Steve sends in the first of many reports telling us about flying in Forbes over Easter.

Hi Flyers,

Just a short report on the recent Rylstone/Forbes aerotow action.

Rylstone turned out to be contrary to the weather forecast. The water drained away fast and the new float plane was not required for towing. For Michael the weather was perfect for tuning his Aeros in preparation for Forbes whilst Nathan put in some excellent times gaining max legal height ASL in his Ventura. Though only 2 out of the 4 people who said they were going showed up.  I was not too disappointed as this gave me more time to work with Bobby Bailey on the new planes including test flying the new float plane which was a huge success. Bobby still expects to be able to improve on this latest set up, though I have never seen or heard of a float plane that comes any where near the performance or ease of handling of this latest Dragon Fly.

Katja went flying with me in the Dragon Fly and got to see her first circular rainbow complete with the Dragon Fly shadow in the centre.  (where was the camera)

Forbes turned out to be a huge frustration for some whilst my regular crew were as optimistic as ever and made the most of every possible break in the weather.

I flew the 4 Stroke Dragon Fly over from Rylstone to tow tandems, ridged wings etc. but it sat in the hanger and sulked all 6 days as it was not required, however the two stroke got a good work out.

A BIG THANKYOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO REQUESTED MY TOWING SERVICES ON WED AND THURS. Yes I was there for the three people on Wed and the eight on Thurs. THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT yet not only didn’t you show up but nobody even bothered to phone or text. In future I will only be available if I have some of my regulars interested for the days set.

Saturday saw the Dusty Demons show up only to be quickly settled down by the rain. Being the most optimistic hangies in the world this group quickly set about flying models and flying discs in the rain whilst "The Thief", determined not to be done out of flying, set up his glider complete with camera and was towed to cloud base by the Dragon Fly in the rain.

Both Nathan Caruthers and Andrew Luton had ago at the controls in the front of the Dragon Fly and both put in a very impressive effort for people who have not flown 3 axis before. I find it hard to believe that neither of these hangies have not flown 3 axis before, absolute naturals, well done guys.

Saturday arvo saw conditions improve one and a half hours before sun set, so a happy hour was called with $5 tows and a spot landing comp with lots of very happy flyers. All were winners. We then progressed to the Forbes Inn for dinner and drinks.

Sunday saw more dodgy weather, so once again the Dragon Fly got more dual flying with Nic, Bill and Michael seeing what is is like to be at the front of the line.

By lunch time the weather improved and the keen as ever Dusties towed aloft with Dave May and Trent Brown Leading the pack. 100km was flown by these guys.

Monday was more of the same low cloud in the morning with drizzle clearing by lunch and then breaking up into cloud streets that ran all the way to Grenfell. Everyone launched with Dave and Trent flying home to "Munjal" near Grenfell.

It was great to see Dave Phillips flying his early model Swift (mental blank can’t recall the name) as well as two motor Swifts that were having a great time flying with the hangies.

Sorry I will be unable to make Rylstone and the next Forbes meet will be at this stage on May 2nd/3rd if I get enough interested hangies.

Stay up there, Steve.