HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 27 March | April 2018 After the top section was completed, it was decided to improve the profile by extending two more widths of carpet down the slope. The result was the smoothly progressive steepening of the take-off we have there today. The carpet has worn very little in the 10 years it has been on site, and other than replacing some gravel around the edge to protect the corners and repairing some vandalism on the surface, little maintenance has been required. Interestingly, one of the most destructive activities we seem to have encouraged is golfers launching balls off the mat and any mistimed swing can badly cut the carpet and be quite damaging! Mystic is now a renowned world class launch and the arrival this year of the PWC testifies to this. Being in a location where cross-country flying is available at all levels of proficiency and throughout most of the year also helps. It should be many years before this carpet needs replacing. In the meantime it continues to attract pilots from all over the world. Footnote: Unfortunately Australia does not benefit from any government support for free flying. Consequently all costs of running Mystic (up to about $20,000 per year) are met by club members. In order to fly Mystic, all pilots must pay a membership and join both the NEVHGC and the HGFA. Thank you. www.nevhgc.net/mystiquette/mystic_carpet Above, clockwise from top left: The clean up begins, January 2008 Gravel and concrete arrive, February 2008 Stage 1 completed, March 2008 Lower extension added Right: A busy day on launch, 2011 All photos: John Chapman