There was a lot of What's App enthusiasm for the RASP forecast today, however, there were a few indications this morning that suggested that all was not going to plan.
The veil of high cloud had not moved to the east, some low-level clouds seemed to be moving with a northeasterly blow, and there was a large build up of towering cumulus to the west..... The cross-country pilots rigged and then drank tea, and more tea.
The Thursday regulars started preparing the gliders, whilst Pete gave the course members a briefing on safe winch launching.
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| The Flight line (Jill Harmer) |
Launching got underway by 10:20, but the circuits were all quite short. Just after 11:00 a quick look at the radar rainfall called a temporary pause in proceedings as a large cell on the trough line was heading straight for North Hill. So having securely parked all the club gliders and advised the private owners to take their wing dollies off, the Clubroom was severely crowded to say the least.
The heavy rain took a while to pass, but there were no nasty squalls, but unfortunately the wind sock pointed the wrong way for quite a while after the storm had cleared, so an early lunch was called for to wait for the wind to change back to westerly.
First launches after the break were soarable and this continued all afternoon. The course members took the outside line and the club members and private owners queued on the inside line. Pete Startup 230 managed O/R to Eaglescott but it was quite a struggle in a 17knot wind.
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| Another great North Hill sunset (Hans Jenssen) |
Thanks to everyone helping we then managed to complete the whole flying list before handing over to the Air Cadet evening group who then benefited from the ridge working during the evening flights. The Course members enjoyed a course dinner at the Keeper's Cottage- J&P
