July Course Summary

The weather was very good, with flying possible in blazing sunshine on four of the five days – Wednesday being the only day that the course was rained off.  However, the latter poor weather enabled course members to catch up on some theory with a series of briefings from Stuart and Martin.

July Course (Stuart Procter)

A short resume of our week:

Monday

A lovely, clear sunny day, but the wind developed into a strong 16kt easterly, with gusts of up to 28kts. Some soaring was possible, but mostly training circuits.

Tuesday

 Another lovely, sunny day.The wind was initially a strong 12kt easterly, but gradually backed and settled into a 15kt southerly. Mostly dual training flights, but the two more experienced course members did get some flights in the Junior.

Wednesday

This was a right off as far as flying was concerned, but the course members caught up on theory with briefing sessions.

Thursday

The wind was light and variable, but with a slight easterly component, so launching was from the western end of the field. Dual circuit training includingsome extended flights, and aerotow checks (the club had the tug out) for David and Lukasz. The air became buoyant in the afternoon, so that everyone enjoyed some soaring. The field was incredibly busy, and we must thank Jill for her work in the LPV, which kept the field running smoothly.
In the evening the Course members, Instructors and helpers enjoyed a course dinner, arranged by Stuart, at the Otter Inn, Awliscombe: lovely pub with delicious food.

Friday

The wind was again light and variable, but with a very slight westerly bias, so launching was from the eastern end of the field all day. Excellent soaring conditions all afternoon, and everyone had extended flights.

Course Achievements

David Herbert and Lukasz Kieruczenko:  both had their Bronze Paperwork signed up, and that is now winging its way to the BGA: Congratulations to both on this achievement.  Both Dave and Lukasz were also checked out solo on aerotow on Thursday during club flying. ( Aerotows are not included in the price of the course, and this was done at their own wish and expense, to extend their skills.)

Dave and Lukasz, congratulated by Martin and Stuart (Stu Procter)

 Mike Pearce and Trevor Johnson: both progressed incredibly quickly, so that by the end of the week they were able to fly the whole circuit without input from the instructor.
Mike Rigby: our reserve who joined the course on Wednesday also made excellent progress, and had his longest flight in a glider – one hour’s soaring on Friday.
Well done also to Wendy Willis-Fleming: re-soloed on Friday.

A huge “thankyou” to all who made this course possible: the instructors, Stuart and Martin, who worked so hard to keep us “cool and calm” in the blazing heat, and equally to our wonderful helpers – Hans, Andy, Robert, William and Tim. - Wendy Willis-Fleming