Two days in one.
By 8:15 there were 10 people on the list, by 9 there were about 20!
A busy day ahead, John Pursey was duty man backed up by me initially, later we were helped by Simon Leeson, John Sillett, and Steve Westlake.The weather at first was very frustrating with huge showers passing either over head, or very close making the timing of your launch a bit like like Russian Roulette. At least the wind was in the right direction Westerly 10Kts.
This continued until lunchtime when the air started to change. By now we had 4 two-seat aircraft on the go with a wide range of training taking place from brand new members to yellow card checks.
At some point in the afternoon there was a dramatic change in the amount of lift, pilots were reporting huge areas of lift of up to 6 kts , I had a run back from Tiverton at 100 kts in the DG505 at 6 pm and lost no height at all! It was as if the warm air had been waiting patiently all day then suddenly decided to head for the heavens. The ridge was booming by this point with a constant 4Kts along its entire length this enabled me to check on the welfare of the squirrels in the trees.
David Clements had a great time in the Junior towards the end of the day and declared the conditions to be unbelievable. Paul Summers and Karen had 4 family members arrive late in the afternoon, they all enjoyed fantastic flights, this kept Robin busy in the tug until quite late.
In all the years at North Hill I don't think I have ever experienced an afternoon like it, Simon Leeson agreed! Thanks to all those who worked so hard especially the Junior members, they really do restore my faith in the youth! Toys were put to bed at 19:30.
A few members invaded Andrew Logan's caravan for a "house warming birthday" get together, thanks Andrew and Hilary.
A fantastic day with some very special conditions! - Mark Courtney
By 8:15 there were 10 people on the list, by 9 there were about 20!
A busy day ahead, John Pursey was duty man backed up by me initially, later we were helped by Simon Leeson, John Sillett, and Steve Westlake.The weather at first was very frustrating with huge showers passing either over head, or very close making the timing of your launch a bit like like Russian Roulette. At least the wind was in the right direction Westerly 10Kts.
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| Stormy clouds in the morning (Mark Courtney) |
This continued until lunchtime when the air started to change. By now we had 4 two-seat aircraft on the go with a wide range of training taking place from brand new members to yellow card checks.
At some point in the afternoon there was a dramatic change in the amount of lift, pilots were reporting huge areas of lift of up to 6 kts , I had a run back from Tiverton at 100 kts in the DG505 at 6 pm and lost no height at all! It was as if the warm air had been waiting patiently all day then suddenly decided to head for the heavens. The ridge was booming by this point with a constant 4Kts along its entire length this enabled me to check on the welfare of the squirrels in the trees.
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| Phil Grant continues his comeback (Mark Courtney) |
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| Afternoon sky (Mark Courtney) |
A few members invaded Andrew Logan's caravan for a "house warming birthday" get together, thanks Andrew and Hilary.
A fantastic day with some very special conditions! - Mark Courtney
