HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. It was a fabulous day for soaring. Heights and strong thermals made the day one to remember, although we've been having these kinds of great days for the past few months. The weather patterns have really cooperated and the soaring has been excellent. Cool air aloft, strong hot sun on the ground makes for continuing thermal production and nearly everywhere in sight.

2. The main news of the day is that our newest tow plane, N4205U, a Cessna 150/150, arrived today for the start of towing and tow pilot checkouts. We were able to get at least three pilots checked out and that's a good start for the upcoming weekends when we need these pilots. It's an interesting aircraft, nicely equipped, well-maintained, and easy to fly. So we look forward to many hours of towing with this nice aircraft.

3. Julie Butler flew today in the Orange Crush, getting some experience in rough air and preparing for her check ride due within the next few weeks. We wish her luck in getting her Private License.

4. Connie and Bob came out today because Bob was giving his honey a surprise birthday gift. Connie didn't know about it even as she approached Avenal, thinking perhaps Bob was taking her on a tour of the prison. But, he turned right instead of left and pulled into the gliderport parking area. Connie finally got her chance to go aloft and loved every minute of it. She worked the controls slightly and did a lot of sightseeing. A nice present from a loving and thoughtful husband.

5. Jerry Smeltzer was back at Avenal today with his recently-purchased Nugget glider. Most of his time was spent getting familiar with the glider, the cockpit, controls, etc., all in preparation for his first flight. That's a good idea when getting into any aircraft one hasn't flown before. Several weeks of familiarization with the aircraft is worth the wait to fly it. Then when aloft, all the necessary control positions are remembered and the first flight isn't as stressful as it might otherwise be.

6. The fiberglass guys all went aloft today since the soaring was excellent. Mario, Morgan, Andy, and Jerry Badal who took some very nice photos from the cockpit of his Libelle. Good flying by all.

7. Cierra and Brandon arrived from Coalinga with their Dad and he was treating them to a nice glider flight. They picked a good day for the flight and both really enjoyed being up there. A few seconds of weightlessness made the time aloft even more memorable. Perhaps we will have instilled in them the desire to learn to fly and being so close to Avenal, the opportunity is there. We'll see how that develops.

8. Art Sanders, denied any time aloft last visit to Avenal, finally went up today and did well. He's an experienced student pilot from Illinois near where I went to school. He's really close to his check ride for the license and over the next few weeks perhaps we'll have him ready to face that exam.

9. Yutaka Buto had a chance to fly today, helping to checkout one or more of the new tow pilots. Yutaka is going to be a very good soaring pilot to complement his flights for Ameriwest in the Swearingen Metro hauling cargo.