Since my last report in September great things have been happening. Three newly built aircraft have taken to the air. Congratulations to Jim Scritchley RV8, Tony Richardson Sonex and Peter Bakker Sonex. More details and photos are on the website.

At the October meeting Maikha Ly gave an interesting and informative talk on his education and training to become a Rex Airlines pilot and some interesting aspects of his daily work. The audience really enjoyed his speaking style and media presentation.

On the 18th of October I was fortunate to fly to the Robe Aviators Event as a passenger in Steve Biele’s Lightning. Nice weather and our club had Brian Degenhardt RV7, Andre Mielke Cessna 172, Steve Biele Lightning attending. A number of SAC members also attended the Clare Valley aerodrome Opening the following weekend. The weather and cross winds at Clare made landing difficult.

On the 8th and 9th of November Pauline Crawford and Chris Malone organised a great fly in event to Wentworth in NSW. Due to runway works at the Wentworth airfield some 20 aircraft and 40 odd visitors landed at Mildura where we were bussed to Wentworth and enjoyed wonderful hospitality- including a luxury river cruise meal with entertainment.

The 14th of November was the Club Christmas Dinner with many great prizes and a slightly changed format of no raffles with minimal meal interruptions. Peter Bakker took our the prize for best completed and flying aircraft. Reports I have received are that all attending enjoyed the social occasion, good food and the opportunity to chat.

The Club building project (Sonex Aircraft) is progressing well with the airframe virtually complete including the flight controls. We are moving to engine and instrument fitting. The project remains around 5 months ahead of schedule but could slow down a little over Christmas and as we come to terms with the new skills needed to complete the aircraft. All club members are welcome to join in.

The December meeting is next Wednesday with Mike O’Rielly speaking on the “Yuneec Electric Aircraft”. Great opportunity to hear about the latest technology for light aircraft propulsion from an owner and importer.

Chris Moore   President

Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway. ~Mary Kay Ash