I was a little late getting to the club, having had to pick up the Gator from some service and repairs. Nevertheless, when I arrived at 9:30, I was surprised to see all the gliders and equipment parked, checked and ready to fly. When I made it to the launch point and looked at the flying list, I understood why. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen every line on the flying list used with people wanting training, checks, and then some. Definitely looked like it would be a long day!!
A tad windy in the office today (Stuart Procter)
Simon Leeson, James Flory, Mike Sloggett and the imitable CFI, Mark Courtney, took to the task and started flying just after 10:00. From that point, instructors, students, visitors and just about anyone who came by were kept busy. Within an hour we were seeing simulated winch cable break practice with young Joel Roulson benefitting from Mark’s guidance. Mike Sloggett couldn’t resist doing the same with Karen King, and Simon started a wave of spin awareness training with two visiting Dartmoor Gliding Society members. He must have enjoyed it so much, he continued his work with Stuart Thomson and Luke Stabb. I had the rota for the three scheduled trial lessons, and I (and everyone) was pleased to see the sky and thermals continuing to improve throughout the day. The instructors had quick and staggered lunch breaks to keep things rolling along. Thank you, Stu and Simon, for the aerotows, particularly as the afternoon wore on for the increasing wind speed made tows “interesting”. And thanks to everyone else who winched, logged and generally kept the launch line moving.
The forecast for a wet Sunday versus a decent Saturday also meant the private gliders came out to play. Pete in 230, Eric in G29, Dan in JDP and Ruth in B19 all launched.
All in all, just under 50 flights. Sincere apologies to anyone who wasn’t able to fly. The wind conditions forced the blue flag to go up by early afternoon, and of course that meant several pilots were unable to go solo. So though it felt at times like March/April, what can beat this for a sport? - Tom Sides
