Following the snow on the Blackdowns on Tuesday night which turned into a slushy mess on Wednesday, and a further load of rain overnight, we were pleasantly surprised to find the field had drained pretty well. With a fairly lively southwest wind, the launchpoint was carefully selected to avoid any muddy patches, and the winch was driven up to the far end - well nearly! Whilst positioning the winch, it decided to find a rather soft patch and sunk up to it's axles, - but the Tractor recovered the situation and after a short coffee break for a shower, a K21 was ready to launch for the small group of Thursday faithfuls.
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| Tom 'Bird's Nest' Sides "This is what I get for giving them an 1800' launch" (Matt W) |
Launches were pretty good to 1800ft and there was some sort of wavey effect mixed in with the rotory thermals, extending all the circuits.The wind was gusting 25knots on the ground and at approx 45knots the glider was stationary in the air. The showers seemed to manage to slip past North Hill, but at lunchtime there was a very nasty gust of wind that sent all the leaves blowing across the airfield. 55 knots was measured on the LPV, but fortunately we had parked the K21 safely.
Anyone using the wheel brake had their landing track measured and critiqued by Pete St.
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| We're having fun...Honest we are! (Matt W) |
Longest flight was Matt and Ian with 36 minutes on the last flight, and they only came down because they thought everyone wanted to go home.
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| The Pawnee is looking resplendent with the red bits newly painted, and will soon be back on line. (Jill) |
As MarkC always says- you have to be there to fly - but where was Mark? (earning brownie points). - J&P
