Sat 2nd April

When we arrived  at the airfield this morning it was bitterly cold, 0c in the valley and only +1c at the club. The rather pessimistic BBC forecast had no doubt put members off from coming to the club, that was a mistake, as was the forecast.

John Pursey was on duty with Robert Lee looking after visitors, Simon Leeson dragged the tug out of its hangar after its annual inspection. (Many thanks to Ian Mitchell and Graham Starkey for completing the Annual). The expected thick grey sky that should have greeted us was replaced by a most beautiful blue one!

There was only one pre-solo trainee, (what a treat he had in store) however to their credit JP and the minuscule numbers walked two K21’s to the far end, coming back for the Junior and the DG.

Ian Mitchell’s new alarm clock (he had for Xmas obviously worked) because he set off in his Rotax Falke for his instructor's duty at Mendip before 9am! 

 

Great sky and gin-clear visibility (Mark Courtney)

 

 With the air being so bitterly cold it didn’t take long for sun to have the required effect, and the thermals started popping. Stuart Thompson was soon strapped in and JP started a session of cable break practice. With those completed and no big flying list to worry about they went off for a soaring flight of over an hour. 

First Trial lesson Poppy Gratton with IFP Robert Lee (Mark Courtney)

William Pope and Martin Woolner disappeared in the VG for a long flight, on its return various syndicate members had flights enjoying views deep into Wales one way and all the way the Portland Bill the other, the visibility was quite exceptional.

The first Trial flights of the year arrived at the allotted time during the day, all enjoyed long soaring flights, a young lad has promised to return and seemed bitten by the bug! 

Robin Dafforn coming back soon (Mark Courtney)

This kept Simon Leeson busy in the Pawnee, but with a couple of other members wanting an aerotow he graciously (reluctantly) allowed the “boss” Stuart Proctor and myself the chance to get current again in the “ old girl”. James Flory helped out as usual but had to “pop off” to gain some brownie points as he was on duty the whole of the next day. Dave Weeks chose a good day to return after work commitments had stopped him attending for a few weeks, he enjoyed an hour and a half flight with myself, comfort break ended that flight! 

Dave Weeks flying with Mark in DG505 (Mark Courtney)

 

Pete Startup Eric Alston and Wyn Davies did the Club 100 task - the spread out preventing them from venturing further. 

"Big showers and dead areas so with set task scrubbed early (wrong way - didn't even make the first TP), went for a bimble. Some cracking climbs where the sun was on the ground - unfortunately it wasn't on much of it! There's always tomorrow............................." Pete Startup 230

 It was that sort of day today, very chilled indeed with instructors managing  to have some fun for themselves, Pete Harmer was seen soaring in a Junior, wait for it, having an aerotow! (didn't get away on the first attempt from the winch)

Simon Leeson and Martin Woolner had a tow under a very unconvincing sky but still came down by choice after an hour. Glenn Turpin was duty instructor in the afternoon and continued until flying stopped at about 16:30.

A wonderful day to be involved in this unpredictable sport! How many times do we say, never believe the forecast! - Mark Courtney