Top of Coromandel SugarLoafRock

Sugar Loaf from 15,000'. 150km + from Tauranga.  Date Nov 2000. - Aircraft Janus GTG. pilot Roger Peters

Sugar Loaf from a power plane.

PNE

Today I launched in the Janus behind the "screwup Pawnee" PNE and didnt feel very comfortable at 100' over the building to the NE.  I was focusing fully on wether the thing had an issue with its climb or not and seriously considering my options - which are basically none.  If we had power failure there it would have been a matter of putting it down to minimise injury!!.  Im not a scare munger - Ive just learnt to regonised dodgy situations.

This plane should be grounded and then sold as soon as possible - maybe both sold and replaced with one real tow plane.  Doesnt worry me to much as I have a self launcher but it does worry me that on the rear occassion that I tow behind it - its a problem..

500km anyone - who can? who will?

first powerless flight to Port Jackson

First 500km attempt from Tauranga - Janus GTG.  Almost completed but had to land at Waihi Beach due to deteriating conditions.  Total flown 468km

Omarama

17th Jan 1988 - first flight in Omarama - 25,800' and back to ground in 1hr and 11 minutes landing at 8.15pm - best climb 1400'/minute.  A tow to Hugos Elevator and it was straight up - oh what a ride & view. This was long before Duos, GPS or $4500 week long mounatin flying courses.

This is what I hope the clubs Duo will be doing hopefully next season.- but Im not holding my breath - chances are it will still be doing rating :/

750km ?

Heres a 750 wave task.  Absolutely achievable - maybe the Duo will leave the curcuit someday when "rating cheifs" have their circuit quota filled. Who will be first?

Strip to east of Tga

Heres an image of strips east of Tauranga.  If you want the file let me know and you can study the areas on google earth.  Check out the approaches and surrounding areas - in most cases there are alternative landable areas to land in the immediate area.  Great idea to have a look at your intended track and its very helpful having these points in the PDA and then being able to identify them from the air.  Its all a learning curve to get a good impression in your brain of the lay of the land.  Of course nothing is ideal - these are not sealed runways - but still viable strips with alternatives. Yes I know Discusperson - farms loves to change things