Page 42 - MFW March 2024

Despite the cloud cover, the sky was quite active most of
the day with large thermals often occupied by multiple
models at a time. It was rare that there were less than half
a dozen models in the air at a time and on occasions there
was twice that number airborne. Some long flights were
had by some.

The range of models on display was extensive. Electric
launch was by far the most popular with many old
favourites such as Spirit, Olympic, Aquila, Paragon, Bird
of Time, Gentle Lady, etc converted to electric. There were
numerous Radians, Bixlers and Phoenix electric models.
There was also a very nice 2.75m span Maribu, an
ASW28, a Mini Challenger and the more modern 2M
eRes Medina and 4 metre eMaxa. Two bungees were in
constant use, particularly by Bruce Woodfield (PNA) with
two very nice 2 metre models and Kevin Daly (Levin) with
his large for its day T-Tail Stratus from an APS plan. Peter
Williams capably demonstrated modern winch launch
with his F3B Fosa. There were also three Discus Launch
Gliders (DLG) which found a lot of lift at low levels.

Thirteen year old Couper Bartosh (Levin) flew his Radian
well achieving some great flights.

A particular highlight was a Modelair Seeker belonging to
Paul Robertson (Levin). This model had been built from
the Modelair kit way back in the seventies by Paul and his
good friend Graham Pauling when they were with the
RNZAF based at Wigram. The model was dusted off for
the Levin event after being in storage for 40 odd years and
Graham came along especially to help Paul fly the model
again. I remember way back seeing the Seeker’s designer
Angus McDonald fly his prototype Seeker and thought at
the time the wing joiners on this elegant model flexed
significantly on launch. I was reminded of this feature
when seeing Paul’s Seeker exhibit the same
characteristics on launch.

Another highlight of the day was the Christmas Lunch put
on by Linda Lambess and her team of Levin Club helpers.
The glider fliers were joined by other Levin members and
their families along with Karl and Max Lutz who farm the
land and kindly let us fly there. The Christmas Lunch was
exceptionally good. It was hard to believe we were
enjoying such fine food in a cow paddock! Well done to all
involved!

Overall, another successful Glider Fun Fly to see off 2023.

The second Levin Glider Fun Fly for this summer is
scheduled for Saturday 9 March with the Wind Date
being Sunday 10 March. All glider fliers welcome.

Top to Bottom:
Paul Robertson & Graham Pauling with the Seeker flown at the Levin meet
after being in storage for over 40 years. (Insert) The before shot ... Paul &
Graham with the Seeker outside the Wigram Barracks 1978
Peter Williams (Wellington) about to catch & relaunch his Bamf Discus
glider.
Ian Crosland launching Kapiti clubmate John Ellison’s modified electric
Paragon.
Levin junior Couper Bartosh (who had some long flights with his Radian) Linda and her team put on a magnificent Christmas lunch that was
showing his relaxed flying style. enjoyed by all.

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