Whispering Palms

Whispering Palms
BITTERWASSER NEWS 28
-
May 2008
Updates for Bitterwasser’s friends
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Editing: Angelika Gleich
Dorfstr. 7
D - 63741 Aschaffenburg
Tel: 0049 – (0) 6021 4 68 57
Fax 0049 (0) 6021- 40 10 91
E-Mail: Angelika.Gleich@gmx.de
======================================================================================
Bitterwasser on the Internet:
www.bitterwasser.com
Telefon in Bitterwasser: 00264 – 63 265 300
Fax in Bitterwasser: ....00264 – 63 265 355
E-Mail Bitterwasser: bitterwa@mweb.com.na
======================================================================================
Foreword:
Angelika Gleich
I am sure you have noticed that the Whispering Palms comes out only once a year! A few readers
already asked me in autumn and winter about the ‘latest’ edition. It has fallen ‘victim’ to our wonderful, up
to date homepage where one can read all the important and interesting news. Nevertheless, I am happy
to see that the newsletter is missed and I thank all those who contributed to this Whispering Palms.
2007/2008 was again a record season. We would have needed more than double the number of flag
masts in order to represent all the nations present during our Bitterwasser flying season! It was
unbelievable seeing all the pilots from around the world who had come to Namibia in order to fly. Many
fulfilled their dream to come to Bitterwasser for the first time and almost all of them want to come again.
Are there still passionate gliders who have never heard of Bitterwasser? The season now begins end of
October and in the middle of February there are still pilots who still enjoy flying in Bitterwasser. The list of
the flown thousands and the country and world records again speaks for itself. With so many pilots,
planes and stretches flown there were of course a few mishaps, one or so outlandings and an accident.
Thank God that nothing serious happened!
It is worth mentioning that Bitterwasser is not only interesting to pilots as you will see in the article from a
pilot’s wife. Have fun with the reading!
Many thanks , that this Whispering Palms is again available in English, translated by a Zambian friend
living near Aschaffenburg.
If you are getting it through the post, even though you have an email address, it would be nice if you
could inform me via email. This will save us postage costs.
Have fun reading!
1
Bericht aus dem Verwaltungsrat
Lydia Casper, President
Bitterwasser can look back to a wonderful season starting from beginning of November to midFebruary. During this period we also hosted 80 guests at the lodge. Even with the 4000
overnight stays our guests were well taken care of. In spite of the large number of guests
Christine made sure, calmly and discretely, that each one of them felt individually cared for.
There was a relaxing massage on offer. The pilots and their companions treated themselves to a
massage and some spoiling under the competent care of Eva. The Bitterwasser team wishes to
thank our guests for a successful season. It is through our guests, their camaraderie, discipline
in their flying activities and, not the least, the wonderful social evenings, that the incomparable
flair of Bitterwasser is created.
The flying was perfect, without false starts. This was not to be taken for granted with about 45
planes in Bitterwasser. The competent workshop team, Jan, Lutz and Eckard, together with the
guiding team of Martin, JR, Dieter and Coco mastered all the problems. Other than one accident
which, luckily, was not serious there were no other incidents. For this too a big thank you to all
the pilots who contributed to this success.
We were also lucky with weather. Until beginning of January the pan was only a few days under
water and so we did not need the hangar runway.
Besides 145 flights over 1,000kms there were also 2 world and 44 national records. Laszlo
Hegedus managed to fly a 1,250km FAI triangle with a speed of 151,5km/h with his Nimbus 4T,
a world record in the category ‘triangle speed’. Another world record in the women’s category
‘speed over 1,000km triangle distance, 15m’ with a speed of 121,6km/h was flown by Anja
Kohlrausch in a DG800/15m. We take our hats off to them for this wonderful performance.
Last, but not the least, thank you to the Namibian authorities, especially the DCA, ‘Directorate of
Civil Aviation’ and ATC, ‘Air Traffic Control’, who gave us permission for a large flying space and
were always ready to help us when necessary.
Hartmut finally left us. He returned to Germany with Anika in April. Christine who had been
working as assistant manager for a year took over the running of the lodge. During this one year
she has proved to be very efficient and settled in her work in all the areas. Thanks to her
engaging personality and competent management of the personnel, which is considered as the
most friendly personnel in the whole of Namibia, we have again an increase in the number of
guests during the tourist season. Heinke Rust is willing to assist her during peak times and to
play assistant.
We have also found a new partner for round trips and excursions. Up to now working with him
has been positive. It will be possible in the next season to book a day’s excursion at short notice
from Bitterwasser. Almut Riedel, who also speaks German, is willing to give you tips on your
individual tour plan.
The season 2008-2009 is already settled, December is already booked. In September 6
containers will be shipped to Bitterwasser and the places are all filled. The following planes are
available for the next season in November and January: DG800 B, ASH 25M, DG500M , DG505
M, Twin-Astir, Nimbus 3, Ventus, DG 400.
Important Dates:
° Our general meeting is on Saturday, 23rd August 2008.
The invitations will be sent in time with the appropriate enclosures.
° 12th, 13th and 14th September the off-loading of containers
2
Safety first - Safety first - Safety first - Safety first - Safety first
To all plane owners and pilots in Bitterwasser
FLARM is compulsory in the season 2008/09 in Bitterwasser!
This affects all planes in Bitterwasser and Pokweni
We are convinced that in this way safety can be enhanced with less money.
Therefore:
NO FLIGHTS WITHOUT FLARM
Jörg Grothe, Flight Office Bitterwasser
My 1. Thousand km -Flight
Renato Mussio
I was already
sure on the
morning of
02.01.07,
during the
briefing, that I
would manage
the thousand
triangle that
day. I ordered
the palms one
is allowed to
plant if they fly
their first FAI1000km
stretch in their
life in
Bitterwasser.
Actually I
wanted to fly
BitterwasserGamsbergZubergGollschau-Bitterwasser. But as we took our position at the edge of the pan I saw that the clouds
were in a different position and so I changed my task shortly before starting: BitterwasserSolingen (south Gobabis)-Maltahoehe-Gobabis. I started off in my ASH 25 around 11a.m. After
the start there were only few cumuli in the direction Solingen. With 1,200m above the ground I
fought my way forwards and thought that the base would certainly be higher in the evening. After
the turn-point in Solingen I really did not have problems anymore, the thermals were optimal with
wonderful cumuli. But then it became blue and around evening I flew 40km, towards Bitterwaser,
3
in bad air and then out again because nothing stirred. 60km from Bitterwasser I was only 800m
above the ground. This would not have been enough for the home flight. Then I felt a light tug
and still found a Bart, the last one on this evening. With this 2m-Bart I went up again 2900m,
meaning I reached a height of 1000m and
always looking at the time because I should
have landed before sunset. This was
enough. I landed at 19:20 having flown
1,022km at an average speed of
118,5km/h. 20% of the flight was in weak
thermal and low base, 40% in blue thermal
and 40% in optimal thermal. A wonderful
feeling! We celebrated the thousand in a
befitting manner!
N.B.(from the editorial team) : In the
meantime Renato Mussio, who has also
now become a Bitterwasser shareholder,
has not only flown 16 national (Italy)
records but also received a gold medal from
the Namibian Hunting Association. This
was for his bringing down an Oryx in
Bitterwasser with one clean shot.
Bitterwasser will not become a hunting
lodge. But we have to shoot an animal from
time to time because we are only allowed to
have a certain number of animals on the
lodge grounds. This is why the hunter has
to go early in the morning on foot
accompanied by a Namibian hunting
overseer.
Heartfelt congratulations Renato, for your gold medal!
At the same time in Bitterwasser: People from 18 countries!
4
1000 km flights in 2007 / 2008
Datum
11.11.2007
13.11.2007
15.11.2007
17.11.2007
18.11.2007
20.11.2007
01.12.2007
07.12.2007
08.12.2007
09.12.2007
10.12.2007
11.12.2007
12.12.2007
13.12.2007
14.12.2007
18.12.2007
19.12.2007
Pilot
Wilfried Großkinsky
Thomas Mosberger
Wilfried Großkinsky
Berhard Humpert
Wilfried Großkinsky
Wilfried Großkinsky
F.Josef Eder
Wilfried Großkinsky
F.Josef Eder
Jürgen Reuter
Wilfried Großkinsky
Alexander Müller
Jürgen Obladen
Carsten Lindemann
Sascha Costabel
Carsten Hilbrecht
Sebastian Beule
Erich Zanders
Alexander Müller
Bostjan Pristavec
Alexander Müller
Sebastian Beule
Bostjan Pristavec
Rudi Baucke
Makoto Ichikawa
Alexander Müller
Bostjan Pristavec
Guy Bechtold
Guy Bechtold
Bostjan Pristavec
Thomas Mosberger
Sigi Baumgartl
Alexander Müller
Carsten Lindemann
Patrik Fort
Laszlo Hegedus
Max-Bernd Klein
Walter Reis
Geza Molna
Andre Verhulst
Wolfgang Schmalz
Ralph Woodward
Istvan Reti
Alexander Müller
Guy Bechtold
Thomas Mosberger
Botjan Pristavec
Andre Verhulst
Carsten Lindemann
Nobile Corvino
Max-Bernd Klein
Guy Bechtold
Alexander Müller
Istvan Reti
Alexander Müller
Guy Bechtold
Copilot
Werner Jansen
Werner F.Kohler
Werner Jansen
Wilhelm Guggemos
Werner Jansen
Werner Jansen
Rudi Baucke
Werner Jansen
Rudi Baucke
Uwe Förster
Werner Jansen
Rudi Baucke
Klaus Reinhold
Helga Lindemann
Thomas Göller
Georg Unseld
Han Joachim Beule
Andreas Wagner
Rudi Baucke
klaus Seemann
Rudi Baucke
Thomas Göller
Klaus Seemann
Alexander Müller
Rudi Baucke
Klaus Seemann
Edy Dockendorf
Edy Dockendorf
Klaus Seemann
10001100km
1073
Edy Dockendorf
Rudi Baucke
1114
1060
1052
1021
1012
1012
1012
1043
1131
1124
1004
1085
1022
1016
1024
1004
1009
1265
1216
1208
1171
1159
1133
1109
1049
1042
1041
1032
1030
1026
1020
1028
1282
1276
1198
1120
1115
1110
1042
1008
1210
1040
1078
Rudi Baucke
1316
1279
5
130001400km
1003
1007
1082
1047
1051
1021
1013
1040
Rudi Baucke
Edy Dockendorf
klaus Seemann
Genevieve Berger
Helga Lindemann
Bernard Grand
12001300km
1124
1110
Rudi Baucke
Helga Lindemann
Alain Courtial
Peter Szabo
Genevieve Berger
Ester Schmalz
Jean-Renaud Faliu
11001200km
Laszlo Hegedus
Andre Verhulst
Sigi Baumgartl
PalmenTausender!
PalmenTausender!
20.12.2007
21.12.2007
27.12.2007
1159
Thomas Mosberger
Nobile Corvino
Johan Luyckx
Bostjan Pristavec
Istvan Reti
1137
1136
1119
Mario Link
Pieter van den Berg
Ralph Woodward
Bernd Bartmann
Botjan Pristavec
Nobile Corvino
Alexander Müller
Arno Kleinert
Guy Bechtold
Botjan Pristavec
Thomas Mosberger
Christoph Delort d Exea
Arno Kleinert
Mario Link
Klaus Langlüddeke
Mario Link
Christoph Delort d Exea
Walter Eisele
Susanne Schödel
Sigi Baumgartl
Jürgen Reuter
Klaus Langlüddecke
Anja
Christoph Delort d Exea
Jean-Luc Colson
30.12.2007
31.12.2007
Bernard Grand
Tanja Pristavec
Bert Sen. Schmelzer
Jean-Luc Colson
29.12.2007
1196
Joachim Schippers
Jean-Luc Colson
28.12.2007
1269
1266
Genevieve Berger
Jürgen Reuter
Arno Kleinert
Mario Link
Walter Eisele
Susanne Schödel
Werner Hochstrasser
Klaus Langlüddeke
Anja Kohlrausch
Joachim Schippers
Jürgen Klein
Arno Kleinert
Edgar Leip
Klaus Langlüddeke
Mario Link
Bernd Peter Roedel
Sigi Baumgar
Christoph Delort d Exea
Jean-Luc Colson
1049
1039
1037
Brigitte Brüning
Jean-Renaud Faliu
Robert Bartmann
Tanja Pristavec
Bernard Grand
Rudi Baucke
Ingo Zoyke
Brigitte Brüning
Tanja Pristavec
Gilles Navas
Arnaud De
Broqveville
Ingo Zoyke
Rainer Menz
Sifrid vom Berge
Rainer Menz
Gilles Navas
H-U. Wieland
Arnaud De
Broqveville
Sigrid vom Berge
Kohlrausch
Gilles Navas
Arnaud De
Broqveville
Uwe Förster
Ingo Zoyke
Rainer Menz
Peter Hochstrasser
Sigrid vom Berge
Ingo Zoyke
Dennis Leip
Sigrid vom Berge
Rainer Menz
Marga Kuenne
Gilles Navas
Arnaud De
Broqveville
6
1034
1024
1009
1006
1140
1119
1020
1013
1126
1070
1063
1169
1104
1065
1035
1000
1251
1195
1194
1184
1179
1124
1120
1069
1014
1261
1237
1200
1164
1115
1110
1108
1078
1068
1036
1021
1013
1027
1018
1018
1018
1010
1006
1004
1120
01.01.2008
Arno Kleinert
Jürgen Reuter
Christoph Delort d Exea
Carsten Lindemann
Mario Link
Arno Kleinert
Christoph Delort d Exea
Sigi Baumgartl
Walter Eisele
Susanne Schödel
Arnaud De
Broqveville
Jean-Luc Colson
02.01.2008
03.01.2008
04.01.2008
05.01.2008
10.01.2008
23.01.2008
Ingo Zoyke
Uwe Förster
Gilles Navas
Helga Lindemann
Rainer Menz
Ingo Zoyke
Gilles Navas
Anja Kohlrausch
Arno Kleinert
Carsten Lindemann
Christoph Delort d Exea
Sigi Baumgartl
Bernd Peter Roedel
Gottlob Dietz
Juergen Casper
Patrik Dahlman
Anja Kohlrausch
Arno Kleinert
Walter Eisele
Carsten Lindemann
Francois Doyen
Ralph Woodward
Carsten Lindemann
Bernd Peter Roedel
Dahlmann Patrik
Ralph Woodward
Jürgen Reuter
Francois Doyen
Gilles Navas
Martin Kroke
1064
1052
1117
1091
1084
1069
1059
1051
1037
1016
1005
Ingo Zoyke
Helga Lindemann
Gilles Navas
1212
1147
1136
1106
1102
Marga Kuenne
1047
1046
1043
1023
Ingo Zoyke
1106
Helga Lindemann
Ronan Le Du
Gilles Navas
Lutz Henkelman
Marga Kuenne
Gilles Navas
Uwe Förster
Ronan Le Du
1025
1023
1000
1106
1005
1003
1030
1013
1105
1051
1028
1020
Records in 2007 / 2008
date
Pilot
Japan
7 dec
2007
Italian
Record
Italian
Record
Japanese
Record
Belgium
4 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
1 dec
2007
7 dec
2007
7 dec
2007
7 dec
2007
8 dec
2007
9 dec
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Italy
Italy
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Renato
Mussio
Renato
Mussio
Makoto
Ichikawa
Copilot
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Peter
Szabo
Peter
7
Typ
km
km/h
Description
300 km out and
return speed
EB 28
300
167
EB 28
300
121
Ventus 2cxT
500
144
LAK17AT
100
151
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
664
762
760
760
145
528
151
501
160
500km triangle
speed
100 km triangle
speed / Class
D15G
Free out and
return double s.
Free triangle
double s.
Declared max 3
points double s.
750 triangle
speed double s.
500km triangle
speed double s.
500 km out and
2007
Record
Molnar
Szabo
EB27
return speed gen.
and double s.
500 km out &
return, speed /
Class D15G
500 km out &
return, speed /
Class DOG
1000km
triangle,speed
Free 3 turn point
distance / Class
D15G
Free turn point
distance / Class
D15G
Free triangle
double s.
Free 3 tp double
s.
Declared max 3
points double s.
Declared triangle
double s.
750 km out &
return, speed /
Class D15G
FAI triangle
distance / Class
D15G
3 turn point
distance / Class
D15G
Free triangle
distance / Class
D15G
Free 3 turn point
distance / Class
D15G
FAI triangle
distance / Class
DOG
3 turn point
distance / Class
DOG
Free triangle
distance / Class
DOG
Free 3 turn point
distance / Class
DOG
Belgium
12 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
500
155
Belgium
12 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
500
155
13.dec
.2007
Hungarian
Record
Laszlo
Hegedus
Nimbus 4T
1001.
79
144.7
3
13.dec
.2007
Hungarian
Record
Peter
Marosi
Ventus 2cxt
861.5
5
13 dec
2007
Hungarian
Record
Peter
Marosi
Ventus 2cxt
854
13 dec
2007
13 dec
2007
13 dec
2007
18 dec
2007
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Geza
Molnar
Belgium
18 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
750
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1103
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1103
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1111
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1113
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1103
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1103
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1111
Belgium
19 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
1113
Sigi
Baumgartl
Ventus 1cm
15m
1100.
3
FAI triangle point
distance
Sigi
Baumgartl
Ventus 1cm
15m
1100.
3
FAI free trigangle
distance
Free Triangle
Distance FAI
15m female
Distance out and
return
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Germany
Germany
Germany
Hungary
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
Peter
Szabo
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
ASH 25
EB27
1011
1023
1014
1008
19.dec
.2007
German
Rekord
(D15F)
Deutscher
Rekord
19.dec
.2007
Deutscher
Rekord
Anja
Kohlrausch
DG800 15m
910
19.dec
.2007
Hungarian
Record
Istvan Reti
Ventus 2cm
1011.
2
19.dec
.2007
8
113
Hungary
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
19.dec
.2007
27.dec
.2007
28.dec
.2007
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
World
Rekord
Hungarian
Record
Hungarian
Record
Belgium
29 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
Johan
Luyckx
Belgium
29 dec
2007
Belgium
Record
29 dec
2007
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
1016.
66
1011.
2
1261.
09
1253.
89
1253.
89
1253.
89
1253.
89
504.2
6
759.2
7
151.6
2
162.8
9
156.8
3
LAK17AT
750
133
Johan
Luyckx
LAK17AT
750
133
World
Record
(D15F)
Anja
Kohlrausch
DG800 15m
1003
121.6
29 dec
2007
German
Record
(D15F)
Anja
Kohlrausch
DG800 15m
1003
121.6
29 dec
2007
German
Record
(D15F)
Anja
Kohlrausch
DG800 15m
1003
121.6
Germany
Germany
Germany
Istvan Reti
Ventus 2cm
Istvan Reti
Ventus 2cm
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Laszlo
Hegedus
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Nimbus 4T
Bitterwasser 2007/2008
with HB-2256 SGB
Hans-Jörg Schweizer
On Monday 05.11.07, my
friends, Marc Preiswerk and
Peter Jost, and I landed (full of
anticipation and adrenalin) in
Bitterwasser with Peter’s C182
RG HB-CYL from Omaruru via
Sossusvlei. Already as we
approached we noticed a
certain emptiness in the palm
avenue. We found out as we
were received that the
containers had not arrived but
were expected in the next few
days. Marc and I moved into
our living quarters and Peter
returned to his Roidina Safari
lodge in Omaruru about 350km north-west of Bitterwasser.
9
132.0
5
Free distance of
out and return
1000 km out and
return, speed
Free 3 turn point
distance
Declared max 3
points
Free triangle
distance
FAI triangle
distance
1250km
triangle,speed
500km out and
return,speed
750 km out &
return, speed
750 km triangle
speed / Class
D15G
750 km triangle
speed / Class
DOG
Speed over 1000
km triangle
distance 15m
Feminine
Distance over 3
declared
turnpoints 15m
Feminine
Free triangle
distance 15m
Feminine
Afterwards we went to relax at the
pool where we received an sms from
Markus Heitz. Instead of confirming
his arrival in Bitterwasser he informed
us that he had to fly direct from South
Africa to Switzerland because of acute
kidney stones. Having already lost a
friend to the Motor-flying-Safari and a
guest on the DG500M due to illness
one could talk of a real Murphy’s law
series.
The following days did not provide any
concrete answers as to when the
containers would arrive so we decided
to go to Windhoek for 2 days for some
sightseeing and shopping. Finally, on
Saturday 10.11.07 we were woken up
early in the morning by the loud motor
of a big truck. One driver from a
convoy of 5 trucks drove all through
the night from Walfish-bay to
Bitterwasser. The others made a night
rest before starting on their journey of
about 700km. They arrived at about
16:00. After the customs inspectors
had proved that the papers were in
order there followed a bustling activity
of offloading and assembly. The
waiting period and the fantastic
weather had whetted the pilots’
appetite for flying and they all wanted
to take to the skies the following
Sunday.
Marc and I were also ready to fly
Sunday and under the good flying conditions with bases of up to 6,000m we did a few wonderful flights in
the 400-600km segment. In the following narration I would like to talk about our flying at the air show in
Otjiwarongo in detail.
The organizers of the show, which also include charity activities for endangered bird species, had invited
(rather made an appeal) all gliders in Namibia to come to Otjiwarongo so that the visitors to the show
could be acquainted with gliding and be introduced to modern gliding planes as well as demonstrations.
After much persuasion from those in charge of Bitterwasser we, Thomas Mosberger with his Nimbus
4DM and I with our DG500M, decided to take up the invitation and turn the adventure of Friday/Saturday
16/17.11.07 into reality. Otjiwarongo lies north of Windhoek on the stretch to the Etosha Pan with a
distance of about 500-550km from Bitterwasser depending on whether the flight path passing by the TMA
Windhoek will be chosen west or east.
Marc could not accompany me because his return flight to Europe was booked for the weekend. Finding
a replacement was not hard. I convinced Dieter Schwenk, a towing pilot and IT specialist to come with
me. Thomas also found in Rudolf Lachenmann a suitable companion. The plan was to fly over Rehoboth
on the western route towards north on Friday and on Saturday 17.11 back, preferably on the eastern
route. On Friday the weather around Bitterwasser turned dull with considerable cover. We decided to wait
half an hour longer than the planned starting time in the hope of improved weather. We started off shortly
before mid-day and tried to gain height along the western pan.
We only succeeded a little and worked our way up to 2,300 until 2,800m towards Rehoboth. Dieter and I
envied Thomas and Rudolf in the 4DM which was a few kilometres faster and rose 300m higher than us.
Towards Rehoboth the terrain continues to rise which reduced our height from the ground. Still there was
one bright spot: north of Rehoboth. Near the first hills the weather cleared a bit and snatches of sunshine
appeared. The hills were also on the right side of the sun so we could gain height in the strong thermal
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supported by the hang wind. Soon the altimeter was showing more than 3,000m and the tension
gradually reduced. The sun dispersed the cloud coverage so we could expect favourable conditions for
the next 50-100km. A glance at the time showed that we had needed 2 hours for the roughly 100km we
had flown.
In the meantime the 4DM crew had made a considerable lead and we agreed shortly before entering the
controlled air space, i.e., the air way Walvis Bay-Windhoek, to meet so that together we could ask for
permission (as a
package) to fly this
space. The highest limit
in this space is FL 145
and because now the
cover had been
dispersed completely
we wanted to ask for a
flying height of FL 195
for the crossing so that
we could be more
flexible for the next
stretch. Although the
controller was informed
about our coming, the
controller in charge
remained hard and
restricted us to FL 145
with the condition,
“Maintain altitude and
report leaving controlled
space.” Unfortunately,
we also lost contact to
Thomas and Rudolf and
had to rely on ourselves for the continued flight.
On the horizon, 40-50kms, another problem presented itself. The sea breeze, i.e., the Maritime breeze
from the Atlantic, began to extend itself on our route and to create a cloud. Determined to maintain our
height with the ‘best gliding’ we feverishly headed for the few sunny spots in the distance. A flock of birds
helped us on this risky undertaking by showing us the main path. Finally we could notify the controller but
contact with Thomas was still unsuccessful. We assumed that he had reached the better air about 50km
before us.
Carefully, we pushed our way forward and offering each other moral support and suppressing the urge to
push the motor. We still had a height of over 3,000m and the next relief flying places Omaruru Lodge
and Roidina Safari Lodge were not far from the ‘gliding path. With this assurance we flew on, fully
knowing that our target Otjiwarango was still 100km away from our alternates. Thanks to the birds and
the sun which had increased its intensity we managed to (about 40km from our target) reach the landing
height in Otjiwarango in a 21/2 loop. We landed after more than 6 hours of flying and were greeted
cordially by our host. To our astonishment Thomas and Rudolf landed around 20 minutes after us. They
had waited for us in vain, but poor visibility and loss of radio contact made them give up.
The remaining part of our adventure in telegram style:
Friday 16.11.07
° Friendly greetings by the organizers
° Taking care of the planes
° Going to the sleeping quarters
° BB-Q with the circle of flying friends on the flying ground
° Night town outing and back to the hotel
Saturday 17.11.07
° 8:00 breakfast
° Drive to the flying place, viewing the planes and stands
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° Preparing our planes for take-off
° Briefing the pilots and helpers
° From 10:00 flight shows, Helis, private jet, ultra lights, military transporters, air force jet, etc.
° 11:30 Thomas produces his own start, followed by flying over and a stream of water
° 11:45 parallel start from Nimbus 4DM and DG500M
° Return flight over the eastern route, Steinhausen, Gobabis, excellent conditions, base 4,500m, good
ascending performance, but head winds stronger, flying time DG500M 51/2 hours, Nimbus about 1 hour
faster, chosen stretch around 550km.
Pictured, from left; Thomas Mosberger, Rudolf Lachenmann, Dieter Schwenk, Hans-Joerg Schweizer
Conclusion:
Most interesting and educative, widens the horizon and recommended for copying!
The flying achievement of HB – 2256 in Bitterwasser (11.11.07-05.01.08)
Altogether : 51 flights , 250,48 hours, 501 minutes running motor, flown km (with HJS)
around 13,600.
Participants :
SGB-members : Hans Steudler, Domenic –Planta, Felix Kaiser, Hans-Joerg Schweizer,
Markus Heitz (unfortunately, pulled out due to illness)
Guests/PAX: Anita Bellenot, Marc Preiswerk, Jean-Philippe Corsat
At this point we would like to thank all the helpers and colleagues who contributed to the
success of our expedition, heartfelt thanks.
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‘The glider and his engine’
Gottlob Dietz
I had an experience in Bitterwasser on 5th January which I do not want to keep to myself just in case there
are more pilots in Bitterwasser whose principle is:
“A gliding plane only needs its engine to start and very seldom perhaps, to come back home.”
All one needs to pay attention to is that one has sufficient battery voltage and enough fuel. Accordingly, I
made the pre-take-off check: controlled the plane carefully, necessary checks to the engine, to see
whether it was ‘wet’, a lose cable and whether it had compression through spinning.
Then take-off:
The motor run well. I did not brake because I did not want the waiting friendly helpers who had to hold the
wings to wait too long. Acceleration, gaining speed and take-off slower than usual. There was no
constant reading of speed in DEI, instead it showed ‘PE’, that is, tracking problem. I thought it was an
electrical fault because the I-pack had already stopped on two other flights. The take-off was only
proceeding slowly. The DEI sometimes showed speed (too low), and then again PE. Later take-off, as
usual, but still I follow the left circle along the pan. Because I am wearing the head-phones at the start for
the radio link I do not hear any unusual noises.
The plane shows no unusual vibrations. The weak take-off did not disturb me because ascent is always
weak outside the thermal in the engine of the DG 600. Over the hangar (about 100m from the ground)
the DEI suddenly shows normal speed (6900U/min) and I think, it was of course an electrical problem.
I still can’t explain what happened to the propeller, flange and screws. I fly a full circle over the start point
and come 150m above the ground. Then the reading disappears and the engine doesn’t react anymore
to the accelerating gear!
There is no speed reading showing, a noise from the engine is hard to clearly identify because of the
head-phones. I try to run in the engine.
The propeller will not stop. I thought, the engine does not want to be switched off. Then I decided to land,
this is when I realized how much safety the pans in Bitterwasser offer us. Thanks to pans it’s always
possible to land on level, free terrain. A gliding angle is very bad with landing gear, an engine which isn’t
reacting and a spinning propeller.
A running in was not possible with a spinning propeller, without sacrificing the propeller and the engine
flap.
It was enough for a good landing and on the ground the propeller and engine also stopped. I can’t
understand why it stopped. The propeller hang loose on the hub, all the 6 fixing screws were out! That’s
why it had continued to spin like a windmill. The propeller breaks were also loose! Everything went well
for the plane and pilot. The propeller together with screws and breaks were scrap!
And now come the questions:
What would have happened if this had happened 3 days before when I needed the engine between
Olifant and Nossob? One can only allow fantasy free rein!!
In future I think I will control the engine of my plane better, before embarking and starting.
Equally, I will discontinue the start, if ‘everything’ is not showing a green light.
P/S: Many thanks to Jan, Lutz and Ulrich for putting the plane back into business so quickly.
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Impressions from the first day in Bitterwasser
Thomas Geiger and Sven Hammerstein
We know each other through our
work and had planned for a long
time to once fly in Bitterwasser. In
November we asked if there was a
free plane. We got information from
Lydia that from 8th January 2008 a
week would be possible. We got a
holiday at short notice and flew to
Namibia. We rented a car in
Windhoek and arrived in
Bitterwasser in the afternoon. On
the first day we were tested by
Martin and, happy that we got an
ASH, on the same day flew 41/2
hours. The morning started on a
chaotic note. The plane wasn’t
standing in the palm avenue like all
the others, but ‘on top’ at the hall.
We told the helpers who pull the
planes to the starting point late that we were also there and were waiting for the plane to be brought to
the starting point. When we finally waited at the starting place we had to wait an hour for the towing
machine which was not starting. It was 12:30 until we were in the air.
But we thought: we won’t allow ourselves to be ruffled, we would make the best of the day. We sought
the most beautiful clouds and they helped us. From then on it was a lovely day. We first flew 150km to So
then to Gochas. One always thinks about outlanding possibilities. That was also good, there were many
pans – then certainly…
Actually we wanted to fly west to Helmeringhausen but because there were no clouds there we flew north
shortly before Hannover. It is a beautiful region, for flying a dream, but also very challenging because the
landing possibilities are limited. Most impressive is the amazing visibility, 200 – 300km wide. One sees
the points where one wants to fly even long before one gets there. From Hannover we went back, but
then because it looked so beautiful in the west we flew to Maltahoehe. From there we, 100km from
Bitterwasser, we began descent because we wanted to land. But then we still had 1 hour until dusk , so
we again flew 50km, in spite of our sore backsides, east.
Together this came to 800km, a stretch we have never flown in Germany. Our best Bart was 7m/sec, we
were astonished how high the altimeter went. We found out that one has to be careful because with
speeds one easily reaches the limit.
A thousand almost in a straight flight
Arno Kleinert – Ingo Zoyke
We started off around 11:00 and flew 300km and back, passed Bitterwasser towards Rehoboth. Already
100km before Bitterwasser one could see a good line, about NS. It was a clear line, around 10km broad,
between two wind directions. On one side was the west wind and on the other the east wind. The west
was blue and the east relatively good. The best climbing performance was on this line Rehoboth –
Gochas. We actually could fly in a straight stretch. We turned at Rehoboth and flew towards Gochas and
back, again a little stretch over Rehoboth and back to Bitterwasser. In just under 9 hours we flew 1175km
with an average speed of 135km/h.
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Thank you Jan, for the super service!
Patrick Dahlmann, Sweden
One evening, when landing, I
noticed that the spur wheel had a
flat tyre. It isn’t difficult to
replace, but then one needs it
and I couldn’t have done it. Jan
did it in 10 minutes before
breakfast the next day – thank
you very much.
Left picture: Patrick by his plane
Good humoured helpers in flying business
A. Gleich
They know already
what to do. After
briefing in the
morning they are
ready to pull the
planes to the starting
place, at our round
pans this can be 4 –
5km, depending on
the wind direction.
They help with the
start, drive private
cars back to the
bungalow and then
wait for the landing
machines to bring
them back to their
‘parking place’. Thank
you very much!
Picture, from left: Jeremias, Friedrich, Michael, Lazarus and Andries.
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Bitterwasser
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Bitterwasser is not only interesting for glider pilots
Ursula Gimmler
Even as a non-glider I have always felt at home and integrated (my sixth visit now) in Bitterwasser. Like
in previous years I’ve done a lot of walking in the morning in the pans without a single soul in sight. Later
in the day often towards the dunes, but also towards Jena lodge. This time my shoes survived the treks
without having holes in them.
Often I returned to the camp with a lot of
questions about what I had seen. I got my
answers from Heinke, reference books,
interested gliders or, when it became tricky, from
Hartmut with his extensive knowledge of plants
and animals. Maybe it was due to the weather
that many pilots this year were willing to help and
answer questions instead of only being interested
in gliding. One could see this from the evening
conversations where not only gliding was
discussed, even though this would have been the
natural thing to do.
The four pictures remind me of such
conversations. The first is the cactus. Herman had discovered two specimen between start 27 and 31
and drawn my attention to them. That was two or three years ago. We found that it (cactus) is called
Hoodia and is edible. Even the San and Nama eat it (against hunger and thirst). For some time now the
pharmaceutical industry has shown interest in the plant and what’s known about it. Shortly after our
arrival Herman, who of course sought out the plants again this season reported that one plant was
completely spoilt and a second had no flowers. That was somehow sad. But beginning of January, after
heavy rain, small buds sprung up and in a few days the cactus was
adorned with beautiful flowers.
The second picture shows an amarylis. I saw these two years ago behind
start 36 near the wild fence. Last year and this year I found the plants but I
didn’t see them in bloom again. Last year there were many amarylis
bushes, up to the edge of the
pan, which sprung up after
the rains, but they were
without flowers.
In the third picture are my
friends, the sand crabs. They
crawl out of the ground as
soon as it has rained, even if
just a little.
There are many of them on
the way in front of the dune
fence. It’s fun to watch them.
If I’m right about my observations, they are cannibals.
The fourth picture was a result of a discovery from Herman.
After the heavy rains towards Christmas there was a lot of
water and mud and in the mud one could see a shimmering
pink mass. There were shells which had been shed off and
wriggling small worms and also those still in their shells. I
think one can see that relatively well in the picture. This time
Hartmut was the one to help us. He had seen something
similar in Bitterwasser after the long rains. He was lucky
then to have a guest in the camp who was an expert. He
told Hartmut that these creatures were time crabs, so called
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triops. They come out after rain
to breed and disappear again
when it becomes dry. In between
they provide adequate food to all
kinds of birds, just like this time.
In any case the water and mud
was full of these creatures. It
was so fascinating that even
guests who normally would not
be interested in such things
trekked to see this sight.
Equally welcome guests this
year were two antelope which
rather unconcerned wandered
between the bungalows.
Something new for us was the
owl couple with its young ones
which fascinated Ella after she
discovered them. As one can see it’s no exaggeration when I say we came back with lots of wonderful
pictures with the few new discoveries from our 10 days’ tour through Kaoko land. We also came back
with a few ‘kilos’, and here there is no difference between gliders and non-gliders, for who could resist the
fresh bread at breakfast and the varied evening buffet? Therefore, at this point, many thanks to all the
players, including those behind the scenes, for their efforts.
Knowing relatively certain that I won’t be going to Bitterwasser in the way I’ve done in the last years, I
only wish that there will always be people who will ensure, through their personal contribution, that this
oasis is safe-guarded.
Even for lovers of nature Bitterwasser is a paradise!
Ella Rickert
One lives with the animals, birds, beetles, in the middle of
nature without having to leave the place. The day begins
with the rabbits who find the green grass in front of the
bungalows particularly tasty. In the evening light one can
see their red lit ears. Your heart beats full of joy when you
see four rabbits hoping and romping on the grass.
During the day six shy bush babies come to feed in front of
the window. It is wonderful to watch these little animals
(25cm) sitting on their bushy tails like a portable umbrella
and a pod in the front paws. The 5 sheep which come daily
with their lambkins eat a lot of pods. Our efforts are
rewarded, not only do they eat out of our hand, but they
also let us stroke them. Where as with the others they run
off in fright if you try to get close to them. Even the
watchful geese greet you with a loud cackle and are
happy about the fresh grass and cabbage leaves.
With some luck one sees red-haired Mangusten or a large
wild cat in front of the greenhouse. A black and white
skunk explores the area around the restaurant.
The bird world is especially well endowed here. The
biggest attraction are the owls: one startles them by
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mistake, admires them in flight and one radiates joy when they allow themselves to be photographed.
The most colourful bird is the pink parrot with all the colours of the rainbow, a real wonderful sight to
behold. Equally cheeky like the sparrow is the Maskenbülbül with red-ringed eyes. The most industrious
nest builder is the lemon yellow Maskenweber. If his partner doesn’t like the nest he has built then he
brings it down and starts to build
it all over again.
After the ‘good’ rains the water in
the pan attracts other birds: redbeaked ducks, a few storks, 2
marabous. Every day one makes
acquaintance with lizards,
geckos and blue heads. They
not only run over your way or on
a tree or shrub, they also sit in
bird nests and often pose for the
camera before disappearing. It’s
a lot of fun to follow the life at the
lodge with a good telescope.
If one makes a trek into the
savannah or the dunes one is
happy to see passing antelope,
flying hens and Trappen, kudus,
oryx and ostriches.
The most exceptional things
here is the infinite expanse of space, the stillness. One can turn 360 degrees on ones axis and see only
the sky and the ground which is only separated by a straight line of the horizon. It’s only you and nature,
no house, car or human being. The fascinating picture of the Kalahari is described in 5 colours: red sand
path, bordered by gold-yellow grass and green trees which lead to the sky with snow white clouds. What
more could one wish for? Only still a spectacular sundown and in the night over 30 cactus flowers ( a kind
of Queen of the night, see picture on the previous page).
Latest from Hoachanas Children Fund
Angelika Gleich
The children, parents and
teachers say thank you to all the
guests and share-holders of
Bitterwasser lodge who finance
school fees or uniform of their
children through their sponsorship
or those who support a soup
kitchen through their donations.
Many guests, pilots and shareholders want to thank the country
for the unique experience they are
offered through their flight over
Namibia or driving through this
wonderful expansive country.
Picture, right: giving out of food at
the Black Forest soup kitchen.
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In the school year 2007 for 350 Euro each there was a so called Bitterwasser day once a week, a wellbalanced meal during break, in the schools and kindergarten. Because we didn’t receive enough
donations for 2008, this year only the pupils in the 10th class will receive a meal 4 times a week after
afternoon coaching in the school. For this 75 Euro donated money will be handed out weekly. The pupils
and teachers of P.J. Tsaitsaib school say thank you very much! They all hope that this coaching will help
more pupils to pass their school leaving exam.
There is a Black Forest soup kitchen! Wolfgang and Esther Schmalz, gliding instructors from Black Forest
and share-holders in Bitterwasser Pty. have been engaged for many years with the children in
Hoachanas. They have sponsored children and give additional donations for the different projects. On his
50th birthday Wolfgang requested for donations, in place of gifts, for needy children in Hoachanas, many
of who don’t get a meal daily. A Black Forest soup kitchen was started where 10 children get a warm
meal daily. Many heartfelt thanks for your big hearted generosity.
There is also now a children’s day care centre funded by HCF, where orphans get 3 meals daily: before
school breakfast, after school lunch and in the evening supper. The
centre was built with funds from an Aschaffenburg businessman,
but for the financing of the meals we are relying on donations: 500
Euro is needed to feed one child 3 meals daily for a whole year.
All donations will be used 100% for the donation’s aim (food, school
fees, pots, cutlery and crockery…). Not one cent for transport costs,
administration or something similar. It would be a wonderful thing if
you too could support the project through a donation! Transfers
from 200 Euro will be issued with a contribution receipt (before a
donation receipt) from the German-Namibian society (DeutschNamibischen Gesellschaft, DNG), please give your address. Up to
200 Euro the bank slip will be accepted by the tax office.
Further information: www.hoachanas.dngev.de
Dresdner Bank Duesseldorf
For transfers from abroad:
Account no. 21 13 50 820
IBAN: DE90 3008 0000 0211 3508 20
Bank code: 300 800 00
S.W.I.F.T : DRESDEFF300
Beneficiary:
DNG-Hoachanas
Picture above: The 2 girls share
food, in this way both are happy as one can see!
Would you like to see the view
Over the edge of the pan and further at one time?
Perhaps, would you like to make a gliding holiday in Bitterwasser and to combine it with a Namibia
experience trip?
Bitterwasser Lodge and Flying Centre works together with Afri Xperience Tours and offers:
° Day excursions from Bitterwasser
° Namibia round trip according to choice with a guide
° Fly-in Safaris
Afri Xperience Tours is a Namibian travel company which puts a lot of premium on personal care for its
customers, flexible tours and especially well planned tours (goal-oriented tours).
For further information or travel advice contact:
Almut Riedel on info@afrixperience.com or tel.: +264 61 302 994
Or visit the website: www.afrixperience.com
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