The enthusiasm of the early morning regulars to get the ground equipment and gliders prepared for flying more than made up for the lack of numbers, with ground equipment all ready and gliders being DI’d and ready to go by 0930. Operating initially from the west end it took a little while to set up and the first launch just missed the 10:00 winch discount period. James Flory, the morning DI and initially the only instructor, began working his way down the lengthy two-seater list. Simon Minsons’ appearance on the field was therefore welcomed, with Simon stepping in to complete a K-21 familiarisation and site checks with Mark Elliott and Steve Lesson from Brentor and now members at North Hill too. Both achieved solo in the K-21, which was good news (ed:but no photos??). The wind proved rather fickle throughout the day, ultimately necessitating a swap to the eastern end by late morning. JB, as the afternoon DI, continued to work through the training list with James and Simon staying on until the end of the day too.
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| Well done Shaun Dayman with Simon Minson (Jill Harmer) |
Shaun Dayman previously flying from Parham, but now moved to the southwest, also got checked out solo for the K21 and soloed Junior.
With the Pawnee being unserviceable, Pete Harmer was largely redundant as the duty tuggie. However, he was pressed into service as duty invigilator, supervising Andy Batchelors Bronze ground exam attempt, with Andy passing all subjects in one sitting. (ed: Well done Andy)
Elsewhere on the field, Karen King continued her winch driver training under Alan Turners watchful eye, and a merry band of brothers continued work on the trailer hangar under Pete Smiths guidance.
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| Glider trailer shelter nearing completion (Peter Smith) |
Pete has already sent out a separate email thanking those that helped, both today and over the last few months, but with the structure approaching completion, it’s worth recognising those efforts here as well – an excellent job and grateful thanks to all those that have helped with this project, particularly today in the heat!
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| Kenneth Crawley trial lesson visitor (Andy Broderick) |
Robert Lee flew trial lesson visitor Kenneth Crawley, who proved to have a very interesting back-story, having previously being a glider pilot, including at North Hill, but hadn’t flown since 1977! Welcome back, Kenneth, and we hope you enjoyed your flights!! The longest flight of the day at 31 minutes went to Juniors Dan Hender and Josh Batchelor in the DG505.
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| Josh Batchelor and Dan Hender in DG505 (Josh Batchelor) |
With 49 winch launches in total, it was a very good day and everyone flew. Thanks to all that helped to make the day work as well as it did. - Andy Batchelor
