HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. Jack Wiegand and I arrived in Avenal on Friday via the Cherokee 140 so he could get some power training as well as renew his solo privileges. After we flew together, each of us flew individually,. he in the 1-26 and me in the 2-33. There really wasn't much lift when we launched and we couldn't wait a few hours for the lift to develop, which I'm sure it did based on the soundings. But we had fun, and then headed back to Fresno in the air.

2. Peter Sahlberg came out early on Saturday morning expecting to fly the 2-33 but much to his surprise, I strongly encouraged him to fly the 1-26. He's easily beyond the skill level for that aircraft and so he gave in with some reluctance. After a thorough cockpit checkout, he launched. Did well, no PIO's (Pilot Induced Oscillations) but was a bit low after liftoff, apparently not realizing that Loyal could climb more easily towing the 1-26 than a loaded 2-33. But other than that, he did very well, and managed his energy well enough to nearly return all the way to the starting point. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of flying it, and did it again in the afternoon.

3. Jeff Lowe continues his training and is doing quite well. He fights a bit with some motion uneasiness but manages to deal with it, partly with pills and partly with opening the canopy when he feels the need for a blast of fresh air. Jeff is nearing solo and the next thing he needs is a Student Pilot License. One of these days you'll see him smiling from the front seat of the Orange Crush after solo.

4. Joe Anastasio was here today and flew the Blanik. I believe he had a good flight but don't recall the details. In fact he might have flown twice today but I can't verify that. He sure does enjoy the Blanik for mountain soaring.

5. Norm Lambert has been waiting a few weeks from the time he joined the club until today because no tow plane has been available. But now he's on his way to a glider license and doing very well his first two times aloft. In fact, on his second flight, we released at the West Ridge in good lift, at 3000 msl and with very little instruction, he managed to soar all the way to 6000 msl. Quite a feat for someone on their second official instructional flight. Looks like Norm will be a great student and follow through all the way to his license. Nice thermalling, Norm !!

6. In between flights with Norm, we let Phil Decker take his wife Tara for a flight out to the West Ridge. They were up a nice long time, got good altitude, and finally returned. We were in no hurry to get the Orange Crush back but I guess they knew that another couple, friends of theirs, would show up soon. So by the time they landed, Chris and Lauren arrived hoping to fly at least one flight. I apologize to them because Norm did such a great job flying in that thermal at the West Ridge up to 6000 msl, that the time got away from us. By the time we landed, there wasn't enough time available for Chris and Lauren to fly. We hope they come back again with Phil and Tara sometime soon. Sorry everyone !!

7. Dave Johnson, of mountain landout fame, arrived in his Bellanca hoping to get his solo privileges renewed since it has been awhile. Fortunately Alex Caldwell arrived about the same time and after a refreshment break, they went aloft in the Orange Crush.

8. Paul Hanson was around over the weekend and after chatting with the Keen's for some time he took his SZD 59 up for a nice flight. The lift was there, it was even better after 3:00 pm, and most could stay up as long as desired. In fact, as I pointed out to Norm, we could have easily flown to Coalinga from our 6000 msl altitude. As his training develops there will be other good times to demonstrate cross country soaring.