CFI

1                Matt Cook will be acting CFI from 16th October 2003 until early spring 2004.

2                We have advertised for either a CFI/manager, or a CFI and a part-time manager starting early spring 2004 (depending on the applicants there may one job or two).

3                Accordingly who will be our CFI from spring 2004 remains at the moment completely open.

Bruce Cooper

From the Committee

Water
We are currently in discussion with the airfield management as it is they who turned the water off.  It will hopefully be back on again by next season.  In the meantime please do not empty the tank during the winter as it is the water in it that keeps it in place and stops it being blown away in the wind.

Helicopter Barrier
This will be down permanently as from 26th October 2003.  It is a requirement for airfield security and also to keep the gypsies from getting in.  Buy your barrier key now.

316
Thanks to those of you who responded to my email in connection with 316.  It has, in fact, sustained heavy landing damage and is currently at Southern Sailplanes as the subject of an insurance repair.  It is hoped it will be back early next year.

Tugs
After much debate, and the kind offer of help from Tom Moutrie, GH was sent to France three weeks ago for refurbishment.  It should be back January/February looking like new.

MM, much delayed, will be heading down on a trailer for essential repairs next week.

This means we have a maximum of three tugs, occasionally two and possibly only one available from now until GH returns, but we will rely on the backup Robin to ensure launching.

Launches
We achieved 9175 launches for the last financial year  thanks to everyone for making this happen.  This figure is 575 above budget for the year.

From the CFI

Instructors -

When you send a pupil solo there are a few things to think about (on top of whether or not their flying is up to scratch).

Has the pre-solo test been taken?

1                Does the student understand the local airspace (see above)?

2                Does the student have a medical certificate signed by a doctor?

Once the first solo is completed the A badge form must be filled in and sent off to the BGA and the office must be informed so the student can be given the next package of course information.

It has come to my attention that students have been going solo recently with none of the above items attended to.  Please dont let that happen.

Instructors

Please remember that your Instructor Renewal Form is now due and we would be grateful if you could get them back to the office by 31st October latest.

From the Tug Workshop

It is only two weeks since the seasonal tug pilots have gone, but this week I have had MF and UU in for checks and the state of them was disgusting.

Both aircraft looked as if they had not been cleaned for the two weeks that the tug pilots have been gone.

The tugs belong to YOU the members, all the members, not just the chaps that fly them, but ALL of you.  The aircraft are an asset of the club, YOUR club, I also include the gliders in this.

Keeping the kit clean will help to retain it's value and help to stop its deterioration, cleaning the tugs is not just a job for the tug pilots but all club members.  I say all club members as all club members use the tugs in one way or another, you ALL want a tow behind one as this is the only way to get airborne in a glider at Booker.

Don't be shy, nobody will look down on you for cleaning a tug or a glider, if you dont it will only cost YOU more money in the long term.

Dave Sarney

From the Office

Can we remind you that all flying accounts should be kept at zero or in credit at the end of each calendar month.  We have been experiencing instances of laxity in this area recently and would take this opportunity of reminding you that we place an admin fee of £17.50 on all accounts in debit over £50 and under £150, and £35 on accounts over £150 each month they are not cleared.

We accept payment for settlement of your flying account by either leaving your credit card number with us and we will clear the account each month automatically, telephone the office to check your balance and then send us a cheque, call in to the office and settle your account in person by credit card, cheque or cash.

Also, can we ask you to check your flying statement regularly as it is much easier for us to rectify any errors as soon as possible after the event, rather than months later.

We have received a request for information on any badge claims, etc you may have made during this year; please be good enough to contact us with anything noteworthy that could possibly be used for PR for the club. Also if you could supply us with any photographs you may have which you would be willing for us to use as publicity material.

Ian Lingham Memorial Fund

Those of you who have visited the clubhouse recently will probably have noticed the smart new bench which has been purchased with some of the money donated to the Ian Lingham Memorial Fund.  Also, within the clubhouse, there is a barometer for the use of all the members and there is another bench being situated at Aboyne in his memory.

Thanks to those of you who gave so generously in Ian's memory.