8 minute read
Log Book
from SoaringNZ Issue 31
by mccawmedia
FATALITY AT NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COMPETITION AT NARROMINE
Eric Spettler, a 50 year old Queensland pilot was taking part in the NSW State Gliding Championships when his glider clipped a tree and crashed on to the Warren Road, while on approach to runway 22 at Narromine aerodrome. He was fl ying an LS8. At the time of writing, no more details were available.
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ADVANCED SOARING MADE EASY IS NOW IN ITS THIRD EDITION Bernard Eckey’s book Advanced Soaring Made Easy is now in its third edition. See the ad elsewhere this issue. The book contains 432 pages (almost 100 additional pages compared to the second edition). It features spectacular gliding shots, from fellow pilots around the world. The inclusion of additional topics makes it the fi rst all-encompassing book on gliding. 180 graphics and drawings enhance the text and provide much improved illustration.
TARANAKI CLOUD
On Line Competition (OLC) now recognises NZ as two regions. Due to the differences between the North and South Island conditions, the Sailplane Racing Committee petitioned the OLC to split us into two contest regions. So now, in the same way as Australia or the USA, New Zealand glider pilots score in their own region, but also, of course, in the whole country. They can also compare their fl ights with the rest of the world on OLC’s worldwide platform. The OLC says, “We welcome New Zealand’s glider pilots to participate in OLC’s prestigious competition, and OLC Magazine will be happy to report about your soaring in the Southern Hemisphere. It does not cost you a single cent to upload your fl ights to our secure system. As a non- profi t organization, OLC offers a unique opportunity to share soaring information and stories around the world. Have a look at what happens on the other side of the Earth, or simply observe what your neighbouring club achieved today! On OLC’s internet platform, your IGC-fi le and your personal data will be safe. Have a great Southern Summer 2013! We hope to see more news from your gliding competitions.” The OLC features the trace of Max Stevens 1022.9 km fl ight as the longest South Island Flight so far this season (at time of writing).
These two photos were taken by Steve Barham at 7pm on 16 October 2012. Glyn Jackson went back and had a look at the RASP archive, and the good news is that the high confi dence RASP (issued on the morning of the 16th) predicted such a cloud (and wave + associated rotor turbulence) would exist at this location at 7pm. .... Long live the RASP .....
SOARING HEAVEN
ANTARES 18T - MAIDEN FLIGHT WITH SELF-SUSTAINER
Terry Delore sends us a photo taken from back seat of an ASH 25Mi. It was the last thermal of the day, on fi nal glide back to Minden, Nevada, to complete a 1000km FAI triangle with Philippe Athuil. Cloud base was 18,000 ft plus.
SKY FULL OF HEAT BY SEBASTIAN KAWA Eight time World Champion, Sebastian Kawa has written a book to share his secrets of success: passion, knowledge and experience. The book, according to the webpage, showcases the most extreme side of the extreme sports. Sebastian talks about sailing and fl ying, his fi rst fl ights and fi rst competitions, wins and losses, gliders and avionics, safety and taking necessary risk. It covers: how to plan cross country fl ights, how to use thermals, where to look for them, how to win competitions, and tons of other tips from the world’s best. SoaringNZ is hoping to get a review copy.
GPS NOT THE BEST WAY TO FIND YOUR ROUTE IN CHRISTCHURCH
We all know the stories of drivers led astray by their GPS. I’ve twice heard of tourists blindly following the machine through the Molesworth, enroute from Christchurch to Nelson. The fact that they’re on precipitous metal roads and have to open gates doesn’t seem to ring warning bells. GPS are proving to be the least reliable way to fi nd your way around Christchurch. Just have a look at this screen shot from ‘Transpor t for Christchurch’ to see why GPS systems can’t keep up. And it's no good going the route you went yesterday because it will have changed and be no good today.
On Friday 30.11.2012, the weather cleared enough to let the Antares 18T, with the new self sustainer engine installed, up for its maiden fl ight. Due to the powerful motor, it was possible to self-launch. After a take-off run of approximately 200 m (660 ft), Axel Lange performed an unproblematic climb to the cloud-base, at an altitude of 1800 m (5900 ft) MSL. The average climb rate from the airfi eld (340 m /1115 ft MSL) to 1800 m MSL was exactly 2.0 m/s (395 ft/min). Axel Lange was very pleased with the good climb performance and the handling of the engine, which proved to be simple, both on the ground and in the air. The only thing he was disappointed about, was that the weather situation had not allowed for the planned climb to above 3000 m (9800 ft). The most signifi cant developmental goals for this self-sustainer system have been: ◗ a very low level of motor-induced vibration. The effect of this is two-fold: on the one hand, it benefi ts the engine, with regards to achieving a very high reliability and increasing the fatigue resistance. On the other hand, it also leads to a substantial reduction in the stress-levels of the pilot during powered fl ight. ◗ a high climb rate, also at higher altitudes, which allows for the safe passage of all alpine mountain passes. ◗ a fast and safe air start of the engine.
CAPTION THIS… A couple of Geoff Soper's images from the South Island Regionals got our editorial team wondering what was on the mind of these aviation enthusiasts. Email your thoughts to soaringnz@mccawmedia.co.nz
GLIDING NZ’S NEW ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM IS LIVE
http://members.gliding.co.nz
The site was launched to Club Administrators in April allowing them to: • View and export their Club’s membership list • Edit member’s contact details • Register new members • Resign members The system allows individual GNZ members to view their entry and edit their personal contact details.
LOGIN There is a link on Gliding NZ’s website under Quick Links at the bottom of the home page or go to members.gliding.co.nz Our user name is your GNZ number (don’t know your GNZ number? – there is a search facility at trouble logging in). To initially set your password, click on Trouble logging in – you will receive an email with a link that allows you to set your password. Passwords are case sensitive. The email will go to the email address held on the register. If you don’t receive an email from noreply@gliding.co.nz to set your password, please check your Spam/Junk folders before contacting your Club Administrator or membership@ gliding.co.nz Step 1
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SOARING NZ MAGAZINE The deadline for membership for Soaring NZ mailouts is 9th of the month for the ensuing issue. Membership changes after this date will not be refl ected until the following issue. Laurie Kirkham, Central Register Manager membership@gliding.co.nz
Contributions to Logbook are welcome from all of our readers within New Zealand and internationally. Email your news snippets to: soaringnz@mccawmedia.co.nz. Please put "logbook" in the subject line.
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REVISED AND EXTENDED THIRD EDITION
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