For the second day of the week an “adhoc” opportunity came along. With an optimistic forecast and a shout out on GG it was unsurprisingly busy today. The wind was forecast to be northwesterly 15 gusting 25, as per normal that was not the case! The clubhouse had lots of members gathered by 8:30 and despite the sky being grey, they started getting things ready for the day. The wind forecast was spot-on with regard to wind strength but it was due North!
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| Great winter's day (James Hood) |
With four instructors and four two-seaters at our disposal we set up in the southeast corner and were ready to launch by 9:30.
At the top of the launch it was obvious that areas around the club were sitting in strong down wave, this made dashes to the North ridge tricky to say the least.
Several attempts were made but with the prospect of a muddy field landing in the back of people’s minds it was not surprising that pilots opted to abandon the chance of soaring the North ridge at 500ft and scuttled home!
At the top of the launch it was obvious that areas around the club were sitting in strong down wave, this made dashes to the North ridge tricky to say the least.
Several attempts were made but with the prospect of a muddy field landing in the back of people’s minds it was not surprising that pilots opted to abandon the chance of soaring the North ridge at 500ft and scuttled home!
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| Pete Startup in a K21! (Mark Courtney) |
There were several soaring flights today however, even though the energy was transient and careful tiptoeing was the name of the game.
For the second time in as many weeks Peter Smith won the badge for fooling the Flarm into thinking he had landed, by slowing down into a very strong wind until his ground speed was nearly zero!
For the second time in as many weeks Peter Smith won the badge for fooling the Flarm into thinking he had landed, by slowing down into a very strong wind until his ground speed was nearly zero!
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| The Eagle with Chairman Nick (Mark Courtney) |
The Eagle was rigged by the usual band of keen pilots and enjoyed its first soaring flight of 2020.
There were quite a large group of juniors at the club today - it was obvious they had not seen each other for some time because they never stopped chatting, only taking a break when their smartphones had to be attended to.
There were quite a large group of juniors at the club today - it was obvious they had not seen each other for some time because they never stopped chatting, only taking a break when their smartphones had to be attended to.
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| Charlie enjoying some flying after winch driving (James Hood) |
Charlie Stuckey drove the winch and had four juniors watching him do so (more chatting I suspect) and others drove the retrieve (whilst chatting) can you see a theme?
There were at least 12 people on the list so flights were limited to two, later in the day people had the opportunity to take a third however.
As the day wore on the wind dropped significantly, and backed a little allowing for some gentle ridge soaring.
There were at least 12 people on the list so flights were limited to two, later in the day people had the opportunity to take a third however.
As the day wore on the wind dropped significantly, and backed a little allowing for some gentle ridge soaring.
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| Gorgeous clear skies with brilliant visibility (Mark Courtney) |
Big thanks to the winch drivers today especially in the morning when conditions were challenging.
Everyone worked as a team today which enabled us to achieve 50 flights, big thanks to everyone (yes this includes the juniors! )
When bad winter weather prevents us from flying, these days are little gems and should be encouraged, it is hoped that throughout the year this will continue.
Thanks to the instructors who helped me today, Peter Smith, Martin Woolner, James Hood, James Flory, Rowan Smith, and Lisa Humphries.
Keep your eye on GG for further “little gems”. - Mark Courtney
Everyone worked as a team today which enabled us to achieve 50 flights, big thanks to everyone (yes this includes the juniors! )
When bad winter weather prevents us from flying, these days are little gems and should be encouraged, it is hoped that throughout the year this will continue.
Thanks to the instructors who helped me today, Peter Smith, Martin Woolner, James Hood, James Flory, Rowan Smith, and Lisa Humphries.
Keep your eye on GG for further “little gems”. - Mark Courtney
