HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. No big turnout today but those who came enjoyed the nice weather and the challenge of finding thermals amidst the chilly air and sometimes overdeveloped conditions. The Hills east and the valley east of I-5 were working better than the mountains west. So, most of the thermal activity took place there and was chased by our club members who came to fly.

2. CONGRATULATIONS TO MEL AND DARREN COUNCIL. These two young men (father and son) joined the club today and first up to learn to fly gliders was Darren. He took two flights and maybe the most surprising thing about them was the landing. The first was so smooth I'm sure those on the ground didn't suspect that Darren made it unassisted. He did, and to prove it wasn't a fluke, he did it again on his second instructional flight. Darren is 14 and it just goes to show once again how skilled young people can be even at so early an age. I foresee Darren's solo flights soon, especially if he continues to fly regularly at Avenal. Then no telling how far he'll progress. We recall another club member many years ago who soloed at an early age then went on to achieve great things in soaring.

3. Brian Riffel, working at Memley Aviation at the Fresno Chandler airport had, for months, been threatening to come out to fly gliders. Somehow it never seemed to be the right time ... until today. He finally made it out, flew two flights, and handled them amazingly well. Granted, he's a power pilot, but even so, he managed to fly the tow by himself and that feat hasn't been matched by very many first time glider fliers. Perhaps we'll see more of Brian on future weekends. On the other hand, maybe he won't be returning because almost as soon as he got there, we had him cutting tall grass out on the runway. He did well but it took him about an hour because of how high the grass was growing in certain spots along the runway. Ah, but the exertion was good for him, keeps him healthy, and his muscles toned.

4. Morgan Hall and Julie Butler hauled the Duo Discus out here today and got an early start. They launched, headed to the Kettleman Hills to the east, and managed to stay aloft for 2.7 hours. The flight was not without some moments, however. At one point, near the new Coalinga airport, they were scratching for lift at not much more than 1000 agl. Somehow magically, a thermal appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and lifted them back to 4000 msl. Sometimes being patient, circling in weak lift at 50 fpm, is rewarded with a cycling thermal that produces enough lift to continue on course or make your way back to the gliderport. They made it back and enjoyed the experience. Morgan agreed it was probably the closest he has come to landing out.

5. Richard Walker was on hand, and launched his Schweizer 1-35 sometime after the Discus. He also headed for the Kettleman Hills and worked the cumulus over there for quite awhile.

6. Dave Johnson arrived in his Decathlon and although he didn't fly a glider, he joined in the social gathering on the patio, and went with the group for lunch at Debbie's in Avenal.

7. As usual we had two fine tow pilots on hand for the day. Allen White flew the Cherokee 235 while Steve Schery flew the Cessna 150. It wasn't a very busy towing day but they stayed on post until the end of the day. Thanks, guys!!

8. We continue to seek contributors toward our purchase of a more powerful tow plane. Anyone wanting to help out here with a loan to the club would be highly welcomed. We need a few more members willing to invest in the proposed tow plane to make it happen. If you are interested, contact Morgan Hall by email to morhall@soaravenal.com.