07 Events
It's early days yet, but SLAC is delighted to have received a number of invitations to attend various events organised throughout the 2007. First up is a breakfast Fly-in for Birr "Full Irish 2007" scheduled for 7th March 2007 - a persuasive invitation focuses on "the progressive attitude of SLAC in promoting social intercourse thru flying - you have discovered that skies continue beyond your zone boundaries". Flattery wins .. let's practice flight planning and head for Birr on 4/3/07 - or 11/3/07 if weather scuppers the previous weekends plans.
April 19th-22nd - International Trade Exhibition for General Aviation in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Ryanair operate direct flights and early booking is advised.
Glenforsa calls on 26th-28th May. G-WIFE attended in 2003 and confirms that this is an event not to be missed. Contact club officers or John Brennan to join in the proposed trip to the Scottish Islands. Weather permitting, club members plan to overnight at Wick on 27th to attend the Northern Lights Regional Rally - subject to the Searey acquiring the necessary CAA permissions to attend.
Winter 06
Our club celebrates the commencement of full time training for PPL (A) and PPL(M) pilots at Sligo. Best wishes to Oliver O'Reilly who heads up the Aeroplane training and Padraig Gallogly who has established a microlight school with the arrival of the Tecnam.
Aer Arran have announced direct flights between Sligo and Manchester commencing May 07. The club is delighted to be able to offer UK based PPL students the opportunity to train at Sligo. Oliver O Reilly is operating a full time flight school and has already received many requests from far afield to come and train in scenic Sligo. Contact Oliver on 00353-86-1945895 for details of courses, availability and inexpensive accommodation arrangements locally.
Membership fees for Sligo Light Aviation club are now due. The incoming committee has decided to reduce membership fees to €125.00 per year - less than half of what it costs at other locally based clubs. Hopefully, members will spend the savings on an extra training flight !! Please note that a much expanded training program is now available from our instructors ranging from microlight, light aircraft and extended PPL ratings.
Summer 06
SAAC Fly-in
Hosted in Taghmon, Co. Wexford on 26th/27th August, the weather in the north west was challenging. By mid afternoon on Saturday, those aiming to make the trip had dwindled to the Searey crew. They set off shortly before 3.00pm, with the intention of turning back if conditions were not suitable. Less than an hour after departure, they reported in ... they had landed on the Shannon, south of Athlone, to chat to a cruiser captain who also had an interest in amphibians. By 18.00 they arrived at the SAAC field, made a beeline for the hog roast and soon decided that an overnight stay was called for. By all accounts, those of us who stayed at home missed one of the events of the year - grassroots flying at its best. Hopefully, next year .......
Fly a Seaplane
Have you considered a seaplane rating ? John Brennan recently returned from a short holiday in Italy singing the praises of Aero Club Como. "It is impossible to find a more idyllic location to fly" he states, "and to be able to gain a float plane rating in the process is a bonus. Lakes like glass, breathtaking mountain views, instructors steeped in water flying tradition and welcoming staff make Como one of the special places to visit." Check out the web site at www.aeroclubcomo.com or ring Alessandro or Fulvia on + 39 031 574495.
New 210
Hangarage space is at a premium with the arrival of Michael Guckians Cessna 210. Safe flying to Michael in this most impressive carriage - no doubt the Instrument Rating will be used regularly.
Wet Dreams
Its official - 2 of our club members, John Brennan and Bob Roemer, are the proud owners of the first Searey homebuilt amphibian aircraft to be registered in Europe. We were delighted to learn that the extensive testing was satisfactorily completed and all paperwork processed to secure the Permit to Fly for EI-SEA. It is believed that other examples are currently undergoing assessment in various European states, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Both John and Bob are members of the Society of Amateur Aircraft Constructors - www.saac.ie. Congratulations to the owners and all those who co-operated on this project to ensure such a remarkable achievement.
Commercial Pilots
We are all going commercial - Best Wishes to Mark Gilroy who departed for an associate flying school in Florida to complete his ATPL course - congratulations also to Alan Carolan who has recently secured his CPL.
March 06
It Flies - and swims !!
It was in the air right on the target date - Searey flight tests continued right through St Patrick's weekend with test pilot Patrick Gallagher reporting very few "glitches". A few ground adjustments soon ironed out the few "bugs" encountered, and Patrick was soon praising the flying characteristics of the Searey. A week later, the first water landing had been completed - testing remains on schedule for completion by the end of April.
Instrument Rating
Club and committee member Michael Guckian has raised the standards once again. Continuing on the remarkable achievements and progress of our club, Michael has just gone and got himself an Instrument Rating on his American license. Well done Mike
ATPL
Well done Alan Carolan who passed all his ATPL exams in March. Alan works as an airline engineer and is pursuing a career as a pilot in his spare time. Congratulations from all at the club.
February 2006
First in Europe
There are a number of Searey amphibians in the process of being built in countries such as France, Sweden, Norway and Germany, but first to take to the air in European skies was ours. Owners John Brennan and Bob Roemer wheeled EI-SEA from the hangar and recorded hours of footage as test pilot Padraig Gallagher put the Searey through its initial tests. Extensive ground testing was completed by the end of February - with St. Patricks day, 17th March targeted for its first departure from the ground.
January 2006
Built in Sligo
Way back in 2002, a couple of club members visited Sun'N'Fun in Florida and came back raving about the array of homebuilt aircraft available at the show. Soon afterwards, CFI, Patrick Gallagher added his expert opinion as to what "ship" we might purchase. The Searey from Progressive Aerodyne was the favourite - what we lack in "hard" runways, we more than make up for with the water variety - an amphibian was the perfect choice for us. By the end of January, a dream was realised - members of Sligo Light Aviation Club completed the build of a Searey in Sligo. It was a further month before the necessary paperwork was prepared to allow testing.
December 2005
New Committee
Our recent AGM broke all attendance records with practically all members taking part ... with apologies from the very few who couldn't be with us. Congratulations to newly elected Chairman, Mark Gilroy and Secretary, Tony Walsh, who succeed John Brennan and Neil O'Donnell respectively.
CAACI
Wondering what to do with your PPL ?. The Classic and Aerobatic Aircraft Club of Ireland (CAACI) have issued an invitation to all with an interest in older aircraft or in aerobatics to join their club. The modest fee of €25.00 per year represents one of the better investments in our hobby. A full list of events is again being organised for the flying season - including a visit to Sligo for our club gathering over the August Bank Holiday.
September 2005
Searey Amphibian
Work continues on the Searey amphibian kit with Inspector Bertie Taggert visiting for our second SAAC inspection. Much of our efforts had been concentrated on the wing structures and Bertie was most helpful in providing "tips and tricks" for the covering. We note that the factory estimate of 500 hours has been long exceeded - by the end of September we expect or have passed the 800 hour marker.
August 2005
Shares for Sale
One share in the Bucker Jungmann is available for sale at a cost of 10K euros plus a monthly contribution of €50. Contact the club or Bob Roemer if interested in securing a part of this award winning machine. For those intending to travel extended distances, shares are also available in the C182 - see above.
Bucker Wins
Well done to the owners of the Bucker Jungmann on winning the "Best Classic Aircraft" award at the Birr Anglo Irish Fly-In. Our club was represented by Bob and Neil in the Bucker accompanied by a full backup crew in G-WIFE.
Searey takes shape
With over 450 man hours already invested in the homebuilt, we were delighted to welcome SAAC inspector Bertie Taggert to examine our progress. Great to be able to report that he was pleased with our efforts and building continues at pace. All parts required for completion of the Searey have now been ordered and we have targeted end of October for our initial ground tests. Next inspection is scheduled for September when we hope to begin the process of covering the wings.
Summer 2005
An extended spell of fine weather encouraged friends to visit us - once again our northern friends were here in force especially during the "12th Holiday" in Northern Ireland. Jimmy's Foxbat won many admirers with its handling capabilities, whilst the Gazelle was seen ferrying members to various locations throughout the county. Good to see Tony Reid making a return to the field - with his boat in tow rather than the Kitfox on floats. Tony is part of the group of club members involved in building two Searey amphibian kits at Sligo.
Kit arrives
Local SAAC members John Brennan, Bob Roemer and Padraig Gallagher have taken up residence in the airport workshops. A Searey Amphibian kit has been purchased and judging by the long hours being spent at the airport, the 500+ hours required to complete the homebuild are being quickly eroded. No target date has yet been revealed, but others have been speculating that test flying is scheduled for this autumn. Watch this space.
May 2005
Helicopter CPL
Congratulations to our CFI, Padraig Gallagher, who has successfully completed his Commercial Pilots Licence on Helicopters. Padraig expects to complete his Helicopter Instructors Rating shortly - anyone interested in learning to fly helicopters, please contact the club for details.
April 2005
The Bucker arrives 29th April ..
Gone Flying ... check back for details of arrival after prolonged spell of bad weather !!
Limetree Airfield
Laois Flying Club has forwarded details of Limetree Airfield (near Portlaoise - beware the Danger Area). The grass runway is 420 X 18 metres - contact "Limetree Radio" on 118.075 if you are in the area. A friendly welcome is guaranteed.
Feb. 2005
Youngmen in Holland
First to be checked out in the Jungmann were Bob Roemer and Neil O'Donnell who visited former World Aerobatics Champion, Frank Versteegh for some expert training. Both now know how to start the machine and drink coffee !. See Franks site at www.aerobatics.nl. For anyone interested in joining the Jungmann group please contact Bob or e-mail the club.
Andrews Trip
Following our January tale of flying in South Africa - see below - Instructor Andrew Fenton and fiance, Raquel, decided to visit the country themselves. They have recently returned from their holiday, which included a visit to our friends at Plettengberg Bay Airport. "Hello Plet. - Thanks for an absolutely brilliant experience" from both, who had a fabulous flight.
Jan. 2005
SA Flying
There's only one "problem" with flying in South Africa ... where to look next. In a land of stunning scenery, remembering to keep a vigilent lookout demands full concentration. A detour to Plettenberg Bay Airport was called for at then end of another day of sightseeing. Dick, the CFI at Outeniqua Flight Training Academy, was wrapping up the paper work at the end of another busy day, but seemed to have all the time in the world to answer visitor queries. "Yes, we have a couple of slots available tomorrow morning" he answers to my predictable question, "can you be here for 8.00". Could I what !. Myself and son Mark arrived at 07.30 next morning to find that Flight Instructor, James had already done the preflight. A Pitts Special ZS-MZN, had already landed and was preparing for its next sortie. We boarded the 172, held whilst a microlight landed, and were in the air at 8.00 - struck by the lack of formalities, ATC or yellow vests. This lot are focused on flying for fun. As if to prove it, we were at around 800ft and over the shoreline when the Pitts called - "Do you guys mind if we come around on your left wing ?". "Just leave place for me to open the door" I joked, but I thing he took me seriously - check this out. "Shouldn't we be upside down in the southern hemisphere" - my Pitts friend was happy to oblige as he rolled over beneath the 172. All to soon, the private air show was over and we continued the tour west along the coast from Plettenberg Bay to George. Along the way we contacted George ATC who kept us informed of flight activities around Knysna and Wilderness, an area of intense microlight and paraglider flying. All too soon, it was time to reluctantly return to the field after 75 minutes of magical flying. Thanks to CFI Dick and James, our instructor for an unforgettable flying experience in perfect weather conditions. And the cost - approx. 90 euro/hr for a mint 172.
Footnote: Before boarding the plane home, I was browsing the magazine shelves at the airport when I came across the January 05 edition of African Pilot. It features the Pitts display team of Dennis Spence and Neil Trollip (ZS-MZN and ZS-MZX) and describes their 7 day journey from SA to to the 2004 Nairobi Wilson Airshow in Kenya at the end of November.
PS. Dick tells me that their school is popular with students from the Northern hemisphere who enjoy learning to fly in glorious weather (it does get windy though). They provide fasttrack training up to ATPL - contact Dick via e-mail at flyplett@yahoo.co.uk or herkybird382@yahoo.co.uk for details. Its inexpensive by our standards and the South African "experience" is one not to be missed - add an extra week or two to see some of the country.
