Below is a short history of training at VARMS, starting from March 2009.

Another enjoyable winter's day. Cool breeze to start but the sun was shining and the temperature went up. What more could we ask for. Lots of flying was had by all with the assistance of Bruce Clapperton and Barry DeKyper on the transmitters and Geoff Trone on the winch. It was extremely pleasing to see some Juniors at the field as well as a couple of new models to check out. A Radian and 2 Gentle Lady's successfully flew for the first time. Very happy owners.

TRAINING 26 July 2009

Finally a day where the North wind was not 20Kts! It was still quite breezy to start but the conditions got better as the session went on. Barry DeKyper kept the winch busy while I used up a few electrons with the electric Prelude. Lots of enjoyable flying was had with John Cott achieving his Bronze Wings - Glider and his Electric Glider Solo. Well done John.

TRAINING 14 June 2009

A busy Training session this week, only 7 trainees but 4 different models to check out and test fly. Young Scott with Dad Alyn had an ARF Gentle Lady as their first plane. Flew beautifully. Michael presented with a Spirit. A few problems with the CG but once that was sorted this plane flew very well. An electric powered DG1000 caused the heart rate to climb a bit as it was very fast with a tendency to snap roll. The owner has decided that it is probably a bit advanced for him at this stage! We also spent some time with what appeared to be a small Alpina, about 3 meters wingspan. We were only able to hand launch this plane as there was not enough tension on the wing retaining system. Still it show lots of promise and should be nice plane. Along the way lots of flying was achieved.

TRAINING 31 May 2009

Well, there was no Sunshine to start this weeks training session. In fact all we had was FOG. No flying was possible until the visibility improved so lots of discussion occurred. Several new or repaired planes were checked over.

Finally at 11:30 we were able to fire up the winch with a short line and get some flying. By Noon we were back out to a full line with sunshine! With only 5 trainees and 3 instructors there was plenty of flying done. Robert Kassell and Jamie McPherson both achieved their Electric Solo.

Thanks to Leon and Bruce for assistance.

TRAINING 17 May 2009

After a week of not very good weather it was surprising to arrive at Briggs Field to see sunshine and light winds. With trainees coming and going, we only had a maximum of 5 at anyone time so lots of flying was had by all.

Robert Kassell showed the advantage of improving his skills with a simulator and finally achieved his Bronze Wings - Glider. Well done Robert.

Prospective new member Phil had a maiden flight with his Southern Sailplanes Prelude Plus. He could not stop grinning for the rest of the training session.

Thanks to Leon and Bruce for assistance.

Autumn in Melbourne is just magnificent. Sunny days and light winds. Nice light lift from mid morning. That is exactly what we had today. A great day for training. Not too many starters so there was lots of air time for every one. Bruce Clapperton even had time to give his daughters some training. Quite a few members were also out and about which was great to see.

The forecast drizzle decided to disappear and a thoroughly pleasant morning was enjoyed by the 10 trainees. Great to see that we had 4 juniors on the day. Perhaps this shows that our hobby does have a future. New members David and Benjamin Wallace were successful in gaining their Bronze Wings Glider and Solo Electric ratings. The highlight for the day was a flight with my old Aeroflyte Albatross. An easy 10 or so mins with 2 students having a go. Nice and slow and very majestic.

TRAINING 29 March 2009

Ian Slack releases one of the clubs Prelude trainers onto the winch line as student & instructor prepare to battle the conditions once again.