OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MARLBOROUGH AERO CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 73, Blenheim, 7240
Tel: (03) 578 5073
Email: [email protected]
www.marlboroughaeroclub.co.nz
M.A.C. Marlborough Aero Club
THE M.A.C. FLYER
February 2018
Vol No. 43
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PATRON PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT
John Sinclair Alistair Matthews Scott Madsen
Ph: 03 578 7110 Ph: 027 428 7863 Ph: 027 453 9348
HON. TREASURER SECRETARY
Tim McKendry Raylene Wadsworth
Ph: 021 104 0721 Ph: 03 578 5073
COMMITTEE
Mike Rutherford, Grant Jolley, Marty Nicoll,
Victoria Lewis, John Hutchison, Jonathon Large
CHIEF FLYING INSTRUCTOR CLUB CAPTAIN
Sharn Davies Ben Morris
Ph: 03 578 5073 Ph: 027 940 3235
Check out our new website –
www.jemaviation.co.nz
Annual Inspections, ARA / BRA’s, repairs, modifications
and rebuilds – we can handle it all!
Ph. (03) 578 3063
Mob. 021 504 048
Email [email protected]
Hangar 22b, Aviation Heritage Centre Airpark,
Omaka Aerodrome,
Blenheim, NZ
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Greetings all. We are well into the new year so hope all is going according to
plan for you, including plenty of flying. This newsletter is a wee bit late as we
were holding off until after the Healthy Bastards competition to bring you the
latest results. It was an excellent day all round so thanks to Craig, Raylene
and Sharn for the chief organisation. Keep an eye out also on 7Sharp as
coverage on HBBPC will be on in the next couple of weeks. Read all about it
elsewhere. But on that note we got many comments on how good the
airfield is looking along with the facilities and not to mention the friendly
people. This once again reflects the hard work by the committee, staff and
all the membership in proactively organising and getting done all those
things that make the Marlborough Aero Club what it is. Thanks to all.
A couple of new signs have appeared on the centre piece in the office car
park. They do look smart and advertise what we do and also the Young
Eagles. Chris Boyce, a club member, does all our art work these days and
does a great job at a good price so if you are looking to get something
done privately then check Chris out. www.lonewolfdesign.nz
We may have another sign or two yet to finish off the centre piece. The other
obvious things you will have noticed are the resealing of the apron and the
installation of permanent tie downs. All jobs cost a dollar or two but the
benefits are spread over many years so the investment is good. Your current
committee are making bold but measured steps to ensure the MAC remains
a place to be proud of.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Presidents Report Continued….
Our Bar Manager, John Hutchison, made a pilgrimage to Nelson the other
day to attend an auction at the now closed Suburban Club. We were hoping
for a new bar fridge but these proved too costly. However John picked up
some other handy items including some trestle tables which are very handy
for the various functions we hold. Thank you John. The family had a great day
at the beach!
A non glamorous part of the work are all the little (and not so little) things
that need doing and we are lucky to have a fine club member called Chris
Lloyd who we employ as our handy man. Great job, including the lawn
mowing (not the airfield mowing which is still done by Andrew Whelan,
another long time club member and Ag pilot extraordinaire!) for which we
are looking to get a larger , more efficient ride on to cover the large area
that needs care. Once again we try and use the businesses of our club
members.
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The committee is quietly thinking of what other aircraft may be of benefit to
the club. We have a good fleet which serves us well, the 2 Tomahawks for
most of the training, the C172 as a good 4 seater (I hope everyone has
noticed the great polish job on her thanks to Vince and Bianca), the
Dynamic covering the microlight scene and there are a couple of new
people flying that but room for a couple more, so do check out the
experience, and we have the Pacer ‘COX’ which we lease for tail dragger
experience so give that a go if you want something different. If there is
something else you fancy then let us know.
The Flying NZ Nationals are looming fast. We have a small but powerful team
going to Timaru. Always room for more if you fancy and it is the Trans Tasman
Wings Trophy down there this year. As usual I am looking forward to helping
and supporting and catching up with old acquaintances. See Club Captain
Ben for more.
Also please support our birthday celebrations coming up this year. Speak to
Victoria on this one.
Presidents Report Continued….
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Just a couple of house keeping items. If you make a booking with the club it
is important to honour it otherwise we are wasting time and resources which
also means money. Of course there are occasions when we have to cancel
but if there are continued cancelations, or unnecessary cancelations then
do expect a charge to cover the instructors time.
Also please remember to respect the staff at all times. They are employed by
the committee on your behalf and are given the authority to manage the
day to day running of the club in every way so please follow their requests. If
you do think differently then give me a call and we will take it from there. This
includes entry into the flight office which is a staff only area unless otherwise
authorised and the computer is definitely staff only. It supports important work
which we do not want to get inadvertently lost!
Thanks for your understanding.
Lastly you may or may not be aware that we have a bit of a library in the
office, down by the briefing table. There are some good books and video’s (if
you still have a player) which are free to be borrowed. There is a sign out
book in the Office for these so do feel free. Of course do not forget to bring
them back for the next person.
Finally all the airfield has been operational for a time now so standard taxi
practise can apply but if you note anything too rough or any bunny holes
then please let Sharn know and overnight parking for aircraft is preferably
outside the club house with the overflow outside the office.
Great flying
Alistair
Presidents Report Continued….
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Bristol Freighter ZK-CPT
A wee history lesson, new to some and a refresher to others.
Bristol Freighter ZK-CPT “Merchant Courier” was gifted by SAFE Air to the
Marlborough Aero Club in February 1986. She was flown to Omaka
Aerodrome on 7th February 1986 by Captain R. A. Guard and First Officer R.
Haxton, both ex-chief flying instructors of the Marlborough Aero Club, and
was officially retired on the 15th June 1986.
SAFE Air, now Airbus, out at Woodbourne, was established as a cargo airline
in 1950 and operated until 1990 when the flying side of the company ceased
operations. Many Bristol Freighters were flown by the company and many of
the pilots and other support crews were members of the Marlborough Aero
Club. Hence when the Bristol's were retired it was fitting that one should end
up at Omaka to be kept as a historical reminder of those years. There are
some great books and video’s around to find out more if you wish or perhaps
some of the old employees will relate some stories for us in the next issue! Now
there is a challenge.
A group known as “The Friends of the Bristol” was set up within the club to
oversee the upkeep of the aircraft. This worked well for many years and she
has stood as a proud guardian outside the Aero Club Clubhouse and latterly
overlooking the Aviation Heritage Centre car park.
BRISTOL FREIGHTER ZK-CPT
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The work force available to administer some tender loving care to the Bristol
has waned over recent years and the club has looked at, and tried, various
options including asking the AHC to take on the ownership and care. This they
have done for the last 3 years and we thank them for it along with the work
done in that time , and prior.
Many people and organisations have given tremendous support to this care
and we acknowledge everything that has been done. After discussions with a
number of people within the club and within the AHC it was decided to return
ownership of CPT to the MAC.
We therefore need to revitalise a group to keep an eye on the aircraft and
help organise the upkeep of it. We have excellent technical support
from Alistair Marshall, Marty Nicoll and Anthony Barnes but a couple more
would be great. The Bristol does have its own funds to cover expenses. These
largely came from selling spare parts overseas when Bristol's were commonly
flying and donations from various sources.
Bristol Freighter Continued….
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The final resting place for CPT is yet to be decided but probably back on its
pad out side the club house. This does not mean it will be shut away forever
as it will be towed out for any special occasion if possible and to have an
engine run as and if required. It is always a great sight and sound when those
engines fire!
So if you are interested in helping to look after CPT then please give me a call
and we will go from there.
Alistair
Bristol Freighter Continued….
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CFI REPORT
We are into a new year and it feels as though my mind hasn’t yet finished the
previous year. A lot has been packed into the last month for the club and me
on a personal level. The club finished on a high note with us completing 116
flying hours in December. Considering Bianca was away on leave most of the
month that is quite a respectable number. I would like to thank Travers, John
and Alistair for stepping up and giving me a hand at the club over December
and January.
January was a very busy start to the year with Angela over from Hong Kong to
complete her PPL and C-172 type rating. Molly Griffith passed her PPL and
Vince has joined us as a third full time instructor. The month ended on a
positive note with us completing 173 flying hours.
Alistair and Vince
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As for myself, I got married on New Years Eve so I am now under the thumb of
Brydie. I had a great day and enjoyed the company of Raylene, Tom and
Marty from the club. I am looking forward to heading away on a honeymoon
in April. I have received quite a few nice words from our members. Let’s hope I
don’t forget the advice given to me by them.
To keep our members informed we now have permanent pickets installed out-
side the flight office car park. These tie downs are to be used for over flow
parking. There are white painted tyres marking the new picket locations.
Please be aware of these as you taxi. Our flight line has had to move back
slightly on the tarmac outside the flight office as the pickets end very close to
the end of the seal. Please be aware of this and watch out for the tyres as you
taxi from outside the flight office onto the grass.
Sharn
CFI Report Continued….
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PPL’S
Angel Tsui 2 February 2018
Molly Griffith
23rd
January
2018
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MAC Accommodation
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$120 / night
Email: [email protected]
FLYING HOURS
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SAFETY REPORT
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Safety Report continued….
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Safety Report continued….
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Safety Report continued….
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CLUB CAPTAIN REPORT
Hey everyone,
I hope you all had a safe & enjoyable festive season. We have confirmed our
MAC nationals team to attend the RNZAC National competitions in Timaru at
the end of February. I’m pleased to announce Peter Henn, Erin Creasey,
Russell Young & Hayden O’Hara will be representing our team with Alistair
Matthews & Aaron Patchett all attending in support. Also a huge thankyou to
Patchett Ag Air for supplying the team with shirts. Support like this is fantastic
and definitely helps to keep the profile of MAC looking great. Unfortunately
due to work I cannot attend being our busy time of year with very scarce
amounts of leave available. Please join me in wishing them all the very best to
get there! I also thank you all as a club very much for the support you have
shown both the Regionals and Nationals team in helping them fund the trips.
It’s very much appreciated!
This year Club Competitions will be held on the last Sunday of each month.
These days will be renamed ‘Club Day’ with a competition being the focus of
the day, mixing with other members, having fun, followed by going to the bar
for a drink and a catch up. Members don’t have to be competing in order to
turn up. Every single person is welcome just as much and I can assure that
everyone who wants to be involved, will be eg helping with bombing etc. The
importance of the day is to bring more members out, making those who don’t
show up often welcome and ensuring that we are all on the same page
doing the things we all share a common interest in. The first completion will be
the famous ‘All Transport Race’ help on Sunday 31st March from 2pm.You do
not require any flying experience to give this competition a try! See you there!
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Club Captain’s Report Continued….
There are a couple of other items on the cards which may include a MAC
open day to the public which will involve lots of our members so do stay
tuned! A plan has to be put in place before going into specifics but this should
be a great way for the public to see what we do give the opportunities for
members to display their own aircraft, stories, meet & greet etc. I will get more
information out about this very shortly.
Until next time, keep up the awesome Club spirit and remember what you put
in is what you get out! So if anyone has an idea that would like to put forward
do not hesitate to contact me. All ideas/questions/suggestions are welcome.
I’ve really appreciated seeing existing members of the Club welcoming the
newer members ensuring they are confident and feel good about the place.
That’s great so well done to those of you. Lastly, remember the bar is open
every Sat & Sun night from 5pm. Have a safe and enjoyable month. More
people the better!
Safe Flying
Ben
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It looked like 2018 would be the first year that the weather would play a major
factor in the Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs. Given the situation other
major airshows, and not so major fly-ins have found themselves in the recent
years with weather bombs, we have been very fortunate to have escaped
unscathed, and while a few out of town competitors didn’t make it this year,
our sixth event ran as smoothly as ever, with a near perfect day.
I would say we saw the largest turnout of spectators by far this year, with one
lady I heard leaving Christchurch at 3am to be make it here in time.
Around 45 pilots entered. A few didn’t make it, but we also allowed a few late
entries on the day, so it all balanced out pretty well.
I would like to thank all club members and volunteers who again came out
and gave their time and efforts. Without you all this event simply would not
work, but with you all it makes it one of the most fun, slick, and well run
aviation events out there anywhere. This also includes Young Eagles, ATC
cadets and their parents who did a sterling job on car park and BBQ duties.
Apart from being a fantastic day of aviation entertainment, this event serves
several other valuable purposes.
1. It really is a great advertisement for our Club, and airfield. Not just to other
pilots, but also to members of the public who might be stimulating that first
interest in aviation.
2. It is a great way to help major sponsor Dr. Dave sell his Heathy Bastards
message
3. I would also like to think that the initial goal of those of us who dreamed up
the idea initially are being met – that is to promote safer, more accurate
and precise flying skills amongst the GA community.
2018 HEALTHY BASTARDS BUSH PILOT CHAMPS
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That said, the standard of flying this year without doubt was outstanding. From
the lowest time pilot (36 hours in Piper Pacer ZK-PAL) to the highest time pilot
(>20,000 hours), all were spot on the mark every time, and all approaches
were safe, stable, and very well executed.
Lunch time entertainment was provided by Nigel (GA200 spraying demo) &
Ray (gyrocopter handling demo), with 12 lucky spectators receiving free flights
in a Pilatus PC12 (courtesy of Sounds Air), and Boeing Stearman (courtesy of
AHC/Classic Aircraft Sales).
I think everyone present on the day (and evening) would agree it was a most
enjoyable and entertaining day of flying. Next year’s competition will be held
again on Waitangi weekend, on February 2nd 2019.
Cheers
Craig Anderson
2018 Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs continued….
Innes Bint Precision Landing Champ Dean Philip STOL Microlight Champ
Scott Madsen STOL Light Touring Champ Willie Sage STOL Heavy Touring Champ
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Results are as follows:
Precision Landing
1 Innes Bint ZK-BVJ PA18A 0.3m
2 Russell Young ZK-SNE PA28-180 0.5m
3= Deane PhilipZK-JUG CH701 0.6m
3= Chris Anderson ZK-TIA CH701 0.6m
Short take-off and Landing
Microlight Category (<1325lb)
1 Deane PhilipZK-JUG CH701 T/O 12.6m LND 14.9m
2 Chris Anderson ZK-TIA CH701 T/O 12.4m LND 27.7m
3 John Richards ZK-LSW Rans S6 T/O 31.4m LND 4.8m
Light Touring Category (1326-2550lb)
1 Scott Madsen ZK-BKN PA18 T/O 30.7m LND 36.2m
2 Bruce Coulter ZK-BTX PA18 T/O 32.6m LND 38.7m
3 Jim Benbow ZK-JLB PA18 T/O 31.8m LND 49.0m
Heavy Touring Category (>2550lb)
1 Willie Sage ZK-MTP M6-235 T/O 34.1m LND 54.2m
2 Nigel Griffith ZK-CES C185F T/O 41.1m LND 64.4m
3 Richard Coop ZK-RWC C180B T/O 68.8m LND 58.2m
2018 Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs continued….
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2018 Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs continued….
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2018 Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs continued….
Thank you to Rob Duff for the photos www.littlewhitedog.co.nz
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PHOTO ALBUM
Sharn and Brydie got Married 31 December 2017
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EVENTS COMING UP
More details will be out in the near future...
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Events coming up….
MAC Club Day
Sunday 31st March 2018
ALL members welcome
This will be held on the last Sunday of each month
Competitions will be run—the first will be the All Transport Race
Bring your planes out for show…
Go flying…
Have a chatter with other members
Join us for a drink in the bar afterwards
More details will follow...
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PPL Law starting on 6th March and will run Tuesday and
Thursday evenings 1830 - 2030 over 3 weeks at the aeroclub.
Cost for the course is $150 per person (cash) and will also
require the PPL Law Waypoints workbook which is available for
purchase through the aeroclub.
Let me know if you would like to confirm a spot or have any
questions.
Erin 021 285 1107
PPL COURSE
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If this is of interest to you, call Greg Carter on 0274 741 912
or Colin Marshall on 0274 125 402 for further details
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