Jindabyne Aero Club Open Weekend 14/15 May 2011 – Seaplane Perspective
Jindabyne Airfield nestled in the Snowy Mountains just above the township of Jindabyne and less than 2 miles from beautiful Lake Jindabyne is the perfect place for amphibious seaplane operations.
The air is clear and cool and the water is fresh and plenty of it. No need for washing salt water out of the aircraft after operating on the Snowy Mountains lakes.
The plan was to fly up to Jindabyne from Cooma Polo Flat on the Saturday morning but the weather had other ideas. The weather was not suitable for any type of flying as 45 kit winds at 5000’ were forecast and it turned out to be accurate. It was always going to be an interesting day as snow was on the ground with more to come during the day.
However, the weather on Sunday was absolutely perfect for all types of flying including seaplane operations – and the big crowd in attendance loved it.
Well over 100 people turned up to the airfield to experience a perfect day of flying. At least 30 aircraft of all shapes and sizes turned up to support the open weekend.
The Foxbat amphibian conducted 9 flights to the lake throughout the day which delighted all the prospective seaplane pilots and plenty of onlookers at both the airfield and on the lake.
The lucky winner of the floatplane TIF raffle prize was Darren McCutcheon who can expect to have his ride in the next couple of weeks.
Barry and Robyn Wrenford spent the morning on the lake taking plenty of photos and video of the Foxbat on the lake.
For more information on seaplane flying visit the Seaplanes Australia website at http://www.seaplanesaustralia.com.au/
