Author Archives: John

Young at heart

Posted on January 16, 2015 by John

Thursday and it is soaring weather! I get out early to prepare the DG303 glider, hoping against hope that it might turn out to be a booming 500 kilometre day. My hopes are dashed. There are nice clouds about, there … Continue reading →

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Grounded-hog day at Coota

Posted on January 14, 2015 by John

Low clouds and showers meant no flying again today. Sigh! “At least the farmers will be happy” I said to a local, but he replied “No, it’s the wrong time for rain.” We rigged the Astir glider that had been … Continue reading →

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Round the bend in the Roundhouse

Posted on January 13, 2015 by John

Low cloud and rain today, so five of us grounded glider pilots drive 40 minutes south to Junee. It is home to one of few working Railway Roundhouses in the Southern Hemisphere. “When built in 1942, it boasted the largest … Continue reading →

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Soaring in sunshine, but not very far

Posted on January 12, 2015 by John

A lovely sunny 28-degree day today in Cootamundra, but very windy – windy enough to blow your hat off! It is difficult to fly cross-country in strong winds when you intend to return to your takeoff point. You drift down … Continue reading →

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I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now

Posted on January 11, 2015 by John

I’m at Cootamundra for the gliding club’s annual camp. It’s supposed to be hot and sunny out here with brilliant thermals, but it’s not! Yesterday I arrived before noon and managed to get a flight with an instructor to check … Continue reading →

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