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Cummins Spinners Fly-In, hosted by Kyneton Aero Club, 24th Nov. 2008. Norm Edmunds of SAAA Chapter 20 Kyneton reporting:
Blue skies and light and variable winds were organised by Allan Barton owner of Cummins Spinners, who was the chief organiser and sponsor of this back to basics fly-in. Over 60 aircraft flew in to Kyneton’s beautifully maintained country airfield in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, just north west of Melbourne.
Aircraft parking was handled mostly as “self service” by attending pilots, with just a dash of assistance by ground radio and Kyneton marshallers where needed. Once the first few aircraft got parked along the east west runway it was pretty obvious where one should go and most pilots needed no guidance at all. Some invited static display aircraft were parked in the main aircraft grass parking area, these included a number of the recreational aircraft dealers with their current offerings of both high and low wing aircraft. A few demonstration flights were taken by interested parties.
Keeping it simple was Allan’s goal – fly-in, have a nice day, eat a few snags, maybe score a trophy, fly home. “Longest Flight” to Kyneton was a dual between two Temora Aero Club aircraft – they can fight it out as to who is hangared further north. A small polished spinner was awarded. Bob Musgrave also scored a trophy for the most innovative luggage box seen – an esky strapped to the floor of his Boorabee ultralight! Bob is an experienced glider guider, but relatively new to powered craft, and this was his first attendance at a fly-in. Allan and his team of judge (yes, 1) just picked a few aircraft that they liked the look of, so having “the best” whatever didn’t really play any favourites.
Speaking of “snags”, Kyneton Aero Club’s Adrian and Bryan kept the BBQ grilling and the sausages sizzling. Again, by keeping it simple with just snags and few other additions, most people are more than happy. Tea and coffee or cold drinks were also available in the clubhouse, happily served by a couple of other aero club members.
The Aero Club Cessna 172 was airborne during the day on several training flights with Michael Bourke, the club’s CFI at the helm. The “M” model 172 has not long ago been refurbished with new leather interior and a new engine about a year or so ago.
Aircraft in attendance ranged from Drifters, Jabirus, Zenairs, RV’s 6, 7, & 10, Tecnams, Storch, CT, GlasStar, Stings, Eurofox, Foxbat, Jodel, Bonanza, Pipers various, Sky Arrow, Cessnas various, a flash fire engine red Giles 202 aerobat, Lightwing, and numerous others too difficult for this scribe to recall. Oh, yes, one Corby Starlet too – that one with the wild Russian “Splinter” paint job and markings. Okay, okay, yeah, it’s mine. (gotta milk it for all I can!)
All in all, a great day, great food, great people, great aircraft. Allan Barton is to be congratulated for having the right amount of mojo to make it happen, and likewise, Kyneton Aero Club members should be proud of their club and airfield, which would have to be one of the tidiest airstrips around the Melbourne area. Much work by the members goes into it, that’s for sure.
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