Fri 18th May - Course Week

After finishing the briefing on thermalling first thing, it was time to get the gliders out to make the most of the predicted thermals, as cloud cover was expected around lunchtime. The majority of course members had good local soaring flights throughout the day despite the increasing cloud cover in the afternoon which was forecast.

North Hill (Mike Sloggett)

Private Owners took the opportunity of the winch being available in between course flights with Dave Clements 2hrs local soaring, with Wyn Davies and Pete Startup doing Tiverton east/Yeovil Club 100. 
"Never really low or difficult but spent most of the flight wondering if we were going to get home. A thick band of high cover really damped things down making for weak scruffy Cu. It seemed to follow us as we went East, in fact we largely relied on the sea air convergence to get back West to some sun. Never a classic 'running' convergence but the good bits produced some good climbs. Thanks to the Wynster for dragging me round." Pete Startup 230

Late afternoon the Perkoz was brought out for course members to experience a flight in the Perkoz of which everyone enjoyed flying very much.

Mike Sloggett and Rob Rand trying out the Perkoz (Mike Fawcett)

Notable achievements today were Dave Cowley with his 1hr flight duration (88mins) and Andy Davey achieving his Silver Height.

As the course members finished their week's course, James Flory and the helpers took over for the evening's Air Cadets trial lessons.

Air Cadets finally get some lovely evening flying weather (Mike Fawcett)

A great May Course Week, of which all on the Course Members made significant progress with their flying. Thanks to our Instructors Peter Smith and Mike Sloggett and all the helpers Richard Harris, Hans Jenssen, Robert Lee, Jonathan Erskine, Ian Hunt, Jill Harmer, Pete Bennett. -Mike Fawcett