Today we welcomed Andrew and Charlie Broderick into the world of gliding. Charlie had a Trial Lesson last year and is interested in a career in aviation whilst Dad Andrew had a Trial Lesson in April and was keen to have some more glider flights during his Temporary Membership period before potentially joining as a Full Flying Member.
So today was a perfect opportunity to show Andrew and Charlie what many glider pilots spend their life doing - reviewing weather forecasts, looking out of Clubhouse windows and drinking copious amounts of tea and coffee whilst discussing gliding/aviation related topics. Charlie was introduced to the DSGC simulator by Dan Hender.
And of course there is always something to do when not flying.....
So today was a perfect opportunity to show Andrew and Charlie what many glider pilots spend their life doing - reviewing weather forecasts, looking out of Clubhouse windows and drinking copious amounts of tea and coffee whilst discussing gliding/aviation related topics. Charlie was introduced to the DSGC simulator by Dan Hender.
And of course there is always something to do when not flying.....
 |
| Mark and team replacing the reference markers (Mike Sloggett) |
Led by Mark Courtney the planned replacement of the reference markers was progressed further whilst James Hood continued the installation of ground receivers into Club vehicles and equipment.
 |
| James installing the new ground receivers (Mike Sloggett) |
As the ‘non-flying’ tasks continued the hours ticked by with the various coffee breaks and lunchtime being used to good effect through suitable pointing at the West of the airfield around a potential improvement in the weather supported by modern technology indicating same.
Early afternoon the brightening skies suggested that cloudbase, which until then had been evidently too low to allow gliders to be launched, might just be high enough to allow some flying.
John Burrow and Karen King took the first winch cable and confirmed that the West ridge was working well in the North Westerly wind albeit with varying cloudbase levels. Then almost as soon as the break in the weather had appeared cloudbase lowered and it was back to the Clubhouse - for even more tea and coffee!
Early afternoon the brightening skies suggested that cloudbase, which until then had been evidently too low to allow gliders to be launched, might just be high enough to allow some flying.
John Burrow and Karen King took the first winch cable and confirmed that the West ridge was working well in the North Westerly wind albeit with varying cloudbase levels. Then almost as soon as the break in the weather had appeared cloudbase lowered and it was back to the Clubhouse - for even more tea and coffee!
 |
| Grey skies breaking? (Mike Sloggett) |
The afternoon then continued along similar lines with some short weather windows during which Mark Courtney was able to show Charlie Broderick as to the fun and excitement of a winch launch to add to Charlie’s previous aerotow experience. And slowly but surely the weather continued to improve with the flying list progressing through everyone only having one flight to allow others to fly.
A great example of the optimism needed as glider pilots, thanks to everyone for the teamwork to get others into the air. - Mike Sloggett
A great example of the optimism needed as glider pilots, thanks to everyone for the teamwork to get others into the air. - Mike Sloggett
