It was a bright sunny start, with a light westerly wind, and the field had dried out significantly after the sun and strong winds of yesterday. With careful positioning of the winch run to avoid the still soggy patches, the 21 members on the two-seater list (with most requiring currency checks) was started. The three Instructors were kept busy all day with just the two K21s available.
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| Juniors ready to launch (Jill Harmer) |
Circuits of those who got to full height varied between 4 and 5 minutes, whilst most of the simulated launch failures enjoyed the long walk from the other end of the field. Just before lunchtime, five private gliders joined the single seat queue, but soon opted for an aerotow. With a solid inversion initially at 1200ft, some bubbles started developing and the inversion rose to 2,500ft.
Steve Westlake FER, Jeff Taberham 380 and Eric Alston G29 all enjoyed long flights in the local area. When it was looking like the flying list would be completed, there was a sudden wind shift and cooling from sea air to the north, and the small convergence area moved over the site giving a significant tailwind. It was decided that it was too late in the day to change ends with everyone getting tired in the unfamiliar heat, and a decision to call it a day was made.
Sorry to those who didn't get to fly, but a lot of the currency checks were completed - 46 winch launches and 7 aerotows in total.
Congratulations to Andy Davey after his course at Aston Down with his Bronze badge completed. We were also able to give new member Jim Binning his first flights today after the unfortunate weather cancelled April course.
And two more bits of good news -
The CAA have rejected the Exeter ACP (more details on the website) and a big thank you to everyone who submitted a response.
The Swallows are back - so please keep the aircraft hangar doors closed. - J&P
