Melbourne Gliding Club News

Glide Angle February 2026 is now available

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 05:20:44 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle November 2025 is now available

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:49:33 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle August 2025 is available

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:39:48 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle May 2025 is available

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:34:51 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle March 2025 is available

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:01:07 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle Jan 2025 is available

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:44:15 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle November 2024 is now available

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:28:26 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle September 2024 is now available

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:41:16 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle May 2024 is available

Mon, 13 May 2024 06:36:20 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle March 2024 is available

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 05:34:36 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Glide Angle Jan 2024 is available

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:15:29 GMT

The latest edition of our newsletter "Glide Angle" is now available.

You can find it here.

Waypoint files for glide computers

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 08:36:16 GMT

The current waypoint files (.cup) are now available directly from our training resources page.

Local Soaring Comp: Win a WeGlide Premium subscription in Pre-GPC class

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 20:47:03 GMT

As some of some of you might know, it is part of WeGlide's philosophy to support young and upcoming glider pilots. We are lucky and have been able to secure a WeGlide Premium subscription for 1 year for the winner of our Pre-GPC class. The WeGlide Premium subscription gives you access to a lot of extra features on WeGlide (see here).

If you are not yet on GPC, it's time to get started and fight for this WeGlide subscription. If you are not yet solo, you can still compete. Just talk to your instructor and see how you can include it in your training.

Local Soaring Comp: Tasks for this weekend

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:43:57 GMT

Soaring forecast looks pretty good (especially for Saturday). If you haven't done already, book a glider, come and score some points in the competition.

Tasks

Local Soaring Comp: Task is up for the weekend

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:15:34 GMT

Weather is looking pretty good for this weekend. Due to northerly winds and some airspace restrictions approx. 7nm south of Bacchus (Avalon airshow), the task is set to stay mainly north-west of the airfield.

Task information

Tips & Tricks around the airfield

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:42:34 GMT

A small collection of useful tips around the airfield.

Tips & Tricks around the airfield

Local Soaring Competition launches this weekend

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 21:05:20 GMT

The Local Soaring Competition will launch this Saturday 18th Feb. Check out the details (Local soaring comp) and book a glider! You don't wanna miss out.

Training resources

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:56:09 GMT

We have put together a collection of links and documents which will help you through your training. Find it here

Webcams operational

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:16:52 GMT

The clubs webcams are operational and can be accessed via the clubs web site and the following link

A new webcam page is under development and can be found here and is more mobile friendly.

If you experience issues viewing the webcams, or have feedback please email steve@techexecs.com.au.

Membership reopens

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 03:13:32 GMT

Our membership has reopened to all. For more information and to join, click join us.

Easter Camp

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:00:00 GMT

The Melbourne Gliding Club will be holding its Easter Camp from Good Friday, 2 April to Friday 9 April at the Benalla Aerodrome, hosted by our friends at the Gliding Club of Victoria (GCV).

Registering for the camp is a simple process. Please visit the Melbourne Gliding Club website to register your attendance. Please let us know the dates you will be there, what you plan to do, and how you can help. Volunteers are required to transport aircraft and equipment to and from Benalla. The amount of equipment we take depends on the amount of volunteers we have.

In terms of what we take, this will depend on how many people will be going and require glider seats.

We have decided on Benalla for something a bit different, and it is suitable for cross country and located relatively close to the mountains. Its also good for family as the location has a lot to offer with plenty of other activities and a variety of accommodation.

The MGC camp fee will cover the cost of the tug ferry to and from Benalla and other necessary GCV/aerodrome charges. (As a guide, past camp fees have been up to $75). Members who register will be contacted separately with other information pertaining to flying and operating at Benalla and what you need to do to prepare for the camp.

If you have any queries regarding registration or the camp please contact Tighe (0438 346 522) or Paul (0408 033 557).

Temporary new membership pause

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:18:32 GMT

16 December 2020: As we recover from the impact of COVID-19 on our operations in 2020, we are temporarily pausing new memberships for those who want to learn to glide. With our members keen to get flying again, and with the summer cross-country gliding season upon us, we want to ensure that we can both provide a good experience for our current members, and not discourage new student members when we have less capacity than normal. We will review the situation in mid-February 2021 and we hope to be able to welcome you soon!

If you are a current solo glider pilot, you can join by emailing us membership[at]melbourneglidingclub.com.au

There are many other fantastic gliding clubs in Victoria, and we encourage you to explore whether they will suit you. For example, at Bacchus Marsh, there are also the Geelong and Beaufort gliding clubs. To the south-east of Melbourne is the South Gippsland Gliding Club near Leongatha. Further to the west is the Grampians Soaring Club at Ararat. To the north is the Bendigo Gliding Club at Raywood, and the Gliding Club of Victoria at Benalla.

If you have any questions, please email us membership[at]melbourneglidingclub.com.au

Horsham Coaching Week 2021

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:48:41 GMT

Horsham Coaching Week is running again in 2021 (30 January - 5 February). Check out the website: https://www.horshamweek.org.au/ and the entry form available.

The Horsham Coaching Week (HCW) is an annual event that occurs in the week prior to Horsham Week. It is designed to develop the skills and experience required for you to fly cross county, both further and faster, and get you ready for Horsham week!

Participants vary widely in skill and experience, but as a minimum, you will need a C Certificate and endorsement from your CFI (if you don't yet have a silver C).

Latest DG1000 manual

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:31:52 GMT

The latest DG1000 manual (for VWR and NDG) has been uploaded to the member manuals and files (log in to access).

Operations resume 9 November

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 06:08:43 GMT

We are taking a stepped approach to returning to our operations. This means we are first focusing on getting our instructor team back to currency, then focusing on post-solo pilots regaining currency, and then returning to instructional training for students. We think it might be around a fortnight until we restart training (instructor currency dependent).

Until 22 November (when another step of restrictions has been flagged by the Premier), there is to be a maximum of 20 people on the flight line at any one time across all three clubs, so that means we are keeping to seven people from MGC. The clubhouse is limited to access for the bathrooms and club equipment.

Please always adhere to the mask wearing requirements (including when flying with an instructor), the social distancing requirements of 1.5 metres, limiting indoor gatherings to one person per 4 square metres, and cleaning control surfaces between pilots.

Updated high-level airfield guidelines developed between the three clubs are available here: BMG guidelines for flying operations - 9 November 2020.pdf

Only instructional or solo flying is currently permitted (including flight reviews). Mutual / dual flying is not permitted unless the other pilot is a member of your household. AEFs and passenger flights will not resume at this time while we prioritise member flying and adhere to Victorian Government advice.

We will communicate with you over the coming couple of weeks about when flying is available again and when bookings will open - as it is all dependent on our instructors getting current first. As we return, please be mindful that there will be many people wanting to fly, and to share the available flying around. We'll also let you know when duty teams are restarting.

I'd like to thank everyone for their patience over the past months, and look forward to seeing you at the airfield soon.

Operations suspended (7 July)

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 09:15:00 GMT

With today's announcement (7 July) and in line with Victorian Government directions and advice the Melbourne Gliding Club will again need to cease flying operations for at least the next six (6) weeks.

Although the airfield is in an unaffected local government area (LGA), it is simply impractical for the Club to operate when so many of our members are from affected metropolitan Melbourne LGAs.

The intent of the current guidelines and advice is to avoid non-essential travel outside the home and to not travel from Melbourne to other areas. Therefore, the clubhouse and workshops are again closed from tomorrow night (8 July, 11.59pm). You should not travel to the aerodrome or be at the aerodrome. It is not essential. If you absolutely must go to the airfield for a critical need, you must seek prior permission from me. These arrangements are consistent across all three gliding clubs.

We urge you all to follow the current Victorian Government restrictions and advice in relation to social distancing and isolation.

We will be back flying as soon as we can safely do so.

New weekend booking system

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 04:15:14 GMT

To assist our duty teams we have a booking system in place for our operations. This is intended to help our teams better plan the day for you by having an indication of who is coming out, and what they hope to achieve.

We have just introduced a new booking system via Google Sheets, replacing the previous "Sign Up".

Please login to access the new booking system.

Returning to normal ops

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:59:37 GMT

Returning towards normal operations is possible under the updated Victorian Government advice that came into effect on 1 June and advice from the Gliding Federation of Australia about dual and instructional flying.

What does this mean for you?

From this Saturday 6 June, we are transitioning back to normal operations with Team 1 for those who wish to fly, including opening up training slots where we can. This will change each weekend depending on instructor availability and annual inspections on gliders over the winter period.

You must book to let us know you wish to fly.

Dual and instructional flying is by mutual consent, including agreed PPE between the two pilots, and the wiping down of surfaces between flights. Please bring your own PPE - masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.

If you own a parachute, please bring it and use it, rather than using the club parachutes.

AEFs and passenger flights will not resume at this time while we prioritise member flying and adhere to Victorian Government advice.

There is to be a maximum of 20 people on the flight line at any one time (across all three clubs). The clubhouse is limited to access for the bathrooms and club equipment. Please always adhere to the social distancing requirements of 1.5 metres, and limiting indoor gatherings to one person per 4m².

Our main messages are:

Do not travel to the airfield at all if you have any Covid-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone else with Covid-19 in the past three weeks, the symptoms, or who is awaiting a test result.
We are back flying!
You do not have to attend the airfield if you do not want to do so. If you are an instructor, tow pilot, or duty pilot who cannot attend your rostered day, please arrange a swap and let me know.

Operations update - 22 May

Sat, 23 May 2020 01:08:11 GMT

MGC can have four people ‘flying’ at any one time. We have decided to open booking slots for an AM shift (8.30am – 1.00pm) and a PM shift (1.00pm – last light) starting from Saturday 30 May.

This is for solo flying only. Dual checks, instructional flights, AEFs, passenger flights are not yet available. Instructors retaining currency will have priority. We want to get everyone back in the air ASAP, hence the focus on keeping pilots current to speed up clearing the check flight backlog when we reach that point.

You must book to let us know you wish to fly. Bookings in the system as at 6.00pm on a Thursday will be assessed by the CFI for currency requirements. You can access the booking site for upcoming weekends here.

We are being pragmatic about currency requirements without the ability to do dual checks, but in all cases, the CFI has the final call.

With the two ‘shifts’ please ensure you are following the guidelines above in relation to cleaning touchpoint surfaces between pilots and keeping your distance from the flight line at change over time to limit the number of people to 10.

If there are opportunities for mid-week flying, we will be in contact.

The normal duty roster will not yet resume at this time. If you are at the airfield, please assist. Tow pilots are being arranged on a day by day basis.

So, although there is limited operations, our main messages continue to be:

This is not normal operations.
Please do not travel to the airfield unless you have booked and been authorised to fly by the CFI (or his delegate).
Do not travel to the airfield at all if you have been in known contact of someone with Covid-19 in the past three weeks, or if you have any symptoms at all.

Member and operations update

Mon, 11 May 2020 04:05:08 GMT

***The following was emailed to all Club members today.

You may have seen the Victorian Premier's announcement today to relax some restrictions in Victoria.

The most relevant for the Club is that outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted for recreation, still observing social distancing practices.

We are continuing to work this week on what this means for operations at the airfield. The Instructor Panel is meeting Wednesday night, the three Club presidents and CFIs are meeting Thursday night, and the Committee is in touch ahead of a meeting on Sunday.

In the interests of early clarity, regardless of these meetings and the outcomes, it will not be operations as normal at Bacchus Marsh this weekend.

Our aim is for the three clubs to adopt a common approach and likely prioritise instructor currency so that we are ready to go when / if restrictions are relaxed further. My understanding from the Premier's press conference this morning is that the next review will be at the end of May.

I know it is frustrating to seem to be so close to returning but not quite being able to. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. Most importantly, the Committee and Panel are firmly focused on a safe return to full operations when we can.

Suspension of operations due to Covid-19

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 10:42:10 GMT

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS

The following is a summary of a message sent to all Club members this evening.

It is with regret, but knowing that it is the right and sensible decision, that the Melbourne Gliding Club will immediately cease flying operations until further notice.

The spirit and intent of the current Covid-19 guidelines and advice is to avoid non-essential travel outside the home. Unfortunately, gliding falls within this.

For now, duty crews and members are not to travel to the aerodrome for flying operations, and we urge you all to follow the current government restrictions and advice in relation to social distancing and isolation.

The clubhouse and workshops are closed. You should not travel to the aerodrome, it is not essential.

The Committee are meeting weekly by teleconference to examine the impacts of this suspension, and to look at positive options to continue engagement with Club throughout this period of uncertainty.

Our aim is to ensure that our Club emerges healthy and ready to operate as soon as possible.

Whilst social distance and isolation will help to protect us individually it is a vital action to quickly reduce the exponential spread of Covid-19 within the community.

We will be back flying as soon as we can safely do so.

Please stay safe and well, and best wishes to you, your families, and friends.

Member update - 25 March 2020

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:38:42 GMT

Member update: The Committee are discussing the current situation around Covid-19 and also liaising with the other gliding clubs at Bacchus Marsh. There will be an email to members before the weekend to advise of arrangements and decisions in relation to our operations. Thank you for your patience. We wish all members of the Club and our friends from around the world safe times. Please stay well.

Club Operations Update - 20 March 2020

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:53:05 GMT

(From email sent to members 18 March 2020).

Day to day club operations, including training

At this stage, day-to-day club operations are continuing, but please read and think about the following.

If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, or feel unwell, please be sensible and do not attend the airfield.

If you do not want to attend the airfield, you do not have to. And if you are rostered on a duty team and do not want to attend, please do let us know and seek to find a replacement.

If you have sanitiser or wipes at home, consider bringing from home for your use. Practice social distancing as a secondary precaution. No hand shakes, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing (into your elbow is best).

If you plan to fly a club glider, be responsible for cleaning the control stick, handles and knobs on panel, before and after your use of the glider. Think about surfaces you have touched and wipe them down. Buckles on the harness and parachutes, too, but avoid the fabric.

Above all, please use common sense.

Family and Friends Day

Our Family and Friends Day planned for 29 March is cancelled. This is on the basis that it would involve people more broadly than club members.

Air Experience Flights

These are proceeding if passengers still wish to fly. All passengers booked will be contacted by the Club to advise them of the status of our operations and with advice similar to above about common sense precautions.

Easter weekend

Given where things are at, the Easter weekend will be an extended Bacchus Marsh operation. Saturday and Sunday will be normal operations days with training. Good Friday and Easter Monday will be general flying days. The sign-up booking system will be updated shortly.

Of course, all of this could change and we will keep you updated.

If you have any concerns, please contact me. Please follow local health authority advice (https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus).

Club ops are as normal

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 07:17:01 GMT

At this stage, club operations are as normal.

However, if you do not want to attend the airfield, you do not have to.

And if you are rostered on a duty team and do not want to attend, please do let us know and seek to find a replacement.

Please follow local health authority advice (https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus).

If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, or feel unwell, please be sensible and do not attend the airfield - follow health authority advice.

If you have any concerns, please contact me.

Most importantly, look after yourself, your family and friends, and each other.

Flight sheets available

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 23:09:17 GMT

To access each day's flight sheets, log in to the website and access the daily flight sheets page.

Family & Friends Day - Cxld

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:21:32 GMT

Unfortunately, the 2020 MGC Family & Friends Flying Day planned for 29 March 2020 has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule later this year.

Website updates

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:20:13 GMT

While a new "public-facing" website is on the way, I've continued to make changes to this site to make it look a little better and improve functionality for members. Please let us know any major errors you see or feedback to continue to improve!

David Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:32:17 GMT

The David Wilson Memorial Scholarship was formally launched at the 75th Anniversary and Awards Dinner in 2019.

Funding is available to support attendance at official coaching events or competitions e.g. Horsham Week, Horsham Coaching Week, Mt Beauty Alpine Course, JoeyGlide, other cross-country courses, or other state or national competitions. This might be for glider hire, cost of tows, accommodation.

The scholarship is open to two types of applicants from the Melbourne Gliding Club:

1) Youth members (26 and under); and

2) Recently solo pilots (those within two years of first solo).

If you meet our applicant criteria, and have a gliding goal in mind for this season for which you need financial support, please email a short statement to the Committee (committee@melbourneglidingclub.com.au).

General flying days – 2020 operations

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:30:09 GMT

There are some changes to MGC operations in 2020. We are temporarily stopping formal training on two of the eight duty teams (duty team 4 - Sunday; and duty team 7 - Saturday) to have these days be general flying days.

How will operations work on general flying days?

On general flying days there will be flying available for pilots with A Certificate or above. There will be no student training. There will be one instructor on duty to provide oversight of the operation. These days provide opportunities for cross country flying as well as local soaring. You must remember to book a glider to avoid disappointment! Normal rules apply

· The bus, fire cart (in season) and emergency cart must be on the flight line.

· Flight times must be recorded in the laptop as normal, but record your own times and check they have been added to the laptop flight sheet.

· Get the glider out you want to fly, seek assistance as required.

· The duty instructor will hold a brief when everyone is ready, which may well be later than normal.

· The duty instructor and the members present will work out who will run wings, forward signal etc. Co-operation with other clubs is a good option.

· The duty instructor will call a halt to operations if there are insufficient people to operate safely.

What is different?

· If you book a glider it is yours for the day.

· Expect to fly the glider you booked during the best part of the day.

· If cross country is planned, you must arrange a buddy to be your retrieve crew (and you can return the favour on another general flying day!).

· Expect to be entirely responsible for getting the glider out and putting the glider away at the end of the day.

· Expect to be helping on the flight line.

· If you are on dual checks, call or text the duty instructor the day before, as dual checks will not always be available.

The booking system has been updated to reflect these new arrangements. Normal operations and training continue to be available on the other six weekend days of the month.

Ground School

Tue, 21 May 2019 09:20:40 GMT

We are running one ground school morning per month – the first one will be radio and circuit procedures, others will be announced a few weeks out, but a mix of pre- or post solo subjects will be covered, tailored to suit the audience, feel free to come along and listen and contribute if you are an experienced pilot dates are as follows:

25^th May
15^th June
13^th July
10^th August
7^th September
5^th October
09^th November
07^th December

For more information, contact the CFI, Paul Spooner.

Gliding safely

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 21:50:20 GMT

Our Safety Officer, Mark White, has prepared a great guide to gliding safely at Bacchus Marsh. It's available on our 'files' page, along with all the other club manuals - essential reading for all members.

Club manuals now available

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 05:52:57 GMT

Our club administration and operations manuals (essential reading for all members) are now available on the website (you must be logged in to access) under 'Files'.

Thanks to Richard Traill for his work to update them.

The club history manual has also been uploaded. Please reach out if you have a story, photos, or knowledge that can fill any gaps, especially ahead of our 75th anniversary in September 2019.

Flying rates effective 1/11/18

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:05:47 GMT

Following a review of the club finances and underlying costs, the Committee has decided that the following aircraft rates will apply from November 1, 2018. The practical effect is an approximate increase to a 20 minute training flight of around $5.

Aircraft hire rates from 1 November 2018:

	$/min
BCK/TNC Tow rate*	6.50
Ferry rate	5.60
NDG/VMF/VWR	0.90
CQP	0.60
XOA	0.60
VCS	0.70
ZRD	1.20

*This tow rate will also be applied to MGC members towing behind SSO/KKR.

The free glider time prior to 1100 has also been discontinued.

Further details on the rationale and basis for these changes will be shared in the next Glide Angle.

Debenture program

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:05:06 GMT

Make your choice about your debenture by logging into the website and selecting your option. See member email for more details.

Club AGM - 6 October

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 02:06:29 GMT

Don't forget to register your attendance or apologies for the Club's AGM on Saturday 6 October 2018 at 1600 at the Clubhouse.

Proxy forms for those unable to attend were distributed in the AGM Pack in the member email on 26 September.

Hangar spaces for lease

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 02:05:35 GMT

The Committee has decided to offer by ballot to the MGC membership (individual owners or syndicate), three currently available hangar spaces in the South Hangar.

The winners of the ballot will be offered a 3-year lease of the hangar space. At the end of the 3-year lease the hangar space will be returned to the Club.

For all details on the ballot, refer to the member email sent on 28 September 2018. Registrations for the ballot close on Thursday 18 October 2018 at 5.00pm.

MGC 74th Anniversary - 1st of September 2018

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 01:29:07 GMT

MGC will be celebrating its 74th birthday on the 1st of September 2018.

While the people that formed the club had been flying for many years prior to this, this was the first meeting of the group that decided to form the club as we know it today. Like all pilots, they spent so long flying, it took another 3 years before the club was officially formed in the eye of the government, and the first Annual General Meeting of the club was held in 1946.

The club would not have one of the best fleets in Australia without the selfless work of its volunteers, many of whom work behind the scenes to keep the club running, from the committee, to the duty pilots and instructor's, everyone needs to continue to do their bit to ensure the club continues to be a success.

VSA AGM - 11 August 2018

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 01:24:17 GMT

The Victorian Soaring Association Annual General Meeting and Presidents' Meeting is on Saturday 11 August 2018 at the Bacchus Marsh Clubhouse.

AGM 1100-1230

Lunch 1230-1300 (including VSA Awards)

Presidents' meeting 1300-1530

Please RSVP to the VSA Secretary, David Cleland [DavidLCleland[at]gmail.com] by 30 July.

Photos from Annual Dinner and Awards Night

Sun, 22 Jul 2018 23:18:34 GMT

Check out photos from Saturday evening's Annual Dinner and Awards Night on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneGlidingClub/

We had a fantastic evening with 40 members, partners, family and friends joining us at The Royal Hotel in Bacchus Marsh. Thanks to Bob H for organising the evening, and to Roger K and Robyn L for the photos.

MGC on the socials

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 06:11:01 GMT

The Melbourne Gliding Club is on Facebook (facebook.com/MelbourneGlidingClub), Twitter (@MelbGliding), Instagram (@melbournegliding), and YouTube (@VMFGInc)

Get posting and tagging - #melbournegliding

Competition - new email picture

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 06:10:27 GMT

The club would like to update the picture we have going out on our emails from the club from membership renewals with something that represents the Melbourne Gliding Club - e.g. our aircraft, Bacchus Marsh airfield etc.

Send me through your best picture, or collage of pictures suitable for the emails - 600 x 240 pixels is the current size of the images. The winner as chosen by me gets a bottle of wine from the President's wine cellar. Get your entries in by 20 July to president@melbourneglidingclub.com.au

Broadband WiFi available in club house

Thu, 24 May 2018 09:28:11 GMT

The club is migrating from mobile broadband to NBN, as the quality and reliability of the mobile network has been deteriorating, as the volume of data handled by the network increases.

Fortunately the NBN released access to the network in April, allowing a fixed wireless service to be installed mid May. It was important the club moved on this fast as the NBN will only install a single service to the airfield.

While we have experienced significant increases in speed, the most significant improvement has been in the lifting of data usage limits compared to the mobile network. Removal of the data limits has allowed the network to be opened up for broader use by club members.

Each club will have its own WiFi network and key codes. the codes will be available from members of the committee, instructor panel and duty pilots. Please do not share this code outside the club.

Broadband will open a range of new possibilities, as we will be able to stream training videos etc.

If you have any questions please email steve@techexecs.com.au

Enjoy Steve Trone

Airfield Emergency Response actions

Thu, 24 May 2018 09:24:51 GMT

BMAM OH&S Committee met with the local Emergency Management staff, namely the local Police, the CFA and the SES yesterday Tuesday 22nd May to review the emergency response at the Aerodrome and the responsibilities under the Emergency Management Act.

They want to ensure the following important message gets through to all persons operating at the Aerodrome immediately:

“In an emergency incident or accident Call 000 immediately to raise the appropriate emergency response.” Do not call the CFA, Police or SES direct, just call 000!

The message is simple: “IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 000” first.

The call to 000 is the standard procedure that all personnel operating within the Aerodrome must follow.

Roger Druce (YBSS Airfield Manager)

Ground Crew Roster

Wed, 23 May 2018 02:28:44 GMT

Below is the updated Ground Crew roster from November 2018 through until next Easter. If you’re not a tow pilot, instructor or duty pilot, you’ll find your name on the roster to come out to the airfield on a few days throughout the year to assist with operations for the day. New members have been added to the list.

We want you to come out, help out, and be able to go for a flight as well. I know people have commitments that come up, so the same principle applies as with our tow pilots, instructors and duty pilots. If you can’t make a day, please find a member to swap with. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact president@vmfg.org.au

Date	Ground Crew
26-May-18	Michael Dawson
27-May-18	Xiaoyu Liu
2-Jun-18	Colin Dale
3-Jun-18	Andrew Du
9-Jun-18	Matt Fenn
10-Jun-18
16-Jun-18	Louis Hojnik
17-Jun-18
23-Jun-18	Neil Burns
24-Jun-18	Sue O'Brien
30-Jun-18	Norm Hearn
1-Jul-18
2-Jul-18	Kevin Huang
7-Jul-18	Garry Stevenson
8-Jul-18	David Xu
14-Jul-18	Troy Evers
15-Jul-18	Mitchell Ambler
21-Jul-18	Brendan Knight
22-Jul-18	Lulu Xu
28-Jul-18	John Wright
29-Jul-18	Luke Carman
4-Aug-18	Luke Logan
5-Aug-18	Toby Tan
11-Aug-18	Grant Cramer
12-Aug-18	Xiyao Sun
18-Aug-18	Sue O'Brien
19-Aug-18	Andrew Rigby
25-Aug-18	Peter Gamble
26-Aug-18	Luke Sparkes
1-Sep-18	Hamish Tobias
2-Sep-18	Greg Scott
8-Sep-18	Andrew Taylor-Harris
9-Sep-18	Jessica Walsh
15-Sep-18	Ian Grant
16-Sep-18	Geoff Speedy
22-Sep-18	Ian Holt
23-Sep-18	Steve Trone
29-Sep-18	Toby Tan
30-Sep-18	Jim Karamalakis
6-Oct-18	Michael Dawson
7-Oct-18	Xiaoyu Liu
13-Oct-18	Matt Fenn
14-Oct-18	Colin Dale
20-Oct-18	Andrew Du
21-Oct-18	Sujai Thomman
27-Oct-18	Ron Fox
28-Oct-18	Louis Hojnik
3-Nov-18	Cup Weekend
4-Nov-18	Cup Weekend
10-Nov-18	Andy Blair
11-Nov-18	Phil Calwell
17-Nov-18	James Curry
18-Nov-18	Phil Kotsanis
24-Nov-18	Lachlan Hughes
25-Nov-18	Harrison Blair
1-Dec-18
2-Dec-18	Neil Burns
8-Dec-18	Mitchell Ambler
9-Dec-18	Norm Hearn
15-Dec-18
16-Dec-18	Kevin Huang
22-Dec-18	Garry Stevenson
23-Dec-18	David Xu
29-Dec-18	Wangaratta Camp
30-Dec-18	Wangaratta Camp
5-Jan-19	Wangaratta Camp
6-Jan-19	Wangaratta Camp
12-Jan-19	Brendan Knight
13-Jan-19	Lulu Xu
19-Jan-19	John Wright
20-Jan-19	Luke Carman
26-Jan-19	Luke Logan
27-Jan-19	Greg Scott
2-Feb-19	Sue O'Brien
3-Feb-19	Grant Cramer
9-Feb-19	Xiyao Sun
10-Feb-19	Jessica Walsh
16-Feb-19	Andrew Rigby
17-Feb-19	Peter Gamble
23-Feb-19	Luke Sparkes
24-Feb-19	Hamish Tobias
2-Mar-19	Andrew Taylor-Harris
3-Mar-19	Ian Grant
9-Mar-19	Geoff Speedy
10-Mar-19	Ian Holt
16-Mar-19	Steve Trone
17-Mar-19	Jim Karamalakis
23-Mar-19	Sujai Thomman
24-Mar-19	Andy Blair
30-Mar-19	Phil Calwell
31-Mar-19	James Curry
6-Apr-19	Phil Kotsanis
7-Apr-19	Lachlan Hughes
13-Apr-19	Harrison Blair
14-Apr-19	Michael Dawson
20-Apr-19	Easter Camp
21-Apr-19	Easter Camp

Member web site, ideas sought.

Thu, 17 May 2018 00:23:42 GMT

The clubs operating and flying environment continues to change and evolve, along with community and member expectations and needs. To ensure the club continues to meet these expectations the club needs to evolve and change.

The importance of the clubs web site has been increasing in importance since its inception in 1999. A few years ago the club decided to split the web site, and create a dedicated site for non members (public facing), and another specifically for members, as both group have very different needs.

The public web site is under development, and the member web site had been tuned and changed to suit new information like the weather station , web cams, flight radar (OGN) etc., and more importantly the ever increasing use of mobile devices to look at web sites.

We are now seeking your thoughts on what could / should be included on the front page of the member web site, along with ideas and/or examples for a better more functional layout.

Please forward your thoughts and ideas to steve@techexecs.com.au so they can collated and incorporated.

Kind regards Steve Trone

YBSS glider strips added to OGN map.

Sat, 12 May 2018 05:09:02 GMT

I've added the YBSS glider strips to the OGN base map.

If you become aware of anything else that is missing from the map please let me know at vmfg@techexecs.com.au

Cheers Steve

CTAF & Glider radio available on web.

Tue, 08 May 2018 07:14:29 GMT

Listen to CTAF & Glider radio channels over the internet using the LiveATC link. The ground station located at Bacchus Marsh (YBSS) receives transmissions from the Bacchus Marsh CTAF 118, and glider chat frequencies 122.5, 122.7 & 122.9 ( you need to be in range).

To listen in a browser you will need Flash, personnel I've found it to start/open easier with Internet Explorer. An iPhone and Android app is also available.

There is bout a 10-20 second delay, site also includes a 30 day archive, if you need to find the rego of an aircraft.

Happy listening, Steve Trone

Web CAMS updated

Mon, 07 May 2018 08:46:15 GMT

The borrowed East and South web cams have been replaced with better units. For those technically minded the old model were 1.3MP (megapixel) and the new ones are 4MP. The view to the south appears a lot clearer.

http://www.melbourneglidingclub.com.au/page-18229

Enjoy, Steve Trone

Flammable liquids shed

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 02:02:04 GMT

We now have a hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids storage shed located on the western side of the main workshop.

Inside this lockable shed is a large, dark green steel cabinet which is very dry and dust free.

Fuel for the buggy and other petrol-driven equipment is now stored in the cabinet in the shed.

Bulk flammable liquids [>4 litre volumes] are to be stored here, as must large volumes of hazardous chemicals.

The labelled key to the shed is hanging on a locker in the back of the main workshop.

A spare labelled key to the fuel shed is located with the other MGC spare keys in the clubhouse.

Launch point markers

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 02:00:45 GMT

According to GFA MOSP2, Section 18.8.2, when a tug is at full stretch of the 55m tow rope for an aerotow launch, the tug must be 60m downwind from the displaced threshold [piano keys] on all runways. This means that at launch, both the glider and, by definition, the forward-most operations vehicle, must be some 100m from the piano keys.

To help us comply as best we can with GFA requirements for launching gliders, we already use two markers to assist all of us parking operations vehicles. On R19, there is the bright yellow marker fixed to the dirt road. On R27, the fence corner is the position indicator; any further east and we would be blocking our access to the field.

At the launch point of each of the two other runways (R01 and R09), there is now a fence picket painted bright yellow to help us position the forward-most operations vehicle.

Bus cam relocated

Sun, 08 Apr 2018 10:04:21 GMT

The Bus camera has been redeployed to replace a broken cam on the hangar, as it was an expensive outdoor unit that designed for outside use.

Due to Bus CAMs popularity I plan to replace the camera with 2 units so we can see the entire flight line.

We are looking for a replacement unit that looks similar to this http://dashiest.com/products/cctv-ip-camera-wifi-720p-hd-mini-security-wireless-security-home-system-onvif-webcam-audio-door-cam-de-seguridad-vigilancia/

There appears to be many models on the market that look like this but they are all missing http, ftp and snapshot functionality which is required for the bus.

If you know of any please email steve@techexecs.com.au with the details ASAP.

Free membership in April

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 02:32:35 GMT

Our April Membership Drive is again being run in conjunction with the GFA’s Aviate in April promotion which is back again for 2018.

For the month of April 2018, those who join the club as new, first-time members will receive free membership of the club (bond/debenture and GFA membership will still be payable). This offer does not apply to renewals during the month of April 2018.

To take advantage of this offer, your friends and family should use the code MGCFREE when they sign up. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

Family & Friends Day - 22 April

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 02:30:11 GMT

Our Family and Friends Day is back for 2018!

The MGC Committee is pleased to announce we will be holding our second MGC Family and Friends Flying Day on Sunday 22 April 2018.

Flights will be at club member rates, plus the $40 GFA 30-day introductory membership, and be charged to your flying account.

To help you and your guests plan your day, book your slot by visiting our sign-up site.

There will be a free BBQ lunch on the day.

Family and friends visiting on the day can also take advantage of our April Membership Drive being run in conjunction with the GFA’s Aviate in April promotion which is back again for 2018.

For the month of April 2018, any of your family and friends who join the club as new, first-time members will receive free membership of the club (bond/debenture and GFA membership will still be payable). This offer does not apply to renewals during the month of April 2018.

To take advantage of this offer, your friends and family should use the code MGCFREE when they sign up. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you, and meeting your family and friends, on 22 April.

New windsocks installed

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 08:41:38 GMT

A pair of windsocks have been installed near the entrance gate from the club house to the airfield, and the fence corner at the 27 launch area. While the plan is to install them at the end of each runway the 2 installations will test the setup.

Many thanks to Steve Coulton for manufacturing the top swivels the windsocks attach to.

Enjoy, Steve Trone

Webcams repaired and reinstalled

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 08:29:36 GMT

We now have a continuous view from the ESE through to the NNW. The bus cam has been redeployed and will be replaced in the coming months.

Weather station repaired, and reinstalled

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:14:29 GMT

The weather station has been repaired and is back in operation.

Club News section returns to home page

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 03:26:56 GMT

The club News section returned to the home page, after a bug was fixed that stopped it displaying the latest news.

Updated Ground Crew roster - March to November 2018

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 22:31:15 GMT

As part of our journey to increase participation in the club, the Committee has implemented a ground crew roster to support the daily duty team. It has been great to see so many of you out and about at the airfield. If you’re not a tow pilot, instructor or duty pilot, you’ll find your name on the roster to come out to the airfield on a few days throughout the year to assist with operations for the day.

Date	Duty Team	Ground Crew	Ground Crew
3-Mar-18	3	Garry Stevenson
4-Mar-18	4	Sue O'Brien	Norm Hearn
10-Mar-18	5	David Xu	Lulu Xu
11-Mar-18	6	Troy Evers	Mitchell Ambler
17-Mar-18	7	Brendan Knight	John Wright
18-Mar-18	8	Luke Carman	Luke Logan
24-Mar-18	1	Toby Tan	Grant Cramer
25-Mar-18	2	Xiyao Sun	Andrew Rigby
31-Mar-18	3	Mt Beauty
1-Apr-18	4	Mt Beauty
7-Apr-18	5	TBC
8-Apr-18	6	Luke Sparkes
14-Apr-18	7	Hamish Tobias
15-Apr-18	8	TBC
21-Apr-18	1	TBC
22-Apr-18	2	Andrew Taylor-Harris
28-Apr-18	3	Greg Scott
29-Apr-18	4	TBC
5-May-18	5	Geoff Speedy
6-May-18	6	Ian Holt
12-May-18	7	Lachlan Hughes
13-May-18	8	Peter Gamble
19-May-18	1	Toby Tan
20-May-18	2	Jim Karamalakis
26-May-18	3	Michael Dawson
27-May-18	4	Xiaoyu Liu
2-Jun-18	5	Colin Dale
3-Jun-18	6	Andrew Du
9-Jun-18	7	Tony Strazzeri
10-Jun-18	8	Ron Fox
16-Jun-18	1	Louis Hojnik
17-Jun-18	2	Richard Callinan
23-Jun-18	3	Neil Burns
24-Jun-18	4	Sue O'Brien
30-Jun-18	5	Norm Hearn
1-Jul-18	6	Peter Summersby
2-Jul-18	7	TBC
7-Jul-18	8	Garry Stevenson
8-Jul-18	1	David Xu
14-Jul-18	2	Troy Evers
15-Jul-18	3	Mitchell Ambler
21-Jul-18	4	Brendan Knight
22-Jul-18	5	Lulu Xu
28-Jul-18	6	John Wright
29-Jul-18	7	Luke Carman
4-Aug-18	8	Luke Logan
5-Aug-18	1	Toby Tan
11-Aug-18	2	Grant Cramer
12-Aug-18	3	Xiyao Sun
18-Aug-18	4	Sue O'Brien
19-Aug-18	5	Andrew Rigby
25-Aug-18	6	Peter Gamble
26-Aug-18	7	Luke Sparkes
1-Sep-18	8	Hamish Tobias
2-Sep-18	1	Greg Scott
8-Sep-18	2	Andrew Taylor-Harris
9-Sep-18	3	TBC
15-Sep-18	4	Ian Grant
16-Sep-18	5	Geoff Speedy
22-Sep-18	6	Ian Holt
23-Sep-18	7	Steve Trone
29-Sep-18	8	Toby Tan
30-Sep-18	1	Jim Karamalakis
6-Oct-18	2	Michael Dawson
7-Oct-18	3	Xiaoyu Liu
13-Oct-18	4	Sue O'Brien
14-Oct-18	5	Colin Dale
20-Oct-18	6	Andrew Du
21-Oct-18	7	Tony Strazzeri
27-Oct-18	8	Ron Fox
28-Oct-18	1	Louis Hojnik
3-Nov-18	2	Cup Weekend
4-Nov-18	3	Cup Weekend

Operations roster (Web) fixed

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 22:01:24 GMT

The club operations roster is back on the members web site after being repaired.

Please let Ben, Steve or Michael know if there any errors or omissions.

New club BBQ & shade tent

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:07:20 GMT

The club has purchased a BBQ & shade tent (photo below), please feel free to use it before and after flying, as long as you clean it after use.

The BBQ is on wheels and will be stored in the hangar with the shade tent, ready to go, along with a plastic container with cooking gear.

Please ensure it is cleaned after each use ready for the next group.

Ground crew roster

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 04:58:58 GMT

As part of our journey to increase participation in the club, the Committee has decided to introduce a ground crew roster to support the daily duty team. The first edition of the new ground crew roster is now live to kick off from the first weekend in December (see list below). If you’re not a tow pilot, instructor or duty pilot, you’ll find your name on the roster to come out to the airfield on a few days throughout the year to assist with operations for the day. You’ll see we usually have two crew for the summer months (through to the Easter camp) and then one in the winter period. We want you to come out, help out, and be able to go for a flight as well. I know people have commitments that come up, so the same principle applies as with our tow pilots, instructors and duty pilots. If you can’t make a day, please find a member to swap with. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Ground Crew Roster:

Date	Ground Crew	Ground Crew	Duty Team
2-Dec-17	Colin Gamble	Troy Evers	1
3-Dec-17	Garry Stevenson		2
9-Dec-17	David Xu	Lulu Xu	3
10-Dec-17	Sue O'Brien	Brendan Knight	4
16-Dec-17	Grant Cramer	John Wright	5
17-Dec-17	Luke Carman	Luke Logan	6
23-Dec-17			7
24-Dec-17			8
30-Dec-17	Wangaratta		1
31-Dec-17	Wangaratta		2
6-Jan-18	Wangaratta		3
7-Jan-18	Wangaratta		4
13-Jan-18	Graham Bell	Luke Sparkes	5
14-Jan-18	Peter Gamble	Andrew Rigby	6
20-Jan-18	Deirdre Wilson		7
21-Jan-18	Greg Scott	Andrew Taylor-Harris	8
27-Jan-18	Toby Tan	Chris Hunter	1
28-Jan-18	Geoff Speedy	Ian Holt	2
3-Feb-18	Lachlan Hughes	Alexander Jarosz	3
4-Feb-18	Sue O'Brien	Jim Karamalakis	4
10-Feb-18	David Tansek	Ian Grant	5
11-Feb-18	Colin Dale	Andrew Du	6
17-Feb-18	Neil Burns	Richard Callinan	7
18-Feb-18	Ron Fox	Tony Strazzeri	8
24-Feb-18	Peter Summersby	Adam Webb	1
25-Feb-18	Louis Hojnik		2
3-Mar-18	Colin Gamble	Garry Stevenson	3
4-Mar-18	Sue O'Brien	Norm Hearn	4
10-Mar-18	David Xu	Lulu Xu	5
11-Mar-18	Troy Evers		6
17-Mar-18	Brendan Knight	John Wright	7
18-Mar-18	Luke Carman	Luke Logan	8
24-Mar-18	Toby Tan	Grant Cramer	1
25-Mar-18	Graham Bell	Andrew Rigby	2
31-Mar-18	Mt Beauty		3
1-Apr-18	Mt Beauty		4
7-Apr-18	Peter Gamble		5
8-Apr-18	Luke Sparkes		6
14-Apr-18			7
15-Apr-18	Greg Scott		8
21-Apr-18	Richard Machin		1
22-Apr-18	Andrew Taylor-Harris		2
28-Apr-18	Chris Hunter		3
29-Apr-18	Ian Grant		4
5-May-18	Geoff Speedy		5
6-May-18	Ian Holt		6
12-May-18	Lachlan Hughes		7
13-May-18	Alexander Jarosz		8
19-May-18	Toby Tan		1
20-May-18	Jim Karamalakis		2
26-May-18	David Tansek		3
27-May-18	Steve Trone		4
2-Jun-18	Colin Dale		5
3-Jun-18	Andrew Du		6
9-Jun-18	Tony Strazzeri		7
10-Jun-18	Adam Webb		8
16-Jun-18	Louis Hojnik		1
17-Jun-18	Richard Callinan		2
23-Jun-18	Neil Burns		3
24-Jun-18	Sue O'Brien		4
30-Jun-18	Norm Hearn		5
1-Jul-18	Peter Summersby		6

From the President – November 2017

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 04:56:23 GMT

We are now well and truly heading into the season and a number of members kicked things off with some great flying at Raywood over the Cup weekend. The focus on currency continues in our operations. Please ensure you know your own situation when coming out to fly and be aware of the rules. If you’re planning a summer of cross-country flying at Wangaratta, or one of the many competition weeks, you should already be getting time in the air under your belt.

Fleet news

Some exciting fleet news to kick off – VCS should be back at Bacchus Marsh by the time you read this after its repairs. And in very exciting news – the return of TNC is imminent. Melbourne GC is about to have the best Pawnee in the country, and I’m sure that our tuggies will be lining up to fly her. I’d like to thank Steve Coulton, our Tug Master, for the significant amount of work he has dedicated to this project. Keep an eye out for her next time you’re out at Bacchus.

Ground crew roster

As I mentioned last month, as part of our journey to increase participation in the club, the Committee has decided to introduce a ground crew roster to support the daily duty team. The first edition of the new ground crew roster is now live to kick off from the first weekend in December (see list published on the website). If you’re not a tow pilot, instructor or duty pilot, you’ll find your name on the roster to come out to the airfield on a few days throughout the year to assist with operations for the day. You’ll see we have two crew for the summer months (through to the Easter camp) and then one in the winter period. We want you to come out, help out, and be able to go for a flight as well. I know people have commitments that come up, so the same principle applies as with our tow pilots, instructors and duty pilots. If you can’t make a day, please find a member to swap with. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Wangaratta Christmas / New Year Camp

We are heading back to Wangaratta this year for the Club’s Christmas / New Year Camp. The official dates are Tuesday 26 December to Sunday 7 January. You can register now on the website.

Please consider how you can get involved if you aren’t and contact me any time if you have anything you'd like to discuss.

Safe thermals, Tighe

Airfield BBQ this Saturday 11/11

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 01:49:10 GMT

BMAM is hosting an airfield BBQ this Saturday. The BBQ is a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded aviators from the airfield. There will also be a short update from BMAM about the aerodrome situation, and the opportunity to ask questions to members of the BMAM board.

When: this Saturday 11 November 2017
Time: 1230 to 1430
Where: the Gliding Clubhouse

The BBQ is complimentary from BMAM, but for catering purposes please register your intentions using this link.

From the President - October 2017

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 08:31:55 GMT

It has been a sad few weeks for gliding in Australia with three fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of four GFA members. I know that a number of our club members knew some of those involved well and our best wishes go to them as they grieve their gliding mates. We of course also extend our thoughts to the families and close friends of those involved.

Although formal investigations are still to be finalised, you would have seen my email recently about the importance of currency as we come out of winter and into the soaring season. This was discussed at both the recent Committee and Instructor Panel meetings. Please ensure you know your own situation when coming out to fly and be aware of the rules. I know the CFI, Paul Spooner, will be writing about this in his Glide Angle column.

Closer to home, the days that have been flyable have been busy and it's been good to see members out doing some flying. I had a great couple of flights with Jackson Keogh on the Grand Final public holiday - much better than being at work! I hope those out at the airfield on Saturday 14 October enjoyed the start of the season pizza night and we'll look to have more of these types of events over the coming year.

The Cup Weekend Camp at Raywood hosted by our friends at the Bendigo Gliding Club is fast approaching. Please register on the website as soon as possible so that we know who is coming and what we need to take!

The club will soon be updating our membership categories to align with the new GFA family member approach that has been launched as part of the Soaring to the Future (S2F) initiative. This will include a couple of options for your own family members (partners, children etc.) to join the Melbourne Gliding Club and be part of our sport - ranging from a free membership through to a flying membership. More details soon.

We've also decided as part of our journey to increase participation with the club to introduce a revised ground crew roster in the near future. The Committee and I really want to see our members out at the field, and, as the classic saying goes "many hands make light work". What does this mean for you? Essentially any member who isn't already part of our regular duty roster as an instructor, tow pilot, or duty pilot, will be asked to come out to the airfield on a couple of days throughout the year to assist with operations for the day. We'll focus in on the soaring season (October to April) for maximum benefit. The hope is that you'll come out, help out, and be able to go for a flight as well. This kind of approach is used in a whole range of clubs - I know of some great examples from sailing clubs, dive clubs etc. Again, more details, including notification of dates, on this soon.

On the airfield situation, we await a date for mediation between BMAM and the Council at the Small Business Commissioner. At the Committee, we'll spend some our time at the next meeting planning out the next 12 months. Thank you to Roger Krueger who has volunteered to take one of the three Committee vacancies. The Committee has accordingly co-opted Roger for the next 12 months.

There's plenty happening, so please consider how you can get involved. Please contact me at any time if you have anything you'd like to discuss, and enjoy the next month of flying, including the Raywood camp.

Safe thermals, Tighe

President's Report - September 2017

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 00:22:42 GMT

President's report

Thank you to those at the AGM who confirmed me as the new MGC President for 2017-18. It is a really great honour for me, particularly given I become the third Patching to be President of the club, following my granddad Alan, and father Ian. I'd like to thank our outgoing President, Ben Loxton, for his leadership in the role over the past five years. Ben took over as President when my Dad became ill in late 2012 and has done a mountain of work in that time – including a lot behind the scenes in working with the other clubs and BMAM. I wish you well in your next adventures, Ben, and please don't be a stranger at Bacchus.

At the AGM I spoke of how we have three roles as the Club Committee. First, we are the custodian of the club’s history and the collective efforts of those before us. Second, we must make sure we meet the needs of our current members. Third, we have an important role in planning for the future.

You won’t see a large change in direction of the club as we will continue the disciplined approach of the committees over the past five years or so and to continue to build our culture.

Central to this is my belief that we are first and foremost a club of people who want to enjoy the sport of gliding. And if you are a member of the club, then we need you to help support us in both small and big ways. I’m often asked by people to be specific about the help that we need and we have been working more on this over the past year or so. Expect to see more about this soon including setting the expectations of all as club members.

The AGM elected the new Committee for the year. Returning with me are Tony Carling (Treasurer), Michael Aldridge (Secretary), Paul Spooner, Steve Coulton and Ian Northey. Retiring from the Committee were Ben Loxton, Mark Hunt, and Bob Hickman. This means there are three vacancies. If you have an interest in assisting us with our goals for the next 12 months, please give me a call.

There are a couple of new volunteers for some important positions in the Club. Firstly, thank you to Richard Traill for becoming the Club's new Airworthiness Officer. This is a really important position within the GFA system of club management. In partnership with Richard, I'd really like to drive a greater awareness of the club's airworthiness needs over the next 12 months. It's not a one person job! Keep an eye out for how you can be involved in small or bigger ways. One reason why we continue to offer such competitive rates is that much of the airworthiness effort is done in-house. But this has been shouldered by too few people in the last couple of years. On that note, thank you again to Tom Van Blaricum for your service as Airworthiness Officer (and to Ben for acting in the role over the past few months).

Secondly, after probably close to a decade as our Expeditions/Camps Officer, Max Callingham has passed the baton onto Mark Hunt. Mark's first camp will be the November Cup Weekend at Raywood where we will join onto the VSA coaching event. Thanks to Max and to Mark. Details on the Raywood Cup Weekend camp will be forthcoming very soon.

Don’t forget our ‘start of the season’ (we hope!) pizza night on Saturday 14 October. No need to register – just be there after a good day’s flying and we’ll order some pizza and enjoy some of the remaining annual awards night wine courtesy of Mark Hunt.

Please contact me any time.

Safe thermals,

Tighe

Private passenger / AEF flights

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 00:21:00 GMT

Private passenger flight vs AEF flights

This is a reminder to all members that there are two options when conducting a passenger flight, which may also be known in the club as a family and friend flight.
The basic rules:

1. An AEF passenger (e.g. Adrenalin, Red Balloon) must complete both the GFA form and the MGC day member form

2. A private passenger only needs to complete the MGC day member form

The first option is to have the passenger complete the GFA form (at a cost of $40 - in addition to the flight - as we have to buy these books from the GFA) and fly with an instructor AEI-rated or above. This allows the passenger to be introduced to basic aspects of flying, but the passenger is not permitted to touch the controls when the aircraft is below 800ft AGL. The Club’s day member form must also be completed.

The second option DOES NOT allow the passenger to touch the aircraft controls while the aircraft is flying. For this option, the passenger MUST complete the club's day member form ONLY (not the GFA form). The pilot in command must have at least their private passenger rating. As a private passenger flight, the PIC must pay at least half of the flight cost. In reality, this means that if you don't have at least a private passenger rating and want a friend or family member flown, they'll be flying with an AEI-rated or above pilot. As the PIC needs to pay at least half the cost (and unless you have a really, really generous friend!), your friend/family member would be flying as an AEF and needing to sign and pay for the GFA form.

The best place to complete the MGC day member form is directly on our website (but there are hard copies in the bus - restocked last weekend). There is no such thing as a Family and Friend form anymore – the day member form has been adapted to cover liability and club issues.

Please refer to section 11.1 and 10.5 of the GFA operations manual for more detail.

MGC 73rd anniversary - 1st Sept. 2017

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 04:19:49 GMT

MGC will be celebrating its 73rd birthday on Friday the 1st of September 2047. While the people that formed the club had been flying for many years prior to this, it was the date of the first meeting of the group that decided to form the club as we know it today. Like all pilots, they spent so long flying it took another 3 years before the club was officially formed in the eye of the government, and the first Annual General Meeting held in 1946.

The club would not have one of the best fleets in Australia without the selfless work of its volunteers, many of whom work behind the scenes to keep the club running, from the committee to the duty pilots, and instructor's, everyone needs to do their bit for the club to continue to be a success.

Replacement web cam ordered

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:01:15 GMT

A web cam was accidentally damaged during the clean up of the Nth hangar, a replacement has been ordered via Aliexpress (cheapest) and is expected to be in place mid Sept.

Weekend glider bookings

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 23:19:00 GMT

Access our weekend booking system, log in (top right of this page), follow the link to 'Glider Bookings' under 'Information'.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 12:50:04 GMT

The Melbourne Gliding Club's 2017 Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 16 September 2017, commencing at 1600 hours in the Bacchus Marsh Gliding Clubhouse. The AGM will be followed by dinner at a local Bacchus Marsh venue.

Details and registration are available on our website.

Formal notices of agenda, proxies, nominations etc. will be released as soon as possible.

Upcoming key dates

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 12:48:12 GMT

Tuesday 8 August – MGC Committee meeting @ Pascoe Vale (all members welcome, notify the Secretary, Michael Aldridge)

Saturday 12 August – VSA Presidents’ meeting and AGM @ Bacchus Marsh

Tuesday 12 September – MGC Committee meeting @ Pascoe Vale (all members welcome, notify the Secretary, Michael Aldridge)

Saturday 16 September – MGC Annual General meeting, followed by dinner @ Bacchus Marsh (register on the website)

Saturday 14 October – Start of the soaring season pizza night @ Bacchus Marsh - no need to register, just be there at the end of the day's flying and we'll order pizza to have at the Clubhouse

Saturday 4 November – Tuesday 7 November – Cup Weekend Camp @ Bendigo GC, Raywood (registration available soon)

Monday 12 – Sunday 18 March 2018 – VSA Instructor Course

F&F Day a success!

Sun, 28 May 2017 06:41:19 GMT

Head to the Club's Facebook page for a bunch of photos from today's F&F Day. We managed to fit in 10 flights before the rain moved in. Thanks to all who assisted, particularly Mark Hunt and Bob Hickman who assisted me in organising. Great to see some veteran members back out there and being able to share our passion for gliding with a bunch of friends and family. We'll have a similar event later in the year, and don't forget that you can bring anyone out for a flight any weekend - just let the duty crew know and put it in the Club's new booking system.

Grampians wave camp - story

Mon, 22 May 2017 02:56:06 GMT

Paul Spooner's story

I attended the Grampians Soaring Club Wave Camp at Noelhurst farm over Queens Birthday long weekend. The intention was that if conditions were right to try for Gold Height which requires an Altitude gain of 3000 metres (circa 10,000ft). As the weekend came into weather forecast range it wasn’t looking good for mountain wave, a large high pressure producing light south easterly winds was forecast which is exactly opposite to the wind direction and strength required to produce wave conditions on the east side of the Grampians range. While the forecast was not good for wave conditions it was certainly looking okay for ridge soaring and thermal soaring in what is very picturesque country.

Grampians Soaring Club provided advice on preparation for attendees and I have reproduced the advice here for others who may be considering attendance at this event next year:

have a true airspeed chart on your panel (corrected for altitude);
have lots of warm clothing;
two radios, one for glider frequency and one for area frequency;
a clear view panel;
a GPS;
use a maximum descent rate of about 500 ft/sec to prevent gelcoat cracking and perhaps stresses in the underlying structures;
have your glider lubricated with low temperature grease and oil;
an outside air temperature gauge would be useful; and
a blood oxygen indicator (fingertip clip oxymeter) almost essential to ensure that you are getting enough oxygen.

I arrived at Noelhurst farm near Pomonal, which has a 1000m airstrip running in a North West/South East direction. The main runway is marked out down the centre of the strip with old tyres, but it is possible to land to the left and the right of the marked out strip, giving plenty of options, if multiple gliders were to return at the same time.

The ground was remarkably firm compared to Bacchus at the moment. No mud, no wheel tracks, the locals said they have had a fairly dry autumn/winter so far.

In total there were 10 gliders present, about five were associated with the Grampians Soaring Club, four from Geelong Gliding Club and myself in the Ventus. The faithful Call Air tug from the Grampians soaring club did the tugging.

It was fairly chilly overnight and in the morning the gliders were covered in ice. Over the 3 days of the weekend the Saturday and the Sunday had light winds, little to no ridge lift but some weak thermals would slow the descent rate. Monday was by far the best day with Cu’s popping around midday and some longer flights were possible.

I did a total of five flights over the weekend with the longest being on the Monday where I did an hour and half, cut short by the need to de‐rig and head for home. Some of the Grampians soaring club flew their gliders back to Ararat to save de‐rigging.

Overall it was a great weekend, the weather was good for local soaring in fantastic scenery, the operation was well run and a fair amount of behind the scenes organisation had gone into making the camp a success, with drums of fuel for the tug, toilet facilities a caravan and no doubt clearing the sheep out the paddock.

Thank you to John Anselmi and Jim Nugent and rest of the Grampians soaring club for arranging the weekend.

28 May - Family & Friend Day

Mon, 15 May 2017 04:39:02 GMT

We invite all our members who have family, friends or acquaintances with an interest in taking up gliding to join us on 28 May 2017 for an Air Experience Flight where they can try gliding for themselves and learn about the Melbourne Gliding Club.

Flights will be at club rates, plus the $30 GFA 9-day introductory membership, and be charged to your flying account.

To help you and your guests plan your day, book your slot by visiting this site:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4caea622abfb6-mgcfamily1

Planned MGC Camps 2017-18

Tue, 09 May 2017 05:18:29 GMT

Our club camps for the next season will be as follows:

Melbourne Cup Weekend - Raywood (our hosts, Bendigo GC)
Saturday 4 November - Tuesday 7 November

Christmas/New Year Camp - Wangaratta
Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December) - Sunday 7 January (extendable)

Easter Camp - Mt Beauty (our hosts, Mt Beauty GC)
Good Friday (30 March) - Easter Monday (2 April) (extendable)

Real-time flight log - now available

Sun, 07 May 2017 23:29:39 GMT

A real-time flight log of all flarm equipped aircraft is now available on the front page of the member web site or via link on the clubs smart phone app.

http://flightlog.glidernet.org/index.php?t=0&a=YBSS

The site keeps flight records for about the last 30 days, beyond this data is available from this site thanks to the work of Micheal Aldridge.

http://vmfgflightsheets.azurewebsites.net

Limited operations - 29/30 April

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:46:54 GMT

The airfield at Bacchus Marsh is presently very waterlogged following the sustained rain over the past 72 hours. Given the forecast rain for the next 48 hours also, any operations at Bacchus Marsh this weekend are likely to be limited (i.e. with only one or two gliders) to the bitumen runways.

Given this, we have made a decision as early as possible to postpone Sunday's Family and Friends Flying Day. We are rescheduling this to Sunday 28 May and hope you and your friends and family can join us then. A revised sign-up page will be sent out soon.

Thank you to all those who had registered for Sunday or were part of the organisation.

Don't forget that our free April membership offer still has a few days to run if your friends and family would like to join the club and the GFA.

YBSS flarm receiver upgraded

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:56:08 GMT

The YBSS flarm receiver has been upgraded.

If you would like to see the performance of individual flarm units, enter the flarm ID into the web site

http://www.kisstech.ch/flarm-liverange/

Flarm equiped gliders can be seen live on the members web site, OGN (Open Glider network) and on Flight radar 24

Cost increases

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 23:12:31 GMT

Due to an increase in AVGAS price of 11 cents, the tow rate per minute has increased by the 11 cents to $5.89/minute effective immediately. (Note: this will practically take effect once operations resume at Bacchus Marsh after Easter, as club camps have a different tow rate).

You may have also seen in the GFA Board news email sent on 7 April that the cost of 9-day introductory (or AEF) forms is increasing from $30 to $40 from 1 May. We will hold the price of AEF forms at $30 until 30 June of this year, before increasing to $40 in line with the increased GFA cost on 1 July 2017.

Member thanks

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 23:08:37 GMT

Thanks to Tony Carling for bringing back parachute parts from the US on a recent trip.
To the many people who de-rigged gliders for the Mt Beauty camp on Saturday 8 April, thank you!
To Allan Petersen for such a speedy (but still very thorough) Form 2 of VWR.
To Tom Van Blaricum for around five years of club service as the glider maintenance officer - thank you for your many years of coordinating teams, organising spares, and undertaking much of the maintenance yourself.

In April, new members join for free!

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:10:56 GMT

The MGC's April Membership Drive is being run in conjunction with the GFA’s Aviate in April promotion.

For the month of April 2017, any of your family and friends who join the club as new members will receive free membership of the club (bond/debenture and GFA membership will still be payable). This offer does not apply to renewals during the month of April 2017.

To take advantage of this offer, your friends and family should use the code MGCFREE when they sign up.

Full terms and conditions are available on our website.

Family and Friends Flying Day - 28 May 2017

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:09:04 GMT

28 May 2017

We invite all our members who have family, friends or acquaintances with an interest in taking up gliding to join us on the day for an Air Experience Flight where they can try gliding for themselves and learn about the Melbourne Gliding Club.

Flights will be at club rates, plus the $30 GFA 9-day introductory membership, and be charged to your flying account.

To help you and your guests plan your day, book your slot by visiting this site:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4caea622abfb6-mgcfamily1

This event was postponed on 27 April from 30 April to 28 May.

TNC refurbishment update

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 21:52:09 GMT

TNC's engine was delivered from Nelson yesterday and will be heading down to Gippsland this week for the next stage of it's overhaul.

Size does matter - story

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 02:18:31 GMT

Alan Payne's story

The picture is of a paddock/airfield used by a RA pilot between Myrtleford and Wangaratta. At a briefing one morning at Wang, various pilots identified this as a good spot to outland if needed. I was flying over the area getting quite low and decided that it may be time to outland.

I looked at the said paddock and thought it doesn’t look quite wide enough so I chose to look for a better option.

The next day a couple of us decided to drive out and have a look at the paddock. Yes a pilot did use it a high wing Jabiru. The strip was 14m wide and the grass on either side was probably a metre high – we fly nothing smaller than 15m.

Condor - story

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 02:02:28 GMT

Dermot Coleman's story

The many photographers present exclaimed with frustration, but were rewarded when it returned a couple of minutes later to make a pass along the front of the lookout point, turning its head to look at us as if it were a celebrity on the red carpet, before banking into a thermal to climb away for the day's scavenging in the mountains.

You did not need to be a glider pilot to be awed by the size and presence of the Andean condor with its three metre wingspan, dramatic black plumage set-off by a white collar and, above all, its effortless elegance in the air.

Well below us, in the depths of the canyon we could see other condors working their way up the precipitous face, alighting from time to time on prominent outcrops to rest or await better conditions. From above we could see how their wings would twist in flight to take advantage of the breeze along the cliff face and the separate movements of each of the seven splayed wing tip feathers which are constantly changing individually to provide precise soaring manoeuvres.

The condors' nests are a kilometre below, deep in the canyon, usually in inaccessible crevices in the cliff face where the egg or chick will be safe from predators such as foxes. The one chick in each nest spends 6–8 months growing before taking to the air, but remains with its parents for another two years. The juvenile condors have brown plumage and lack the distinctive white collar of the adults, whose life expectancy is roughly equivalent to ours. Lacking the talons to capture prey, they feed on carrion, but have been known to swoop unexpectedly on animals in perilous situations in the hope that the startled animal will lose its footing and fall to become fast food. Perhaps that is what our first visitor was trying to achieve when it buzzed us from behind.

While I have enjoyed the thrill of flying close to wedgetail eagles over the years, the sheer size of these birds – almost twice the size of our wedgetails – puts them in a different class. To be able to see them in the wild, and in close proximity, is an unforgettable experience and only possible in a few locations as the condors have been hunted to the verge of extinction. The lookout sites are both expensive and time-consuming to visit as they are in remote locations and at a height that demands acclimatisation for most people.

The lookout we visited was the Cross of the Condor (Crux del condor) in the Colca valley in Southern Peru. Because you need to be at the lookout by 8:30 most people stay overnight in the valley, which is four hours' drive from Arequipa, the nearest tourist centre. We saw about a dozen condors over a one hour period climbing up past our lookout, which is regarded as pretty good number, as the condors are reluctant flyers in the cold or wet, and can survive several days without hunting.

I hope this article shows, that if you can afford to travel to the right area, the effort is worthwhile.

Towing update

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 02:20:07 GMT

From the Tugmaster, Steve Coulton

TNC:

TNC was delivered to Nelson Aeroplane Company yesterday (Sunday 26/2) via Warrnambool with less than 2 hours remaining on the current maintenance release which would have expired this coming Friday.

Many thanks to Ben Loxton for flying it over… Ben found himself sharing the runway at Warrnambool with the local drag car meet…!

Nelson will get TNC's overhaul works underway later this week, however we can expect the tug to be unserviceable for up to 4 to 5 months.

Once the engine has been removed it will be transported to Gippsland via Bacchus for assessment/overhaul.

News:

Sean McGrath had his towing permit re-validated on Sunday and has returned to aerotowing after a bit of a break. Welcome back, Sean.

Mark Farthing from Bendigo GC at Raywood will be joining our towing team in the coming weeks. Welcome, Mark.

Helen Chapman took on the ski slopes of Japan and consequently will not be flying for up to 6 to 8 weeks while her knee mends. Helen - we wish you a speedy recovery.

Many Thanks to Tom VB for kicking off the towing this Sunday after completing the DI on both tugs on what turn out to be a busy day at Bacchus.

Member thanks - February 2017

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:21:54 GMT

Thanks to the following members for your efforts over the summer so far, or long service.

Jason Tang, Dermot Coleman, Steve Trone, and Guido Tomisich for attending and promoting gliding at the Federation Square exhibit in November.
After many years processing our flight sheets, John Fawcett and Steve Trone have passed this "honour" onto Paul Spooner and Tony Carling. Thanks John and Steve for the many hundreds of hours you would have invested in this, and thanks Paul and Tony for taking this task on. Remember to check the flight sheets at the end of every day for accuracy to save headaches for the guys later on.
Michael Aldridge for implementing some behind the scenes 'fixes' in Xero to make our accounts software more user friendly.
Max Callingham and Steve Coulton for the organisation of the Club camp at Raywood over the New Year.
Steve Trone and Richard Traill for your commitment to the Instructor Panel. Steve and Richard are stepping down from the Panel for now (hopefully just for a short while). Thank you to you both for sharing your time and skills with other members.

If you see someone that deserves a shout out of thanks, please do let me know so we can appropriately acknowledge and thank them. This is a volunteer club and those who go above and beyond should be recognised!

Magnificent Mt Beauty, 2017 Easter Camp,

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:04:54 GMT

With February upon us it is time to start planning the 2017 Easter Camp to Mt Beauty.

Easter is mid-April this year, with Good Friday April 14. Also, the Term 1 school holidays commence before Easter and end on Easter Monday, April 17. This means that only members who are not restricted to school holidays may be able to participate in the camp during the week following the Easter public holidays.

To make the most of Mt Beauty’s autumn weather, if there is enough interest we can place some gliders and a tug at Mt Beauty the weekend prior to Easter, April 8 so we can operate during the week prior to Easter. I have spoken to Ian Cohan of the Mt Beauty Gliding Club and he is able to support as a Tug pilot if required.

In addition, if there is the demand of enough members, the camp will continue to operate into the week following Easter.

To make it all happen I need to know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE DATES MEMBERS WILL BE ATTENDING.

As always, Tug Pilots are always most welcome AND volunteers are required to transport aircraft and equipment to and from Mt Beauty.

To get things underway, it is important to email me at max@optusnet.com.au to advise:

· Your proposed camp dates;

· Your availability to move gliders and equipment.

See you there!

Max

Club camp(s) update

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 06:00:46 GMT

Mt Beauty Camp Easter 2017

Mt Beauty is situated in the picturesque alpine region of north-east Victoria. It offers a great scenic and mountain flying experience. The highest mountain in Victoria, Mt Bogong, is situated 5km from the airfield, though you have to climb 5,000 feet to reach the summit. Mt Buffalo is to the west, and Falls Creek is to the south. The camp officially runs from Good Friday until Easter Monday but if the weather looks good and there is enough interest from members then the camp can be extended until the following Saturday. Accommodation options vary from camping and caravan sites, to motel suites and house rentals, but book early as Easter is one of Mt Beauty’s busiest tourist periods.

Our excellent host for this camp for over many years has been the Mt Beauty Gliding Club. They are a friendly mob who host an annual Easter barbeque on the airfield. They also offer a winch launching experience. There are no tasks set for this camp; it is very much a social and family orientated event. There are often meals/barbeques hosted at club members’ accommodation. Within the town’s boundaries there are wineries, restaurants, bakeries, and bike hire. For the more adventurists, there are walking tracks to the summit of Mt Bogong. And the tourist town of Bright, just over 30 minutes drive through the Tawonga gap, is renowned for its Easter markets.

What to bring? The family; summer and winter clothing; log book; maps; and enthusiasm.

Expeditions / Independent operations

Want to fly somewhere different? As a club member if you want to take an aircraft away to a gliding event as private hire there is not a problem. You need to have fulfilled independent operator’s requirements as per the GFA Manual of standard operating procedures (MOSOP) and VMFG requirements. If you want to organize an expedition at a site and date other than normal club camps involving club aircraft and members, then put the proposal to the ops panel.

Gliding is a labour intensive sport, but the flying rewards are many!

Even with all the technology available – GPS; computer generated weather forecasts; soaring specific analyses of conditions; awesome cockpit technology; aerodynamics etc. - gliders still can’t move on the ground without a bit of old fashioned human effort. This also applies to the moving of equipment and aircraft to the various camps and expeditions. Although at times we ferry a two-seat glider behind a tug to the camp we still require up to four gliders plus the expeditions trailer to be taken to the camp and return by road. There is no sugar coating with this task. Single seat gliders in trailers can weigh up to 1,000 kg; two-seat gliders in trailers can weigh up to 1,500 kg; and the expedition trailer up to 1,000 kg. We do offer several incentives to encourage members to attach a club trailer to the back of their car (taking into account the maximum tow rate of the vehicle). The compensation is having first allocation of the aircraft you towed up to the camp on the day you want, or being reimbursed 0.10 cents per km whilst towing the glider trailer.

Pilot’s requirements for camps and expeditions

To fly as pilot in command in a single seat glider (or in the case of a mutual flight) pilots must be rated and current in the aircraft they will be flying in. As an early pilot, pre-solo, you can still fly and enjoy flying at camps with an experienced pilot. Post-solo pilots who wish to fly at a site other than Bacchus Marsh must have a site check with an instructor. Unless you are cross country endorsed, you are restricted to the local area.

There are no annual checks conducted at Club camps, so pilots must ensure they are:

· within the 12 month validity for their annual check;

· current on the aircraft they wish to fly;

· all documents are current including, a cross country check list, charts, and log book.

ATTEND THE CAMPS AND ENJOY!

Max Callingham

Family and friend flying

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:23:41 GMT

It has been great to see a number of members bringing out family, friends and interested work colleagues for gliding flights lately.

Stay tuned for details of a Family & Friend flying day in April.

This is a reminder to all members that there are two options when conducting a private passenger flight, which may also be known in the club as a family and friend flight. The most important thing to remember is that at least one form MUST be filled in!

The first option DOES NOT allow the passenger to touch the aircraft controls while the aircraft is flying. For this option, the passenger MUST complete the club's family and friend paperwork form ONLY (not the GFA form).

The second option is to have the passenger complete the GFA form (at a cost to you of $30 - in addition to the flight - as we have to buy these books from the GFA) and fly with an instructor (AEI rated or above). This allows the passenger to be introduced to basic aspects of flying, but the passenger is not permitted to touch the controls when the aircraft is below 800ft AGL.

The difference between an AEF and private passenger flight is that the AEF has completed the GFA AEF form and the pilot is AEI-rated or above.

Please refer to section 11.1 and 10.5 of the GFA operations manual for more detail.

Gliding in 2017 is underway!

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:20:59 GMT

Operations are back at Bacchus Marsh for 2017 having recommenced on Saturday. All members are encouraged to get out to the field soon to explore cross-country opportunities from the Marsh during the summer season or to keep current. See you at the airfield!

Member thanks - December 2016

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:03:17 GMT

Tom van Blaricum - for stepping up and flying three AEF passengers and three F&F flights for another member on a recent weekend. Six consecutive flights in warm conditions. Thanks for your assistance that day, Tom.

Steve Coulton - for agreeing to be the MGC representative for the soon to be established aerodrome Hangar Owners Group (MGC has a vote as an owner/tenant of the North Hangar).

And changes at BMAM have seen some new people join and others take on new roles. So, thank you to Steve Trone (Chairperson), Roger Druce (Aerodrome Manager), Dermot Coleman (Secretary), Ben Loxton (MGC delegate) and Tighe Patching (MGC alternate delegate) for agreeing to take on these positions at such an important time. The first meeting of the new BMAM Committee was held last week and was positive.

Member achievements

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 04:46:52 GMT

Best of luck to one of our junior members, Jackson Keogh, competing at Joey Glide (the Australian Junior Nationals) at Temora this week. Follow his results here. Safe and speedy flying, Jackson!

And congratulations to a couple of members for their glider conversions over the weekend: Colin Gamble into the Discus CS and Jason Tang into the Junior.

And Ian Northey recently achieved his family and friend rating - well done! (Next stop: AEI/Level 0 instructor!)

2016 Christmas camp logistics

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:36:27 GMT

Thank you to all who transported the aircraft and equipment to Raywood for the Melbourne cup weekend.

With only a month to go we need to start organising the transport of gliders and equipment to the camp.

We have 2 seat and single seat aircraft also the expedition trailer to transport, any offers?.As always you can claim 0.10 c per kilometre travel with the trailer following behind or the option to choose the day and the aircraft you have towed up to fly.

If there is Tug pilots who are going up specifically to tow on set dates, it would be neat if you could register via the online system and advise dates so we can plan ahead.

If you can help with the transport of aircraft and equipment please contact me direct.

Best Regards

Max Callingham max@optusnet.com.au or text / talk 0416 237 672

Securing the sth hangar

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 22:37:26 GMT

Digital locks will be installed in the club house, MGC workshop and Sth hangar this summer.

The Sth hangar is the most obvious place that needs to be secured as it is home to most of the GGC and MGC fleet, and is readily accessible by anyone at any time.

Securing the sth hangar is a little more time consuming than just installing a lock on the hangar door, as restraints need to be installed on many of the sliding doors, so they wont open. If you can help with this please let Steve know via steve@techexecs.com.au or 0457 513 239.

Once the restraints and digital locks are installed, all sliding doors will need to be locked / unlocked from the inside, and you will need to enter / exit via the door at the nth end of the hangar.

Note: the door code will be the same as the one for the club house and workshop.

AEF and Private passenger requirements

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 20:30:44 GMT

This is a reminder to all members that when conducting a private passenger flight, which may also be known in the club as a family and friend flight, they are not permitted to touch the aircraft controls while the aircraft is flying. During AEF flights the Air Experience passenger is not permitted to touch the controls when the aircraft is below 800ft AGL The difference between an AEF and Passenger flight is that the AEF has completed the GFA AEF form and the pilot is AEF rated. Noting the GFA AEF forms cost $30 each.

Please refer to section 11.1 and 10.5 of the GFA operations manual for more detail.

Club roles & responsibilities published

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 00:50:48 GMT

Running a gliding club takes many people and a diverse range of skills, everyone needs to do their bit. The club has just published a central list of roles and responsibilities on the members web site. If you know of any roles that may not be listed please email info@vmfg.org.au so we can add them.

The club is currently looking for people to help with Grants, Bacchus Marsh Airfield Management (3rd representative), and a Bacchus Marsh Gliding representative. If you are able to help please contact the one of the committee members

Cup Weekend Camp Report

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 00:58:05 GMT

Around 50 hours of flying by approximately 20 club members took place at the Bendigo GC in Raywood from 29 October to 1 November, making it one of the most successful camps for MGC in recent years.

Although the weather could have been slightly more cooperative, we flew on three days out of four, with many members achieving good early season cross-country flights and gaining much needed currency. Of note, Richard Traill flew 226km on the Saturday (in his new ASG 29, Caleb White 204km on the Monday (in the White's new DG-200/17), and many members cracked 100km multiple times.

Best of all was the great social atmosphere (only slightly dampened by the mosquitos!) and seeing members working together to make the weekend a success. On that note, thanks to all who towed gliders there and back, to Ben and Paul for ferrying the tug and NDG, to Ben, Steve and guest tug pilot Peter Summersby (who visited in his RV-7) for the towing over the three days. And a special thanks to the crew at the Bendigo GC for their hospitality. We look forward to being back there for Christmas.

All gliders and equipment are now back at Bacchus Marsh (tug and NDG arriving Thursday) so please get out there on Saturday if you can to help rig. There's only 7 more weekends until the Christmas camp, so get out to the Marsh to keep (or build) your currency.

AGM / New Committee

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 01:18:35 GMT

The Club's AGM for 2015-16 was held last weekend - 22 October. Thanks to those members who attended. An enjoyable dinner in town was held afterwards, where much of the discussion was about preparing for this weekend's expedition to Raywood.

At the AGM, the Committee for the coming year was elected as follows:

Role	Member
President	Ben Loxton
Vice President	Tighe Patching
Secretary	Michael Aldridge (NEW)
Treasurer	Tony Carling
Committee member	Paul Spooner (CFI)
Committee member	Steve Coulton (Tugmaster)
Committee member	Mark Hunt
Committee member	Ian Northey
Committee member	Bob Hickman

Credit cards now accepted directly

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:02:37 GMT

The club now accepts credit card payments for flying invoices directly, instead of making credit card payments via PayPal.

At he bottom of your invoice select Pay online now you will be taken to an online invoice. At the top left of the screen, click the green button that says Pay with Credit card or PayPal, a new screen will appear where you can make the appropriate selections and provide your details.

Please note the financial transaction fee will be added to your invoice total.

New payment service provider

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 05:53:09 GMT

The club introduced the PayPal payment option a few years ago, to provide an alterntive method of payment for flying. At the time the financial transaction fees from the service provider were deducted from the member payment, and the remaining funds credited to the members invoice. The process for deducting the transaction fees was laborious and time consuming, it was also confusing to members as the invoice they thought they had paid was a few always dollars short, as a result of the service provider transaction fee. When the PayPal processing workload was combined with the work that was required to straighten out the clubs accounts, it was decided to stop the process until a simpler solution could be found.

Recently a new service provider was identified that automatically processes the financial processing fee, at the time of payment. As a result the club is in the process of changing over to the new provider, and plan to roll it out during Oct. - Nov. The new service provider is called eway and is based in Australia,

Once operational, members choosing to pay via credit card or PayPal will have the financial processing fee added to their invoice total at the time of payment. The service also simplifies the processing of credit card payments, compared to PayPal.

Details on how to pay can be found at the bottom of all invoices.If you have any queries please contact accounts@vmfg.org.au

New Vic RASP site (soaring forecast)

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 03:32:00 GMT

As I wrote about in the recent Glide Angle, VSA members now have a new Soaring Forecast site for Victoria and Tasmania, and covering much of NSW, thanks to the work of Matt Gage and funding from the VSA.

http://vicmet.gliding.asn.au/VIC/

http://vicmet.gliding.asn.au/TAS/

This model is closely related to RASP, but will be upgraded every 6 months as new information is released, which hopefully should ensure a more consistent standard of prediction.

New forecasts are created twice each day and cover the next 6 days of flying. The first 2 days are at a very high resolution (good for wave, etc.), the following 4 days are at a lower resolution (but still higher than the previous RASP). Today’s forecast should be ready by about 7:30am and tomorrow’s forecast should be ready by 7:30pm.

The server will keep about 100 days of historical forecasts, depending on available disk space.

A link to the new RASP site has been added to the bottom of the members web site www.MelbourneGlidingClub.com.au for quick reference.

Pilot Currency - How safe are you?

Thu, 06 Oct 2016 03:30:46 GMT

New door lock codes

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 05:38:41 GMT

Club house & North Hangar

The codes for the door locks for the Club house and Nth hangar were changed late Sunday 2.10.16. All current and paid members received a personnel email containing the new lock codes on the 3.10.16.

MGC workshop

Last year the committee endorsed the purchase of a coded lock for the workshop to make it easier and more convenient for members to access,. The purchase was delayed until the locks were on sale, as a result we recently purchased one thanks to the MASTERS sale at a 40% discount, and plan to install it between now and Christmas. Once installed all members will receive an email with instructions on its use, and the code to be used.

Bus Phone & CAM operational

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 02:17:44 GMT

The Bus phone and CAM have been transferred from the old bus to the new one, and are now operational. The CAM can be seen on the main page of www.MelbourneGlidingClub.com.au and the bus number is 0490 098 529.

Many thanks to John Parncutt, who reinstalled them.

Multiday glider bookings on calendar

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:51:14 GMT

All multiday glider bookings are now visible in the club calendar, aircraft booking instructions can be found here. Many thanks to Michael Aldridge who stepped up to look after glider bookings, Well done Michael.

If you have any questions please contact Michael Aldridge who looks after multi-day aircraft bookings at michael.aldridge1@gmail.com or 0422 084 716

New tyre pump for gliders.

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:02:42 GMT

The club has purchased a new hand pump for inflating glider tyres, and will be stored in the bus.

Defibrillator training

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:53:36 GMT

Defibrillator training at Bacchus Marsh at 10am 10 September

As you may know, we have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in the club house should it be needed around the workshops and the club rooms. So far it remains in pristine, unused condition, I'm pleased to say. However, if we did need to use it, say when we were operating from R01, it would take too long to retrieve it.

The Victorian Government has agreed to supply us with another defibrillator, on the condition that we are trained on its use, and that we look after it. St. John Ambulance will bring the new defibrillator out to BM at 10am on Saturday 10 September, and train members from all three gliding clubs on how to use it.

Also on display at the training will be the new Fire and Accident Response cart. It is a small trailer containing fire extinguishers, a first responders first aid kit, equipment for breaking into damaged planes, cutting webbing etc., and, of course, the new defibrillator. The FAR cart will be stored near the fire trailer.

The plan is for MGC to take out the FAR cart each operations day (no, not just in the fire danger season) and for GGC to return it at the end of operations.

Please make a point of attending the AED training on 10 September. After all, if you were the one who needed the defibrillator, you would hope that someone around you knew how to use it!!!!!

Mark White, Safety Officer

Many thanks to Mark White for organising the event.

Webcams, return after repairs

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 23:17:48 GMT

The webcam on the North hangar has been repaired and reinstalled, the birds seem to be happy its back.

Webcam - South

A new cam has been installed on the nth hangar looking west down 27 as a pilot, if we think it is worthwhile please let me know and we can leave it there.

Webcam - West along 27

The webcam that overlooked the front of the workshop hangar has been removed, as the constant unplugging and plugging of the power supply into the power point damaged the camera.

If you have any ideas on a new location for it please let me know Steve Trone.

Member thanks - August 2016

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 05:22:35 GMT

Thanks for August 2016 go to the following members:

Alan Payne for building rudder clamps for the DG tow-out gear.
Rick Gray and Richard Callinan for the Form 2 on VMF.
Steve Coulton and (former member) Brian Coulton for managing the BCK repair and transporting bits and pieces all over the state.
Allan Petersen and Tom Van Blaricum for solving the NDG undercarriage issue.

The Committee, and all members, thank you for your contributions!

New bus \ Operations van !

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 07:25:13 GMT

On behalf of the Committee of the Melbourne Gliding Club, I am pleased to announce to you that the club has purchased a new bus to replace our existing pie cart.

Thanks to John Parncutt, we were able to secure a new bus at a very reasonable price. John, along with Alan Payne, and others, will now lead the fit-out of the new bus to meet our needs. The bus is being delivered this Friday with work to start straight away.

It is a timely purchase, as the old bus (having being our pie cart for 30+ years) becomes more difficult to operate, the hydraulics for the entry ramp fail, and rust begins to damage the structural integrity of the bus. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those who have kept the current bus going in recent years. For example, Steve Trone has installed solar panels and new switches to keep the electronics going etc. Most of these improvements will be readily transferable to our new bus.

To be involved in the fit-out of the new bus or to suggest ideas and user requirements, please contact John Parncutt (jparncut@bigpond.net.au) or Alan Payne (janusc@ozemail.com.au) directly.

This represents a significant investment in the future of our club and every member of the club enjoys the benefits that having a pie cart brings. In order to fund this investment, the Committee has created the Melbourne Gliding Club Asset and Equipment Fund. To cover the cost of purchase and fit-out, all active flying members will make a contribution of $50 per annum over the next three years to raise the necessary funds. This will be payable at the time of membership renewal, and will apply for membership renewals effective 1 January 2017 for three years until 31 December 2019.

On other matters, leadership from the three gliding clubs, along with the Australian Gliding Museum, VSA and GFA, met on 24 July to discuss the ongoing aerodrome issues and how we can work together more effectively to promote Bacchus Marsh as the pre-eminent gliding destination in Victoria.

Significantly, the three clubs agreed to the creation of a 12-month trial Bacchus Marsh Gliding Club Development Fund to promote the combined gliding activities of the three clubs, particularly in the local community. Examples of how this funding will be spent is on donations of AEF glider flights for school raffles or trivia nights, replacing gliding club signage around the airfield (e.g. on the main road), attendance at local festivals and events. Each club will be donating $20 per active flying member to the Fund. For the MGC, we will be applying this $20 to invoices over the next few months (around November/December). At the end of 12 months (September 2017), the presidents of the three clubs will evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund and make a determination of whether to continue the Fund and under what conditions.

This represents a newfound spirit of cooperation between the three clubs and we encourage all gliding people at Bacchus Marsh to seek out how they can be involved in these activities. In advance, we thank you for your donation to this important project.

Rudder clamps for tow out gear

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 01:40:42 GMT

The use of ground handling gear on the DG's has highlighted a situation where the rudder could be blown side wards and foul on the tow arm that connects the glider to a car, resulting in damage to the rudder that could easily ground the aircraft..

Alan Payne has made a red rudder clamp that stops the rudder from fouling on the tow arm. Please ensure this is used when ever the tow out gear is used.

Many thanks to Alan for making the clamp.

Workshop door light installed

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 01:37:35 GMT

An entrance light to the workshop hangar has been installed. Anyone who has tried to open the work shop at night will know how much trouble it is trying to find the keys and unlock the door. Many thanks to Steve

NDG undercarriage fixed

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 01:32:53 GMT

Recently pilots have had difficulty retracting the undercarriage in NDG, The problem has been narrowed down to the size of the tyre, which has been replaced for another brand.

NDG is expected to be back on line this weekend.

Many thanks to Tom and Alan for their hard work.

Lecture series dates & topics

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:07:05 GMT

The Training Panels of GGC and VMFG have organised a series of presentations on gliding topics to be provided each week over the next eight weeks or so, for members of all clubs at Bacchus Marsh..

In addition to the presentation, if conditions do not allow flying on the day, Roger Druce has offered to provide some practical training in daily inspection of gliders.

The schedule for subsequent presentations is as follows:

Saturday 30th July. Airspace and Radio Procedures -presented by Mike Durrant,
Sunday 7th August: XCSOAR – by Jeff Farrow
Sunday 14th August: Analysing XC Performance See You – by Dave Meredith
Saturday 20th August: Gliding Weather and XC Tasks - by David Wilson
Saturday 27th August: Gliding Instruments and Devices – by Allan Payne
Saturday 3rd September: Thermalling - by Ailsa McMillan
Saturday 10th September: Flying Cross-Country – by Richard Traill
Saturday 17th September: Outlanding – by Paul Spooner.

Start time is 9am for all. Any changes or additions to the schedule will be notified via email. Presenters will be asked to make their presentations available as resources for members on the club website wherever possible.

CFI blog merged with Club news blog

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:05:20 GMT

The CFI blog and Club News blog have merged, so you only need to visit one place, for all the latest club news.

Cup weekend & Christmas camps - Raywood

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:04:37 GMT

Its the year of Raywood, we are going there for both Melbourne Cup weekend and Christmas, it is a great location for cross country flying, it is only a couple of hours drive, and the club is very welcoming. The weather record particularly for Melbourne Cup weekend is pretty good. So start planning the time off and doing the "family negotiations" to get away for a day or two.

Its been a wet and windy winter, but time to start planning for cross country.

New handheld radios

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:02:58 GMT

At the last instructor panel meeting it was agreed that all gliders being towed to and from the hangers to the launch points would be in two way radio communication with other aircraft in the circuit or about to take-off. To make this possible the Committee has purchased three ICOM hand held radios, they are stored in an orange cupboard near the battery chargers and parachute cupboard, you can't miss it! Please take them and use them during the day and return them at the end of flying and put them back on charge. The cupboard has a combination lock on it code 118. (if anyone has a more robust combination lock feel free to donate it!!!)

If you are not sure of the taxiing aircraft radio calls ask one of the duty crew.

Raw flight and membership data availabe on web site

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 04:10:54 GMT

Raw flight information (GLASS) and membership data is now available on the web site under information. All data has been personalized, and is only accessible by current members who are logged into the web site.

Go to the web page Information / files, then look for a directory called information.

Roster available online

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 23:14:01 GMT

Go to Files

Annual General Meeting

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 04:41:10 GMT

This year's MGC Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday 22 October 2016.

Further details to come, but please note down this important date in your diary.

Member thanks - July 2016

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 04:37:12 GMT

Thanks this month go to the following members:

Iain Gilmore - for agreeing to become the MGC's new Insurance Officer.
John Parncutt - for undertaking a lot of work on our glider batteries, including organising new batteries and installing longer leads.
Richard Traill - for volunteering to update the Club Manual (the last update was over 20 years ago).
Steve Coulton - for work on the tugs over the past fortnight, and taking on the mowing of the area outside the MGC workshop on a recent weekend.
Steve Trone - for installation of south hangar solar lights.

The Committee and all members extend our thanks for your efforts!

July committee meeting minutes published

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 03:58:54 GMT

July committee meeting minutes published

Please use this link and go to the directory committee, minutes etc.

MGC Camps

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 01:12:20 GMT

At recent Panel and Committee meetings, the decision was taken (pending final approval from the Bendigo GC) to attend Raywood for both the Melbourne Cup Weekend and Christmas camps this year. The shift from Wangaratta for this year's Christmas camp was necessary due to the 2017 World Gliding Championships being held at Benalla from 2-21 January 2017.

Further details to come.

New light for workshop entrance

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:06:45 GMT

New movement sensitive light installed above the main maintenance hangar entrance door.

New radio for TNC

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 09:05:09 GMT

TNC has had its new radio fitted, and is expected to be ferried back to Bacchus Marsh later this week.

Photo - Ferry flight to Moorabbin last week., note the new 4 bladed prop.

Strategic Plan – consultation open

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 02:01:55 GMT

In 2015, as part of membership renewals, we started to ask all members questions about what we do well as a club, and areas we could improve. Along with planning work by Committee, and discussions with the Instructor Panel, this has given us the basis of a Strategic Plan for the Melbourne Gliding Club for the next three years, through until 2018.

We need a Strategic Plan to focus our time, energy and resources in a unified direction.

It is the first attempt at this Strategic Plan – and the Committee has issued it as a consultation draft (emailed to all members on 14 June) to hear back from you about whether the plan will get the MGC where it needs to be over the next three years and beyond.

We welcome your feedback via any of the following means:

- Discussion with any Committee member on the field or on the phone

- Emailed feedback to committee@vmfg.org.au or directly to tighep@outlook.com

Feedback on this consultation draft is open until 8 July 2016 (ahead of the next Committee meeting). Following this, the plan will be updated and endorsed by the Committee. This will inform the activities of the Committee and all members of the club over the next three years, but will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant. Progress on individual actions will be monitored by the Committee throughout the year.

All of us have a contribution to make to our Club. We all have an idea about how we should operate. We encourage you to share those thoughts and take an active role to support our vision to be the best gliding club in Australia with a broad, growing membership, modern fleet, and safe, welcoming and social environment.

Tighe Patching

Club promotion

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 02:00:44 GMT

Many thanks to Mark Hunt, Steve Coulton, Jackson Keogh and Jason Tang who answered the call to promote the club at a house auction in Box Hill in early June.

The group fielded questions from a large number of interested onlookers in the hour or so leading up to the auction. A special thank you to Jason Tang who was able field many questions in Mandarin including the program director of a local Chinese radio station, who is looking to do an on air interview about the club in English and Mandarin in the coming months.

Tug news

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 01:59:51 GMT

TNC will be departing in the next couple of weeks to have new Garman GTX200 radio installed (to bring into line with BCK). It will then be heading to Nelson for approximately 3 months for its fabric and airframe overhaul. This is a significant investment from the club at around $30,000 to $40,000. The club is also currently planning for an anticipated engine overhaul or replacement for TNC.

Following some recent work to replace 3 induction gaskets, install 2 longreach sparkplugs, and an adjustment to resolve an issue with the engine running at low revs, BCK is now performing very well.

Steve Coulton, Tug Master

Thank you from Don Haslam

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 00:27:18 GMT

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Committee who on my retirement from the club most generously gave me at our Annual Dinner, a continuing honorary MGC membership and a 10 year membership award. I truly appreciate them I have always felt that it is a privilege to be a member of the MGC because I got so much from it, not just the flying of some fantastic gliders but all the help and friendship too. Many of you are aware that I’m a two time member, I first flew with the VMFG down at Berwick and was sent solo down there by Alan Patching (7/2/1965). I had never lost the desire to fly so it was a wonderful surprise for me when, after being away for 40 years, I was once again able to do my flying training with Alan Patching, I must be his longest pupil These recent years were full of fun and great personal satisfaction for which I shall treasure. So to each and every one of you, Thank you.

See you on the Flight line.

Don

Day membership online.

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:22:53 GMT

The clubs day membership form in now available online via the members web site. If you are taking friends for a fly, instead of filling in a paper based form on the airfield, complete it on line and bring the confirmation email with you.

Go to http://www.melbourneglidingclub.com.au/join-us and select "Day membership" when prompted.

South hangar lights installed

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 11:27:41 GMT

Lights have been installed in the south hangar, to aid in late pack ups.

Club Terms and Conditions updated

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 01:14:18 GMT

The club has updated its terms and conditions to better reflect the environment we operate in, building on the work the GFA undertook last year when it updated its own terms and conditions.

The updated terms and conditions are the same as the ones found on our day membership forms, with a small club specific section, All new members will use them, and existing members will see them during membership renewal.

If you have any questions please contact membership@vmfg.org.au

Reciprocal membership changes

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:49:58 GMT

Recently the club received a visit from a glider pilot from Europe who wanted to fly. The club had never catered for international pilots who just wanted one or two flights.

The club has expanded reciprocal membership category to include members of all gliding clubs (worldwide), existing limitations will apply i.e.

Current members of other gliding clubs can launch their own aircraft, and fly club two-seat aircraft, with a club instructor at member’s rates, without paying membership dues, for up to 3 visits, totaling 14 days per financial year.
Reciprocal members must hold current GFA membership eg. 9 day GFA membership is available on the day for a marginal price.
To fly as “pilot in command” of any club aircraft and/or receive instruction, a pilot must be either a Short Term or Full Flying Member of the club.

Please note reciprocal membership is only available online, and con only be completed online.

VMF successful test flight

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:06:37 GMT

Installation of retractable undercarriage in VMF was been completed, and test flown on Sunday 29th May by Tom Van Blaricum and Allen Petersen, "everything went very smoothly, the improvement in glide performance and the reduction in noise level is very marked so it was a worthwhile exercise" reported Tom. If it was not for Tom and Allens work over the last 3 years it would not have happened, please thank them next time you see them.

Counting underway for 2016 Awards

Tue, 31 May 2016 04:44:31 GMT

Counting has begun for the Melbourne Gliding clubs 2016 Awards night, make sure you get in early for tickets. Early bird pricing ends in a week.

Family membership consolidated.

Tue, 31 May 2016 04:25:47 GMT

The Melbourne Gliding club has consolidated its family membership options to a single category called family member @ $135 / annum. If you have a member of the family who is under 21 they can use the U21 membership option which is half the price of family membership. If you have any questions please email us at membership@vmfg.org.au

Membership stickers being mailed.

Wed, 25 May 2016 11:41:21 GMT

Membership stickers have been mailed to those who have already renewed for 2016-2017 year.

New credit card payment option.

Wed, 25 May 2016 11:36:41 GMT

The Melbourne Gliding club has introduced a new payment gateway for use with the membership system, membership renewals can now use a simple secure credit card payment system, which replaces PayPal.

Please contact accounts@v,mfg.org.au if you have any queries.

Draft Master plan released

Thu, 19 May 2016 01:07:32 GMT

A draft master plan for the airfield will be released on 19.5.16 for comment, Consultants will present the draft master plan to representatives from the gliding clubs, airfield users and surrounding land owners Thursday evening at the Bacchus Marsh library.

Information will be available as it comes to hand.

Retractable undercarriage for NDG

Tue, 17 May 2016 02:28:01 GMT

Many thanks to Tom Van Blaricum and Allen Peterson who are retro fitting VH-NDG with a retractable undercarriage, the same as VMF and VWR, ensuring our fleet of DG are exactly the same. They plan to have the glider ready to go back on line on Saturday the 28th of May. Depending on the delivery of a magnet for the gear warning alarm. Please thank Allen and Tom when you see them, as preparations for the work have been underway for a long time.

Lights for Sth hangar

Tue, 17 May 2016 02:02:47 GMT

A solar light has been installed above the DG parking bay in the south hangar, so it is easier to gliders away late in the day. If the light is useful we intend to install one above each of the club gliders. If you use it please let Steve know how well it worked.

VHF handheld radios ordered.

Sat, 14 May 2016 01:45:07 GMT

The committee has endorsed the purchase of 2 hand held VHF radios for use while towing gliders on the airfield.

Club donations (tax deductible)

Fri, 13 May 2016 04:12:19 GMT

The club has had an association with the Australian sports foundation for many years, it was first used to help purchase the Duo Discus, and more recently the upgrade of flarms across the club aircraft. We have a number of projects around the corner

Please make a donation the clubs project fund with Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)

Club library, available on members website

Fri, 13 May 2016 04:01:00 GMT

Club documents and files are now available on www.MelbourneGldingClub.com.au. These include aircraft and equipment manuals, club logo and marketing material, maintenance photos, copies of Glide Angle, committee minutes etc.

If you would like to add documents please contact Steve via membership@vmfg.org.au who will show you how to access it.

Strawberry festival is on this weekend,

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 06:16:01 GMT

The Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry festival is on this weekend, arrive early to miss the traffic.

Based on last years experience it would be wise to avoid Bacchus Marsh and the Western Freeway from Melbourne.

Alternative routes to the airfield from Melbourne could be from Werribee via the Werribee - Bacchus Marsh rd, or leaving the Western freeway just after Caroline springs, taking the Hopkins rd exit to Greigs rd to Exford rd past Eynesberry and on to Parwan.

If you have any questions please email info@vmfg.org.au or call 8683 7240.