Tuesday, July 4th 2023
Report from Kaz:
Alan flew for 3hrs 4mins in the 1-26. A new personal record for him and the club sailplane daily record. Congratulations Alan. Pilots reported weaker thermals earlier in the day. Thermals seemed to be more effective at 1p-1:30p.
I was stuck on the ground. I towed the Cirrus out and as I turned onto the taxiway crossing runway 25, the tire inner tube went completely flat. The Cirrus requires a Schroeder valve extension to fill it with air. It would not hold air for more than 20 seconds. With the screw on extension, it was risky to move the wheel while attached given the amount of force required to get it on a Grob dolly. It could easily damage the wheel or axle assembly. We tried a few different ideas, but decided that was the best solution after baking in the sun. With careful coordination and much sweat, the Cirrus is back in the hanger, but not without balding and melting a wheel dolly wheel on the hot taxiway and ramp. I think I appreciate everything Mark does a bit more now. Thanks Ben, Martin, and others for the help. Thanks Mike and John for towing. Thanks Alan for helping with instruction.
