"If only the wind could make up it's mind"
A beautiful day greeted the 2nd course of the year plus a large list for
the Wednesday club members with a few of the Thursday crew for good
measure ( they must have seen Thursdays forecast ).
All Club
gliders were quickly brought out of the hangar and daily inspections
completed whilst the launch point was set up (for the first time) in the
North West corner of the field - with gliders soon being walked down,
the first launch of the day was underway mid-morning.
As the
morning progressed the windsock seemed to have a mind of it's own and
by late morning it was decided that the steady West aspect to the wind
was sufficient to warrant a change of ends (for the first time).
With
the launch point re-set up in the North East corner of the field flying
was soon underway and both Club gliders and private gliders were
steadily being launched into an evidently thermic sky.
And then
the windsock decided to have some more fun at everyone's expense by
gradually indicating an Easterly aspect to the wind so the decision was
made to change ends (for the second time).
 |
| Launching downwind again |
More flying then ensued
with both course and club members making progress with their flying
training and having fun trying to find the evident thermals.
And
then, with the windsock steadily showing a return to the Westerly aspect
of before, the decision was made to change ends again (for the third
time).
Fortunately the windsock then became bored with it's fun at
our expense and allowed the flying list for both course and club
members to be completed before the hangar doors were closed for the day
at just after 6pm.
 |
| Mike F solo again |
During the day Mike F re-soloed in a K21 after
not flown solo for some months and various private owners rigged and
flew their gliders including Mark L (Cirrus 477), Joe (ASW19 877), Pete and
Jill (Duo Discus OL), Paul L (SF27 H5), Pete St (Discus 230), Dave C (Pilatus B4 CVV) - Mike Sl & JSt
Pete St completed yet another 100kms round Tiverton and Crewkerne (230 knows the way) but then headed off for a tour of Exmoor. Pete & Jill followed the strangely configured streets and convergences round Tiverton, Taunton and Bampton. Thanks to Mike for filling in as Tug Pilot.
In the evening course members and hangers-on enjoyed a very pleasant course dinner at the Keeper's Cottage (well we couldn't go on Argyle's Big night!)- J&P
