Flight Line Newsletter Excerpts

April, 1998

Happy Sal

News ‘Round the Bush

We’ve made some changes to the fleet. The 2-32 has been repainted in a snazzy red and white design and sports new cushions. We’ve ordered a new L-23 Super Blanik which should be on-line sometime in May. The club has made arrangements with a new member, Margaret Rappaport, to lease her PW-5 World Class single seater.

John Mahoney will continue to run the tow operation with two L-19s. The Board of Directors held discussions with John about expanding the tow fleet, but with our current utilization it would have proven too costly. If the present growth trend continues we can anticipate a future addition to the tow fleet. Tow hook-up rates will be going up by $1.50 this year, but other fees will be unchanged, including the club’s rate for instruction and rides.

Rick Hanson will continue as Operations Manager and Deb Brink as Office Manager. Peter Ruelke has obtained his instructor’s rating which should help in scheduling checkouts and lessons. Steve Maynard and Peter Ruelke are beginning the pre-opening work on club equipment, including rebuilding the golf carts. Heidi Darr is returning to the DinerSoar Cafe for a second year. She will have a new expanded kitchen, being built by Steve and Peter.

The club officers and directors for 1998 are: John Daniell (President), Dave Nagley (Treasurer), Tony Lauck (Secretary), John Armstrong, Buddy Duncan, Dave Ellis, Harvey Howell, Marty Johnson, Steve Ludemann, Mike Newman, Margaret Roy, Ron Webster.

Over the winter the board awarded Chris Kirchof a club scholarship. Kenda Blair was on the Harwood Union high school Nordic ski team this winter. Her team won the Vermont state title. Kenda has been accepted for the US Air Force Academy.

Dennis Galotti, 1948-1998

I don't think he had any great flights while he was there. They were mostly trying to sort out the Whale getting it ready for the Sports Class Nationals at Minden.

After two weeks at Parowan, David Noyes (Ventus CM) and I drove north into Wyoming to an area called the Wind River Mountains, another absolutely beautiful area about 60 or 70 miles east of Jackson Hole. Then we drove over to Driggs, Idaho. It’s just on the west side of the Tetons from Jackson Hole. On a good day you can easily fly from here to the Wind River Mountains then up to Yellowstone and back. The day we flew we started a couple of thousand feet below the peaks of the Tetons, watching the climbers working their way above us to the top of the Grand Teton. Later on we got a good bit higher and headed off to Yellowstone. We got to within about 70 miles of Bozeman, Montana to the north. This was another very nice flight with a pretty dicey final glide over total wilderness without even a pond — just miles and miles (maybe 30 miles or so) of just trees. I had less that 1000 feet when I got to the edge of the farmland and could breathe again. I haven't had that much “fun” in quite a while.

All in all it was a great month and I am getting hooked on these “drive to the good weather and fly” vacations. There are such beautiful sites out there that we never see back east. I can't remember whether you have ever been out to these western mountain areas but, if you haven’t, it's like going to the Ridge for the first time.

Summary of the 1997 Season

We had more social functions this year. Heidi’s DinerSoar was the central focal point. Not only were evening meals prepared by Heidi, and on one occasion by members, but weekend breakfast and lunch gatherings of members and visitors were lively. The season was capped off with an exquisitely prepared and served banquet at the North Fayston town hall done again by our inimitable Heidi with desert by Millie Stinson.

The bottom line for a successful year is member satisfaction and dollar surplus. We had both! Having ended last year looking at shrinking income requiring budget cutbacks, membership increased this year creating at times a shortage of gliders and instructors. The instructor staff was increased with the attainment of a rating by Peter Ruelke. An additional two place Blanik should be on the field by the end of May.

We did enjoy better than average weather this year. However the improved performance was due to more than weather. Greater member involvement was evident in all aspects of club activity: line duty, ride pilot, work parties, and flying. The various programs undertaken early in the year such as Pilot Progress Program, encouragement of badge attainment, and the scheduled member duty program encouraged involvement. It seemed like any time something had to be done there were volunteers to help out. Our Burlington Mall exhibit was a good example.

Another big factor was the outstanding performance of our staff. Flight operations under the capable direction of Rick Hanson went smoothly in spite of being short handed in staff and equipment. The office functions, after an unfortunate miss start, were put back in order by Debbie and Dave Nagley. Our board of directors was quite active both collectively in all aspects of club affairs and individually in specific areas. We will miss Bob Messner who is retiring from the board after many years of devoted service as director, president, and contest manager. Fortunately, Bob expects to remain active in club affairs as a member.

Harvey Howell

Line Crew Wins Trip to Australia

Kasey's trip will be in late June or early July. She will visit schools and families in that country.

Bob Messner

From the President’s Cockpit...

We start the new season in good shape, both financially and fleet-wise. Let's all hope the weather gods will smile on us rather than cry on us this summer. I would like to welcome Margaret Rappaport as a new member. Margaret brings with her a brand-new PW-5. We are making leasing arrangements with her, so club members can fly this World Class ship. We also will have our own new Super Blanik added to the fleet.

John Armstrong is progressing through stages of chemotherapy, and will be inactive this year. However, I have told him that we look forward to seeing him at the field whenever he feels up to it, and that the front cockpit of Blanik, ASK or Grob will await him. I hope that he will be able to be at some of our social events. John writes that he appreciates receiving email. (jarmstro@plainfield.bypass.com—Ed.)

Last year's publicity garnered us many new members. If you see unfamiliar faces in the gazebo waiting to fly, please introduce yourself. The club is making a special effort to expand the instructional facilities to satisfy these new members, but don't forget they also join to be a part of the flying fraternity. Also, please remember that the club relies largely on volunteers. It is very important that members continue to pitch in to help as you have always done in the past. Don't wait for someone to ask. If you see a job that needs doing and obviously is not rocket science, just do it.

The club will be running a mentor program similar to last year. If you would like an experienced soaring pilot to help you with your strategies (flying, that is), let the office know. Also, guys and gals, get out there and let's see a spate of new FAI Badges. I am constantly amazed at the soaring talent in the club without even a Silver C to their name! Between the mentor program and the badge seminar, we will make it easy for you. What are you waiting for? As if that is not enough of a challenge, most of the Vermont State soaring records have never been claimed. Talk to anyone who has flown gliders in France, and they will tell you how they positively bundle you into a ship and send you off to do a distance flight to get or upgrade the badge legs you already have.

Don't forget that club rules mandate a checkout at the start of each season before you can fly any club aircraft. And while we are discussing operations, please remember the field may be a little soft at the beginning. If you must drive on the field, keep to the edges, or the direct route to your trailer except, of course when you are towing your ship down to the launch line. Also park by the edge of the path at the south end, and avoid driving between the hangars out to the launch point wherever possible. If you have any suggestions for improving the club or operations, or want to volunteer, I would like to hear from you.

Last but not least, remember that the number one consideration when contemplating any action — flying or on the ground — is safety. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable soaring season.

John Daniell