Sat. 10th December – Practice Day
South Africa, especially in parts of the country, has not had its usual rains yet. Normally with the start of the summer season, the rain can be expected anytime from late September/October onwards. Lovely days usually with summer showers in the late afternoon, just when knocking off from work! Well, this year October and November have now passed and there has not been very much rainfall at all – way below the average.
However, arrange for a gliding competition, and sure as eggs, the rains will arrive! In the Johannesburg area the rains started on Thursday evening, and have continued on and off ever since. As with all best plans - flying tug aircraft, ferrying gliders, and being all set up and ready for a good practice day – none of this has happened as there has been rain for the last two days.
I hope the farmers in the Free State are more than happy now that they are getting some good soaking rains. I somehow doubt that we will manage to fly tomorrow as the forecast is not too promising.
Connie Conradie flew his tug from Mahikeng (new name for Mafikeng) on Friday morning, 9th Dec. ahead of the rains. On Saturday 10thDec., Peter Wyld managed to make the most of a dry spell to fly from Orient, via Potchefstroom, where he collected Bruce Taylor and a JS.1. The last few kms. of their aero-tow to Welkom proved challenging as their arrival coincided moreorless with the rain, thunder and some lightning.
The mandatory Pilots’ Briefing will be held at 7 p.m. this evening by which time it is hoped that most of the pilots will have arrived – presumably by road, as they certainly will not be coming by air.
Written on 11 December 2011 at 01:31.
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