For anyone wanting to maintain currency, practice takeoffs, circuits and landings in a crosswind the weather forecast suggested that today was potentially a good day for same - but with minimal likelihood of soaring no surprise that first thing the Clubhouse was quiet with few private owners around.
The low cloud and ‘interesting’ wind strength and direction kept enthusiasm levels fairly low initially but with the forecast suggesting a steady improvement during the morning soon Ron Johns as Duty Instructor and Nick Redfern as DLM were organising gliders out of the hangar and ground equipment being set up.
And then it was a question of long walks to the South West corner of the airfield with both K21s and a Junior - and with the sun evidently burning off the cloud more and more, it was clear that a long hot day ahead awaited all.
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| Training underway (Mike Sloggett) |
Training flights were soon underway with Ron Johns and Andrew Broderick taking HCX airborne whilst Mike Sloggett and Charlie Broderick used KEK. James Flory took advantage of the improving skies to take Falke BVG off for some local flying whilst Dave Perriam completed more flights in Junior LRD.
By late morning it was evident that a rest would suit all so a lunch stop was agreed - and with everyone suitably refreshed and reinvigorated it was back to the launchpoint for - more takeoffs, circuits and landings.
With the wind direction and strength not increasing as forecast the afternoon allowed all present to fly if they wished to - Guy Adams and Nick Redfern in HCX with Mike Sloggett and Harvey Skeggs in KEK. Meanwhile Trevor Russell and James Smart gave their ASW19 (877) an airing with - takeoffs, circuits and landings. Andy Williams and Paul Medlock flew the Junior and after an eventuality check flight Charlie Broderick took KEK for two solo flights adding to his first solo during last week’s course.
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| James Smart in ASW19 (Mike Sloggett) |
With hangar flights completed and aircraft/MT hangar doors shut, a weary but contented group of members were soon wending their way home having made the best of the day. As ever great teamwork meaning everyone got into the air today - a particular Thank You (again) to Team Family Hender who all helped on the ground in one way or another but did not fly. - Mike Sloggett
And in the evening, the Club Condor soaring task was from Hembury Hill to Mudford Gate then taking in the sights at Wimbleball reservoir back to Northill2. HHL MUD WIM NH2.
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| Condor task |
Hosted by Matt Howard chosen and planned by John Davis with help from Stewart Henshall. Geoff Lawrence and Ray Dodds joined us for the 77.2 kms sortie in a Genesis2 Ray flew in a familiar Discus 2.The fastest time was completed by Stewart in 41 minutes, Matt followed 9 minutes later with John 6 minutes after that to complete the podium.
Genesis2
Geoff made a valiant effort to finish in a time of 1:09, Ray enjoyed his first flight with us hoping to join another task next time. - John Davis
