A
mixed forecast and prophecies didn't give a clear picture of what the
day might hold. Low cloud damped initial enthusiasm amongst a goodly
gathering of members (and especially a large number of Instructors).
Various jobs were tackled before gliders were taken out of the hangar,
which predictably and swiftly brought down the first shower. After a
short adjournment, the field was set up for a south easterly launch point
and flying commenced with all available club
gliders.
Wind was initially brisk WNW, but on the ground more northerly
influence became apparent as it lessened. Great hopes of a good ridge
day began to ebb with the wind. Nevertheless there was lift to be had
particularly around the middle of the day and
justified a number of members rigging private gliders.
 |
| Clouds were cycling (Mark C) |
Pete
St (Discus 230), Ron J (611), Martin (KMV) and Rowan (Libelle) had long flights and
shock horror Woolly was also seen alone in 611. There was a lengthy
flying list but
everyone flew by close of play as Instructors were out in force
enabling PH to have a well deserved day out of the back seat. Ian M and
Malcolm fetched R37 from its Annual Inspection and rigged and flew
it.
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| Ian making the connections and Martin checking the back end (Mark L) |
The solo flying list took turns with FZF all day. Longest flight went to Pete St in 230 - just short of 3 hours.
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| Last flight of the day (Mark C) |
It was great to see R37 back in the air after its extended inspection and given a clean bill of health, a big thanks to Ian for the work on R37 and the various Instructors for help on the day.
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| Ian with that familiar pose (Mark L) |
Back in the Clubhouse, Rob and Jill were busy completing the fine-checking and tuning of the website after the successful overnight upgrade by Lukasz.
Meanwhile
Western Power were on site doing the preparatory work for the
electricity supply and transformer upgrade. The crew took advantage of
club catering
at lunch time and we think we may have some recruits to the fold as a
result. The arrangements with all the factions plotted meticulously by
Tom the Money, came together on schedule on Friday and the new supply,
meter and cabling are all complete. A remarkable
achievement! - Pete Sm
