Steve updates us on the weekend’s activities:

Hi Flyers,

The Forbes aerotow 2nd/3rd May was attended by 10 hang glider flyers and a couple of other pilots who flew the Dragon Fly.

The days were clear with very little cloud formation and steady but weak thermals.

It was great to see Wazza having a go out at Forbes after completing his aerotow endorsement with me at Rylstone about 2 years ago.

A big thank you to Brendan Cammack for coming out to see what aerotowing is all about and for helping out. I will give you some Dragon Fly time next time. Brendan is also a three axis pilot and was able to have a fly of the Dragon Fly. Though he found it a little like starting all over again after learning on the Jabiru, he went very well. Brendan is very keen to do his hang glider aerotow endorsement but is holding off until he has more experience (maybe we can keep him at the front of the line ????? Tugmaster Brendan ????? I like the sound of that).

Frank Chetcuti was out for a tow after a long absence from aerotowing and towed flawlessly, having good flights both days.

Michael Karmazin was in attendance with his wife and daughter as his retrieve crew. Michael has continually improved over the past two years and is now towing exceptionally well. It is always great to see you guys improving and enjoying your sport, but even better when you can bring along a happy willing helper.

The ever reliable Dusty Demon Crew from Canberra always put together a team that this time consisted of Andrew Luton, Trent Brown, Grant Edwards, Dave May, Geoff Robertson and Peter Dall.

These are the most dedicated inland hangies in Australia. They constantly amaze me with their enthusiasm and ability. These guys always show up keen as a newbie after his first successful flight and regardless of the weather they will set an almost attainable task and go for it with outstanding flights that at times exceed their goals. They work great as a team are always cheerful and best of all of at night time after a few beers have a great ability to turn even a circuit around the airfield into an epic and enthralling tale. OK the air field was hundreds of Km’s from launch.

I have tried a new mirror system on the Dragon Fly and can now see the glider on the other end of the line with much better clarity, this should help to improve my ability to fly even closer to the requirements of the pilot in the glider as I can see every little input and position of the hangie.

My last four trips out to my local hill for some solo flying have resulted in set up, now

wait, pack up and go home. No wonder these guys like to tow so much.

For further actual flight reports, go to www.thebombout.com

Finally THANK YOU BILL MOYES for supplying the Dragon Fly’s that make this all possible and for you assistance this weekend.

Still floating up here,

Steve.