Gliding on to a world record

"Christchurch pilot Terry Delore [was] elated after breaking the world gliding record by 100 kilometres, travelling 2400km before landing in Omarama... He and his passenger John Kokshoorn spent 11 hours in a plane he bought from Steve Fossett."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3155973/Gliding-on-to-a-world-record
The route as a PDF is available via a link in the article.

Submitted by Jeremy Miller

Heard on ...

Heard on 125.2 MHz; 31/12/2009 4:17 Zulu

• Q931: Melbourne Central, Qantas 931, 20 nautical miles southeast of Eildon, flight level 135, requesting let down to Melbourne.
• MC: Qantas 931 maintain flight level 135 for separation to traffic below. Melbourne Central will contact you shortly with let down.
• Q931: Roger Melbourne Central, maintain flight level 135 for separation. What is the traffic below us?
• MC: Qantas 931, traffic is a pair of gliders at flight level 105 transiting the area north to south.
• Q931: Melbourne Central, say again traffic type.
• MC: Two gliders at flight level 105 transiting north to south.
• Q931: What are they doing here?
• MC: Having fun.
• Q931: Roger.

Heard on 122.7 MHz; 31/12/2009 4:19 Zulu

• Pete: Let’s head south for that next cu ahead.
• John: Lots of rocks and tress below!
• Pete: Yeah, we’re at 10,500 feet, plenty of options available.
• John: Let’s not get low around here.
• Pete: Do you see the Qantas jet above us?
• John: Yeah, looks close. Heading to Melbourne.
• Pete: Let’s stay high and wring these thermals out.
• John: Having fun?
• Pete: Roger.

Thank you

Dear All

Just a quick note to thank everyone at GCV for the hospitality and friendship shown over the past few weeks. Some 60 hours of flying in 8 weeks made the trip worth it (as did missing all the snow at home).

Look after GFZ whilst I'm away and  I look forward to seeing you all again in November.

Regards,
Dave Smith

New arrival

A potential new club member, Willow Erica Ash Penrose was born on Boxing Day, 2009.