There were quite a few members arriving this morning by 8:30 to get their names on the list, it reminded me of the “good old days”. - It has to be said that they were mostly Junior members, keen as ever with Dads in tow.
The weather was due to deteriorate in the early part of the morning and to then clear after the passage of a cold front. By 9am the Clubhouse was buzzing, what to do to keep the troops entertained?
 |
| Josh and Charlie on Met! (Mark Courtney) |
I encouraged Charlie Stuckey and Josh Funnell to present the weather and explain what we expected to happen throughout the day. They explained the met aviation forms 215&214 and were cross referencing to the rain radar and the weather forecast. We came to the conclusion that it was going to rain by 10am and clear by 1pm, as it happens that was spot on!
Ashley Thomas enquired about some theory lectures as there was a delay in flying, I started the lectures but Charlie, Dan and Josh took over with a bit of encouragement and did a fantastic job, explaining theory of flight very impressive guys!
 |
| Charlie converted to Perkoz |
Having set the field up before the rain we quickly got going, Charlie fresh from attaining his Bronze was keen to solo the Perkoz, having done lots of flights on our course in the Perkoz, it only left cable breaks, these were done by Simon Leeson who sent Charlie for his solo, well done Charlie.
 |
| Enjoying the Perkoz (Charlie Stuckey) |
The conditions were great from the first launch with everyone soaring the ridge and then taking the thermals as they popped off the ridge. Phil Morrison steadily worked through the list we welcomed back “daddy Dave Weeks”, William Stainer, returning from the “dark side” (power) to practice using the rudder (his words), Dave Herbert (dark side), Lukasz Kieruczenko (dark side) - it was great to see you guys. Congratulations to Will and Lukasz for completing their power licences and keep going Dave H - half-way through.
Josh Funnell keen to hang onto Charlie’s tail nearly completed all the elements for his Bronze flight test with a long flight spinning stalling and just about everything in between! This combined with several training flights over the last three weeks means it’s just cable breaks to do next Thursday weather permitting!
Several members commented how fantastic it was to see the Dads getting involved helping to run our operation, to ferry them to the club is one thing but to work tirelessly is another, without their help we would have really struggled at times with everyone soaring. Thank you.
Josh Funnell keen to hang onto Charlie’s tail nearly completed all the elements for his Bronze flight test with a long flight spinning stalling and just about everything in between! This combined with several training flights over the last three weeks means it’s just cable breaks to do next Thursday weather permitting!
Several members commented how fantastic it was to see the Dads getting involved helping to run our operation, to ferry them to the club is one thing but to work tirelessly is another, without their help we would have really struggled at times with everyone soaring. Thank you.
 |
| Unusual sky (Mark Courtney) |
As the day went on the ridge was a strong constant provider of lift which enabled runs down the entire length at high speed - great fun, we haven’t got a classic ridge like some clubs but I wouldn’t be without it!
Phil continued to instruct and was still airborne with Sandy when all the kit was put away, I think they could have stayed up all night!
We flew two mile high visitors, one of which flew with us for a couple of weeks thirty years ago and remembered Stuart Proctor going solo!
We also flew a trial lesson voucher which was won in a raffle for Upottery School, the guy is from Upottery and promised to return after having a great flight with Phil.
Hangar doors were closed at 6:30.
Huge thanks to Sandy for running the launch point, Martin Woolner, Lisa Humphries, Phil Morrison and Simon Leeson for instructing, not forgetting the Dads and everyone who helped to make it such a special day.
Thank you all. - Mark Courtney
