To start this report I am pleased to announce that the position of Flying Instructor in Charge has been filled. Selection was not easy with a total of six applications being received but after much deliberation by the Selection Committee the application from Steve Yeates for this important position was accepted and Steve will be commencing his duties by the end of November. Many of you already know Steve and I and the Flying Sub Committee are looking forward to working with Steve and Kevin in developing the Flight Training aspect of our Club. Congratulations Steve and thanks to all applicants for their interest.
Whilst on the subject of Flight training the club has put together some Flight training information packages so if you know anyone who is interested in learning to fly contact either Steve, Kevin or myself for information.
The Sunday Flyers trip to Wongan Hills took place on the 24th. October and a Precision Circuit Seminar was held on the 7th. November see articles later in the magazine. Further Sunday Flyers trips and Flying Seminars are planned so check the Flying Activity programme for details and dates and put your name down early as these events are becoming popular.
The club is also considering a display stall at the forthcoming Cunderdin Air Show and it is hoped that the club will be taking both Club Aircraft down on both days so if you want to help or fly down please contact me.
The Northam Airfield redevelopment Group has been active with a site inspection and review of proposals taking place on the 14th. November.
The Committee of the Northam Aero Club has given approval in principal for the proposed Airfield development which will consist of new taxiway, hanger and services corridor development as well as much needed maintenance to the existing runway. Drawings for the proposal will soon be underway together with a programme of works hopefully with construction commencing early next year.
Just a note on Aircraft operation, I have been asked to remind pilots to fill in the Aircraft flight log for each flight to help Joy prepare members flying accounts. I have also been asked to remind Pilots that heavy breaking costs money as we had to recently replace CMP left tyre at a cost of $250.00 due to a flat spot caused by locking the wheels on landing, remember heels on floor as part of finals check and gently does it once on the ground.
Well Christmas is nearly upon us and this year the Club is putting on a Christmas lunch including dessert for $12.00 per head with our young guests under 12 years of age at no charge. It is rumoured that Father Christmas will be arriving by Helicopter this year so please support this Club event which will be preceded by the Monthly Club competition and a flour bombing event so come along on the 12th. December for a great day out.
As always if you have any ideas or suggestions to help or improve your Club please let me know.

DAVE ROSE





COMPETITION WINNER'S SAY...

November 2004 Instrument-less Circuit Competition

A fine day with clear skies greeted the six competitors who turned out for an instrument-less circuit.
What is worth noting is the relatively small turnouts for monthly competitions. These competitions are a great way to brush up on techniques and the cost is relatively small. Members should not be fearful of others watching them compete - just like most don't worry when playing a game of golf. In my 40 years of flying I have had some pretty poor results, however have been fortunate enough to come first this month with 132 points followed by 125 points and third was 119 points .

Many thanks to Ray & Steve for organising & judging this month's competition.

Ian Berry .



CLUB CAPTAIN REPORT

The day was hot, the wind was straight down the runway when five intrepid fliers took on the elements in the instrumentless circuit competition.
In fact it was two circuits which were required to be flown.
With Steve Yeates in the right hand seat most pilots were able to complete the two circuits without any undue drama and although it was somewhat bumpy in the circuit all pilots managed to enjoy the challenge.
The winner on the day was Ian Berry with the Club Captain second and Errol Croft third.
The next competition will be a flour bombing so pilots please bring a partner to drop the bomb.
CASA approval has been granted for this comp and the air judge will be our instructor so student pilots will be able to participate.
Father Xmas will be flying in after the comp to deliver presents to the ankle biters.

Ray Howell.





WONGAN HILLS TRIP

On Sunday morning the 24th. October 2004 the two Club Cessna 172's loaded with B.B.Q. packs, salads and bread rolls and accompanied by Claude's Jodel and Brian's Jabiru departed Northam Airfield bound for Wongan Hills.
Enjoying the fine weather and light variable winds for the short trip Nine Northam Aero Club pilots arrived on the newly sealed runway 25 at Wongan Hills to be greeted by Keith Betty and friends. Keith had also organised some of the local pilots to fly in with the eventual total of 9 Aircraft and some 24 people attending the Fly In.
Keith had transported some magnificent outdoor settings that he had made himself from unwanted wooden packing cases and a B.B.Q. to the Airfield and set them out under the shade of a stand of Gum trees overlooking the strip, what a great setting it was! Keith and his family also volunteered to cook for everyone and made sure everyone was fed and watered.
After the B.B.Q. lunch and the normal flying talk we all inspected the magnificent Tiger Moth owned and flown in by Peter Millsteed prior to departing for Northam Airfield arriving in time to put the Aircraft away and have a few well deserved drinks at the Club.
The day was enjoyed by all who attended and it was unanimously agreed that it should be done again soon with the addition of an enroute mini air trial followed by a spot landing.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Keith for his support and help in making this the first of what I hope will be many Sunday Flyers events a great success.

Dave Rose





7TH. NOVEMBER 2004
FLYING SEMINAR

COMPETITION PRECISION CIRCUIT

If you have not flown for some time and look longingly every time a light aircraft flies overhead or wonder what competition flying is all about or just simply wish to improve your circuit procedures this is the seminar for you.
The seminar will be conducted by our Instructor Kevin Lathbury and will consist of a full briefing followed by circuit airwork with Kevin in the right hand seat to advise and monitor procedures.
The seminar will be followed by a B.B.Q. and chat session.
The cost would be approximately $60.00 each depending on total flying time and will include a B.B.Q pack.
To attend the seminar please phone either myself or our Club captain Ray Howell to register.
Looking forward to your support on this the first of many future activities.

Dave Rose




FLYING ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR 2004 -05

November
7th.. Competition seminar.
14th. Monthly Competition.
26th-27th. W.A.L.A.C. at Murrey Field.

December
12th. Monthly Competition and Christmas lunch.

January
9th. Monthly Competition.

February
13th. Monthly Competition.
20th. Sunday Flyers (Rottnest run).

March
13th. Monthly Competition
26th-27th. Cunderdin Air Show

April
10th. Monthly Competition.
24th. Sunday Flyers.

May
8th. Monthly Competition.

June
12th. Monthly Competition.
25th. Annual Dinner