Members' area

The Cotswold club’s simulator was put to good use on 3-4 May at the European Parliament. CGC member David Roberts, as President of Europe Air Sports, hosted an ‘expo’ of air sports in the Parliament with the aim of enabling MEPs, European Commission officials and others to learn something of private and sporting aviation. To make the event attractive, Chris Gough and David took the CGC simulator to Brussels, where it became a focus of much interest and active piloting. Europe Air Sports, of which the Royal Aero Club of the UK and in turn the BGA is a member, represents hundreds of thousands of light aviation pilots and aircraft owners, including those in gliding, on aviation regulatory matters in Europe. Much of its work is influencing the rule-makers and decision-makers in Europe to keep the regulations and rules as simple, clear and proportionate as possible.

Picture: Chris Gough shows the simulator to Matthias Borgmeier, EASA Rulemaking Officer and glider pilot.

Alex Mazzoleni took this picture of the club's Astir from the Duo Discus at the weekend.

For many years we have had our parachutes re-packed at Filton. Unfortunately, this service will shortly come to an end as our packer will lose the facility. I do not yet have a date when we will have to stop; when I do I will let you know by club e-mail and by putting up a notice. In the meantime, I am endeavouring to get as many club and private chutes packed as I can.

Working with Ken Brown from Nympsfield, I am exploring alternative options for getting our chutes re-packed. Currently, the cost of re-packing is £15.00. I do not know what the new cost will be, but commercial rates appear to be around thirty or thirty-five pounds. Depending upon the re-pack date for your chute, you may choose to get it re-packed now. If so, please leave it in the office or reception area, clearly marked with your name, account number and “For Re-packing”. I hope to be at the club most Saturdays, and also tomorrow (Sun 16th Jan) when I will also be returning those chutes I collected two weeks ago. I will try to retain a two-week re-pack cycle.

Don

A formation of four Harriers flew over Aston Down at 500' today during a tour of all the airfields that the Harrier has been associated with. We're not sure why they came to Aston Down but perhaps it was when the Central Flying School use AD as a diversion airfield and for touch and gos in the 70s.

Brrrr ... it was bitter outside. But in the winch the driver was as snug as a bug in a rug!

Congratulations to Tom and Sarah who got married on Saturday. Here they are celebrating in style.

Andrew Kingdon this time. He didn't say when his 16th birthday was.