WAC- Flying competitions

Wynyard Aero Club holds a Flying Competition every month, open to all members. The competition is intended to stimulate interest in improving pilot skills. Participants learn a little more each time they compete, and enjoy the competitive spirit. Here's the report on a recent competition:-

The RAA Lightwing tail dragger Flying Competition & Introductory Competition Circuit Flight – Glide Approach- January 2009

Laurie McGuinness

Flying started mid morning on Saturday 17^th January from the clubrooms with Chief Flying Instructor Peter Reed flying into Wynyard in his Lightwing tail dragger.

Flying on the day were: Gary McArthur, Kevin Haines, Laurie McGuinness, Max Paine, John Kille, Brian Raven, Neil Mott, Michael Dykstra, Caryl Martin, Andrew Roberts-Thomson & Leo Quinn.

The weather favouring early flyers with a modest breeze down 05 changing to a crosswind mid afternoon adding a challenge to late starters.

2.30 pm wind 350 deg @ 10 kts. Temperature 16 deg. QNH 1021 hp

The competition and introductory flight was open to all club members to experience the unique landing techniques of this aircraft.

Seven pilots entered: the score sheets count towards our end of year flying awards. Pilots were judged on their directional control and circuit pattern, radio calls, and the final landing technique.

With the glide approach points were deducted if use of power was needed to make the runway threshold.

Top Score highlights on the day:

Control of glide speed: Max Paine & Michael Dykstra.
The Approach: Michael Dykstra.
No use of power: Max Paine, Brian Raven, Laurie McGuinness, Neil Mott, John Kille & Michael Dykstra.
The landing: Brian Raven & Michael Dykstra.
Airmanship: Michael Dykstra, Brian Raven, Laurie McGuinness Max Paine & Andrew Roberts-Thomson

Results before handicapping:

1st Michael Dykstra; 2nd Max Paine; 3rd Brian Raven; 4th John Kille & A-R-T

Final results after handicapping:

1st Max Paine; 2nd Michael Dykstra; 3rd Brian Raven; 4th Neil Mott

Thanking all participants and Peter Reed for a great day.

Our next flying competition and introductory circuit will be on

Saturday 21st February 2009 flying the Western Aviation Jabiru J160