by Robert Dorning

At its meeting on February 19, the GCV Committee took the decision to advertise for sale the Mosquito FQO and the Blanik GEU. This is addition to an earlier decision to advertise the IS28b GVY. The Club therefore will have three gliders on the market at the same time!

The reasons for attempting to sell the three gliders are different in each case, but have a common theme. Each glider is getting long in the tooth for a Club such as GCV and there is a need to upgrade our gliding fleet. It is recognised this could be a protracted process, but it is necessary to take preliminary steps to see what's possible.

IS28 GVY

Following the purchase of the K-21 and closure of the Lilydale satellite operation, GCV owns 5 twin-seaters - 3 IS28S, the Blanik and the K-21. Over the last 5 years and more the Club has operated successfully with 3 twin-seaters. Therefore, in historical terms we are 2 twin-seaters in excess of our needs. With the purchase of the K-21 the Club signalled  its intention to move away from aluminium IS28s to higher performing and lower maintenance FRP twin-seaters.

Blanik GEU

The Blanik was purchased for the Lilydale satellite operation and has been a successful asset. However, since the closure of the Lilydale operation at the end of last spring it has received little utilisation at Benalla. Moreover, its last Form 2 (annual inspection) highlighted major mods would be required in the future and now would be a good time for the Blanik to be purchased by a Club with low utilisation needs. GEU is one of the better Blaniks in Australia

Mosquito FQO

The Mossie has been with the Club for a long time and is need of some TLC. It would not be economical or practicable for the Club to refurbish the glider. Nevertheless, FQO glides and thermals well and is a lovely glider to fly. It could be a good first glider for a young glider pilot, or a syndicate, prepared to put in some effort to bring their new baby up to scratch. The availability of the Corowa Mossie offered a window of opportunity to dispose of FQO without inconveniencing members. Although the Corowa Mossie hasn't been available since it was damaged in an outlanding accident in December, it will be back on-line in April or soon after.

The Committee doesn't have a firm plan for an upgrade of the Club fleet at this stage. There is the expectation a second K-21 would be purchased in the next few years. There is concern about the possible impact on the Club of an economic downturn in the coming year. However, the Committee has begun to think about the possibilities.

An advertisement for the sale of the Mosquito is being prepared and will be placed on the Club Notice Board towards the end of February. Here's your chance.