Post by flyjoe180 on Jan 21, 2007 10:40:20 GMT 12
Another ATC NAC has passed by. Thiry-five power flying cadets flying seven aircraft (a mixture of PA38, C152 and C172) attended, followed later in the course by a group of navigation students (in two C172 and a PA28).
The Marlborough weather was a little weird this year, we lost a day and a half due to rain and low visibility, but the rest of the time it was generally pleasant, the usual norwesterly winds not really playing too much havoc with the flying programme.
Of the 35 power flying students, 16 soloed for the first time, which given the time lost due to weather, wasn't too bad. During downtime caused by weather, we visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. That was a highlight for me, those displays are truly amazing. If you can get there, do so and be alert. There are many small (I take it Weta produced) items along the way. For example, there is a crashed fighter stuck in a tree, surrounded by German troops enjoying a smoke, with the victorious Geman pilot talking with the downed Allied pilot. Above the walkway on a branch is a raven watching from above. Well worth a visit, I was very impressed.
Overall a great course, a good bunch of cadets, and John Neal once again did a fantastic job as course CFI. We returned to our homes on Friday, and I have to say, the weather in Auckland really is miserable after such a good time in Marlborough.
Another year to go before the next one, and I'm looking forward to instructing on ATC National Aviation Course '08!
The Marlborough weather was a little weird this year, we lost a day and a half due to rain and low visibility, but the rest of the time it was generally pleasant, the usual norwesterly winds not really playing too much havoc with the flying programme.
Of the 35 power flying students, 16 soloed for the first time, which given the time lost due to weather, wasn't too bad. During downtime caused by weather, we visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. That was a highlight for me, those displays are truly amazing. If you can get there, do so and be alert. There are many small (I take it Weta produced) items along the way. For example, there is a crashed fighter stuck in a tree, surrounded by German troops enjoying a smoke, with the victorious Geman pilot talking with the downed Allied pilot. Above the walkway on a branch is a raven watching from above. Well worth a visit, I was very impressed.
Overall a great course, a good bunch of cadets, and John Neal once again did a fantastic job as course CFI. We returned to our homes on Friday, and I have to say, the weather in Auckland really is miserable after such a good time in Marlborough.
Another year to go before the next one, and I'm looking forward to instructing on ATC National Aviation Course '08!
