Presidents Report – October 2025
We had superb weather for the club visit to Loxton on the 12th and 13th of September. Our hosts David and Sherri Pocock arranged a fantastic visit that included a trip to Renmark to have a look at a recently constructed Pietenpol Air Camper. Secretary Barry Windell was busy over the weekend signing up new members – well done Barry.
A small group of us visited the gliding museum at Monarto on the 20th of September. The museum has a large number of historic gliders, many built here at Parafield and Gawler by Edmund Schneider Pty Ltd. One aircraft, a foot launched glider, had a very interesting panel……an ASI. Our host, Emilis Prelgauskas, was a mine of information on construction techniques and repair schemes. Thank you to Councillor Rob Wintulich for coordinating with Emilis. As an aside, Rob’s sailplane project is nearing completion and flight tests are being planned.
Our speaker on Wednesday is Group Captain Steve Fielder about his experiences in Papua New Guinea as an adviser to Government, and more recently, his association with the PNG Defence Force air arm. Given the recent announcement of a defence treaty between Australia and PNG, this presentation by Steve is very timely. In addition, Steve has previously given a presentation to us on his Auster restoration project – he will update us on its progress.
On Friday the 10th of October we are planning to visit Woodside airstrip; details are as follows:
WOODSIDE AIRFIELD YWDS
Opposite Bird in Hand Winery, 121 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside. 34.9584S 138.8908E (34°57’30″S 138°53’27″E)
ELV 1200’, 05/23 parallel to Pfeiffer Road, grass 900m, Note Class C LL 2500. 1nm East of Woodside township.
Power lines on Pfeiffer road, power lines 200m SW on final for 05 and 200m NE on final for 23. Both are very low and marked.
Drive or fly, from 1000 morning tea SW hangar, check out projects in Jim McDowell’s hangar, meet the airfield owner, hear the airfield story and relax. Shuttle to Woodside Diner Café for lunch from 1200.
Our next Bunnings fundraiser is on Saturday the 18th of October. Please consider volunteering for either a morning or afternoon shift and let Greg Holland know via the email system on the Club website. The Bunnings events support our scholarship programme and your assistance is a great way to advance our Club.
Christmas is fast approaching and our end of year event is scheduled for Wednesday the 19th of November at the West Adelaide Football Club. Please make a note for your diary. Final details will be confirmed at the next Council meeting and a separate notice will be sent regarding costs etc.
Safe Flying
John Siebert
