBZ, potential traffic conflict
aerotow cable not retracted into tug after release, cable clipped fence on final
take-off on trial flight with tail dolly on, landed wheel up, only flight of the day
For more detailed commentary and all previous reports you can access all back copies of the Ops Team Talking newsletter. These have been placed on the Gliding NZ web site under News > Safety Bulletins
A link to the GNZ incident reporting form (OPS 10) can be found in the very top menu bar on the GNZ homepage, just to the right of the 'Classified Adverts'. You can now fill this form out on your phone at the airfield so no excuses.
