Opening Day Report by Tom Laird

A big thanks to all who took the trouble to turn up to the opening day. Thanks to Doug Thornton who travelled from Dundee with the huge Ultimate biplane, Harry West who gave up his time to support us, Alastair Nicol and support tam who had 2 other invitations for yesterday but came to support us with a 1/3rd scale Extra 300, and Alastair Sutherland, Malcolm Harris, Douglas Shepherd, Alex Reaich, and British Nationals aerobatics champion Ian Beveridge who stopped in on his way to Australia. Just watching these guys shows what can be achieved.

We also had a large number of club members plus a number of visitors from the village, as well as some people who were just passing by.

Congratulations to Stuart McLaren for getting a Bronze pass on the opening day. Stuart is our 2nd youngest member and only had his first flight at the SAA's training weekend in August. If you are still learning, I recommend that you move heaven and earth to get to these training weekends.

Although Sunday started off misty with 100 yard visibility, it had burned-off by about 10:30. Malcolm Harris was first in the air about 11:00 and flying continued until about 5 in the afternoon. Our Chairman, Jim McGlynn gave the opening speech at about 1.00 and the official 1^ST flight was done by Stuart McLaren supervised by Douglas Shepherd.

The 1/3 scale Extra 300 of Alastair Nicol and the Ultimate biplane belonging to Douglas Thornton were the biggest planes of the day, both giving spectacular displays. It is easy to see why Doug was well placed in the British Nationals this year.

The fastest planes must have been the laser deltas. These were simply awesome.

Alastair Sutherland gave his Bonanza a good seeing to. I don't think they are supposed to do low, fast inverted passes along a runway. A wheel on top of the fin might come in be useful though : )

Douglas Sherphered and Dave Schuler flew Birdie 40's. These are nice aerobatics style low-wingers and again it was good to see competent pilots put on a good display.

A tremendous amount of work goes into organising opening days and thanks is given to Harry West for dealing with the C.A.A.'s exclusion certificate and the scruitineer tasks on the day.

Toilets were organised, first-aid cover requested, invitations sent out and the site generally made ready to receive visitors. Thanks to all the club members who helped out in this hectic time.

The opening day on the 26^th September was predominately to give the local villagers the chance to come up and see us, and for those who have helped us to get the chance to see the results of that help, and for people to get first chance to fly from a new runway.

Finally, I would like to thank all the visiting pilots and helpers who gave up their time to make this a very successful day and a big thanks also to Scoonie Hobbies for bringing the Pit Stop van along and for the day.