It’s been at least 5 weeks since we’ve flown on a Saturday, so a promising forecast brought members out in their droves. By 9:00am, there were cars parked everywhere, the flying list was already as long as your arm and all the kit was being marshalled on to the field. There was however one problem; low cloud and drizzle! After some gnashing of teeth Peter Smith (who was helping to cover for Mark Courtney as Duty Instructor whilst Mark continued to help our friends from Brentor with their instructor training) decided the best thing to do was to retreat to the clubhouse and drink tea. A few minutes latter the clubhouse looked like a scene from an AGM with members everywhere. In the middle of this, Tom Sides had to fend off numerous comments of “what’s that then” as he skilfully built the new clubroom honesty bar, under close supervision from our Chair Nick Jones. Meanwhile strange stirrings could be heard from the hanger and reports of a small black and yellow craft emerging into the improving weather were confirmed as “Fred’s” first outing for 2018. William Pope and our CFI Stu Procter then proceeded to try and coax Fred into life. After several attempts it fired up and William had the chance to do some taxi practice, Fred style.
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| Stu coaxing Fred before taxi checks (James Flory) |
By now the weather had finally got the message, and the low cloud and drizzle was quickly replaced by white fluffy cumulus and blue skies; forgotten what that looked like! The launch grid was quickly established with Peter taking Alan Turner up for a currency flight and weather check in the K21. James Flory then jumped into the DG505 with Reuben Buss and followed suit. Alan was soon off solo in the Junior; great to see someone who does so much for the club - keeping the ground kit running -finally getting to fly after 6 weeks grounded by weather. Mark Courtney took the K13 with a Brentor instructor for a spin or two or possibly several, with Stu doing the honours in the tug.
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| Stu now tugging (Stuart Procter) |
The two Juniors were well utilised as everyone took the chance to get airborne. By early afternoon several private owners KMV, G29, V5, 230 joined the grid to take advantage of the soarable conditions. Although we had no Trial lesson flights, there were a couple of friends and family flights with James Hood and Stu sharing the tugging.
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| A busy day at North Hill (Stuart Procter) |
Lisa Humphries then took over as Duty Instructor in the afternoon and continued to do a stirling job of working through the list. Both Falkes were also very active. James Flory started his towplane rating training with Ian Mitchell in G-CDSC, with Martin Woolner bravely agreeing to be the guinea pig in the Junior at the end of the the rope. As the sun began to lower and the canopies started to mist Dave Albasiny enjoyed the last flight of the day. The kit was then all safely returned with the gliders getting a good wash under the ever attentive supervision of Mark.
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| Puffy white clouds again (Lisa Humphries) |
As always none of this would have been possible without great team work. 41 flights in total, so thanks to everyone who turned up and helped, a great day at North Hill. Watch this space lots more to come this season! - James F
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| Team Fox arriving at Nottingham Belfry (BGA) |
Meanwhile at the BGA Conference, Pete and Jill Harmer enjoyed the varied programme of Speakers including our very own Sir Chris, meeting up with old friends, and looking round the new toys on show.
