Following both a Flying Panel meeting and a Committee meeting we are pleased to advise that Stephen Ross will be taking over the role of the Clubs Tug Master and Stephen will now oversee the towing operation and maintenance of the Tug. Craig King will continue to assist us by helping Stephen with the organisation of maintenance and servicing due to his experience and connections. We wish to thank Craig for his many years of service overseeing the Tow Plane and ensuring it has remained in service, no easy task during Covid-19 given the need to take it to the mainland for x-rays and to the mechanic who oversees this aircraft.
The Flying Panel has also nominated Stephen Ross and Reg Marron to begin L1 instructor training. This will need to be via a suitable training course on the mainland or via an L3 Instructor being able to come to Tasmania to oversee and lead the training.
As we are without a tow plane, for now, does not mean we can’t keep learning and developing our flying. An example of the importance of very high concentration (basically a sterile cockpit condition) is we need to safely undertake an aero-tow and the things to look out for.
Check out the following example video from Pure Glide, a great source of gliding videos.
We expect to hear an update on the tug engine this week and we will post updates as we know them on this website or our FaceBook page. This will likely be a very expensive exercise for the club and the only plus is that the engine fault has occurred during Winter and not our busy summer and autumn period however we will be back as soon as possible, hopefully during September or October.
In the meantime, members are very busy undertaking annual maintenance on all the gliders and taking the opportunity for some additional maintenance on our aircraft.
F.U.S.T Checks – the FUST check is paramount in the preparation for the circuit and planning of the landing, this ought to be done as one approaches the circuit joining area. This prevents it from being rushed or done incorrectly. It helps prevent landings with the undercarriage up. In our training program, we need to train for retraction and extension of the undercarriage so all pilots are familiar with this as a natural part of flying gliders.
C.A.R.D.S. is a QUICK pre-take-off check by the launch overseer (normally a duty pilot or trainee) who is outside the aircraft. This check should only take a few seconds, it is a visual and auditable reminder to the pilot.
C = Canopy – check it is locked
A = Airbrakes – check-in and locked
R – Radio – check it is on, correct frequency and volume set appropriately
D – Dolly – check dolly is off.
S – Sticks, this is ONLY for gliders with water ballast that have sticks that hold the wings level
I would like to introduce the C.A.R.D.S. check-in to Tasmania as I think it will reduce the chances of loose canopies, take-offing with dollies, air brakes out or not locked, radio not set right, etc.
NOTE – with the new Glider Pilot Training syllabus it is PARAMOUNT that all trainees have and BRING the NEW LOGBOOK which has the system checks and exercises listed in it.
Richard Doyle – CFI Tasmania
