Southern Soaring Whats New - gliding, New Zealand, Omarama, zealand

This page will normally be updated every week during the season, so if you want to see the latest developments, this is the place to come. All photos are by Chris Rudge unless otherwise noted.

21 April 2009

The 2008/2009 season finished in great style with seven flights on Sunday afternoon. The last flight landed four minutes before it was officially dark! Other highlights over the last few weeks were Patrick Musters going solo and Rob Sherlock doing a Mountain Soaring Course and getting three fantastic days of wave flying over Easter. To the Team and everyone who has supported Southern Soaring this season - we say a BIG thank you!

Malcolm Walls, Chris Rudge and Roseann Walls. Malcolm towed over Easter and his flights on Monday were very likely his last from Omarama as his medical expires in June and, due to ill health, he won't be renewing it. From the whole soaring community, we wish to thank Malcolm and Roseann for their huge contribution to New Zealand gliding. Photo: Rod Dew

Patrick Musters and Darren Smith during Patrick's Learn-to-Fly Course. Note the fresh snow on Totara Peak behind!

Rob Sherlock after landing from a wave flight. Rob went solo with Southern Soaring soon after the company formed and was back over Easter to complete a Mountain Soaring Course.

Rob Sherlock looks down on the Tasman Glacier from 18,000 feet after recent snow.

Rob Sherlock running down a wave over Lake Benmore towards the Ida Range during a 350 km flight.

Evening light on the Benmore Range after the first winter snows arrived.

5 April 2009

With clear skies for much of the week, the first frosts of autumn arrived and the trees around the airfield are beginning to turn yellow and drop their leaves. Patrick Musters (UK) has joined us for a Learn-to-Fly Course and is making good progress towards going solo. Don Mallinson has departed for the warmer climate of Singapore, while Roseann and Malcolm have joined the Team again to help out with towing.

Rod Dew in the frost. A cold start for a 9.00 o'clock passenger flight on Thursday.

Brian Webb prior to a flight with Chris Rudge. Brian was a member of the Piako Gliding Club and last flew in 1980. He hasn't lost the touch! Photo: Rod Dew

Southern Soaring's towplane parked outside the office.

29 March 2009

All good things come to those who wait (well, sometimes!). Visiting French pilot Emmanuel Cachau-Herreillat patiently waited four days for conditions to come right for a wave flight and was rewarded on Thursday with a flight to Mt Cook. Earlier in the week, Geoff Bailey (UK) got to experience some excellent thermals and convergence. Les, Irene and Marc all departed for the northern hemisphere this week.

Climbing up to 18,000 feet next to Mt Cook.

The view south from Mt Cook to The Wall and the Dobson Valley from 18,000 feet. What a day!

Looking down the front of a lenticular toward Tasman Lake. The darker bits in the lake are icebergs.

A stunning lenticular in the lee of the Ben Ohaus on Thursday evening. We had the skies to ourselves.

Frost forming on the upper wing during the descent.

Emmanuel in front of Romeo Zulu. We had been flying on the edge of the lenticulars in the distance just 20 minutes earlier.

Bo Nilsson, Marc Crozier and Rod Dew following the end-of-season "haggis" hunt.

Geoff Bailey thermalling over the Ewe Range on Wednesday.

22 March 2009

The winds have continued to blow out of the south-west for much of the week and this has resulted in some great wave days with climbs of up to 1500 feet per minute. The number of visitors flying with us has remained steady and we continue to have busy days when the sun is shinning.

A fantastic sunrise from the Southern Soaring staff house taken on Wednesday morning.

Roel de Kruyff soaring over Mt Cook on Thursday.

Evening wave during a flight in Southern Soaring's Twin Astir. Photo: Marc Crozier

A wave cloudscape. Photo: Marc Corzier

Running south past Lake Pukaki in excellent wave.

Lines of wave clouds as far as the eye can see! This view is looking south past Glentanner to Lake Pukaki.

Flying next to a wave cloud with a cumuloform top.

Evening light on the Two Thumb Range.

Wave bars downwind of the Ben Ohau Range.

15 March 2009

This week saw the best south-west wave conditions we have seen at Omarama. With wave lines extending over 100 kilometres and climb rates in excess of 2000 feet per minute, everyone who was lucky enough to fly in it had experiences they will never forget. The photos below tell it all. The other great news was that Roel de Kruyff went solo on Saturday - well done!

Roel de Kruyff, who is doing a learn-to-fly course with Darren Smith, gets to fly in the wave down the Waitaki Valley.

Every picture tells a story. The L-NAV showing a climb rate of over 20 knots at 17,220 feet above the Aviemore Dam. The highest rate we got was 22 knots.

Darren Smith and Mike Till enjoy a flight in Southern Soaring's Twin Astir at 17,000 feet. It was Mike's last flight before he headed back to the UK to fly at the London Gliding Club.

Roel de Kruyff blasting along a wave wall in the Waitaki Valley on Thursday afternoon.

The view looking back to Lake Aviemore from Danseys Pass.

Rod Dew towing Romeo Zulu back to the hangar. Check out the huge wave down the Waitaki Valley!

Les Lamb climbing up in wave in the lee of Hugo's Elevator on Wednesday. The lift was so strong that the Duo Discus reached 17,500 feet in just 23 minutes and 53 seconds from take-off!

Descending in front of a lenticular over Mt St Cuthbert on a flight with Les Lamb on Wednesday evening. The air temperature was -20'C.

Chris Rudge flying Southern Soaring's ASW28 in the lee of the Hawkdun Range on Monday.

Looking across Lake Wanaka to the Albert Burn from The Neck during Monday's flight.

Roel de Kruyff goes solo on Saturday! Photo: Darren Smith

8 March 2009

We saw a large influx of visiting glider pilots this week who enjoyed a mixture of ridge, wave, thermal and convergence lift. These included Astrid Hustinx (France), Larry Timpson (USA), Rob and Laura Dreissen (Netherlands), Jeff Eggers (USA), Lisanne Coolen (Netherlands), Jantine Postem (Netherlands), Rolf Mullzinger (Germany), Alana Vogt (Germany) and Natasha Close (UK). On Friday Roel de Kruyss, a helicopter pilot from Luxembourg, started a Learn-to-Fly Course with Darren Smith.

Astrid Hustinx, enjoys a flight to Mount Cook on Monday. Astrid is an Airbus captain for Air France. Photo: Astrid Hustinx.

Looking down into the Tasman Valley near Mt Cook. Time from take off to this point was just over an hour.

Larry Timpson themalling over Lake Ruataniwha on Tuesday. The vivid blue is the result of glacial flour (ground up rocks) suspended in the water.

Larry Timpson heading home to Omarama from Omarama Saddle on Wednesday

Rob Dreissen climbing up in ridge lift on Hugo's Elevator on Wednesday evening.

Clear evening skies on Wednesday. This was one of our busiest days this season with the last glider landing at 8.15 pm.

Mt Cook from over the Neumann Range taken on Thursday during a wave flight with Larry Timpson in tricky northerly conditions.

The Team at Thursday night's barbecue before Gavin headed to Australia. Back: Gavin Wrigley, Chris Rudge, Les Lamb, Darren Smith. Sitting: Don Mallinson. Mike Till, Rod Dew, Irene Lamb. Front: Marc Crozier.

A spectacular North-West Arch (wave above the Southern Alps) from the Canterbury Plains on Friday evening.

1 March 2009

This week saw our first dual Mountain Soaring Course being run with Mike Till flying with Chris Wick (UK) and Pat Hickey (USA) flying with Chris Rudge. With no wind, all flying was in thermals. Also flying with us this week were Peter Robinson and Graham Wells, who did some outlanding practice with Darren Smith in our Twin Astir.

Thermalling over a pivot west of Omarama.

Pat Hickey after landing out on the Longslip airstrip.

Omarama farmer Brian Patterson calls by Longslip to say hello and see if we need assistance.

Parked up in the Ahuriri Valley waiting for an aerotow retrieve.

Marc Crozier about to land Southern Belle on Longslip.

Chris Wick and Mike Till flying ZK-GUO on a Mountain Soaring Course. This week was the first time Southern Soaring operated two Duo Discus gliders on Mountain Soaring Courses.

22 February 2009

Local soaring was a bit limited this week but for those who towed to Magic Mountain, thermals were stronger. We had a bit of wave on Thursday before a depression swept in off the Tasman and kept things damp on Friday. The grass has never been greener at Omarama for this time of year. Adam headed back to Canada this week.

Mike Till in ZK-PPA, Southern Soaring's Pawnee tow plane.

Veronique Leloup and Chris Rudge about to head away for a "blast from the past". Photo: Les Lamb

Mike Till cleaning the Pawnee after towing for the day.

The view up the Hopkins and Dobson valleys from 12000 feet in the wave on Thursday.

Peter Robinson (UK) ridge soaring on Magic Mountain.

15 February 2009

The big news this week is that Adam Dalziel did his 1000 km - well done! We also had a lot of smoke in the skies from the tragic bush fires in Australia early in the week. This was replaced by cooler southerlies on Thursday. Pilots visiting this week included Karen Butler and Hernan Franco (USA), Mike Brown (USA), Ola Lundberg (Germany), Jochim van Koppen (Sweden), and Erhard Mohlall (Germany).

Adam Dalziel flies with Carole Basta in wave over Lake Benmore on Friday. Photo: Bob Reus

"I can't remember the last time I had so much fun!" These were Mike Brown's words after a three hour southerly wave flight to 11,000 feet on Friday. Mike enjoyed it so much that he is coming back for a Learn-to-Fly Course.

Hernan Franco and Karen Butler receive instruction from Darren Smith (front) and Mike Till (rear) as part of a Learn-to-Fly Course.

Looking down onto the upper Tasman Glacier on Monday.

Ola Lundberg heading down the Pukaki wave. Note the smoke haze below from the Australian bushfires. Time from take off at Omarama to Mt Cook and back again was under two hours.

Looking east across the Mackenzie Basin showing the smoke layer below 17,000 feet.

Airline pilot Jochim van Koppen (Sweden) after a flight on Monday to 20,000 feet north of Mount Cook.

8 February 2009

We had a lot of visiting glider pilots this week. The weather was good with excellent thermals in the afternoons and several days of wave. The wave was so strong on Friday that Alex McCaw did his Diamond Height Gain - well done!

Ken Haslett (Ireland) and Mike Till about to land after a flight in Mike November. Photo: Adam Dalziel

A thermal lifts off over the Ahuriri River

Ralph Bowsfield on Thursday. Ralph has been flying our ASW28 for much of January and the first week of February.

A fantastic lenticular in the lee of the Mt Cook on Friday.

Henricus Janssen (Netherlands) blasting along the edge of a lenticular . At 18,000 feet the glider was doing 110 knots and climbing at over 1000 feet per minute.

Olivia Haslett (Ireland) enjoying an evening wave flight on Wednesday in the Twin Astir.

1 February 2009

Graham Wells completed his Mountain Soaring Course this week with over 15 hours of mid-week flying. Although we had some tricky weather, he was fortunate to fly in wave on four out of five days. Our Thursday night barbecues seem to be getting better! Les caught some trout and salmon for entree this week and these were prepared by Gavin and put in the smoker. The main course consisted of fresh potatoes, carrots, salad, barbecued chicken (whole chicken cooked under the hood after being "placed" on top of a half full can of beer!) and some superb corned beef and mustard sauce provided by Don Mallinson. It all went down very well . . .

Graham Wells soaring up the Ben Ohau's prior to climbing into wave at The Wall.

Mount Brown just south of Mount Cook village.

Flying in ridge lift and thermals on the Ben Ohau Range.

Heading back from Makarora on Tuesday. Lake Wanaka is at left with the Wilkin River at right.

Gavin Wrigley and Julia Wells at the Thursday night barbecue

Climbing in south-west wave over the McKerrow Range.

Blasting along the front of the Ben Ohau wave towards Lake Pukaki at 100 knots on Friday. The same wave is shown one hour later in the photo below.

25 January 2009

Surprisingly for January, we had wave every day this week which allowed for some great flying. The weather was good for scenic flying too and on a couple of days we were busy enough to hire gliders from the Canterbury and South Canterbury Gliding Clubs to meet the extra demand. We thank them for their support. Also this week, John Marsh completed a Mountain Soaring Course and Air Commodore Tim Elworthy (ex RAF Phantom pilot and formerly Director of Royal Travel) joined us to learn to fly gliders. Tim went solo on his ninth flight!

Flying north in the Hunter wave with another Duo Discus.

John Marsh approaching Mt Cook and the Tasman Glacier on Friday, the last day of his Mountain Soaring Course.

The North-West Arch is lit up by the setting sun.

Looking up the Landsborough River to the west of the Main Divide.

The Pawnee (flown by Darren Smith) up the Dobson retrieving the Twin Astir after Adam Dalziel and Mark Chritsian had landed out. Photo: Adam Dalziel

John and Sarah Marsh on Friday before a flight to Mt Cook.

Tim Elworthy and Mike Till enjoy Thursday night's barbecue.

Tim soloing in our Twin Astir. Photo: Darren Smith.

Dam! Due to too much water, 1000 cumecs of water was spilled down the Waitaki river on Monday.

18 January 2009

What a fantastic week! The weather was stunning with excellent thermals early in the week and then a couple of great wave days. The team put in huge hours this week with a big increase in tourist flights - many of these coming from local businesses who support us. This has meant for some long days with three gliders often flying back-to-back flights at times. Joacim Linde (Sweden) finished his mountain soaring course on Friday after clocking up over 20 hours of flying in six days. He and his family had a great time staying at the Omarama Station B & B, which we can recommend to others.

Another happy customer - Joacim Linde after completing his Mountain Soaring Course.

Mount Aspiring - New Zealand's very own Matterhorn.

Mounts Pollux and Castor at the head of the Wilkin River in Aspiring National Park.

Looking down into the headwaters of the Matukituki River.

Running up the Neumann Range

The rugged McKerrow Range.

Joacim Linde approaching Mount Cook, which is visible through the canopy.

The north face of Mount Cook with Lake Pukaki beyond.

11 January 2009

Since Christmas we have had some big flying days. Lance Mysyrosicz went solo on his 26th flight after training with Mike Till. Oliver Murner completed a Mountain Soaring Course with Chris and went on to have some very long flights in our ASW28. At present we have the National Gliding Championships being held at Omarama. Southern Soaring has been helping out in a number of areas, including carrying out a long road retrieve where Adam (who has rejoined the team), Marc and Chris didn't get back to Omarama until 2.00 am on Thursday morning. The week ended in sadness when we learnt that two Australians from Melbourne, Ashish Miranda and his brother Akshay, who had flown with us on Sunday morning, were killed by an icefall at Fox Glacier on Thursday. Ashish, an aerospace engineer, had done a one hour flight with Chris and was looking forward to learning to fly gliders. Our hearts go out to their parents, Ronnie and Winnie, as well as their family and friends, at this difficult time.

Oliver Murner after landing in Southern Soaring's ASW28.

A rainbow over Southern Soaring's hangar on the last day of 2008.

Mike Till congratulates Lance on going solo. Photo: Adam Dalziel.

Jane Logie from Methven enjoys the view from the Rhonlerche, which we used on 5th January to cope with the extra demand for flights.

Southern Soaring's Duo Discus was the first glider to Mount Cook for 2009. This was the view taken on New Year's Day during Oliver Murner's Mountain Soaring Course. The Tasman Glacier is in the foreground with Mount Cook beyond. Note the fresh snow! The air temperature was -20'C.

Climbing up on the North West Arch before heading to Haast.

Somewhere over the rainbow . . . Oliver Murner flying on the last day of his Mountain Soaring Course, on which he clocked up over 20 hours of flying.

A huge wave cloud over Lake Pukaki on 2 January 2009.

26 December 2008

With hotter days, the thermals have been getting stronger. The best thermal this week resulted in an average climb rate of 11.8 knots and thermals went to 10,500 feet. On Tuesday evening Les had a good flight over to Mt Barth on the Hunter Ridge. The Team spent Christmas Day relaxing, playing golf and enjoying a beautiful meal put on by Les and Irene.

Les Lamb flying over Mt Barth on the Hunter Range.

Les heading for a convergence in the Mackenzie Basin.

Evening light on the hills near Otematata.

21 December 2008

Thursday was our busiest day so far this season. Gavin Wrigley, who has joined the team from Darwin, Australia, helped Darren, Marc, Mike and Rod on the flying side while Les and Irene kept things running smoothly in the office. Mike Slade enjoyed a flight in the wave to 11,000 feet in our ASW28 and Mike Tucker, Chris and Nick Sarel did a double run up to the Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook. The excellent wave conditions made up for two days of rain on Tuesday and Friday.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported Southern Soaring over the last year and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Nick Sarel on Thursday after a record breaking Mountain Soaring Course flight. Total distance covered was over 560 km, time in the air was eight hours nine minutes and maximum altitude was above 20,000 feet.

Looking south down the Tasman Glacier from Tasman Saddle. Mount Cook is at right and the Malte Brun Range to the left.

Nick Sarel approaching Mount Cook from the north.

The Caroline Face of Mount Cook taken on the second run up to Mount Cook National Park. After the first trip, Nick pulled out the brakes when back over Omarama and descended to 6000 feet to practice getting into the wave a second time via a different route.

Patterns on Lake Pukaki as recent rains push silt into the top of the lake. The hydro lakes are the fullest they have been in years.

Tracking north to Tasman Saddle with the Tasman Glacier below and Mount Chudleigh at right.

14 December 2008

Things got busy this week with the arrival of Mike Slade and Nick Sarel from the UK who were flying single seaters. Also flying with us was David Bingham (USA) and Bud Pratt (Hong Kong) who has been flying ZK-GMT. Mike Tucker (NZ) completed over 15 hours flying as part of his Mountain Soaring Course. Mike Till also flew with three visiting German glider pilots - Oliver Hanning, Heinrich Beutel and Ulrike Franz. Despite the cooler weather, we had some great flights with two days of wave. For anyone thinking of doing a course with us next season, we suggest making a booking soon as spaces are filling quickly. We have seen a 100% increase in course bookings this season compared to 2007/2008 so next season is going to be even more popular! We hope you can join us!

Space flight - Mike Tucker approaching 20,000 feet over Glentanner on Thursday. After launching at 9.20am, other Southern Soaring gliders quickly followed. When landing back at Omarama four hours later we were surprised to see that no other gliders had launched. Unfortunately they missed the best part of the day as it began raining two hours later.

Climbing up in wave near Lake Pukaki on Thursday.

Mike Tucker flying up the Ben Ohau wave toward Mount Cook on Wednesday. The wind speed was light and the wave was sitting very close to the ridge.

Stunning wave clouds photographed from Omarama after landing on Wednesday evening.

Thermalling in the Ahuriri on Tuesday in weak conditions. Two Duos had landed out on the Longslip Airstrip below.

Phil Plane (flying his DG1000) and a single seater join us in a thermal in the Ahuriri Valley.

Flying along the Dingle Ridge on Friday after a dusting of snow on the tops on Thursday night.

7 December 2008

Although we had two days of rain this week (great for topping up the hydro lakes!), we also had some stunning north-west wave with big flights. Stephen Brosseau (USA) was rewarded with two flights of over 400 km distance while completing his Classic Mountain Soaring Course with Chris. Mike Tucker (Wellington Gliding Club) also enjoyed some lead-and-follow in his Discus before his mountain soaring course next week. His first flight in the South Island was also the highest he had been - 17,500 feet!

Heading up the Godley River at the north end of the Mackenzie Basin on Tuesday.

Cumulus clouds east of the Two Thumb Range.

Flying south down the Dunstan wave to Alexandra.

Stephen Brosseau after completing a few firsts with Southern Soaring. He was the first pilot to average over five hours flying per flight and he was the first to fly a pure wave mountain soaring course (there were no thermals to be had!).

Rod Dew, Stephen Brosseau and Mike Tucker enjoy a few drinks at Southern Soaring's weekly barbecue on Thursday evening..

Mike Tucker over Mount Cook in his Discus ZK-GXM.

Parked up on the summit ridge of Mount Cook on Friday.

Looking down the Copland River to the West Coast and the Tasman Sea.

Silt from recent floods makes patterns in Lake Hawea.

Looking up the Hunter while tracking to the McKerrow Range.

30 November 2008

Highlights this week have been the arrival of our new trailer sign to promote our business, plus the launch of our new Cross Country Course. This course is designed as a follow-on from our Classic Mountain Soaring Course and provides pilots with a series of PowerPoint presentations that explore concepts of setting goals, planning flights, decision making, glider and personal preparation, and how to carry out strip and paddock landings. Included in the course is an actual strip landing.

After completing our Classic Mountain Soaring Course last year, Scott Jones returned this week to be the first person to complete our Cross Country Course.

Flying over the Rock And Pillar Range looking toward Middlemarch during a 370 km flight.

John McLeod and Mike Till practice strip landings at Killermont

Darren Smith lines up Southern Soaring's Pawnee while Don Mallinson prepares to run the wing.

Don Mallinson and Bud Pratt do their pre-flight checks prior to getting airborne off Killermont.

Climbing up near Mt Huxley.

The red rocks of the Ohau ridge contrast with the blue of Lake Ohau and Lake Pukaki beyond.

Scott Jones tracking up the Ben Ohau Range with Mt Cook beyond.

Southern Soaring's new trailer sign in Cathedral Square, Christchurch.

23 November 2008

Throughout the first part of the season, it has been very encouraging to see our business grow with record flight bookings for courses and scenic flights. More important to us has been the excellent feedback we have had from customers and clients, as well as recommendations from others. One of those referrals resulted in us flying two astronauts on Friday - Dr Howard Chipman (Chip) and Veronique Koken, who have been selected as the primary crew on the Americans in Orbit-50 Years project. Chip, who owns an L-39 Albatross jet, did a flight in wave with Chris Rudge in Southern Soaring's vintage Rhonlerche glider to 13,000 feet (the highest the glider has ever been!) and Veronique did an aerobatic flight with Mike Till.

Astronauts Howard "Chip" Chipman and Veronique Koken. "Americans in Orbit" website.

Chip's L-39 Albatross jet, which is based in Florida.

Pushing the envelope . . . Chip in Southern Soaring's vintage Rhonlerche glider over Omarama at 13,000 feet. For the Rhonlerche, this was as close to space as it was going to get!

Marc Crozier with PortFM disc jockey James Valentine after James announced the winner of a competition at the top of a loop. Photo: Rod Dew.

Southern Belle at Hawea Flats retrieving Paul Barrett

Late evening aerotow retrieve near Timaru Creek during the South Island Regional Gliding Championships.

New Zealand's famous North West Arch with lenticulars over the Ben Ohau Mountains.

16 November 2008

After last week's snow, the thermometer hit 26'C this week. Things got busy too with members of the Canterbury Gliding Club doing a cross-country course and pilots getting ready for the South Island Regional Championships. We flew clients from all over the globe including the UK, USA, Colombia and Argentina. Mike Till joined the team again on Thursday.

Spectacular evening lenticular clouds. Photo: Marc Crozier

Mike Till, Darren Smith, Marc Crozier, Les Lamb and Rod Dew model Southern Soaring's new shirts and caps.

Lenticulars forming on Wednesday. Photo: Marc Crozier

Heading toward the Kakanui Mountains on Monday.

Flights from Omarama are not always over mountains! This is looking toward Ranfurly and the Rock and Pillar Range.

Looking down the Dingle to Lake Hawea.

9 November 2008

What a week! Normally we have temperatures of over 20'C in November but this week we had four days on which snow fell! Despite the cool temperatures, we have done plenty of scenic flights (great with the fresh snow!). The highlight of the week was a visit by the Southern DC3 Trust's Dakota.

The Southern DC3 Trust's Dakota parks in front of the chalets on Monday evening after flying from Wanaka.

The Southern Soaring Team prior to going on a flight in the DC3. Left to right: Chris Rudge, Darren Smith, Marc Crozier, Les Lamb and Rod Dew.

The first flight about to get airborne off 09. Unfortunately the aircraft didn't have a tow hook!

Marc Crozier and Darren Smith with matching interior.

Rod Dew, Darren Smith and Les Lamb up the sharp end. Photo: Marc Crozier

Fireworks at the Kahu Cafe on Tuesday night.

Fresh snow on Black Peak above the airfield and Terminal Building on Friday morning.

2 November 2008

Thanks to the Southern Soaring Team, October was a record month. The number of scenic flights and courses we did broke all previous October figures. Combined with our best ever advanced bookings for Mountain Soaring and Learn-to-Fly Courses, this is very encouraging as we have not yet seen a downturn as a result of the global financial crisis. This is great news!

A world record! Doug Hamilton arrives back at Omarama after completing the longest flight ever achieved over a triangular course within an island. Distance was 1503 km. Total time airborne was over 14 hours and his turnpoints were in Foveaux and Cook Straits! Congratulations Doug for a gutsy effort!

An early start. Doug Hamilton prepares his ASH25 before Marc Crozier towed the glider up with Southern Soaring's Pawnee. Photo: Darren Smith.

Gale force winds lift off topsoil from a paddock south-west of Omarama township on Tuesday when Doug did his record flight. Mt St Cuthbert wasn't the best place for ridge soaring!

Russell Petersen, a storekeeper from Brisbane Australia, enjoys a flight to Mt Cook and back down the Ben Ohau wave over Lake Pukaki on Tuesday.

Andy Young, a glider pilot from Scotland, after a flight with Chris Rudge to 20,000 feet over Mt Cook National Park on Wednesday.

Looking up the Clutha River towards Lake Hawea from the north end of the Pisa Range on Thursday.

The new LX8000 in Southern Soaring's ASW28 while on a 350 km test flight. This is the best glider flight computer on the market. It does everything but make your breakfast!

Tracking north in the lee of the Barrier Range.

Looking toward the head of the Tasman Glacier and Elie de Beaumont.

26 October 2008

We had lots of clear skies this week, which meant cool mornings and late starts but every day was soarable with some excellent thermals, convergence and blue wave. Darren spent a big part of the week polishing the Pawnee, Marc has been working on various documents, Rod continues to work on gliders and Les has started painting a new sign.

Southern Soaring's ASW28 did a run up to Mount Cook on Thursday. This photo is looking south with Omarama 37km beyond Lake Pukaki in the middle of the photo.

Mount Cook at left with the Tasman Glacier to the right.

Looking out over the West Coast and the Tasman Sea.

Mount Tasman from the summit of Mount Cook.

Struts and wires over the Lindis Ridge on Tuesday looking toward the Upper Ahuriri River valley.

Southern Soaring's classic two-seat Rhonlerche glider is available for those wanting to fly a vintage type. On its first flight of the season it climbed to 9200 feet and flew 50 km during a three hour flight - slow but steady!

19 October 2008

What a great week! Southern Soaring led the way with the first Mountain Soaring Course for the season. David Higgs (Australia) was lucky to experience flights to Mount Cook on Monday and Tuesday, a 300 km flight on the North West Arch to 20,000 feet on Wednesday and some fantastic convergence flying on Thursday. Another season first was Paul Hugh going solo on Monday! Well done!

David Higgs in the Duo Discus over Mt Cook on Tuesday

Crossing Lake Pukaki while climbing onto the NW Arch

Approaching The Thumbs at 20,000 feet and -15'C

Looking east to Mount Somers and Mount Hutt

Tracking south toward Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki

Crossing Lake Pukaki in a convergence after leaving the Grampian Mountains

The north end of the Barrier Range on Thursday

12 October 2008

The weather remains changeable but we've had some excellent flying. Paul Hugh has made steady progress on his Learn-to-Fly Course and has had one flight to 10,000 feet with Darren. Les Lamb, Don Mallinson and Marc Crozier all arrived this week and Marc has completed a type rating on the Pawnee.

Paul Hugh (Hong Kong) and Darren Smith get ready for another flight

Don Mallinson, Darren Smith, Marc Crozier and Rod Dew pause for a photo between check flights.

Cruising home from Magic Mountain on Thursday.

Overhead Twizel with Lake Pukaki beyond. Cloudbase was around 8000 feet.

4 October 2008

Excellent wave conditions over the past week have seen some good flights. On the best day we were able to do a flight to 17,500 feet above Omarama. Paul Hugh from Hong Kong began his Learn-to-Fly Course today with Darren Smith.

Brent Jarvis, a Flight Services Manager with Air New Zealand, enjoys a one hour flight in the lee of the Hawkdun Range at 17,500 feet.

Looking down on the Benmore Dam from over 16,000 feet.

South-westerly wave starts to form north of the airfield.

The Southern Soaring Fleet - Duo Discus, ASW28, Pawnee, vintage Rhonlerche, and Twin Astir. Rod Dew has worked hard to get everything polished and cleaned for the new season.

28 September 2008

One day spring, another day winter. Over the last week we saw spring blossoms one day and snow falling on the airfield the next.

In perfect flying conditions, the Apas-Cree family flew with us on the 28th September. Left to right: Carter, Peter and Caridad.

Flying next to The Buscot and Mt Benmore after recent snow.

Its not every day we get to fly the someone from the NZ Army! Selma Roberts enjoyed a flight in our Duo Discus after a recent training course at Tekapo Military Camp.

Spring flowers in full bloom on 25th September.

Fresh snow on the 27th September behind the Terminal Building.

21 September 2008

The 2008/2009 season got underway on 16 September with Darren Smith flying our first client on a 30 minute flight in Mike November, our Twin Astir. Later in the week, Chris took German pilot Hans-Gregor Hubl up to Mount Cook - the first flight to Mount Cook this season by an Omarama-based glider.

Darren Smith briefs David Booth prior to the first flight of the season.

The 16th September also marked our Pawnee's first aerotow. Photo: Rod Dew

1 September 2008

Not long to go now! In two weeks time we kick off for the 2008/2009 season. We are pleased to announce that all our team members from last season will be back again and we will even have a few new faces to help out over the busy New Year period. Our first learn-to-fly and mountain soaring courses start in October.

Darren Smith, fresh from a season flying in Canada, gets to fly Southern Belle at Timaru before it headed back to Omarama following the installation of a tow hook.

Flying through the Mackenzie Pass.

Lake Pukaki mirrors Mount Cook and the Gammack Range.

6 August 2008

We are making steady progress towards our season opening day on 15 September. Our Pawnee is now in Timaru having its tow hook attached and a few other modifications done. Bookings have been steady all winter and we now have the highest number of pre-season bookings for mountain soaring courses to date. For those considering doing a course with us, we suggest booking soon to secure a suitable slot.

Malcolm Walls straps into Southern Belle for the flight to Timaru

Departing Omarama with the Benmore Range behind

Great looking winter wave near Burke's Pass.

16 July 2008

On Sunday, Chris had an opportunity to fly and evaluate a Motor-Falke glider operated by Bryon Bay Gliding, south of Brisbane, Australia. It was a lot of fun heading out to Mount Warning and exploring a few winter thermals.

Motor-Falke VH-GVZ at the Tyagarah Airfield.

Richard Feathers in the left hand seat heading west.

Mt Warning, the remnants of a volcanic plug.

Chris and Guy Leader, an old school buddy who is living in Byron Bay. Guy flew in the other glider.

2 July 2008

Whatever the time of year, the Mackenzie Basin and the Omarama area are simply stunning. In winter, thermals are the stuff of dreams but wave clouds overhead are an indication that some days are still soarable. Roll on spring!

Who pulled the plug? Lake Pukaki looks half empty as winter power generation lowers the Mackenzie lakes to the lowest levels in many years.

ZK-PPA following her mid-winter diet. With the removal of spray gear, Southern Belle is looking more like a towplane.

"Now all I need is a tow hook and a few gliders . . . "

Mt Sefton (left) and Mt Cook reflected in the Tekapo Canal.

Winter wave off the Ben Ohau Range and not a glider in sight.

22 June 2008

Even though we are now closed for winter, things have been steadily gearing up for next season. Les and Irene have been hard at work organising the printing of new posters, which have since been distributed to all UK gliding clubs. Chris was lucky enough to get away to Papua New Guinea to take photographs for a new book on a rescue mission by the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Rabaul area during WWII.

A rare beast - a Mitsubishi A6M Zero slowly decays in the wet jungle of New Britain.

The remains of a Mitsubishi G4M Betty bomber (now covered in ash) near the old Lakunai Airfield.

Flying islands style - Bobby Villamater keeps cool with bare feet while flying Chris around the Rabaul area in a Hughes 500 helicopter.

Mt Tavurvur erupting. The ash plume would die down at times but then the volcano would clear its throat with a fresh eruption - the explosion shaking buildings and sounding as though tonnes of TNT had gone off.

Living under the volcano. This is the view you get when ash starts falling on you! The photo was taken in daylight and the white blobs are particles of ash lit up by the camera's flash.

14 May 2008

After our best season on record, the big news for Southern Soaring this month has been the purchase of our first towplane! We are now the proud owners of a "D" Model Piper Pawnee that was completely restored in 2001. We see the Pawnee as an important addition to our fleet as it is the best type available for Omarama operations - excellent power to weight ratio and ideal for aerotow retrieves from airstrips or fields.

Our first view of ZK-PPA sitting in the hangar in Dargaville on 26 March 2008. The aircraft was previously owned by Peter Butcher of Ag Tech Air Services Ltd.

Ian Williams (Chief Tow Pilot, Auckland Gliding Club) and Darren Smith, with his background in aircraft engineering, were a huge help in checking out the aircraft. Here, Peter, Ian and Darren prepare the aircraft for a ground run in Dargaville.

ZK-PPA at North Shore Aerodrome on Thursday 8 May 2008 following the completion of its Annual Review of Airworthiness, 100 inspection and installation of a radio by Stan Smith, who did the restoration in 2001.

Heading south past the Auckland Central Business District.

First stop was Drury Airfield, home of the Auckland Gliding Club. With rain and thunderstorms the following day, an Auckand syndicate generously provided hangar space and the guys at Sailplane Services kept me topped up with hot coffee. Ian and Pat Williams kindly looked after me for two nights at their place. Thank you Auckland members for your warm hospitality!

Approaching Te Kuiti with Mt Pirongia to the right. With headwinds all the way to Christchurch, the groundspeed was back to 60 knots at times.

Tiger Country. Flying between Raetihi and Wanganui there were no safe landing options in the event of an engine failure.

Crossing Cook Strait on 12 May. It was raining in Wellington and the airport had a SPAR.

Half way across the ditch. Note the life preserver! Fortunately it wasn't needed.

A ship passes 2000 feet below. Note the whitecaps and large swell. The surface wind was 30 knots. "Now, if the donkey quit here, where was I going to land . . . "

Excellent weather passing the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains.

A refueling stop at Kaikoura. Due to the low cruise speed with the spray gear fitted and headwinds, the flight from North Shore to Omarama required 10 refueling stops (Drury, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, Wanganui, Paraparaumu, Omaka, Kaikoura, Rangiora, Wigram and Ashburton).

The former RNZAF Base Wigram.

Heading off on the last day across the Canterbury Plains with the first tailwind of the flight. Mt Hutt in the distance.

Home sweet home! "Southern Belle" arrives at her new home in Omarama. Over winter, the spray gear will be removed and the aircraft readied for towing operations for the start of the new season in September.

Click here to see what was new over the 2007/2008 season, which ended in April.