A start was made by the usual early crew in a slightly sharper temperature than recent, with even the need for a coat or two for some. The ground equipment was DI ed and lined up with aircraft out to warm just after. Post experts review, a start was planned with a K21 and Junior positioned to the west end and winch to the east ( in a NNE wind). Numbers improved during the process and so DG505 and the other K21 also headed west. First flight got the pre10:00am discount! and flying continued with the list. Duty Instructor Peter Field started on the training list. At the other end, winch training was also being done to make the most of a nice club day (even with the 90degree cross wind.
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| James Flory congratulating Ella Penny on her first solo (Jill Harmer) |
The key achievement today, was Ella Penny working through two instructors and lots of practice launch failures followed by achieving her first solo flight with a second solo to celebrate! Well done Ella.
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| Ella Penny solo at North Hill (Jill Harmer) |
The rest of us flew extended circuits and short soaring flights, but being shown up by John Pursey who took the best of the timing and weather to get 2 hours in the Junior. We had to change ends at lunchtime (adding to Ella’s high workload day, and helping with the winch trainee ( Chris Woodward’s) training requirements ) ( wind NNW). Afternoon training was done by Guy Adams, but thanks also to James Flory, Martin Woolner and John Pursey for helping with the 2-seater list throughout the day. Also thanks to James Smart who flew the Trial flight visitors and managed the large number of spectators that they brought with them. In the end a good day with mixed flying for members, and a high percentage of instructors / IFP also keeping current, total flights 44 with 7 Aerotow’s done (Simon Jordy got some tugging at last). - Gordon Hutchinson
