Friday 13th May - Course week

"If in doubt, don't..."
The weather forecast for the final day of the May course week had provided suitable optimism of a good day to finish what had been an 'interesting' week weather wise. However with the weather forecasts and actual weather over the previous 4 days being rather changeable there should not have been much surprise that the wind was stronger than forecast and not just in general speed but particularly the strong gusts.

Over an early morning cup of tea the course members had an opportunity to talk through what they had learnt from Jill's meteorology briefings the previous day, but despite much endeavours to do so were not quite able to find any forecast that suggested there would be some flying at some stage in the afternoon.

That the end of course photo was taken mid-morning reflected the general acceptance that launching gliders would not take place but a decision was made to review matters again at lunchtime in the fervent hope that the wind would calm down suitably during the day.
Course members, Instructors and Helpers (Mike Sloggett)
With the members pretty well 'briefed out' due to the weather seen during the week the new flight simulator was used by several members to see whether they could complete a winch launch or  aerotow and in turn landing. (Thanks to Martin Woolner and Pawel Belskinski for getting the simulator finished - it will now be handed over to Matt Williamson to organise how it will be used)
First chance to use the new simulator in unflyable weather (Mike Sloggett)
Around lunchtime there was an increased optimism of some flying but with the wind continuing to gust quite strongly the decision was made to scrub the day so that those who wanted to do so could go off and get something out of the day.

Thank you to the Helpers Richard Harris, Roly Clarke, Ian Hunt, Aston Key, David Clements, not to mention the Instructors Mike Sloggett and Peter Smith for helping the course members get airborne during the week. - Mike Sloggett