Another cold north-easterly day, but the Thursday regulars were all keen to fly. Two K21s and a Junior were walked up the field, -thanks to Pete St and team for getting the Junior KHA out of the workshop promptly after its Annual. There was top cover cutting off the warmth from the sun, due to an approaching 'warm' front, but there were noticeable gaps in the lower clouds.
After the A/D and Annual maintenance work, it was good to see the Pawnee out on the field again, - thanks to Ian for all his hard work in the cold / damp working conditions.
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| Pawnee waiting for customers (Jill) |
There were a number of check flights and Roger A from Dartmoor GS was briefed to fly the Junior. Just after lunch our first Trial lesson of the year enjoyed an aerotow to 2000ft with Eric. Mark C was trying to drum up some more business for the Tug to explore the gaps in the clouds, when a slight delay for cable repair saw Pete H and Joe take an aerotow and disappear for 47mins - the longest flight of the day.
Ron and Nigel also took an aerotow, and both K21s were above cloud for a while before the front arrived and closed up the gaps, causing controlled descents and landings in some light snow. The top surface of the field started to cut up a little although the temperature hadn't risen much (and the hose was still frozen!)
After walking the gliders back to the hangar, Pete H gave a mini-lecture on wave conditions and why the gaps had closed so suddenly. - J&P
