A modest number of members
turned up first thing today, no doubt the forecast of showers arriving
in the early afternoon putting some off. Spring is definitely in the
air if you're an optimistic sort. Those setting off from deepest
darkest Devon now do so in the light, and the view from the clubhouse
definitely looked 'spring like' this morning. That was until you
stepped outside the door and the full force of the west/south west wind
could be felt. People could be seen retreating to the clubhouse at
various times for additional clothing. That or bacon butties.
As well as spring, love
was also in the air today. John P and Matthew W could be found doting
over their beloved SF27 'Sophie', prepping 'her' for the days flying.
Oscar was also busy doting over his new romantic interest. They could
be found taking a tour of the field together looking for sheep, towing
gliders, offering to carry out cable retrieves, hanging out together at
the launch point (slightly separate from everyone else) and generally
finding any excuse to be alone. Hopefully he'll be ready for the
inevitable heartbreak experienced at the end of most teenage romances
when the lovely Gator gets returned.
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| Oscar driving the Gator, and horizontal windsock (Mark E) |
After some discussion as
to the best place for the launch point on a soggy field, all the toys
were set up and ready to go. Ron J and James H began the days
instruction. Matthew W could barely disguise his disappointment as he
narrowly missed out on a half price launch. This was soon forgotten
after his first flight lasted 90 minutes, and he declared it his 'best
flight at North Hill'. Conditions were described as 'sporting' with
some ridge lift helping to generate thermals and also some possible
'rotor' making for some challenging flying. Most people were managing
extended flights (unless your glider was suffering from the 'flappy
sellotape' bug) meaning the hardy souls on the ground had a much reduced
workload. John P returned the club Junior, and hopped straight into
'Sophie' to show Matthew how it's done . .
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| Chair - Lisa and Vice-Chair - Stu (Lisa) |
Simon L and Paul S had
the privilege to carry out today's trial lessons. Lukasz
and David seemed to enjoy their experiences, after their weather cancellation yesterday and they will be back, they have also booked on a course later in the year.
A
brief stop for lunch, and with the forecast rain optimistically judged
to be passing to the North of us, Simon M joined the launch point in his
own glider. The wind had picked up, and strong lift could now be
easily found. These conditions were enjoyed for an hour or so. The
dirty looking rain clouds could be observed to the north west, but they
weren't getting closer . . were they? Even if they were, they appeared
to be quite a distance away. For those in the air, this train of
thought was interrupted by a radio message reporting gusty conditions on
the ground. So gusty in fact that one of the cables had been lifted
into the air by its parachute. This was closely followed by a further,
slightly more urgent sounding message reporting a line squall developing on the radar image .
This sent everyone scuttling back to the airfield. Some 'interesting' approaches were experienced, with some instructors being put to good use!
Once
all toys were returned to boxes, Pete H took the opportunity to give us
his presentation on Flarm. The details of what it can and can't do and
hence it's limitations were demonstrated. The main message being 'it's
no substitute for good lookout'! The rain had passed by the time we'd
all been briefed, but alas it was too late for more flying. Not too
late for more cake eating and tea drinking though :)
John
P did indeed show Matthew how it was done with the longest flight of
the day - 2 hours 36 minutes. Thanks to everyone who worked hard in the
muddy, windy field today, especially those unlucky enough not to fly.
Next time . . - Tim P
Congratulations to James who has completed his NPPL with Ian M in Rotax Falke.
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| James trying the Pawnee for size (Simon L) |
