Presidents Report, June 2017

Last month 5 aircraft and 10 people participated in the Club Flyaway Outback Safari. As reported by Derry Swan at the May meeting, a brilliant time was had by all with perfect autumn weather AND tailwinds on every sector. A pilot’s dream!

Places visited were Coober Pedy, Maralinga (yes, where the atomic blasts took place), Ceduna and Port Lincoln. It was great to catch up with life member, Mick Hart, and his wife Di whilst in Port Lincoln.

Don’t forget coming up on Monday night 26th of June is the premiere of Michael Smith’s film, “Voyage of the Southern Sun”, at the Capri cinema, Goodwood. Some of you may remember he spoke to our club last year about his epic round the world adventure in his Searay. Being a film buff Michael has turned his raw footage into a feature length film which includes some stunning scenery. Tickets can be purchased online through the Calendar entry on the club website or through this LINK.

Your council has lined up some interesting speakers over the next few months so be sure to come along to the monthly meetings to hear them.

In June we have Wing Commander (retd) John Downing who was the CO of 2Squadron, flying Canberra bombers in Vietnam. He had the misfortune of being the only Australian aircraft to be shot down by a SAM missile, but he lived to tell about it! Come and hear his story.

In July, Steve Biele’s son Mark, will talk about flying RAAF FA18’s and also USAF F22’s while on exchange duties in Alaska.

In August we have Richard Geytenbeek, known to many of you as a glider and tug pilot, talking about “Thermals and other sources of uplift and the recreational pilot”.

September sees Paul Dare talk about his aerial photography business, however, unlike most, he does not use drones but regular GA aircraft, often flown by himself.

Please take advantage of the wonderful flying weather we have been enjoying before winter proper arrives.

Blue Skies,

Steve

Truly superior pilots are those who use their superior judgement to avoid those situations where they might have to use their superior skills.