Given a less than encouraging forecast the Thursday regulars were slow to arrive to be greeted by a bright clear day and a chilly 10kt westerly. The Groundwork team had completed an excellent job earlier in the week replacing the drainage pipe. More overnight rain had left the field very wet in places so the only choice was reduced-price aerotows. Two K21’s and one Junior were DI’ed and parked in the sun to clear the canopies.
Ready to go (Mike Horwood)
With Pete Harmer, Mike Sloggett and Chris Wool sharing the back seat duties, the first aerotow got away a few minutes before 11am and found some reduced sink on the West ridge. All was going well until after four tows (and a comfort break for the tuggie), the Pawnee refused to start. The starter motor refusing to engage.
Selecting the right tools (Mike Horwood)
After consultation with Tugmaster Ian Mitchell, application of WD40 and some 'Woolly magic' the old bird sprang into life and the fun continued.
Low sun views of North Hill (Mike Sloggett)
As the day progressed it became easier to stay up with some gentle handling in the sweet spot on the ridge and a combination of ridge and weak wave lift. Longest flight went to JB and Pete Startup sharing a K21.
