Day 5, the final day of the June course, and yet another slow start due to the weather not playing ball once again, with low cloud drifting around. So, the day started in the clubhouse with some interesting stories and useful learning experiences in the long and distinguished career of Sir Chris Coville, all of which had an underlying learning point on the importance of correct practice, procedure and attitude towards safe flying.
This was followed by Guy Adams returning to the clubhouse with the well received comment of “let’s fly shall we,” no one needed to be asked twice, and the already DI’d aircraft and kit were soon in position and flying commenced. Cloud was patchy but a good number of launches took place and all the course students flew, making further advances in their individual training and led to Chris Mew completing his required checks to return to solo flying. Ian Hunt was now sharing the Junior with Chris C and notching up his flights also.
Course members, Instructors and Helpers
One slight, very short interruption in the afternoon with Heli-Med 71A requesting permission to fly through our overhead to attend an incident to the East of Dunkeswell, as all our aircraft were on the ground at the time minimal interruption to our flying occurred - but we were happy to help.
Circuits where the main order of the day, but flight times did increase slightly towards the end of the day, which was unfortunately brought to a sudden close at approx 15:45 by the fast approaching low cloud and rain.
A course debrief then took place in the clubhouse and all departed for home with a common sense of gratitude to the instructors - John Sillett and Guy Adams, and course helpers - Andrew Logan, Dan Hender and Dave Perriam. The course students also appeared to have a good feeling of personal achievement and training advancement, given the weather conditions throughout the week restricted flights to basic circuits and launch failure practice for the majority of the time which made soaring and training exercises rather difficult.
But.... a good week was had by all, good banter, and flying every day, not too bad really !!! - Dave Perriam
