Guest Glenn Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 An unusual event to attend due to the distance but one of the owners of VH-RAT, a Cessna 210 used this as an excuse to visit some relatives from there who met us when we landed. Sunday 22nd March Cowra - Griffith Flying time around 1 hour each way. By car, 4 hours. Certainly beats driving. Departed Cowra at 9:15am for the 1 hour flight to Griffith, a town I have only been to once as a baby. The flight was pretty uneventful with altitude varying between 4000 - 5000 feet. Most of the way was on auto pilot. Slightly overcast and turbulence wasn't too bad. 10 miles out from Griffith was struck some light rain. I think it's called vargo when it doesn't hit the ground?? We also got bumped around a bit too. There were some aircraft in the circuit including a Robinson R44 helicopter conducting joy flights. After a great landing we taxied to our parking area and were greeted by the plane owners relative. Leaving him and his wife my old mate Ernie, who is nearly 90 came with me while we checked out the aircraft on static display. I must say at this point that it is great to see a gentleman of his age so involved in the activities of the club and loves aviation as much if not more than myself. He also regularly takes TIF flights in the club's aircraft too. A remark was made to me that he had never been in a helicopter ever and after seeing a sign advertising the joyflights I said to him well here's your chance. So myself and Ernie went in a Robinson R44 for his first ever chopper flight and my second one. This was a great way to see Griffith from the air and for both of us to see what the town was like. He has never been to Griffith either and like I said above I was only a baby at the time. Sure we could see the town from RAT but not as thoroughly as we did with our very informative pilot acting as tour guide and cruising along nice and steady and relatively low. Landing back at the airport we left the chopper and the pilot was given a big two thumbs up from Ernie. Something he won't forget in a hurry and will be talking about to many people I'm sure. As well as static aircraft the crowd were treated to an aerobatic display by an RV8 and a few water bombings by an Air Tractor who managed to drop his first load across the taxi way sending markers and dirt flying across it. Griffith - Cowra Departed approx 3:45pm and arrived back at Cowra 1 hour later. The journey home was more turbulent especially when flying under clouds and hitting thermals. Clouds were too high to get above. Altitude was mainly around 5600 but varied greatly when flying through thermals. Arriving back at Cowra we were treated to a lightning show and some thunder in the distance. Was a great day out for a change. It's always good to go for a fly! Now for some photos Our taxi for the day Cessna 210 VH-RAT Some of the aircraft seen The chopper we did our flight in More of the chopper These guys lost their hats Ernie while waiting for our pilot Now some inflight from the chopper Now for the water bombing
Robbo Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Good report and pics Glenn Looks like Gerad Higgins air tractor
Guest g_i_jack029 Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Great photos Glenn, great report....wish i could get to more of these events :(
Guest Glenn Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Thanks Plenty of time for that Jacko. Soon enough you will be able to fly yourself to these events and me
Guest g_i_jack029 Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 can't wait until i hold a PPL!!! that will be sweet :D
wazjones Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Great photo's glenn, The RAT is certainly a great touring machine. I have been a pax/co-pilot in it a few time from Cowra to Mackay, Quite a few years ago too. It looks very nice with it's new livery, It had a Rat Pictured on the tail(I think) the last time I flew it...............
Guest Darren Masters Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Awesome report and pics Glenn. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing
Guest OzChris Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Sounds (and looks) like an awesome day Glenn!!
Guest Glenn Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Thanks again Waz, the RAT is on the nose. See vhkdk's photo of it recently http://theaussieaviator.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2542&ppuser=2224 Went night flying in her tonight too.
VHKDK Posted March 23, 2009 Posted March 23, 2009 Excellent report Glenn. Terriffic photos, especially of the water bomber and the chopper flight. RAT appears to have become quite a celebrity.
Coop Posted March 24, 2009 Posted March 24, 2009 Great shots, Glenn. Specially liked the shots of the "dump". Rain that doesn't hit the ground is called "virga". If it hits the ground it loses its virga title, and if it hits the ground a lot it's called "slutta"..... Coop
Guest Glenn Posted March 24, 2009 Posted March 24, 2009 Knew I was close. Thanks Slutta? Is that fair dinkum or are you having a lend of me?
Guest Darren Masters Posted March 25, 2009 Posted March 25, 2009 Knew I was close. ThanksSlutta? Is that fair dinkum or are you having a lend of me? Hmmmmmm....
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