A few more members than of late but not busy by any standards.
First launch was just after 9:30 with Charlie Stuckey and myself, we quickly realised that we were going to get wet in the not so distant future! We decided to make use of the incoming shower situation to fly a "get me home quick" circuit which was flown well!
Members retired to the clubhouse to view the rainfall radar and drink some tea, after some discussion it was decided that we should have another go. Conditions could not have been different, the ridge was working and there were some strong smooth thermals! ( yes strong smooth thermals!)
First launch was just after 9:30 with Charlie Stuckey and myself, we quickly realised that we were going to get wet in the not so distant future! We decided to make use of the incoming shower situation to fly a "get me home quick" circuit which was flown well!
Members retired to the clubhouse to view the rainfall radar and drink some tea, after some discussion it was decided that we should have another go. Conditions could not have been different, the ridge was working and there were some strong smooth thermals! ( yes strong smooth thermals!)
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| Busy launchpoint (Mark Courtney) |
Meanwhile back at the ranch Simon Minson was having a briefing from James Flory as part of James final test for his instructor rating. Glenn Turpin, fresh from his recent revalidation test with Simon was keen to help out with the training/checking list, ( thanks Glen!)
Poor James Flory, after flying with Simon Minson all morning finishing the bits that could not be done on his Instructor course due to weather, now had to fly with our CFI Stuart! Stuart entered into role play, and soon carried off the character of a rather dim, back chatting not so skilled pilot rather easily, James soon sorted him out though and came through with flying colours.
With two new instructors now up and running it will ease the rota, and also enable us "veteran" instructors to drink more tea!
Poor James Flory, after flying with Simon Minson all morning finishing the bits that could not be done on his Instructor course due to weather, now had to fly with our CFI Stuart! Stuart entered into role play, and soon carried off the character of a rather dim, back chatting not so skilled pilot rather easily, James soon sorted him out though and came through with flying colours.
With two new instructors now up and running it will ease the rota, and also enable us "veteran" instructors to drink more tea!
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| Conditions were booming locally (Mark Courtney) |
Conditions by now were booming, pilots were reporting regular climbs of 800 ft per min for whole thermals.
Pete Startup managed to fly a Club 100, whilst several private members enjoyed some fantastic local flying, the sky was producing lift seemingly everywhere, Martin W stating that there was even lift in the blue!
Pete Startup managed to fly a Club 100, whilst several private members enjoyed some fantastic local flying, the sky was producing lift seemingly everywhere, Martin W stating that there was even lift in the blue!
James Hood did what he does best, strategically placing himself near a vacant desirable aircraft just long enough for the owner to ask "would you like a flight?" This time it was Phil and Nick's new toy the Duo Discus, now I'm not the jealous type, but if I was---------.
We welcomed Sandy back after a long absence, she had an hour flight late in the day and showed that she did not appear to have forgotten very much about flying!
Paul Summers took the last launch and reported that there was still lift wherever he flew. The sky never looked epic but it proved to be a very good day indeed both in terms of soaring and training/checking.
Those who stayed away after seeing the forecast? you know what I always say, turn up and you might just fly, stay home and you definitely won't! Thanks to all for working so hard. - Mark Courtney
We welcomed Sandy back after a long absence, she had an hour flight late in the day and showed that she did not appear to have forgotten very much about flying!
Paul Summers took the last launch and reported that there was still lift wherever he flew. The sky never looked epic but it proved to be a very good day indeed both in terms of soaring and training/checking.
Those who stayed away after seeing the forecast? you know what I always say, turn up and you might just fly, stay home and you definitely won't! Thanks to all for working so hard. - Mark Courtney
