Early morning was overcast with some drizzle around and low cloud scudding across the field. - Disappointing after a reasonable forecast a couple of days ago.
Both K21s, the Perkoz and a Junior were readied and we set up NE-SW in hope of improvement. By the time of the first launch into a steady Westerly wind we released well below cloud base at 1300ft. Paul Kane added 2 more flights and steadily regained skills and confidence. James Flory arrived to help instruct and set off for a series of flights with Gordon Hutchinson, culminating in Gordon re-soloing after a long break with big smiles all round.
Both K21s, the Perkoz and a Junior were readied and we set up NE-SW in hope of improvement. By the time of the first launch into a steady Westerly wind we released well below cloud base at 1300ft. Paul Kane added 2 more flights and steadily regained skills and confidence. James Flory arrived to help instruct and set off for a series of flights with Gordon Hutchinson, culminating in Gordon re-soloing after a long break with big smiles all round.
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| Cloudbase increased (Peter Smith) |
The sky improved but not always reliably and getting away was far from guaranteed. 6 private gliders flew locally with Pete Startup in 230 taking the longest flight at just over 2 hours. It was nice to see Pete and Jill airborne in OL as well on a flight test for the new instrument fit.
Andy Davey needed to complete some eventualities satisfactorily in order to be cleared solo in the Perkoz and thus after being suitably challenged, he did and enjoyed his first solo in NH2.
Andy Davey needed to complete some eventualities satisfactorily in order to be cleared solo in the Perkoz and thus after being suitably challenged, he did and enjoyed his first solo in NH2.
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| Well done to Andy Davey for converting to Perkoz (Peter Smith) |
Ian Mitchell took on the pm slot and flew with and Charlie and Andrew Broderick and both enjoyed some soaring flights before Ian flew with Chris Woodward to finish his day.
Various Club members flew the Junior with (mostly) extended flights. Treasurer Tom flew the trial lessons with Pete Warren as Tuggie.
Various Club members flew the Junior with (mostly) extended flights. Treasurer Tom flew the trial lessons with Pete Warren as Tuggie.
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| North Hill (Jill Harmer) |
With hopes for spinning in the Perkoz dashed by a flat tyre, Ruth took an aerotow in HCX, releasing at 2000ft and soaring to 3000ft for a 45minute flight, a nice way for me to end the day as a passenger in the back seat.
Many thanks to James for stepping in at short notice and to Andy Davey and Chris Woodward who organised the ground ops and kept everything going all day, whilst also managing to fly. And to all who winched, retrieved and generally fetched and carried, as we were stretched to cover it all on occasions. Special thanks to Andrew Logan and team who set to after flying to repair a flat tyre on the Perkoz main wheel. Everyone flew and some good soaring was had, so although not the day I was expecting a good result. - Peter Smith
