For
reasons of which we are all aware Wednesday was somewhat subdued anyway
but the heat and deteriorating weather didn’t do much to lift the
spirits. Flying instruction continued apace but with ten minute circuits
being the norm there was a lot of scampering around to retrieve gliders
from all parts of the field with the wind varying from straight down
the field to , mostly, a 90degree cross wind and from time to time a
weak tail wind. Some private gliders joined the line displaying
admirable determination and optimism and indeed Pete S and Matt
disappeared for a couple of hours to find a convergence front out to
Crewkerne… the others didn’t!
The
Wiley Old Bird put his hanky away just after mid day and did the
longest local flight at 42 mins in R37 but cloud base was below 2000ft,
grey and wispy, and of no help at all in identifying lift. Those of us
who stumble about until we bump into a thermal and then fly in
optimistic circles on the basis that 60% ‘up’ and then 40% null or
‘down’ is some sort of result came into our own. One pilot, retreating
to the security of the club Junior, managed 36 minutes in this fashion;
and I know dear reader, for I was that pilot!
Finally,
at the end of the day, CFI Pete held an informal chat about the
previous weeks incident. Peter has a gentle, clear authority backed by
years of experience and accumulated wisdom. His observations were
reassuring and helpful to those of us who were there. I’m sure members
will be conscious of the pressure he will be under at the moment and
will wish to offer him support as needed. - TJ
When Matt and I launched the clouds off the South ridge already had that scrappy sea air appearance about them and the broken climbs and reducing cloudbase confirmed that. We persevered until we had enough height to push North to where there were still 'proper' thermals and by the time we had climbed to about 3000' agl the sea breeze, now quite well established, had caught us up at Culmstock. Fortuitously it was oriented pretty much West-East in line with the Club 100 task TIVerton-CRewKerne so off we went. We followed the energy line from Culmstock to Tiverton and then to Crewkerne without stopping to turn - not at great speed as the line was a bit broken. Matt went on to Yeovil and then realised that the sky behind us was quickly deteriorating so he came back and we returned to North Hill along a much scrappier front and routing via S.Taunton which is where the front was now lying. An interesting little flight.- PS
When Matt and I launched the clouds off the South ridge already had that scrappy sea air appearance about them and the broken climbs and reducing cloudbase confirmed that. We persevered until we had enough height to push North to where there were still 'proper' thermals and by the time we had climbed to about 3000' agl the sea breeze, now quite well established, had caught us up at Culmstock. Fortuitously it was oriented pretty much West-East in line with the Club 100 task TIVerton-CRewKerne so off we went. We followed the energy line from Culmstock to Tiverton and then to Crewkerne without stopping to turn - not at great speed as the line was a bit broken. Matt went on to Yeovil and then realised that the sky behind us was quickly deteriorating so he came back and we returned to North Hill along a much scrappier front and routing via S.Taunton which is where the front was now lying. An interesting little flight.- PS
