It was evidently another coats, jumpers, gloves and hats day at North Hill today - not to make snow people but instead to get some gliders out and fly to make the most of the day.
With a bright blue sky and a light South westerly wind making for potential nice flying conditions the only question was whether the lying snow on the airfield would allow the plan to fly to go ahead - a quick inspection indicated that with a frozen top surface aerotow launching would be best rather than winching and importantly that some gliding could take place. And thanks to the members here yesterday, as getting gliders out of the hangar via the newly dug snow trench was going to be straightforward.
All that was needed now was some more members to add to those already at the Club, and whether via telepathy or the Social Media posts or the ‘call to arms’ Googlegroup message, slowly but surely enough members had arrived to allow a Junior and both K21s to be brought out of the hangar. Meanwhile the Pawnee was readied for action on its last available flying day before planned annual inspections and checks.
With a bright blue sky and a light South westerly wind making for potential nice flying conditions the only question was whether the lying snow on the airfield would allow the plan to fly to go ahead - a quick inspection indicated that with a frozen top surface aerotow launching would be best rather than winching and importantly that some gliding could take place. And thanks to the members here yesterday, as getting gliders out of the hangar via the newly dug snow trench was going to be straightforward.
All that was needed now was some more members to add to those already at the Club, and whether via telepathy or the Social Media posts or the ‘call to arms’ Googlegroup message, slowly but surely enough members had arrived to allow a Junior and both K21s to be brought out of the hangar. Meanwhile the Pawnee was readied for action on its last available flying day before planned annual inspections and checks.
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| Aerotow only again (Mark Layton) |
Mid-morning the day was underway with members taking the opportunity to either maintain currency or develop their skills in aerotow launching from a snow-covered airfield.
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| South Coast of Devon glinting in the sunshine (Mike Sloggett) |
By lunchtime most members present had flown, so a decision was made to stop for lunch during which time it was evident that the blue sky was steadily being replaced by grey cloud and hints of rain to the west of the airfield, as forecast.
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| Snow scene at North Hill airfield (Mark Layton) |
After lunch and a couple more aerotows from a different part of the airfield to reduce ‘wear and tear’ of the surface, it became clear that the weather was deteriorating to the extent that continuing to fly would not be prudent, both in terms of the flying conditions and also with light rain starting to affect the launching and landing areas by adding more water to the melting snow.
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| Back to the hangar for cleaning (Mike Sloggett) |
So gliders and the Pawnee were reluctantly taken back to their respective hangars and washed down before the doors were closed on a day where as much gliding as possible had been achieved.
During the day Falke (G- BKVG) was flown locally by Guy Adams and John Street
Another day of teamwork when those who managed to get airborne were rewarded with some lovely views of the snowy Devon countryside and the South and North coasts - which Mark Courtney and Stu Proctor were of course thrilled to be told about when they arrived back at the Club having attended the Regional CFI meeting at RNAS Yeovilton. - Mike Sloggett
During the day Falke (G- BKVG) was flown locally by Guy Adams and John Street
Another day of teamwork when those who managed to get airborne were rewarded with some lovely views of the snowy Devon countryside and the South and North coasts - which Mark Courtney and Stu Proctor were of course thrilled to be told about when they arrived back at the Club having attended the Regional CFI meeting at RNAS Yeovilton. - Mike Sloggett
