The usual group of Thursday regulars were greeted with more wall to wall sunshine, and a few cumulus started popping, the wind once again proving tricky with a crosswind. We opted for the east end launchpoint, with the wind moving around with the thermals. It was soarable from the outset with both K21s enjoying soarable training flights, but as usual some of the solo pilots were luckier than others for getting away. The trial lesson visitor had cancelled due to illness, but both Robert Lee and James Smart had family and friends flights to do.
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| North Hill and Dunkeswell in the blue sky (Mike Horwood) |
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| Vertigo canopy covers (Jill Harmer) |
Well done to Connor Williams for passing his Bronze theory exam
Pete Startup 230 flew an impressive 300kms NHL Chilbolton - Membury - NHL "Club task which nobody has flown for years so thought I'd re-visit it. Despite the forecasts all agreeing that it woud be totally blue there was actually a mix of blue, wispies and even some proper Cu around Andover and Membury. It was going well until approaching the SouthWest on the last leg and I could see the milkyness of doom, the effect of the sea air brought all the way down the Somerset Levels on the 340/14kt breeze from Bridgwater Bay to the South coast. I knew that if I could get across the gap and onto the Blackdown Hills I would be able to get home and that's what happened but it was tricky and slowed me right down." But in the end only a few private owners decided to fly - pleasant day thanks all. - J&P
In the evening, Ruth and Rob, friends and family gathered to experience gliding for the first time. Ten people flew and two had a second flight.
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| Ruth, Rob, friends and family (John Borland) |
Some weak lift persisted into the evening to extend some of the flights. A good experience for all.
Thanks to volunteer crew for a smooth operation. - John Borland, Group flying coordinator
