In spite of the magnificent weather and a fully operative fuel bowser, we were able to host a fun-filled mini-comp and celebrate the end of the year.  Four competitors slugged it out in the box, flying Sportsman and Intermediate sequences specially designed by Captain Yak, making the most of stress-free competition conditions and providing an opportunity for a team of members to learn and hone their judging skills.

It was wonderful to see so many members out at Watts Bridge doing what the AACQLD is all about – flying, judging, and talking aerobatics, and the camaraderie on the day was fantastic.

The Mini-Comp results were:  1st. James Weightman,  2nd. Hayden Pullen,  3rd. Martyn Woodhouse,  4th. Steve Kennedy.

It was a great day, and the November mini-comp will definitely be on again next year. After the flying was over, we even pulled some more aircraft out of the hangars for a photo shoot. Once the aircraft were packed away in their hangars, much to the delight of the younger members, Santa arrived on his annual visit to Watts Bridge.

The trophies were presented to the State Competition Champions in front of a group of thirty-two members and guests including, for the first time, the Rory Blanning Trophy won by Sam Pengilly for the highest percentage score achieved by a first-time competitor. The Tony Gordon Trophy was presented by Chief Judge Russell Sneyd to Rob Crass.

Dinner was prepared by Shan and the team from the Toogoolawah Hotel (the one in the middle of town!) who put on a 3-course spread of nibbles, roast meats and desserts, just the thing after a hard day of flying and judging. The conversations continued long into the night, maybe looooonger for some than others, but that’s why we are a club and a good reason to come up and stay overnight next time.

Thank you to Russ Sneyd for the sequences, Mark Foy for arranging the catering, Liz for keeping it all on track and everybody who attended to make the weekend such a  success.

Rob Crass – AAC QC President