First Flight 2010

I believe that each New Year actually begins at sunrise on the first day of January,  not when a clock says midnight...... 

I have no desire at all to start the New Year with my aching head under a pillow, so a New Years tradition that I have followed for many years is to take off at first light, and climb quickly to altitude so that I can greet the rising sun in my aircraft.  Being close to the most eastery edge of Australia, and at altutude, I'm probably the first in the country to see the sun.  I consider that's a real good start to the New Year! 

When the sun does peep over the horizon I open the window and let out a Wa-hoo! to welcome it.

This year the horizon was cluttered with the clouds of an early tropical 'wet' season, but a large clear area right over the airfield allowed access to the 5000 ft limit allowed in this area.  The clouds just added a bit of drama to the scene. 

Then I like to switch the engine off, and glide silently down to practice a dead-stick landing - touched down right on target again this year!

After a start like that I'm ready for anything in the coming year, bring it on! 

Wishing you all lots of great flying adventures in the coming year.

Wa---hoo!!!

JG