After yesterday’s no flying day there was optimism that today would be much better - and with various fingers crossed that the wind might be a tad more from the West than forecast so that the ridge would work.
A morning briefing was completed with reinforcement of the importance of good lookout along the ridge and around the circuit as there were likely to be various gliders “competing” for the same parts of the sky. The morning saw various gliders being launched into a grey looking sky and as ever it was a question of whether the pilots were lucky in finding the all important ‘first climb’ on the sporadic thermals or making the most of some limited ridge lift which was inconsistent - some pilots got away, some did not, but after the limited gliding days at North Hill of recent months it was evident that DSGC pilots were just happy to get airborne in their own gliders or the DG505.
A morning briefing was completed with reinforcement of the importance of good lookout along the ridge and around the circuit as there were likely to be various gliders “competing” for the same parts of the sky. The morning saw various gliders being launched into a grey looking sky and as ever it was a question of whether the pilots were lucky in finding the all important ‘first climb’ on the sporadic thermals or making the most of some limited ridge lift which was inconsistent - some pilots got away, some did not, but after the limited gliding days at North Hill of recent months it was evident that DSGC pilots were just happy to get airborne in their own gliders or the DG505.
 |
| Mark Courtney giving ENW an airing (Mike Sloggett) |
As the day progressed then slowly but surely the sky brightened, more and more blue in colour and with some nice fluffy clouds evident. And the afternoon saw flights of increasing duration with suggestions of wave here and there but always just out of reach.
During the afternoon Oscar enjoyed the experience of his first field landing having made a decision with the Midland GC Instructor in the back seat of the K21 on their flight that a landing in the valley was more appropriate than trying to get back to the airfield!
During the afternoon Oscar enjoyed the experience of his first field landing having made a decision with the Midland GC Instructor in the back seat of the K21 on their flight that a landing in the valley was more appropriate than trying to get back to the airfield!
 |
| Oscar Leeson with MGC K21 down in the valley (Mike Sloggett) |
Ian Mitchell decided to fly a variety of gliders during the day, working his way through the DG100, DG505, Standard Cirrus and ASW20.
 |
| DG505safe in MGC Hangar (Mike Sloggett) |
With a very poor forecast for Tuesday all the DSGC single seat gliders were de-rigged and put safely away in their trailers whilst the tips of the DG505 were taken off so the glider could be safely stored in the Midland GC hangar ahead of the bad weather arriving. All round a good day followed by a group meal in the Clubhouse and discussion about the day’s flights . - Mike Sloggett
