After the previous three Thursday club days had been ‘wiped out’ there was suitable optimism that the Thursday regulars would be able to get into the air today - the only lingering doubt was whether the skies around the airfield would be clear of some potential fog. On arriving at the airfield it was evident that actually the only thing likely to prevent gliding taking place would be the lure of the warm Clubhouse and breakfast food and drink against the rather chilly temperatures outside.
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| New smart colour scheme for FZF (Mike Horwood) |
But soon a hardy group of members were getting gliders out of the hangar whilst the launch point was set up in the North West corner of the airfield. And with daily inspections completed on both K21s, the Perkoz and both Juniors it was then a question of a long walk with the gliders down to the other end of the airfield.
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| Perkoz waiting to launch (Mark Courtney) |
And as the morning progressed all the gliders were in continuing use for either pre-solo training, card checks or simply members keeping themselves current ahead of the widely anticipated soaring of the weeks to come.
After a stop for lunch to allow everyone to refuel themselves in the Clubhouse the afternoon flying commenced, with the skies providing increasing opportunities to stay aloft in the weak thermals to the South of the airfield, albeit with cloudbase not being very high.
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| Well done Andy - Cloud flying rating (Ian Mitchell) |
During the day the Rotax Falke was in steady use on local flying, congratulations to Andy Davey who has now achieved a cloud flying rating.
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| Hembury Ridge (Mike Horwood) |
And then late afternoon with the flying list completed, and with canopies starting to mist as well as a rapidly sinking sun, the gliders were all flown down to the other end for washing and return to the hangar.
A very pleasant day under sunny skies with the chilly wind being very much overruled by the evident enjoyment of all those present - as ever thank you to everyone for getting others into the air. - Mike Sloggett
A very pleasant day under sunny skies with the chilly wind being very much overruled by the evident enjoyment of all those present - as ever thank you to everyone for getting others into the air. - Mike Sloggett
