The real flying has started

Posted on 9 February 2010

This morning I got good news: our application to use the hangar has been approved by the military. This means we can now use the MCSS’s trike to help with getting some of the crew valuable airtime. If we did not get it it would have meant rigging and derigging everyday or at every bit of rain that came our way – a huge pain. So we are very relieved.

Yesterday Mike and I did some more flying. I was pilot in command and did a couple of water landings. It was quite a treat. Imagine flying around tropical paradise islands, water that is crystal clear and then landing just about anywhere you want. Of course we do look out for the flattest and calmest parts of the water.

The day before yesterday we managed to fly to the west side, to where the SOS ship is anchored. We have been trying to get in there for the last 5five days but the weather has not been great. Rain and then of course the wind has been off shore on that side producing bad turbulence. Even then it was not ideal with the wind easterly coming over the mountains at a 45 degree angle making the rotor turbulence not too bad. The wind was also just five knots.

Even so, it was bumpy but I let Mike take over controls – his experience with water landings being just right for the conditions. We rolled onto the beach and lo and behold the boss and two beautiful ladies arrived to have a look at the new plane. The “boss” is the main source of funds behind the SOSF.

We met the man who was actually a great guy. He would have passed as just anybody having a good time on the beach. No attitude, no pride-full swagger , no sense of any riches. We were well received and while Mike explained the basic controls to the boss, Mick, the captain of the SOS ship, and I stood back while admiring the scenes.

Later Mike took the ladies for a flight and I got to chatting a bit with one of them – turns out to be Vanessa Haywood from District 9 fame. She too was nice and really down to earth. Both Vanessa and Cindy were these balls of joy – happy and energetic. It is no wonder the boss likes to just spend time in their company.

As for today, the weather once again is threatening – rain falling near the airport and it looks as though the wind has swung a bit to the west. That means some turbulence on the runway side. Lets hope it stays light.






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