(ed: sorry, can't do Shakespeare)
A good weather forecast ensured that the flying list had a number of members' names on it well before 9:00am, with the keenness to fly suitably backed up by willing hands to bring the K21s, the DG505 and a Junior out of the hangar. The main question was then around where the launch point and winch would be set up respectively
The wind was stronger than forecast and a 'full on' crosswind - the forecast together with the actual wind evident suggested that setting up the launch point in the South East corner would be appropriate. However by the time the launch point had been set up and the gliders brought up from the hangar the wind had moved around more to the East resulting in a tailwind.
The wind was stronger than forecast and a 'full on' crosswind - the forecast together with the actual wind evident suggested that setting up the launch point in the South East corner would be appropriate. However by the time the launch point had been set up and the gliders brought up from the hangar the wind had moved around more to the East resulting in a tailwind.
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| Well this seems like the right end to start (Mike Sloggett) |
The first K21 launch was completed before 10:00 but with the tailwind it was no surprise that only 800ft was achieved. After a short discussion on whether to change ends a decision was made to consider that decision over hot drinks in the clubhouse, the wind making it feel more like November than April
Half an hour later and flying started again with both K21s in use but it was soon evident that a change in ends was needed so the K21s were asked to land at the Western end of the field whilst the DG505 was walked down.
Flying again got underway albeit with the wind being distinctly variable in terms of direction. It was clear as ever that finding a thermal soon after the top of the winch launch was crucial as in and amongst the evident strong thermals there was strong sink needing careful circuit planning.
Half an hour later and flying started again with both K21s in use but it was soon evident that a change in ends was needed so the K21s were asked to land at the Western end of the field whilst the DG505 was walked down.
Flying again got underway albeit with the wind being distinctly variable in terms of direction. It was clear as ever that finding a thermal soon after the top of the winch launch was crucial as in and amongst the evident strong thermals there was strong sink needing careful circuit planning.
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| Between the nice clouds there was horrendous sink (Mike Sloggett) |
James Flory flew the Trial lesson visitor in the DG505 after which Chris Wool completed some aerotows with Jess Summers and Oscar Leeson (the Pawnee responsibility being shared by GuyAdams and Simon Leeson).
With the wind continuing to be 'interesting' a decision was made to stop for lunch to see if the wind direction would settle down.
After lunch it became clear that the wind had settled down but more West than East in direction so the decision was made to change ends again - launching both K21s and the Junior to take advantage of the continually improving thermic conditions whilst the launch point and winch were moved.
With the wind continuing to be 'interesting' a decision was made to stop for lunch to see if the wind direction would settle down.
After lunch it became clear that the wind had settled down but more West than East in direction so the decision was made to change ends again - launching both K21s and the Junior to take advantage of the continually improving thermic conditions whilst the launch point and winch were moved.
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| Fun in the sun (Mike Sloggett) |
And then ensued around 3 hours of fun in the sun with those flying able to make the most of the best conditions of the day where the thermals were present in abundance and suitably strong. Flying continued past 6:00pm to ensure that all those members present actually flew before the hangar doors were closed just before 7:00pm.
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| Some strong thermals late afternoon (Mike Sloggett) |
During the day new member Fran Knowles (from Aboyne) flew her Discus (KL) taking the opportunity, with no other private gliders having rigged, to acquaint herself, through both aerotow and winch launches, with North Hill and the surrounding countryside and longest flight of the day at 1hr 37.
Whilst a day of several end changes, nevertheless a successful day by the end of which 25 flights (5 solo, 20 dual) had been completed with total flying time of just under 12 hours. - Mike Sloggett
Whilst a day of several end changes, nevertheless a successful day by the end of which 25 flights (5 solo, 20 dual) had been completed with total flying time of just under 12 hours. - Mike Sloggett
