Looking back on 2012....flyingwise.........

[Guest Maj Millard]

Well the years all but done, so time to reflect I guess.

 

I declared 2012 'the year of the fly-out', and it certainly didn't dissapoint in that respect !....early in the year I loaded windsor68 for the long-haul to Natfly at Temora. All went well, we both met many forumites down there, and we both got some great flying in on the way. Plus of course met a few old classic 95.10 legends, and of course got to view some great aircraft.

 

Next planned fly-out was the old Station at Raglan in central Qld. Had several planes set and loaded to go to this great show, when the weather turned about as bad as it gets in these parts. Some of the flyers in the South of the state made it the following day with improving weather, but the flyers in the North had to be content with knowing they had made the safest decision in keeping the plane in the hangar.

 

Made the trek up to Frank Arris (farri) place at Deeral just south of Cairns to met Pud who had come all the way from WA, with his lovely wife, and a group of his friends. They camped on Franks' property next to a croc infested river, and we did some great flying around the lovely area that is Franks' backyard.

 

Then the RAAus northern fly-in at Monto QLD came around, and once again the northern flyers saddled up and attended in good numbers for the very enjoyable weekend, meeting even more forumites. I loaded up Hongie this time for the adventurous trek South.

 

Friends from the Proserpine area Ian and Julie Wells departed from their home field 'Heathrow" in their Savannah "Cab Sav" for the 'Wow' trip of a lifetime right around Australia. The rest of us followed their impressive progress aound the coast, and offered all the support we could muster. Well done Ian and Julie !..We all lost a good pilot friend in late Nov, a real character who's time had come, but we have all pitched in to help the family since, and will continue to do so in the coming years.

 

Last but not least, the Whitsunday Aero clubs' fly-in day at Bowen in early December turned out to be a great success, with many visitors enjoying the Tigermoth rides, and viewing the unexpected large number of aircraft which attended.

 

I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy flying right throughout the year whenever the urge came. Met a lot of forumites this year which was great. Didn't bend anything of note. The Lightwing and 912 gave great service, which is the way I like it.

 

And what's in store for 2013 ??....pretty much more of the same I can only hope !!.....Seasons' greetings and happy flying to you all!.....................................Maj...

 

 

[metalman]

Great year Maj, and a good idea too, thinking back on my flying year I'm surprised at how much I got to do,

 

I started the year by finishing an aerobatic rating with DJP , I too went to Natfly with three mates , two in kitfoxes and one gyro ,it was a great and eventful trip with me in the eurofox having an engine issue when departing , the gyro had to put down in a paddock about ten miles from echuca , and a precautionary landing due to WX just north of the glenburn gap, met some great people all around, and learned a heap about aviating and myself onto the bargain.

 

I then got checked out in a Tigermoth , although doing it through a Victorian winter perhaps wasn't the smartest thing I've done. I've always loved the antiques so it was a dream come true to be given the green light to fly it when I wanted to.

 

I've almost got my own aircraft finished ( just got to deal with a magnetised airframe before the compass can be swung) and should be starting the test flying in January. I managed to put a few hours in the eurofox in preparation for taking my baby up for the first time and in the process fell in love with them, if anyone gets a chance to fly one do it , they're a great aircraft.

 

All up for the year I put about 40 hours in my log book, made some new mates, went to some new places and also sadly saw a few go west,

 

So here's to a safer new year and more time aloft, have a merry Christmas everyone

 

Cheers Met

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Yes I love the Eurofox also Met, a strong capable aircraft and a great evolution of the good old Skyfox/gazelle design. Wow, aeros with DJP...that's sweet !.........................................Maj...