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
