Sunday 29th October

A quiet morning at the Club first thing, well inside the Clubhouse anyway - outside the fresh Northerly wind was blowing around the rafters and with low cloud around the circuit this all deterred any immediate enthusiasm of getting any gliders or ground equipment out.

So, with breakfasts ordered from North Hill Cafe, it was a question of looking at weather forecasts to see what the day might hold - with an indication that the wind strength was likely to reduce as the day unfolded and after much monitoring of the wind speeds, including gust strengths, a decision was made mid morning to set up the launch point and winch run for launches to the North West of the field.

Tricky crosswind (Mike Sloggett)

With a Blue Card rating designated both K21s were brought out of the hangar, the Junior put straight back in, and the Trial lesson visitors cancelled.

And with various Instructors available flying started both to provide less experienced pilots with the opportunity to watch Instructors dealing with the take off and landing aspects of flights and with other pilots able to demonstrate their ability to handle the 'interesting' cross wind.

North Hill airfield - sunny at times (Mike Sloggett)

During the day there were suggestions of limited thermal and possibly wave lift in various parts of the sky but only sufficient enough to provide extended circuits rather than anything else.

Tom solo in DG505 (Mike Sloggett)

As forecast the wind reduced in strength as the day, and flying list, progressed - after a short break for lunch the afternoon saw the flying  list completed including Tom Sides going through his paces with Simon Minson before being the latest non Instructor to be cleared to fly the DG505 solo, Well Done Tom.

The end of another weekend (Simon Minson)

With the flying list completed the gliders and kit were put away - with 30 launches in total a good day to end October. - Mike Sloggett

Saturday 28th October

A cold day at the club, winter is upon us! Not many members but flying took place non the less. SM was the only private glider and had an hour on the ridge over 2 launches. Cloud base was no more than 800ft at best but the ridge was working so some flights enjoyed for a few minutes. Ellie’s film crew had fun flying their drone and those that turned up made the most of the conditions. - 24 launches

No sun on North Hill today (Lisa Humphries)

Time flies and Summer 2018 will soon be here, but lets make the most of the winter conditions to keep us current and ready for it ! - Lisa Humphries

Friday 27th October - Juniors at Long Mynd

The day started off well, with some fairly light north-westerlies and a clear sunny sky. We were all keen to fly, because we had to de-rig the DG and start heading home by 5. We had everything set up by 10 and Josh took the first flight with Mark in the DG by 10:30. 

Launching at Long Mynd (Mike Sloggett)

The first few flights were short, but were very good circuit practice for the new location. Later in the day, thermals began to develop and flights became longer. We had a few good flights before we decided it was time to de-rig and head home.

Long Mynd in the sunshine (Mike Sloggett)

The journey was uneventful, and most of us made it back to North Hill by 21:15. Huge thanks to everyone who made the trip possible! We had a lot of fun. Massive thanks to the Midland Gliding Club for being incredible hosts and providing us with such an epic experience! - Oscar Leeson

Thursday 26th October

With a forecast for a foggy morning, it was quite a surprise to find more cars parked in the car park  than on a good day, and the Clubhouse was full. Ray Dodd had a first attempt at a weather briefing, and when the blinds were opened, there was just a hint of the fog thinning. James Flory did some briefings on launches and circuit planning, and Roly entertained a optimistic Trial lesson visitor.

Various jobs were undertaken by the Thursday regulars including offering up K13 to the trailer for measuring up for new fittings. Aston and Mark were picking up stones from the bank behind the new Avgas tank and then climbed up ladders, draining the rainwater from the tarpaulin in the ground hangar, and sealing some holes in the roof. Robert (tuggie standing in for Mark) thought about cutting some grass but decided the field was just too wet.

Head in the K13 (John Borland)

After lunch, the K13 was rigged and control deflections measured. There was a brief clearance with some brightness but it was shortlived and just a bit too late in the day, so the hangar was repacked. Thanks to everyone for a productive day, albeit no flying. - J&P

Wednesday 25th October

It is nice to be able to write a Wednesday blog for a change we were lucky with the weather today, after a run of non flyable conditions.

There was quite a list but we had plenty of instructors even though John Sillett coudn't make it, thanks to James Flory, Peter Field. and Glenn Turpin (back from sailing). 

Wall to wall sunshine (John Street)

 The much depleted fleet was well used today but we got through the list OK there were plenty of check flights and aerotows, Pete Warren, Peter Field and Robert Lee shared the tug, it was a pity that there were no trial lessons today because the weather was ideal.

Stu and William's new toy (John Street)

The Clutton Fred in the back of the hanger created a lot of interest. 

We put the toys away about 5:30. - John Street.

Wednesday 25th October - Juniors at Long Mynd

The forecast for Wednesday looked fairly dismal, so we decided to enjoy our evening and watched a few films in the briefing room. On Wednesday morning, however, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the forecast for Wednesday could not have been very much more wrong and we were greeted with 10-15kt WSW winds, with a fairly clear sky! 

A great start to the day (Ross Pratt)

 We had a decent breakfast and went out to get gliders rigged and ready to fly.Simon in ASW20 ENW, and Oscar and Mark in DG505 JZK definitely got the best of the weather. The sun came out and the hot air began to rise. Combined with the decent westerly winds, the ridge was working very well.

On the retrieve winch (Mike Sloggett)

At around 2, Steve de-rigged his Discus and said farewell as he had to return home. Although, he didn’t make it very far before problems arose: The front door on his trailer was not shut properly and his trestles fell out somewhere between the Mynd and Church Stretton… We will keep an eye out for them tomorrow.

The Long Mynd (Mike Sloggett)

As the light, and wind, began to slowly deteriorate, Charlie and Reuben enjoyed the final flights of the day, while the rest of us packed the Mynd gliders into the hangar and got the DSGC gliders De-rigged.

Paul Summers got into some wave (Paul Summers)

Even as it began to get dark, we managed to find time to fly a few models off the ridge, until the rest of the light was gone.

What's going on at the Mynd? Spot the Gliders (Mark Layton)

As no evening meal is served at the Mynd on Wednesdays, a small group of adults kindly decided to drive down to Church Stretton to get a selection of meals from the Fish and Chip shop. (Thanks Guys!)

All in all, a very successful and enjoyable day, with only a few minor mishaps (and lost trestles)and we hope that the rest of the week goes the same. - Oscar Leeson

Tuesday 24th October - Juniors at Long Mynd

After a displeasing forecast from Monday night today was scrubbed. A late breakfast and coffee infused the group to split up; the Juniors were escorted to RAF Cosford by Mike, while Ruth and Co caught the train to Shrewsbury in search of a 1L jug (which they found, after an extensive search!). 

Catalina (Reuben Buss)

Neptune (Reuben Buss)

 The Cosford group had a great time, looking at planes, reading about planes, sitting in planes; then taking pictures of: looking at planes, reading about planes and sitting in planes. 

How many can get in a Jet Provost (Mike Sloggett)

Thanks to Hans Jenssen for the arty bit (Mike Sloggett/Hans Jenssen)

 Everyone returned to the club by mid-afternoon. Model flying was attempted during the rain, as an attempt to leave the engaging clubhouse, with little success. 

Paul concentrating (Mark Courtney)

Spirits were brightened as Garlic Bread and Spaghetti was presented at the dinner table. Followed by a small gift to Steve who unfortunately has to leave tomorrow before his birthday on Thursday.
An early night is planned in the hope that tomorrow will allow some sort of flying. - Reuben Buss

Monday 23rd October - Juniors at Long Mynd

The day started with a lie in as the weather wasn't set to clear till early afternoon. We all awoke late (even Jimbob was up before the juniors!) and ate breakfast while we discussed the plan for the day. 

Model Flying (Charlie Stuckey)

 As the weather wasn't excellent, we went into Church Stretton for a coffee and charity shop. 

After that, we took the models to the South bowl and spent a few hours soaring and initiating in combat. We came back for lunch and saw the weather wasn't improving so went out again with the models. 

More models (Charlie Stuckey)

Oscar mashed Paul's model and Mike sent Josh, Reuben and myself on two very long walks down the ridge (over halfway). 

And more models (Charlie Stuckey)

Unfortunately we never did fly full size but had a very enjoyable day with the models- Cosford tomorrow!! - Charlie Stuckey

Sunday 22nd October - Juniors at Long Mynd

Was the first promising day, weather wise and so everyone was up early to start rigging the DG505. It was one of the hardest rigging experiences with the wind being 20 knots even behind some cover. 

We set up on the short west launch run and Simon Leeson and Pete Smith were the first two to test the ridge from a 300 ft launch. After names were drawn at random, Ross had the first flight of the juniors in the DG and enjoyed his first experience of the ridge. 

Launching on the short run (Josh Funnell)

Flying stopped for lunch and the flying never really got going again after as a front of rain came in which caused most Mynd members to lose hope and go home. 

Simon and Jess closeup (James Hood)

Flying was then unexpectedly resumed and Simon and Jess Summers had a wonderful flight and Jess made a touching gesture to her cousin. Mark Courtney and Oscar Leeson then followed up with a flight in the DG505 which nearly ended with a field landing as rain came in and the ridge wasn't working properly. But this concluded the flying of the day and things were packed up. 

Another great Mynd day (Josh Funnell)

Another half of the juniors are still to fly but it still was a great day overall. - Josh Funnell

Thursday 19th October

Alas the forecast was spot on with low cloud and rain persisting.  The ever hopeful Thursday crew were there in numbers though just in case. 

 

A band of volunteers - AKA pressed men - assembled to tackle the tunnel which was crammed full of just about everything and anything that had been thrown in there over many years “in case it might be needed”.  Motivated and spurred on by Nick we eventually discovered gold in the form of the venerable old digger which hasn’t moved for some considerable while. With modest encouragement from the Duo Discus crew with battery charger and a string of jump leads to a Disco it once again roared and creaked across the tarmac to await its new owners. 

Peter Smith's favourite vehicle! (Mark Layton)

 The accumulated debris has been set aside pending the arrival of a skip to which it will all be entrusted in due course. Jill spotted and retrieved some important funny shaped pieces of wood from the disposal pile in the nick of time, thank goodness for the Denbigh weather or they would be gone forever.  

 

Last to be dragged out by a tug of war crew was an ancient corrugated iron toilet cubicle thought to date from the early mining activity.  It will be on site for a few days in case anyone wishes to give it a new home. Toilet roll holder is included as is the push button call for assistance, although we could not see what, if anything, it actually connected to.

 

There is now space to use for proper storage and parking, so a really good effort and job well done. Thank you to everyone who pitched in. - Peter Smith

Tuesday 17th October - Denbigh

After the violent winds on Monday from ex-Hurricane Ophelia, Tuesday was forecast to be a good day at Lleweni Parc, with a southwesterly breeze. 

Most were rigged before briefing and ready to go (Wyn Davies)

The ridge was working well although there was a small shower of rain to start with at the south end and the thermals were bumping in to the airspace above.

Denbigh (Jill Harmer)

Soon there were calls of finding wave in the Conwy valley, and some made the transition and some didn't manage to find it as the sky was very confused with large dark streets and small wispies, but nothing looking like wave in fact it was blue wave, and no consistent formation visible from above either. 

New wood carving inspired by words from Justin Wills "Those who fly with the Eagles should not consort with the Owls"

 Pete Startup 230 achieved two laps of the 140km ridge task, and Tom Sides DG1 completed his first Denbigh run of 140Kms. John Pursey HOG and Wyn Davies W7 transitioned into the wave - both getting above 10,000ft and Wyn explored Great Orme.  Phil Morrison and Nick Jones DD3 and Pete and Jill Harmer OL explored the ridge, thermals and the streets but couldn't find the high stuff. 

JP in wave  (John Pursey)

With the weather turning again (and not for the better) we all packed up and headed home, thanks to Chris Gill and Rod Witter for the great hospitality as usual.- J&P

Sunday 15th October - Denbigh

Another good day of wave flying and while it was a bit too cloudy to venture far the whole of the North Wales coastal area stayed clear and gave some stunning views along the coast to Anglesey. Pete 230 got to 11,000ft, Tom DG1 8,000ft and Wyn W7 9,000ft and the approach while still quite exciting wasn't quite the white knuckle ride of yesterday. Phil and Nick arrived and rigged Duo Discus DD3 and had a nice late afternoon wave flight to about 6,000ft. - Pete Startup and Tom Sides

Saturday 14th October - Denbigh

Tom and Pete departed Portmoak early in the morning in the hope of flying at LLeweni Parc later that same day. On arrival at Lleweni Parc at about 11 am they found W7 Wyn was already airborne. It was a move that proved worthwhile as in the brisk SW wind the wave was working well. Straight from the winch (no need to run to the ridge first), wave was contacted behind the airfield.

Lleweni Parc form W7 (Wyn Davies)

It wasn't truly epic wave in terms of lift rate. rarely more than 2 - 2.5 knots, but was consistent. Pete 230 eventually reached the dizzy height 17,000ft  using some of the height to do a tour of the local lakes, Tom 8,000ft and Wyn 9,000ft. Wyn also managed to use some of this height to complete the standard 140km Denbigh ridge task. A second attempt later in the day resulted in a field landing as the wind had backed off the ridge and it wasn't working too well. Thanks to 3 guys from the Kent GC for the retrieve.

Approaches and landings provided quite a spectacle for those on the ground watching as the wave rotor sat over the airfield and made for a wild ride - not so much fun for those doing the flying though! - Pete Startup and Tom Sides

Sunday 15th October

With today's forecast to be "almost like a summer day" in terms of sunshine and temperature a number of members turned up bright and early to make the most of the forecast good weather.

However the weather was not true to forecast, with low cloud and a brisk Southerly wind deterring aviation. As ever there was a good level of optimism that everyone should wait to see if the promised clearance of the cloud might transpire in time for some flying to take place later in the day.

After lengthy discussion, over late breakfasts and hot drinks, about anything and everything various members ventured out from the Clubhouse with purpose - the Junior and both K21s were brought out of the hangar and the DG505 was derigged ahead of the imminent Club expedition to The Mynd. Then the K13 was derigged and put into the workshop ahead of it's annual inspections.

And with some glimpses of blue sky amongst the grey skies and some brightness here and there a decision was made to have lunch ahead of some potential flying in the afternoon should the weather continue to improve.

Early afternoon the decision was made to set up the launch point in the North East corner of the airfield, the winch was taken to the opposite corner of the field and the Junior and K21s towed across to the launch point.

The first launch of the day confirmed both that a reasonable height could be achieved on the launch and that the South ridge was working in places albeit with a need for high standards of lookout to keep an eye on other gliders in and amongst the odd clouds drifting across the airfield and the hazy horizon.

Launchpoint (Mike Sloggett)

As the afternoon continued so did the flying but against a backdrop of increasing low cloud which was steadily reducing in height - and by late afternoon, with everyone who wanted to having flown. a decision was made to put all the toys away.

A total of 14 flights for just over 2 hours, Well Done to John Purcey with the longest flight of the day, 38 minutes in the Junior.

Thank you again to everyone who helped others to get into the air - great teamwork enthusiasm (and patience) all round. - Mike Sloggett

Saturday 14th October

The forecast was for overcast skies a light SW wind and a clearance by midday. On that note a small but dedicated team where at the club early to start getting things ready; first prize going to Dave Woodward who left home at around 06:00 to be at the club around 08:00, now that’s dedication to the cause! Having got all the ground kit out the gliders were then prized from the hanger, but with successive bands of orographic cloud forming off the SW corner of the field the focus changed to cleaning rather than flying. By around 10:30 cloud base was beginning to look flyable. After some discussion DI Stuart Procter agreed it was good to go so James Flory and David Woodward took the first launch to almost 1400 feet, although there were patches of orographic cloud all around the field. Stuart and James then worked through the training list with Peter Smith joining in to help around midday. Phil Grant and Alan Turner both had short flights in the junior, but ensured they stayed current.

We were joined around midday by a couple of instructors from Camphill who had flown down especially to look over R37 with the prospects of buying it; note that was a scheduled flight down into Exeter, rather than an extreme cross country in completely flat conditions! The forecast clearance didn’t appear a lunchtime, why were we all not surprised by that! With bands of cloud hampering fall launch heights, it did however offer a good opportunity for people to practice different circuit patterns and launch failures. By around 15:30 the winch was reporting cloud lowering again. With one last flight for one of the instructors from Camphill to fly the K13 all the kit was returned safely to the hanger. Sadly not an ideal day, but those who flew managed to get the opportunity to practice launch failures, fly in different conditions and most importantly stay current. Thanks to all those who helped but were unable to fly, your help was much appreciated.  Congratulations to Chris Woodward who gained his white card and was signed off checks by Stuart. Needless to say as we all sat having a chat and a last cup of tea at around 16:30 the forecast clearance finally appeared and we all left the club under clear blue skies, darn weather, but we flew and that’s what counts. - James Flory

Friday 13th October - Denbigh

Sightseeing North wales coast from W7 at 8000ft (Wyn Davies)

Wyn packed up Thursday evening to make an overnight trip to Denbigh.

 

With a strong SW wind blowing on the ridge and wave forecast, it promised to be a good day.
The ridge was rough with low cloud and uninviting. 

The predicted wave was accessible at the “Tusk” – a bump on the ridge downwind of the airfield - and most of the flight was spent in smooth air, sightseeing the north Wales coast from wave.  Wyn Davies

Friday 13th October - Portmoak

Friday was the first day of the expedition when it would clearly not be flyable, so we headed off for the National Museum of Flight  at East Fortune Airfield. 

Significantly enlarged since last time members visited, it provided an entertaining afternoon....

Pete *2

Tom, Woolly and Pete

.... However the highlight of the trip was watching a video called 'Flying for fun' in the Civilian aircraft hangar where we were delighted to see a section from a Balleka video with 230 and M5 enjoying a crystal clear day at Portmoak. 

And a big thank you to Chris and everyone at Portmoak for the usual great hospitality.- J&P

Thursday 12th October

A weather forecast of good flying conditions all day ensured that the list was rather full before 8:30 with a variety of training and card checks being requested by the members present alongside the completion of some solo flying to maintain currency. Fortunately the Duty Instructor team had also seen the weather forecast so the hangar doors were open well before 9 and all the Club gliders brought out and canopies cleaned in and amongst the completion of daily inspections of the gliders.

Whilst there was little wind of any direction or strength at the start of the day with the forecast being for the wind to be South Westerly as the day progressed a decision was made for the launch point to be set up in the North East corner of the field. With a keen and enthusiastic group of members all demonstrating great teamwork to get everything ready to go it was not long before flying could start.

A quick group discussion was completed to work out a plan for the morning's flying which included allocating the K21 and K13 for solo flying to complement the Junior being available for same. And then it was all systems go with the Instructors having various levels of "fun" with training and card check duties. Flying continued throughout the morning, lunch was called at 1 when everyone stopped, took on board food and drink (non alcoholic) and then it was on with some more flying in the afternoon.

Lining up (Mike Sloggett)

Just before lunch at one stage there were four gliders making use of the sporadic thermals around the airfield with John Borland completing a soaring flight of 45mins in K13 (R37). The day saw Mark Courtney completing some aerotows and then changing hats to help Pete Smith and Mike Sloggett with the instructing duties. And slowly but surely the flying list was worked through until by just before 6 everyone had flown.

North Hill (Mike Sloggett)

Well done to Dave Cowley who has been 'signed off' as a winch driver and to Hans Jenssen who (after offering Mike Sloggett the opportunity to 'throw anything at him') made good progress towards his Red Card and as part of same continued his winch driver training.

During the day we welcomed Roger Spall, visiting from Canada, and also Gordon Hodgson, a friend of Ian Hunt, who had his first glider flight for many years and said the winch launch was still just as "interesting" (translated from his actual words on the launch!)

Well Done everyone for great teamwork on what was the second Thursday of flying in October - can we make it three in a row next Thursday? - Mike Sloggett

Thursday 12th October - Portmoak

There was a lot of cloud just above the hill this morning, and after a couple of quite heavy showers which washed the gliders out of the sky on a mass landing, lunch was called. 

A lot of cloud in the morning (Jill Harmer)

After lunch, there were signs of more threatening showers so some gave it a go and others towed back to derig. 

Eventually the sky opened up with some stripey clouds, and Paul Medlock HMS got to 2600ft, whilst Pete Startup 230 surpassed the locals reaching 8000ft. Pete also added a few more kilometres to his record attempt for the week of  'Bishop bashing' - 2000kms and 400 laps so far. 

Stripey sky later (Jill Harmer)

With the potential Ophelia effect expected, most have packed up to head south or southwest. - J&P

Wednesday 11th October - Portmoak

It was a wet start, with horizontal drizzle at times, but it was forecast to go through by lunchtime. As the Bishop gradually became visible, the gliders were prepared for the afternoon flying. 

Woolly's gone native (Ron Johns)

 Wyn was on the front of the queue in W7,  followed by Ron and Woolly in 711 and Pete Startup in 230. They had an extended period of avoiding the orographic clouds before the bright sunshine turned up and the Bishop got quite busy  with everyone up to 2000ft. 

It wasn't working! (Wyn Davies)

Some storm clouds passed by and late in the afternoon, the best we could make was 3000ft. 

Loch Leven (Jill Harmer)

So a little disappointing that no decent wave appeared, but the ridge and Loch Leven looked beautiful in the clear air. - J&P

Tuesday 10th October - Portmoak

The locals made an early start and dragged us out of bed to launch, (well not quite) but Wyn Davies in W7 took the first visitor launch around 9:00am, he pulled off at 4000ft from the Eurofox at the Motorway, but was back on the ridge within the hour. To be fair the locals didn't do much either. 

Wyn searching for wave (Wyn Davies)

The rest of the morning was spent beating up and down Bishop, at levels up to 3500ft but Paul Carpenter in 256 managed to get above 4000ft.

The wave bars were evident at times but unreachable and the promised rainy drizzle arrived on schedule at 14:00, but everyone enjoyed their flights. - J&P

Monday 9th October - Portmoak

A walk to the bird sanctuary was the morning effort for some and others spent the morning blowing into a petrol tank. By lunchtime the low cloud on the Bishop had lifted sufficiently for the keenies to get going.

Low cloud just lifted off the top of the Bishop (Jill Harmer)

There was however a slight intermission for the rain showers... the walkers returned, the winch driver came back from lunch, and most flew until the next line of showers arrived and the top of the Bishop once again disappeared.

Weak wave was in evidence to 3000ft over the Loch, and Pete and Wyn were last to land. - J&P

Sunday 8th October - Portmoak

The briefing was a little pessimistic, with the wind expected to be a very light westerly, but as usual with forecasts .......

The ridge started working low down and gradually improved during the day. 

Ron Johns enjoyed a flight with Pam Medlock from the front seat of the ASH and later Wooly flew with Paul Carpenter. 

Paul Medlock flew HMS DG100 at Portmoak for the first time.  Whilst W7, OL, KMV, 230, DG1 milled around on the Bishop at various heights up to 2000ft, until the low cloud came in. - J&P

Sunday 8th October

After the non flying day yesterday due to weather it was anticipated that today would be busy, assuming the actual weather was as good as the forecast - which it was with bright blue skies and autumn sunshine greeting members who turned up expectant of a good flying day.

So there were plenty of people to get the hangar doors open well before 9 - with a busy flying list all the Club gliders were brought out whilst the launch point and winch were set up based on the wind being as forecast ie a gentle North Westerly.

As the day got underway with the first launch airborne just after 9:30 it became evident that the wind, whilst gentle, was not going to stay constant with a light tailwind evident from time to time and ensuring that pilots were suitably focused on eventuality options should there be a launch failure.

A tailwind from time to time (Mike Sloggett)

The flying list made steady progress during the morning with general training and card check flights in and amongst some trial lessons and Friends & Family flights.

Just before lunch it looked as if a change of ends might be needed but with a pause for consideration re same suddenly the wind decided to fall in line with the forecast and settled down into a light North Westerly/Westerly, and there it stayed for the rest of the day.

Clear Devon  skies (Mike Sloggett)

With a keen team of Instructors and members 'multi-tasking' on various duties flying continued through lunch which ensured that the flying list continued to progress and the afternoon continued in a similar vein to the morning - by late afternoon everyone had flown, much to the relief of the Instructors and particularly the PM Duty Launch Marshal who then managed to also fly, being suitably rewarded for their hard work during the afternoon.

Congrats to Josh Funnell in the Junior (Mike Sloggett)

Josh Funnell and Andy Williams converted to the Junior during the day.

Congrats to Andy Williams  - in the Junior (Peter Smith)

A really good day in the autumn sunshine, made possible by lots of teamwork - a particular thank you to various people who did long stints on certain duties as we had insufficient number of signed off members who could winch or run launch control. 43 launch
(Note from Mike The Scribe - if you are a solo pilot and not yet signed off for winch driving or launch control please can you focus on being trained and signed off to do so?). - Mike Sloggett

Saturday 7th October - Portmoak

The early arrivals made the most of the day. with Pete Startup in 230 flying for 5 hours, Tom Sides in DG1 for nearly 3 hours,

Ron Johns and Wooly flew in the morning, and then Ron checked Paul Medlock out on the Bishop Hill in the ASH25, ready for tomorrow.

Wyn's story.....2 hours on the Ochils waiting for something to happen.

Sun over the wave (Wyn Davies)

Rewarded with 8000foot climb over Loch Tay and then lost it all in a blink.......

Lovely smooth tops (Wyn Davies)

- 4th retrieve with Tom Sides this year.

Nice field (Wyn Davies)

Thanks Tom. - Wyn Davies