SOSA

By January 30, there were enough members suffering from acute flying withdrawal to mount a flying operation despite -20C windchill. We had enough pilots to man seven 20+ mins flights in ASK-21 with two people on board each time. Some frostbite-resistant individuals managed to get up more than once.The less freeze resistant individuals lined up for the space in the back of the Citabria to take some air to air pictures of K-21 in flight.

Vlada.

Each year SOSA celebrates the New Year with a Pot Luck on Jan 1st.  This years gathering was a great success with people arriving as early as 10:00.  Weather permitting we usually try to fly but the conditions did not look promising early in the morning.  By noon the weather gods smiled upon the gathered and allowed for a break in the snow.  The Citabria and the L23 were pulled out of the hangar and taken to the flight line.  The weather cooperated for a few hours, most people who wanted to fly were able to do so.  As the ceiling came down the flights came to a stop and we retreated to the clubhouse to enjoy the camaraderie, warm fire, and good food.

Click on the image to go to the 2010 soaring gallery for more photos from the event...

A few more members showed up on Sunday Dec 20th to enjoy the mild December weather.  Some weak lift was encountered (up to 0.5kts) with pilots using every bit to extend their flights.  After stacking the hangar the southern windsock was taken down for the winter.

On Dec 19 a group of lunatic pilots showed up to fly at SOSA.  The bus was replaced by a heated van courtesy of James Stang.

The ranks soon outgrew the capacity of the van, so the flight line was expanded to include other heated vehicles.

Over the course of the day we had more than fifteen members show up, some with family members.  Most chose to fly and were treated to a rare wintery view of the landscape.

The strong easterly wind which was blowing throughout the day proved challenging to those of us that haven’t flown in a while, but flying in adverse conditions is a sure way to improve piloting skills.  All 10 flights were completed successfully.

We have a tow pilot and an instructor available tomorrow, Dec 20, so come on out and enjoy some winter flying before 2010 rolls in…