What a great soaring weekend! I think pictures might be the best way to describe the flying. Saturday started with a convergence leading to the Benmores to different airmass. Kevin started the day with a trial flight taking young pilot Martin Carena for a 80 min flight in PB. John (JK) and Edwin (CC) headed to Arthers Pass in thermals to 8500 ft. Terry (RX), Derek (DK) headed north, to Lake Station and return. Jerry(PY), Mark (UP) and Jono and Nick (PB) traveled to the Lewis pass in strong thermals via Lake Sumner. Neil Walker (YH), Rob Campbell (IU) and Grant (TC) had nice soaring flights.

The two seaters flying included Hugo and Jill, Rangi and Neil Walker’s Friend and Brent Schroeder had a flight with Hugo. Pilots from Lake Station and Blenheim met up with our guys mid way, including Mike Strathern in a K6E (Wooden Glider) near Lake Sumner and the Lewis Pass. There were quite a number of Paraponters flying off the Craigieburn Range. Later in the day thermals were over 9500ft. Thanks to Peter Chadwick for towing us all and to Abbey for being an efficient duty pilot. A great effort by Instructors Rangi, Kev and Hugo. Sunday started off early with Wal getting away in CC at 11am near the Field for a nice soaring flight along the Craigieburns. Scott Parlane fitted in a few flights with Hugo in PB and PR. Rangi took a trial flight (Matt Brittan) in OR and when they returned, Edwin took Tom Cameron for his first of his 6 flights.

Hugo took Uma Tuffnell (Aukland Gliding club) for a nice soaring flight. Terry, Derek, John and Pete Chadwick headed north to Lake Sumner, only to get stuck west of the Culverden Basin. John found nice convergence over McDonald Downs before flying, without turning back to Springfield with Terry followed by the 2 ASG 29s up the rear. Colin Winterburn had a nice flight in CC with Neil (YH) and Grant (TC). Rangi showed John Hudson the Torlesse Range in OR. Warwick checked out Paul Marriott and Edwin in PB to complete a very successful weekend.

Thanks to Max for towing again and John Hudson for being Duty pilot and been able to fit in flight as well.

Photos Grant in TC, Terry turning overhead Lake Station, Johns pictures over Arthur’s Pass, Lake Brunner, Lake Sumner from over 9000ft, and the convergence, Sunday.