Soaring started in February and by the end of May we had achieved far more cross-country kilometres ‘than the same period last year. Phil Gaisford leads the ladder with Norman Parry second, Norman having had a remarkable wave climb of 12 000f1 earlier in the season. Cross-country pilots have had to pass a written test on air law and navigation, set by CFI, John Baxter, before being let off the leash. The Blanik, which replaced the T-49, isn’t yet as popular as the K-13 but spends a lot of time in the hands of Steve Nash and others giving passenger flights. The Astir and Skylark 4 have joined the K8 but the Skylark needs a new trailer before it can fulfil its proper cross country role. Local real ale bas replaced the fizz served in the clubhouse and in addition Angie Higgs and the girls now provide food most weekends. John Chapman has gone solo and Bob Locke completed his Bronze C. We have a passenger flying weekend on June 21-22, a task week starting June 28 and a Competition Kitty weekend on July 19-21, with the annual barbecue arranged for July 19.
