Clear blue sky to start, transient ridge.... what more could we want? - We could have done without the 300+mm of rain so far this year and the fickle wind!
The start of flying was delayed by a glider and some vehicles getting bogged down in what looked like firm ground whilst being towed to the far end of the field to set up. Further field inspections showed that the boggy bit wasn't just an isolated area, but anywhere where the grass was growing and in some places looking fairly lush. The normal launch point was slightly relocated, and the cable run was dry, a safe route for the Pawnee was planned, and then we waited for a bit more sun to do some good.
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| Looking for the boggy bits (Mike Sloggett) |
After 4 launches, it was decided that choosing dry landing areas at the western end was proving difficult and with the wind picking up slightly from the south, a change to the other end would be sensible.
The kit was moved swiftly to the eastern end and flying restarted. By this time the transient ridge was disappearing fast and a sheet of initially high cloud from the next frontal system moved in. There were blue/grey thermals under the cirrus cover and some hints of wave over Broadhembury, but as the wind picked up more southerly the south ridge started working quite well.
Most flights were extended by some form of lift and Wyn Davies in W7 managed over 2 hours in the very local area during the change of ends when the sky was at its best.
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| Wyn in W7 making use of the best sky of the day (Wyn Davies) |
With the very long flying list it was decided that 2-seater flights would have to be slightly limited to ensure everyone flew, but the 3 two-seaters were kept busy all day and the list of members needing card checks is increasing (Simulated launch failures will have to wait until the landing areas are more reliable).
We welcomed the Smith family from Chard with Luca, Fin and Joe all enjoying their Trial lessons, and hope to see them back soon.
Thanks to Yvonne Elliott, BGA Lead Schools and Colleges, who visited North Hill providing a Monitoring report on our Junior Gliding Centre activities.
A total of 35 winch launches and 5 aerotows and both Falkes were also busy. Thanks everyone, a pleasant day apart from the crosswind and the mud! - J&P
