A small but keen group of pilots gathered at North Hill at 9am all looking forward to getting airborne again after the long lay off. One Junior and both K21s were pulled out of the hangar and readied for flying. The launch point was set up at the far east of the remaining strip as was the washing station,that was put to full use all day. A comprehensive briefing was given by Mark Courtney regarding the new airfield layout, flight safety as well as other things, with good social distancing evident.
First to launch was Andy Davey who had an extended flight in the blue conditions, reporting possible wave/rotor to the south west of the airfield. Tom Sides (K21), George Sanderson (K21), Andrew Logan (ASW15 FMS) and Andy Williams (Junior) all launched and managed some success at soaring.
After a leisurely lunch Wyn Davies (LS7 W7) and Eric Alston (ASG29 G29) launched. Eric having the best flight of the day of just over 2½ hours eventually climbing in wave (in the now southerly wind) over Ashill to almost 5000ft. Andy Davey (Junior) and Andy Williams (K21) also had further flights, both managing just over an hour each.
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| Mark Courtney on the south coast in Rotax Falke (Mark Courtney) |
Mark Courtney let Robert Lee have a go in the tug (thank you both) and then jumped into Falke CDSC and had a trip down to the cliffs on the south coast,which were working in the southerly wind.
At various points in the day other club members turned up doing various works on the airfield. Chairman Nick seemed determined to set off a thermal with his rolling of the newly rotavated area, and eventually did. It was quite spectacular watching the thermal drawing a dust plume high into the air.
A big thank you to Mark for organising the day, a very quiet one but thoroughly enjoyable. Lets hope we can start 2-seater training soon for those who are missing out !- Andy Williams
