Sun 25th October

Glider pilots are continually optimistic about being able to fly, even against a background of weather forecasts suggesting that a drive to the airfield will not be rewarded by any time in the air. And today was the latest example of such a day - brisk winds, hail, thunder and lightning, rain were all featuring in the forecasts, wherever one looked.

Moody sky with Dave Weeks (Simon Leeson)

Arriving at the airfield the wind strength was less than forecast and there were evident showers on the horizon and around the airfield - but with rain radar suggesting some potential flying gaps there were enough keen members to get gliders out of the hangar and to set up the winch run for a newly designed airfield layout anticipated to provide higher launches with the Westerly wind.

New grass is growing well (Simon Leeson)

As a K21, the Perkoz and both Juniors were taken across to the launchpoint the showers arrived so it was a question of suitable patience before the first launch was underway - and with 1900’ launch height reported back from the Junior pilot at the top of the first launch there was likely to be no need for the Pawnee.

With limited training flights needed various Instructors and solo pilots took advantage of the conditions to maintain currency and with continuing very good launch heights being achieved flights were regularly reaching double figure minutes of duration.

Storms in the distance (Simon Leeson)

 The wind freshened as the morning progressed which ensured pilots’ focus on circuit planning, approach and landing but the day was providing continuing opportunities to demonstrate handling skills and planning to land in a designated part of the airfield (new grass area).

After a short lunch break it was on with more flying but with the skies changing to one of thermic potential the afternoon saw a number of long flights with some gliders needing to ‘airbrake down’ to allow others to fly. The Junior members also rigged K6 (DRE) and Charlie Stuckey enjoyed a couple of flights in it.

Charlie in K6 (Simon Leeson)

 Late afternoon with a steadily greying sky, and with a shortened afternoon following the hour going back last night, with everyone who wanted to fly having done so, it was time to put the gliders and ground equipment away - as we did so the rain, which had threatened us all afternoon, arrived!

End of the day (Mark Courtney)

 Thank you to everyone who helped others get into the air on what was thought might well be a non-flying day - optimism rewarded! - Mike Sloggett

Condor Racing

For the regular Sunday evening slot, it was a trip to the seaside, aerotow to 4000ft and glide to the cliffs on the South coast, after a familiarisation leg, the race with 3 laps started. 

 

Stewart playing catchup (Condor)

Chris Warnes and David Clements led the way, followed by Geoff Lawrence and Rob Rand and late-starter Stewart Henshall going for a fast time.

 

Crossing the low bit at Sidmouth(Condor)

All completed the task with great speeds - Stewart just pipped Chris and David with 158kph and then it was the patient careful climbs to get enough height to get back. David tested out the Farway Common landing option but there were just enough thermals inland on the way back. 

 

Thermals to get back (Condor)

The Condor scenery and soaring conditions are just so realistic. Andy Williams and J&P were watching Stewart's live stream. - Great fun and new experiences, come and join us. - J&P