Hello gliding enthusiasts, as you have probably guessed, writing and keeping an updated web page is not my strong point. I am once again in New Zealand for the southern winter. The weather has been quite typical, warm, little rain with a mix of thermal and wave conditions. I haven't done as much flying as i would like but have been enjoying the relaxing time before our northern summer season ahead.
I anticipate a very busy year with many students that have soloed last season, or nearly ready to solo. With the addition of the S-126 to the club fleet, I suspect a rapid increase in student activity.
There will be some new faces, including Joe Gegenbaurer who, last fall, bought a very nice property next to the Windermere golf course. His wife Judy and he will fit in nicely to the crowd at Invermere. If we talk nicely to him, maybe he will help us out with instructing while not flying his ASW 20. Joe is a retired 767 captain, long time (since 15, I think) glider pilot, and tow-pilot as well.
Ernst will be back to Invermere regularly. He has given up on the rat race of Ontario, and re-embraced the mountains that he left behind. Ernst will have some tremendous new toys to play with this year, such as his Apis motor glider. Two have been sold to Canadian pilots, Mike Stoussel, one of our club members, being one. Ernst will also take deliverey of his new Discus 2ct in the spring...can't wait to get my hands on that machine!
I have been promoting our area to the countless visiting pilots I have met here in NZ, with many promising visits in the near future. The secret is out, but with our remote location and limited facility, I don't fear that we will be overrun by guests, but will be able to look forward to meeting pilots from all over the world.
I am looking forward as well to meeting everyone who plans a visit here, past members, new members, students, and partners of, let's have a great year! Trevor
