Despite a forecast lacking tangible optimism about whether any flying
would happen today there was a small group of members at the Club from
first thing evidently keen to fly if there was any opportunity to do so.
After much reviewing of weather apps and Met Office internet information it was decided that little would be gained by taking gliders and kit out on to the field ahead of an anticipated rain front arriving mid morning.
And so the morning was put to some use with a briefing on Thermal Soaring in anticipation of better days ahead whilst various members were seen fettling trailers and gliders ahead of imminent expeditions to The Mynd and Portmoak.
As the morning progressed so did the optimism of those present that there might be some flying after lunch - the anticipated rain showers had not appeared, the sun was trying to break through and the cloudbase was evidently increasing. So a call for late breakfasts (or early lunches) was made just in case...
A group discussion just before 2pm, with the keenness of those members present remaining in force, ended up with a decision to get gliders out to make the most of the afternoon - both K21s and a Junior were taken out of the hangar whilst the lack of winch drivers (with instructors yet to work out how to be in two places at the same time) meant reduced price aerotows were the only option for launching the gliders.
After much reviewing of weather apps and Met Office internet information it was decided that little would be gained by taking gliders and kit out on to the field ahead of an anticipated rain front arriving mid morning.
And so the morning was put to some use with a briefing on Thermal Soaring in anticipation of better days ahead whilst various members were seen fettling trailers and gliders ahead of imminent expeditions to The Mynd and Portmoak.
As the morning progressed so did the optimism of those present that there might be some flying after lunch - the anticipated rain showers had not appeared, the sun was trying to break through and the cloudbase was evidently increasing. So a call for late breakfasts (or early lunches) was made just in case...
A group discussion just before 2pm, with the keenness of those members present remaining in force, ended up with a decision to get gliders out to make the most of the afternoon - both K21s and a Junior were taken out of the hangar whilst the lack of winch drivers (with instructors yet to work out how to be in two places at the same time) meant reduced price aerotows were the only option for launching the gliders.
 |
| Aerotows under grey skies (Mike Sl) |
The
wind, albeit Southerly and on occasions more from the East than the
West, was very light in strength so the launch point was set up for
gliders to be launched from the South East corner of the field.
And a pleasant if unspectacular afternoon of gliding ensued with all those wishing to do so getting at least one flight and 'having fun' learning how to stay in position behind the Pawnee on an aerotow.
And a pleasant if unspectacular afternoon of gliding ensued with all those wishing to do so getting at least one flight and 'having fun' learning how to stay in position behind the Pawnee on an aerotow.
 |
| Unspectacular afternoon (Mike Sl) |
The wind
direction also provided the opportunity for some members to experience
'landing in a different direction' approaching from the West end of the
field.
Adrian took the Junior for an airing in and amongst the K21 flights. During the afternoon Guy completed some local flying in the Falke (VG).
As the skies darkened towards the end of he afternoon then some light rain also appeared and the decision was made to put the gliders away for the day.
Today was another good example of a well known instructor's comment "If you are not there you will definitely not fly...." - Mike Sl
Adrian took the Junior for an airing in and amongst the K21 flights. During the afternoon Guy completed some local flying in the Falke (VG).
As the skies darkened towards the end of he afternoon then some light rain also appeared and the decision was made to put the gliders away for the day.
Today was another good example of a well known instructor's comment "If you are not there you will definitely not fly...." - Mike Sl
