Club News January 2012

From the President.

The summer season is here - some days it's here (sort of) and others it is not - typical Tasmanian weather.

We REALLY need to catch up on our flying so, when the weather is looking like it will be OK, pull out your ASIC, your licence, medical and flight bag and go flying! (Yes, I am reliably informed that you do need to have your ASIC or AVID on you when you fly).

Happy New Year!

I hope you have all had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a better outlook for 2012.

I'm very sad to say that the start of 2012 for the club is not a happy time. When I started writing this last week I was fairly upbeat about the club and how it was going but recent events have put a huge dampener on things.

What were the things that made me feel that the outlook for 2012 was improving?

•	We were about to have KSR back refurbished & repainted - good now for many more hours of service.

•	KOT Was going well with the new engine and doing lots of hours.

•	Our instructor situation had improved to where we could fairly reliably field an instructor each day of the week.

•	The "Massive Makeover has been a great success, the clubhouse is looking great and we've got rid of a lot of superfluous clutter.

•

Whilst the Sportcruiser accident was unfortunate, we have come to a satisfactory conclusion with the insurance company for a cash payout whilst retaining the wreck for which we should be able to obtain good value. Considering that we were seriously considering selling it, the final outcome should be financially satisfactory.

Just when things were looking like they were brightening up, KOT was damaged just before New Year by running into a hangar at Cambridge.

The incident with KOT was a blow which unfortunately may have detrimental repercussions to our bottom line in 2012, just what we didn't need. With maintenance being required on PIX, and KSR still not quite ready we have been left with no flyable aircraft over the holiday period. KSR should be back & PIX back online within a few days but it is a most unfortunate situation.

We can but make the best of it and try and get KOT back in service as soon as we can.

Aircraft

VH-KOT was performing excellently with its new engine. It collided with the hangar on the northern side of the apron and received damage to the port wing and propeller. An engine bulk strip will likely be required. This is perhaps not the place to comment on the specifics of the accident, but it serves as a reminder to all of us that a moments lapse of concentration or thoughtlessness at any time when in charge of an aircraft both in the air and on the ground can lead to serious consequences. Remember old Murphy's law - if an accident can happen, sooner or later it probably will! It is up to all of us to clearly think ahead at all times and not react with spur of the moment decisions without due consideration for the possible consequences of any of our actions.

VH-KSR has been undergoing refurbishment and repainting. It has taken longer than expected to get it done but it will be back in service very soon. See KSR Makeover.

VH-PIX has been undergoing a 100 hourly and is awaiting the supply of some parts which need to be replaced.

As mentioned above, the insurance company has paid us out on the Sportcruiser. We will not be repairing it but will be selling the wreck, either as a whole including the engine for someone else to rebuild, or if necessary selling the engine and hull separately. From discussions with the agent we expect to obtain a reasonable return for the engine and hull.

Cambridge Airport

Discussions are continuing to take place from time to time with the owners regarding our lease conditions and tenure. Given the uncertainty on the outcome for operation of other flying training operations at Hobart and/or Cambridge we don't expect to have a quick resolution until the status of whether another flying school will be operating at Cambridge or not is settled. I would hope that it will all settle down within a few months and we can effect a satisfactory longer term agreement for our premises.

I've been on the mainland recently and visited a few airports and flying clubs. Whilst we have our own difficulties, I think many of us don't appreciate that we are indeed fortunate to still have access to an airport such as Cambridge at a reasonable cost and so close to our city. The situation on the mainland (at least in NSW where I visited) is such that it is not that easy to find affordable hangarage and premises without going a long way out from the main population centres. Some airports are under threat of closure or reduction in facilities which will make things even more difficult for aviators.

Club House - "Massive Makeover"

This has been a great success. Many thanks to all those enthusiastic members who contributed to this and a special thanks to Mark Nichols who had the inspiration, ideas and energy to make it all happen.

For a special report on this see "Massive Makeover Spring Clean".

Promotion Campaign

We will be embarking on a promotion campaign over the next few months. See "Promotion Campaign" for more information.

Soaring Club of Tasmania - a place to visit

The Soaring Club operates at Woodbury near Tunbridge. Pilots are welcome to drop in and visit for a cup of tea or coffee. They will fire up the barbecue if you like. 126.7 is monitored. Gliders will usually be on 126.7, but may be on 122.7 for inter-glider communications.

For location details see,

http://www.soaringtasmania.org.au/j/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=8