It’s official. La Nina is not my friend! The continuing inclement weather over south eastern Australia has wreaked havoc, with widespread flooding and major river levels continuing to rise.
As aviators it means fewer opportunities for VFR flying and many of the spring airshows being cancelled or postponed. Just in the last month alone we have seen Temora and Jamestown airshows cancelled and likewise with the forthcoming Benalla airshow and the Air Race World Championships at Lake Macquarie.
I do feel sorry for the organisers, not just for the financial impact but all the time spent planning and organising down the drain. One of the major considerations in whether a show goes ahead is not just the weather forecast but the condition of the grassed areas of the airfield. As many of us know the grassed areas are often used for extra aircraft parking and car parking and if the area is too muddy this is not possible. But more importantly is access for emergency vehicles should there be an aircraft mishap during the show.
I was to participate in the Jamestown airshow in my Chipmunk as one of 6 DeHavilland aircraft in a mass formation flypast. My consolation prize was to formate with a single Tiger Moth during a brief flight around Victor Harbour before the rains arrived again.
All is not lost however. Last Saturday a small airshow did go ahead at Whyalla. It was a well-kept secret as I only heard about it the day before. There are a couple of upcoming aeroclub flyins being advertised. On 26th November Narracoorte Aero Club are hosting a flyin as are the Ballarat Aeroclub on December 4th. And don’t forget the annual Barossa Birdmen Christmas Toy Run to Truro Flats Airfield on Sunday 27th November. Check Google for more details if interested.
CASA are hosting a safety seminar at Murray Bridge airport on 19th November. The subject is: ”Non-controlled Aerodromes: Manage Your Risks.” A worthwhile subject as this is where we do most of our flying. Visit their website to register.
A reminder that there is NO regular club meeting on November 9th but instead our annual Christmas dinner on November 30th, starting at 6:30 pm. Preparations are well underway now and we are hoping for a big turnout, having booked the large function room at the West Adelaide Football Club. Cost for a 3 course Christmas themed meal with Tea and Coffee is $65 per head which needs to be prepaid into the Club Bank Account by November 23rd.
Once you have paid, your entry tickets can be collected on the night, which will double as your raffle ticket for the many prizes on offer. The will be some fun with a Quiz (not too many aeroplane questions I am told), and a Paper Aeroplane contest for the builders out there. We will announce an award for the best Club aircraft completed and flown this year and also a club scholarship worth $1000.
I do hope to see you all there.
Blue Skies,
Steve
“In the future man will be able to go around the world in two hours- one hour for flying and one hour to get to the airport” Neil H McElroy
