9th May 2009

Day 3 of the 'A' Certificate Course and the weather in Matamata was splendid.

Ed and I knew that today we would be doing Stalls and Recovery. It was a good day weather and wind wise to be able to fly along the Kiamai Ranges, come off the Ranges, practice these exercises, and then head back to the Ranges to get some height back and then back into the exercises.

It was abit disconcerting then, to see a whole pile of new 'sick bags' sitting on our desks in the club rooms. I was thankful that I had passed up a big breakfast of Cornies and a MacDonald's Thickshake. The cup of coffee I had just made went down the sink.

As usual, the morning format was a recap and revision on what had been learnt so far, questions and answers, and the time to raise any issues or fears.

Into the Theory part of the course. Stalling, HASELL Checks, Reduced G Familiarisation, Slow speed handling, Stall avoidance and Stalling in turns.

The weather was still good for flying the ridge, so we prepared the Gliders on Runway 28 ready for the days flying.

Ed and Bill prepared to fly PK, and Bob and I would be in PC.

As I got myself sorted out in PC, I noticed Bob preparing himself in the rear seat complete with drink bottle and a pile of sandwiches. Mmmmm, is this going to be a long flight, or is Bob just going to save the crusts and bits of luncheon sausage to throw at the back of my head when I didn't pay attention, or wasn't listening properly.

Aero Towed up to 2000'. Still abit crabby with my aerotowing, with the familiar "I have control" coming from the back seat. This for me is still frustrating, but it's important to learn to leave that frustration on the ground and develop alot of Patience. Its early days, and club members will all tell you that it takes time, and this skill will develop and 'click into place' eventually.

After release, we flew on to the Kaimai Ranges and gained some good lift. It was pleasant flying up and down the ridge and it was really the first time that I had had a good chance to relax and have a good look around at the Waikato.

After gaining sufficient height we flew out from the ridge to put in practice the theory part of the mornings syllabus. Bob demonstrated the stall and recovery, and went through some negative G exercises. After the initial fright of experiencing these new sensations, it was my turn. Its alot different carrying out these exercises yourself, learning how to do it and experiencing it yourself first hand, than experiencing it as a passenger.

We flew for the next hour and a half or so, up and down the ridge and out and about the area practising these exercises. Now that I knew I wasn't going to need the 'sick bags' or spray Bob's BLT, we headed back to the airfield for lunch.

After lunch, back up to the ridge for some more general flying. I even managed to hang on behind the tow plane until release this time. A great confidence booster.

Point to self. Attach a few bits of sticky paper on my knees with some reminders of the basics, which I sometimes forget, or don't carry out correctly. This will also ensure I don't get pelted with lunch crusts.

All in all, a good day, enjoyable, and I drove back to Auckland happy.