Cromwell – Spot landing May 3^rd 2015

Saturday morning and the day looked perfect for flying.  Heading to Alexandra through the Cromwell Gorge and lines of cars coming towards me with their lights on was not a good sign.  Sure enough, by the time we got to Clyde, we were in dense fog.  Our 10.00am take-off time may be on hold again.

With a welcoming cup of coffee in Dave Mitchell’s new hangar, the conversation moved from the weather to planes and flying.  By 10.30am the fog had lifted and four aircraft were being fuelled and prepared for a flight through to Cromwell.  I had planned to do some Spot landing practice and had invited some of the new members along to become familiar with what was on offer in Cromwell,

Cromwell has a long history in aviation with Kingsford Smith landing on the Racecourse, and early records of an Aero Club based there.  My mother talked of landing there when she was in the Airforce.  But with commercial flights using DC3 planes, the Racecourse was replaced by a new Airfield  on the Sugar loaf just north of Lowburn.  Both airfields still operate, although the Lowburn field is used for flight training, while the Racecourse has because more of a Helicopter base.

After a short 10 minute flight, all four aircraft were on the ground in Cromwell, and I give the pilots a quick talk about the airfield and the area.  Before long we were back in the air and in the circuit for landings as close to the mid-way marker as possible.  While Fin tried different flap settings, I was focused on accuracy and a precious landing with the main wheels touching down in line with the marker.

With my three attempt, one was slightly short, one about 15m over and one spot on.  By now it was time to return to base.  With the delayed start, I was well behind my ETA back to Alexandra, should the plane be booked for other flights.

Thanks for Dave Mitchell, Fin White, Dave King, and Pauline Hogue  for their company and participation.

Happy flying

Stephen Morton