After a changeable week, the Saturday forecast was promising, with a nice day and the expectation of reasonable flying conditions, although indications were that soaring was never going to be high up the agenda. The early morning reality was that the drive to the Club was conducted predominantly in mist and fog! However, emerging through the low-lying fog into the glorious early morning sun bathing the airfield led to an uplift in morale, and a handful of club members quickly set about readying equipment and gliders for flying. With a very light southerly wind, and unseasonably warm conditions, the launch point was established at the eastern end of the field. As ever, there were quite a few candidates requiring a broad cross-section of of two-seat training, including spin training, and several trial lessons booked in too. So all the club two-seaters were taken to the flight line, along with a Junior, and we were all set for the off. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas and after only 4 launches, with low cloud reported at 600ft and becoming more extensive, DutyInstructor Mark Courtney sensibly called a pause to flying. Club members adjourned to the clubhouse to drink tea, grab an early lunch and await developments. Duty tug pilot, Pete Harmer, wondered whether his skills would be required at all, given the conditions.....it seemed unlikely.
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| Low cloud cleared after lunch (Andy Batchelor) |
However, his question was soon answered, with a more positive outcome. With the cloud clearing after lunch, flying stations were re-established. Unfortunately, the winch suffered a mechanical failure on start so Pete was pressed into service with the tug, completing about 11 aerotows through the afternoon. With Jill Harmer driving the simulator, Andy and Josh Batchelor took advantage of the lull in winch launching proceedings to attempt some aerotow exercises in the gliding simulator – both agreed it was a very useful experience. On hearing of the defunct winch, Chairman Nick and Stirling Melhuish disappeared to investigate. Initial news wasn’t good but, much to everyone’s surprise and delight, after a superb effort by Nick and Stirling, the winch was temporarily repaired and winch launching resumed by mid-afternoon. Taking advantage of the repaired winch was junior club member Josh Batchelor, converting to the K6 for the first time, completing 2 flights. Josh did say that having to rig the glider you’re about to fly puts a different perspective on matters, too!
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| Well done to Josh - converting to K6 (Andy Batchelor) |
So a day of challenges but, overall, a good, enjoyable days’ gliding for all, and some very happy trial flight candidates, supported as ever by instructors, IFPs and other club members undertaking all those ground tasks required to support flying. Thanks to everyone that helped out. - Andy Batchelor
