By soon after 8:00am the flying list was (very) long but with a large group
of members keen to fly the launch point and winch were soon set up for
the South West/North East run with the K21s and a Junior taken out of
the hangar and prepared for the day's flying.
As the gliders were
walked down to the launch point it was soon evident that the forecast
wind strength was rather different to the actual wind blowing down the
field. With a combination of the wind strength and general visibility
being poor it was clear that the weather would be suitably "interesting"
for flying.
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| Towing gliders back to the launch point (Mike Sloggett) |
The morning saw the flying list make some progress,
albeit with limited instructor availability meaning that trial lessons
needed to be scheduled in amongst training flights.
The arrival
of CFI Martin Woolner planning to complete Matt Williamson's BI
acceptance checks allowed the DG505 to be brought down to the launch
point - once Matt had had the fun of being put through his paces the
DG505 was used for a trial lesson pending James Flory taking over the
back seat of the DG505 for the afternoon to allow some check flights by
CFI Martin.
In between flying the Pawnee, Guy Adams helped out with
some instructing whilst Pete Smith, who had actually come up to
complete some mowing, was also roped in to help keep the flying list
moving along.
With the arrival of JB a decision was made to
continue flying through lunch to try and ensure that the flying list was
completed by the end of the day.
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| Clouds to the east (Mike Sloggett) |
By early afternoon it became
clear that with an increasing wind strength as well as a change in
direction of the wind it was time to hoist the Blue flag above the
launch point vehicle.
However every cloud and all that - whilst
the wind had made flying conditions even more interesting the afternoon
saw increasing signs of thermic activity. As ever it was a question of
launching 'at the right time' to provide the best opportunity of making
the most of the rough narrow thermals which were around - in between the
strong lift pockets the heavy sink focused pilots' minds and required
effective circuit planning.
By early evening those members on the
flying list who had been helping out during the day were rewarded for
their patience by some air time - following which with a suitable sigh
of relief the gliders and ground equipment were all put away at just
after 6pm.
Not the most spectacular of days but one which
reflected how teamwork, collective commitment and patience are key
ingredients of a successful and enjoyable day.
Well Done to James
Flory and Matt Williamson who have now formally completed all the
checks to be able to complete trial lessons in any of the Club two-seaters. - Mike Sloggett
