As I arrived, it looked to be a spectacular day with blue skies and the sun shining down. Clearly other members had also taken this view and kit was unpacked and ready to go by 8:20. Sadly due to a lack of instructors, flying did not commence until 10:30, by this time layer of cloud had drifted in restricting our cloud base to 2000ft. Many thanks to Guy Adams and John Street for stepping in to instruct with such short notice.
Throughout the morning training and check flights were carried out in the K21’s. As the morning progressed the weather improved substantially, this allowed Lukasz Kieruczenko, Dave Herbert and Nick Redfern to take the Junior for some quick soaring flights. The first trial lesson although a little nervous to begin with enjoyed a 2000ft aerotow flown by James Flory in the K13. Matt Wright flew the Mile High visitor but had to go for duration rather than height due to the low cloudbase. James Flory flew the third trial lesson who enjoyed ticking off gliding on his bucket list.
Throughout the morning training and check flights were carried out in the K21’s. As the morning progressed the weather improved substantially, this allowed Lukasz Kieruczenko, Dave Herbert and Nick Redfern to take the Junior for some quick soaring flights. The first trial lesson although a little nervous to begin with enjoyed a 2000ft aerotow flown by James Flory in the K13. Matt Wright flew the Mile High visitor but had to go for duration rather than height due to the low cloudbase. James Flory flew the third trial lesson who enjoyed ticking off gliding on his bucket list.
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| Cloud filled in to 2000ft (Will Stainer) |
At around 1:30, an early lunch was called. This seemed to have great effects on the weather and it was not long before a line of both club and private gliders were queuing for a launch. With JB managing the afternoon flying from the ground but trying not to speak as he had lost his voice, more instructors rallied round to help.
I myself managed to convert to the Junior, joining in on the fun with a soaring flight of 41mins. Thermals were fairly weak although most gliders made it to 2000ft.
I myself managed to convert to the Junior, joining in on the fun with a soaring flight of 41mins. Thermals were fairly weak although most gliders made it to 2000ft.
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| Will converts to the Junior (Lukasz Kieruczenko) |
Birthday boy Rueben Buss (now 16yrs) enjoyed spinning down from 4000ft with Pete Harmer.
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| Rueben enjoyed his spin training (Jill Harmer) |
The Ka6CR DRE was rigged and enjoyed it's busiest day for over 5 years, with Pete Harmer and the Supporters test flying it.
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| K6 DRE was flown by the Supporters (Jill Harmer) |
As thermals started to die off at around 4:30, the wind rather conveniently picked up from the north and allowed some members to use the ridge. With the sun slowly dropping at around 5:30 the last couple of training flights were carried out by guest Instructors Ian Mitchell and Pete Harmer. Kit was packed up just after 6pm.
Overall a day worth waiting for considering the slow start. - Will Stainer
Overall a day worth waiting for considering the slow start. - Will Stainer
Pete Bennett and Jess Summers have spent the weekend at Lasham on the Junior Aerobatics coaching weekend, however the weather was not very kind, but I'm sure we'll hear more about it.
