Michel Geurts recently completed his first solo.
Congratulations Michel.

Michel
Instructor Darryl Montgomery has done most of Michel’s flight training so far, taking him from ‘initio’ (“nah mate, not from Initio, he’s always been at The Oaks”) to solo.

Darryl and Michel, both happy
For both of them, there’s a lot to reflect on, a lot of satisfaction. A first, but very significant step.
In other club news, spare a thought for Phil Brown. His dad has had a stroke. He seems to be recovering well. Phil is under a lot of pressure with the HSC, work and flying commitments.
We are all under an increased workload at the moment. We have greatly increased insurance commitments, together with costs associated with the new Foxbat, and trying to allocate flight and instruction time fairly and within reason.
Our number one trainer, 5356, is basically supporting all this, so we are very careful in where it goes and what it does.
In addition, Arthur Armour in Taree and Joe Newham our president have been flat out organising parts, paint, what to do, what various inspections mean.
The important thing to remember is that everyone plays a part. We are a club, not a for-profit company. The idea is that if we all put in what we can from our talents, others will help where we can’t. While nobody is indispensable, every individual matters and makes a difference.
You can’t place a price on what you do and say, “that is my bit, I deserve quid pro quo.” The truth is, none of us really realize what we get in return. We are blind to our blind spots, our companions politely, silently, mostly cheerfully work around our foibles and forgive our sins. We, in turn, have to hope what we give comes back in some way.
So when you come for a flight, ring up, or come for instruction, remember you are dealing with a fellow volunteer. You too can play your part.
Sometimes a helpful word, a thoughtful deed can make all the difference. No great shakes; start off by just seeing how the club works, go to a couple of meetings, stay back after your flight and ask if there’s anything you can do. Be on time, early to do pre-flights.
Be attentive. Be respectful. Be grateful.
It takes a lot of effort to get and keep planes flying, a lot unseen.
You can see the results, when you step back. How among us would be flying today but for the dutiful attentions of our instructors?
The gift of flight is a joy that is doubled in the sharing.
Hopefully, next week will see a rant free post
Meanwhile Michel, here’s to you.

Michel

Up, up and away
Update: My apologies to Michel on incorrect spelling of his surname.