After Wednesday's frustrating low cloud, we were more hopeful for Thursday. The Clubhouse was full with expectant members and the average age was drastically reduced from a normal Thursday by it being a 'half-term week.'
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| Guess the time of the clearance (Mike Sloggett) |
There was plenty of time to study the weather, so the blinds were closed, and Jill Harmer led a weather tutorial on the current situation, with discussions on fohn effects, orographic clouds, omega blocks, jetstreams and left exits and a 'guess the time for the clearance'. With 13:15 being the most popular, an early lunch was called.
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| Hazy blue sky with contrails (Mark Layton) |
At 12:30, some blue holes started appearing in the sky, and the hazy blue sky appeared as the orographic clouds evaporated, first launch was at 14:00. It was always going to be a challenge to work through a flying list with 5 trainees, 7 checkflights, 2 Family and Friends and 2 visitors from Dartmoor alongside the Solo pilots in a limited day.
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| DG505 (Mark Layton) |
Launches were up to 1400ft, but there was no lift to extend the circuits, flying was brought to an abrupt end when the humidity increased rapidly at 16:50 and the canopies misted.
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| Low sun and misted canopies (Mark Layton) |
Unfortunately, some missed out on flying, but thanks to the good team effort for getting as many as possible into the air - 24 launches in total. - J&P
