HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 39 March | April 2019 Finally, we heard one call from a departing aircraft as we passed overhead the aerodrome. The aircraft was tracking north. No conflict with us, as Anne and I wondered what the ‘poor people’ were doing today. Of course, they were all heading to Clint’s place, just like us. Next sight to see was the Waranga Basin. The basin was nearly full of water and looking good. We passed over the basin and continued our track for Lake Eppalock. It didn’t take long and, “There’s the airfield! Or is it that one? Or could it that one?” We eventually found it. There were a number of aircraft parked in the parking area, and we could see two Aeros Ants flying around the edge of the lake. I couldn’t really tell which runway was which, so I asked another aircraft that was coming in to land before us, “Which runway are you landing on?” The reply was, “The uphill one.” I said to Anne, “That will do, I think it’s runway 20.” We joined the circuit and landed with no dramas at all. After taxing to the parking area we saw more aircraft coming in. It turned out that about 60 aircraft had turned up for the BBQ, and a number of people were staying overnight. The BBQ was great and so was the local flying. In fact, the whole day was just fantastic. It was just one of those days where all the stars aligned. Everyone had a great time socialising, flying and having fun. But time was ticking away and before we knew it, it was time for us to head back to home base. I pre-flighted the HypeR for the flight home and we climbed aboard. Engine started and we taxied for runway 20. We had to wait for two or three aircraft to land before it was our turn. Off we went, down the runway and into the air, climbing at 1500ft/min. It didn’t take long before we were banking, overflying the airfield and waving to those who were staying overnight, then tracking for Shepparton again. As we departed we flew passed two Aeros Ants. They looked as if they were going backwards as we passed them at 90kt. We climbed to 3500ft and before we knew it, we were over the top of Waranga Basin and speeding for Shepparton. Then it was time to change the radio frequencies again to the Shepparton CTAF. No calls were heard as we made our way from 10nm to over the top. Next we were flying over the flatlands and heading home. Soon it was time to change the frequency again to Yarrawonga’s CTAF, and make our call, followed by a quick flight over the town to check out the Yarrawonga Show. There seemed to be a lot of people there this year, it rained last year and they nearly called the show off. We then joined the circuit and a landed on runway 01. Our flight was over. What day it had been! It was just what we needed, a day with good friends and (of course) talking aviation. Thank you Clint for a top day at a top spot. All the aircraft at the airpark Shepparton airport Pilots at the BBQ lunch Looking at Shepparton township Waranga basin water storage Unusual Attitude Airpark from above