The second day of our Open Weekend was blessed with glorious weather and a steady stream of visitors to enjoy their first experience of gliding. The four two-seaters were kept busy all day in the light westerly wind.
There was one small glitch when we were forced to bring the old Supacat winch out of hibernation after the Skylaunch developed a problem. Once again Cheryl and the band of club member helpers ran the weekend very smoothly with hopefully a good intake of new members both young and older to come.
A busy family day out |
Meanwhile on the other side of the airfield some of the North Hill Soaring Section aerotowed for todays good soaring forecast. The Club task set today was a 307 km out and return flight to Candover
Church near Lasham.
Five intrepid pilots set off on this task – Pete St (Discus 230), Lisa H (ASW20 LH), Simon M (ASW20 SM), Stu P LS3-17 KMV) and Phil M (ASW20 611). - And just to up the ante JP declared Lasham out and return (322 km) in his SF27, H5.
Five intrepid pilots set off on this task – Pete St (Discus 230), Lisa H (ASW20 LH), Simon M (ASW20 SM), Stu P LS3-17 KMV) and Phil M (ASW20 611). - And just to up the ante JP declared Lasham out and return (322 km) in his SF27, H5.
The tasks were going really well until Gillingham on the return leg where a
huge sea air incursion from the South coast drove them all way North to avoid it
and made for a very difficult final 50 km. Unfortunately Lisa H was downed by the
sea air near Yeovilton. But the remaining five completed 300 km. Henry, who flew from The Park, completed a 100 km triangle and shared a thermal with JP in H5.
But the kudos today must go to Stu P who completed the task, his first 300
in not too easy conditions but he stuck with it and ground out a result, and
also to JP who completed his Lasham task in the SF putting us all to
shame!
Sea air incursion at 1400 |
Many thanks must go to those who have worked so hard over the Club open
weekend and allowed us to go flying, thanks to you
all.
Pete St
Pete St