There were three questions to be answered today - would the airfield be too wet to use? would the wind strength and direction allow gliding to take place? and after many members being at the Club yesterday for the SGM re a potential EuroFox purchase, would there be enough interest in flying today?
The answers were No, Maybe and Yes.
With a small group of (very keen taking into account the chilly North Easterly wind) members led by James Flory the decision was made to get both K21s and a Junior out of the hangar whilst the launch point and winch were set up for the current and forecast wind conditions.
With few members to do the usual ‘start of day’ tasks it was just past 10am when the first launch was completed under a Yellow flag, reflecting what was predicted to be an ‘interesting’ approach over the West end of the airfield. As it happened the circuit, approach and landing were all reported to be straightforward provided pilots planned ahead suitably for the conditions.
 |
| Next area for field leveling to start soon (Mike Sloggett) |
As the morning progressed then so did the flying list with various instructors helping out in the back seat and also using the Junior to maintain currency.
The winch launch heights were regularly in excess of 1500ft and this enabled pilots to go in search of potential wave or use the evident thermals for extended circuits.
With sink rates of 6 knots in places focus and planning were key with some pilots correctly “turning in early” when needing to do so.
By late morning the general consensus between the instructors was that a Blue flag was needed and shortly after that it was decided to start hangar flights as everyone who had flown were happy to ‘quit while they were ahead’!
A good day in the very fresh air with teamwork from those present making the most of the conditions. - Mike Sloggett
