2008 Soaring Season Ends

Jim P. towed while Mike, Lori, Jim M., Fred, Tony and Donna all teamed up for 3 flights in the Grob. Doug finished the season with a flight in the 1-26. Following the replacement of the Grob brake line, the Grob and 1-26 were disassembled for winter storage. Privately owned ships were also put the in hanger until spring.

Tony and Donna are pictured turning final in the last flight of the 2008 season. Picture taken by Jim P with his new toy (Nikon D300).

Thank you

Many thanks to all of you who came out on a cold Saturday morning to help me with my checkride and to all of the club members for their help and support over the past few seasons. And a special thanks to the CFIGs for their patience and willingness to fly with me and share their knowledge and skills.

Another Beautiful Autumn Day!!!

Brisk temperatures did not deter members from having another enjoyable day at 5B2. Doug was kept busy with 14 tows. XX accounted for 3 of those tows. Jim Pospisil is pictured departing on the first flight of XX. Mike and Lori, in the 2-33, matched skills with Tony in the 1-26. Later in the day, Jim (I1), Fred (XX) and Cindy (49R) shared a weak autumn thermal.

Another Glider Pilot

Another day and another pilot has passed his flight test. Congratulations to Rick Hackett on passing his check ride. Congratulations to Jim Morzillo once more for working so hard to get those three candidates ready for their check rides. Thanks to all of you who helped out all day Friday and today to make things run smoothly.

Facebook Group

For all those who are Facebook inclined,

Decided to create a Facebook group for Saratoga Soaring.

I would be glad to hand off the admin responsibilities to anyone.

New Licensed Pilots

We did a full day of tows today and both our candidates passed with "flying" colors. Heidi and Yves both passed their check ride today and are now licensed glider pilots. Congratulations to you both and Jim Morzillo who worked with you to help make this day a success.

Sunday - October 26th

Doug Hatch, pictured during his takeoff roll, had the longest flight of the day. He was able to stay aloft for 2 hours and had a max altitude gain to 4500' MSL. Despite less than stellar soaring conditions, we had 16 tows, with students preparing for their private pilot checkride keeping the tow pilots busy.

Friday, October 24

Because of the lousy forcast for tomorrow we did max training today. We did 14 tows - not bad for a week day (and a weak day). Yves, Rick, and Heidi took many 2-33 flights.

The brake is somewhat improved in the Grob so Jim Morzillo and I did a test flight. We spent 20 minutes at 1500 MSL. Right now I would say the Grob is flyable with very experienced pilots and reasonable wind conditions. Jim Pospisil and I are going to work on the Grob brake some more tomorrow morning and we will let you know how it goes.

BTW if you want to know if there is an operation tomorrow or any day feel free to call the tow pilot, instructor, or base manager to see what is happening.

Mike

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19

Saturday proved to be the best soaring day of the weekend. Several people had long flights. Jim Pospisil flew Colonel Muster and had an altitude gain to 5,800' on a 3,000' tow. Jim stayed up for about an hour, but decided to land to take advantage of warmer conditions.

Sunday was "Box the Wake" day. Heidi, Rick, and Yves, who are all preparing for their Private Pilot - Glider checkride, all had an opportunity to do one or more boxes. We had 13 tows that included an introductory ride for Heidi's friend Dave, who is pictured above just before launch.

Sunday - October 12, 2008

Andy Pye, fresh off his recent solo, decided to fly something a little more sporty. He made a takeoff and landing in 49R that put more experienced 1-26 pilots to shame.

Sunday - October 12, 2008

It was another busy day at 5B2. Jim Morzillo was kept busy providing instruction to SSA students and giving introductory rides. CW4 (ret) Rowland Evans, pictured to the right, throughly enjoyed his ride (don't let that deadpan face fool you)!

Sunday - October 5, 2008

We had a busy day with 17 tows.

Biggest news of the day is that Andy Pye soloed. Congratulations Andy!!!

Several people participated in the AeroFlight, Inc. sponsored accuracy landing contest. Competion was fierce, but Fred Muller eventually won. Prize was a $25 Visa gift card. Congratulations Fred.

We had 3 introductory rides and all participants seemed to enjoy their rides. Nice job Ken!!!

As you can see from the attached picture of Joe West's recently restored Citabria, the leaves are starting to change. So come on out this weekend and enjoy the Fall colors before they disappear.