Postby Thatchman » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:05 pm
So we met at the hanger this morning and even the Focker was on time. We (myself, Focker, Buzz Lightyear and Big G) still got airborne late though at 5h30 in a light drizzle. We hooked up with Flo at the dome and headed south. We were only 10 minutes out and Big G started whining that he needed a slash. So we had to divert slightly to his house at the Vaal so that he could have a wee wee.
That done and we were on the way to Harrismith. The drizzle only lasted about 20 minutes from Riet and it turned into a nice smooth fairly cool flight. We landed at Harrismith to trf some fuel, stretch the legs and bleed the lizard.
I got A call from John Young in Debben to say that it was gloomy and low cloud. We got to the escarpment and found the cloud low and right up to the mountain so we decided to have a look on top. About one mile out we found a hole and dropped through for a nice smooth flight to the ultra city at Estcourt. Took on fuel and some greasy breakie and were on our way again to pick up John at Light Flight.
We arrived there at 11h30 with John waiting and Wart, Guy and Noel there to meet us. Spent about an hour there and got airborne for the coast and a flight down the beach to Margate airport for more fuel.
The wind was getting up by now and even though it was a smooth north easter it was a fresh 25 knots.
Called Margate tower and got direct clearance for a right downwind for 04 at own discretion with a rotor warning. I approached first and got totally F#cked up by the gusty wind and turbulence and opted to abort and go around. The second time I went deep and it was still bad but managed to get it down. The wind was hectic and even taxing on the ground was a challenge.
One member of the team aborted 7 times and they even got the rescue vehicle out. I wont mention his name but myself, John, Big G, Flo and Buzz watched him go around and around before he got it down.
With the wind we opted to leave the trikes there and drove through to Port Edward to Spend the night. Met Vernon and Flynn for a few throat ticklers.
I will leave it to these other chops to post some picks.
More tomorrow.
Parasitic Drag: A pilot who bums a ride and complains about the service.
ZU - forePLaY
on the St Francis bay canals. Met up with a rough grey haired man 
- brandy and coke? - 
Demon 
Early to bed - and gently rise.....in the morning- headaches don't count - enjoy your break in St Francis 
