From the chairman

Happy New Year! I think 2003 could be a good year for many of us. The year has started well for me and I have completed my move to Bourne End: my new phone number is 01628 521360.

I will be working part time from the beginning of February so I should have plenty of time to spend at Booker. I would like to thank the vintage-gliding group for cheering me up over Christmas by inviting me to their annual dinner; I particularly enjoyed the “magic lantern” show and am looking forward to the “whispering Wardrobes” weekend this summer. Speaking of summer there have already been two thermal days this year, remember the earliest that a 100 km triangle has been flown from Booker was at the end of January. So now is the time to complete your C of A’s and get ready!

George Moffat

We start the year with a visit from George Moffat, the former world champion and author of “Winning on the Wind”. He will be giving a talk with the assistance of Mike “Platypus” Bird at the Booker Memorial hall on Sunday the 2nd of February at 17:00 hrs. The talk and questions will last about 2 hours and some of us will be going to the Live and Let Live pub afterwards for some food and drink and we will of course invite our guest speakers along.

Airfield drainage.

We have “tested” the airfield drainage by arranging for heavy rain and severe local flooding and found that the spiking has indeed worked. The airfield has remained flyable with the water visibly draining on the spiked area, well done Alan! There are of course further improvements to be made to the airfield in the form of rolling and cutting so we are hoping to have a good surface to fly from this year.

SLMG PPL.

We have completed all the relevant work for us to offer the NPPL training and are on the list of approved organisations, so with immediate effect we will offer this training for our members.

Tugs

Last year we were down to 4 tugs for much of the year. The new Pawnee is now ready and will be collected on the next flyable day. There is a possibility that a local syndicate may buy a Robin so we might have 50% more tugs available next year, watch this space.

T21

I’m pleased to say that we will be keeping the T21 at Booker in the hands of a 12-man syndicate

Staff issues

I am sad to say that both Ed and Andy are leaving us to pursue commercial flying careers. I would like to thank them both for their hard work and wish them well in their new careers. We have advertised in S&G for new instructors and would like to hear from any club members that might be interested.

Jaca 2003

With the loss of Andy we are trying to find out if he can still run our expedition, we are also looking for an instructor with mountain experience to replace him if he can’t, so if you think you could do it or know someone who can please phone the office. The committee will keep everyone that is on the list informed of all developments.

Flying in France?

There is a possibility that Jacques Noel will be at Booker and will be available to give check flights for French licences. If you would like to make use of this facility please phone the office.

Annual General Meeting

A reminder that the AGM will take place on 8th March 2003 at 19:00 hrs at Longburrow Hall, Stokenchurch: notices will be going out soon. If you want to nominate someone for election, please ensure that the nomination is received as soon as possible – similarly if there are any proposals that you would like to be considered at the meeting.

From the Treasurer

We are currently reviewing the detailed financial results for Booker Gliding Club Limited for the year ended 30th September 2002. These accounts will be posted to you shortly and membership fees for 2003/4 will be included in the February statements. I will be happy to take any questions on these items with members individually or at the AGM.

Flying Tugs and M/Gliders with an NPPL

The club is currently in discussion with its insurers over the coverage of NPPL holders to fly the clubs tugs and motor glider. Both our insurance broker and I are confident that in the next few weeks we will be able to cover NPPL holders on the same basis as both CAA and JAR PPL holders.

At present our insurers have some concerns about the different medical standards for the NPPL. We are working to help our insurers understand the changes so we get coverage for all pilots on the same basis and without additional costs or limitations.

For the next few weeks we have agreed the following with our insurers:

1. NPPL holders that have a valid CAA or JAR medical are insured.
2. NPPL holders that have never had a CAA medical refused or suspended are insured.
3. NPPL holders that have never applied for a CAA medical and have no reason to believe that they are not medically fit to hold a CAA medical are insured.
4. Pilots that have a NPPL medical but do not fall into one of the above group should contact the office. In most cases it will be possible to get approval for individual club members in this group to fly our tugs and motor gliders.

Please remember that ALL PILOTS irrespective of their class of medical certificate are responsible for their own day to day fitness to fly.

Tim Hirst

24.12.02

Irrespective of the insurance position any members wanting to fly Club tugs or m/gliders must check with the chief tug pilot and or a member of flying staff before starting or restarting flying.

Medical Declaration

A few months ago we sent out medical declaration forms which have to be returned to the office by 1st March 2003 in order for you to comply with the new BGA regulations. We have received some back but would now request that those of you who have not returned them do so without delay.

Shobdon 2003

We will be taking a tug and gliders to Shobdon, subject to demand, from 1st March until the 9th March inclusive. Accommodation list on the Shobdon web site www.shobdon.demon.co.uk Contact the office if you would like to take part, the only qualification is a tow bar on your car. Tell the office if you wish to fly club aircraft or your own and if you could tow a trailer there or back.

Bronze ‘C’ Lecture Course

The following dates have been set aside for a Bronze ‘C’ lecture course, to be held in the clubhouse at 10:00 hrs on each of the following dates.

25th January – Meteorology – Mike Richardson

1st February – Theory of Flight – Symeon Economou

8th February – Navigation – Alun Jenkins

15th February – DI Course & Exam – Dave Byass

If you wish to attend, please arrive promptly.

Club Trophies

Will all members who hold Club Trophies (gliding, not go-carting) return them to the office as soon as possible in order that they may be properly catalogued.

Shep

Elaine & Andy Townsend

Please note that Elaine and Andy have moved and can now be reached at the following address:

55 Shepherds Croft, Uplands, Stroud , GL5 1US

Tel: 014553 752 375

email: a_etownsend@pgen.net

Booker Regionals 2003

The Booker Regionals will be taking place on 14th – 22nd June 2003. They will be run with a Club Class and a Sport Class this year with a non-refundable entry fee of £60. Entry forms are available from the office.