While we still aren’t quite there yet on all of the procedures needed to safely conduct dual flights, we did take a few steps in the right direction this weekend.

Three instructors – Bill, Alasdair & Charlie flew the 1-26, each getting some nice soaring flights. So we are working through getting the instructors current in gliders again (and therefore legal to conduct check flights), a necessary step before we can proceed to any Phase II opening. Swapping out also gave us the opportunity to work through our cleaning procedures for hand-over of equipment. Progress.

2-33 Assembly next on the list.

With VT allowing limited reopening of recreational activity businesses and non-profits (us) subject to their Play Smart Play Safe rules, yesterday saw the first day of operations under Phase I of NESA’s reopening plan. Phase I reopening is providing tows only for privately owned gliders.

We did 12 tows and everyone was able to get good multi-hour soaring flights self isolating in single place sailplanes. It’s a start. Thanks to all who showed up, Played safe and got the season started.

So, private ship owners, come on out and fly. Everyone else, hang tight – we will be monitoring the situation under Phase I for at least two weeks and will post updates whenever we determine that we can safely move to Phase II.

Weather permitting NESA will begin Phase I of its reopening plan with limited operations this weekend towing private ships only.

Everyone must wear a mask, observe social distancing guidelines and check in with the Health Officer for temperature and health questionnaire screening upon arrival. If we do not yet have you VOSHA training completion certificate on-file you must bring a hard copy with you.

Sorry no Spring check rides, dual instruction or club ship flying available as yet.

Please review the Club Rules and the Vermont rules and wear a mask if you are coming. Remember Vermont recreation reopening is limited – Arrive, Play (fly), leave. Please do not show up to socialize with fellow club members.

We are beginning cautiously, but we are beginning 🙂

The official decision has now been made to postpone the WSPA seminar until 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation. NESA looks forward to hosting the 2021 event.

Links to VT reopening guidance and required VOSHA training program, together with NESA’s phased re-opening plan and COVID related operating procedures have been added to the Member Resources section of the website:

Member Resources Page

The page is password protected. Use the same password you would for logging into the Instruction & volunteer sign-up logs etc. (N-number of Yellow 2-33).

All – Invoices went out today for SSA Dues for everyone renewing through the club under the SSA Chapter renewal program.

This years renewal period is 7/1/20 through 6/30/21. Those of you that joined the club more recently than last June or are participating in the chapter renewal for the first time and had an existing SSA membership expiring after 6/30/20 will see a prorated charge (rather than a full year) bringing your new renewal date to the 6/30/21.

The club must remit payment to the SSA to arrive by 6/5/20 to ensure all renewals are processed before expiry. We ask therefore that you please remit your payment promptly (by the 5/20 invoice due date) as for cash flow purposes we prefer to have received funds before having to remit funds to the SSA. Thanks for your help.

Regrettably, together with VAAC we have had to make the decision to cancel this years ACE camp.

VAAC annual event insurance is due this month in the amount of $1,500. With the Burlington camp already cancelled and only one camper (understandably) signed up for the Springfield camp, we are nowhere near breakeven numbers and would need to start laying out cash.

While we hate to cancel it would be unfair to deplete all our funds/donations received on a camp which may end up with only a handful of participants. The team has therefore decided to preserve funds for next year with the hope of being able to serve a full quota of campers next time around.