Wed 30th August

 Just before 9 am the flying list had 17 on the training list and 12 on the solo list which proved initially to be a  problem in that there was only one instructor. Pete Smith put out a call for help but luckily Ron Johns turned up hoping to fly his ASH25, then decided against it after looking at the overcast conditions. Pete breathed a sigh of relief and along with Ron started to make their way through the flying list initially just doing one flight each.

The overcast sky showed signs of thermal activity and from about 11 o'clock became soarable as the sun broke through to help things along. It was easy if you launched at the right time and less so if you didn't. So it was great for some and disappointing for others as the sky cycled two or three times during the day. 

Perkoz (Mark Layton)

 Five privateers also took the opportunity to fly their gliders. Gordon Hutchinson - JDP was allowed to fly his own glider for a change before handing it over to Dan Hender who still hasn't got tired of it yet! Andrew Logan - FMS, John Borland - FAJ, Jeff Taberham - 380 and Mark Layton - 477 all managed to have good soaring flights.

There was also a number of recently soloed pilots who continued to build up their flights. By the end of the day the flying list was covered in ticks and all those who wanted to fly did so. The indifferent weather forecast turned out to be a very enjoyable one! - Mark Layton

Sun 27th August - Junior Nationals

Well we made it to day nine!! Another early start, and set up on the grid before the briefing at 10am. Another two tasks set, Task ’A’ 140km.

 

Team Hender

However, it wasn’t meant to be, after waiting on the grid until 12:30, the day was scrubbed. Such a shame we couldn’t achieve nine days of flying, but eight out of nine is amazing, and what a competition. Dan achieved a final placing of twentieth out of forty-two competitors, an excellent result for his first competition, and with a new found love of competition flying, I’m sure the boy will be back next year.

 

Junior Nationals 2023 (UK Junior Gliding)

We packed the glider away safely in the trailer before the rain came through, then attended the prize giving and after party.

Party (Sally Hender)

 A big thanks to everyone who contributed to hosting the event at Gransden Lodge, we really appreciate how much work goes on behind the scenes! Another big thank you to Gordon Hutchinson for making it all possible, and to the Ian Beckett fund for providing some financial support. - Sally Hender

Sun 27th August

 Sunday’s weather was feeling more like October, with low cloud, a cold northerly wind and a forecast for afternoon rain. 

 

Doesn't feel like Summer( NHL Weather Station)

Pete Field first made the call that there would likely be no aerotows, then stirred the troops to pull out some kit and flying began with three two seaters and one of the Juniors. James Flory, Simon Minson and Pete Warren arrived to help Pete with instructor duty. Flights were enjoyable, with a bit of ridge lift to make things interesting. Dave Perriam continued to receive BI coaching from Simon and Chris Warnes was able to offer two winch First Flights. By continuing to fly through lunch, we managed 24 flights before rain put a halt to play.

Particular thanks go out to those who helped but didn’t fly:  Andew Logan, Oscar Bond and Dave Weeks, but full marks to a team that turned what looked to be a washout into an enjoyable day.- Tom Sides

Sat 26th August - Two-seater comp

Ahoy there, matey! After a good few days of competition flying being scrubbed, the hearty Team Eagle entertained on a fine Friday eve, treating their wood class companions to a grand Paella feast cooked by none other than Captain Pursey himself. The crew rallied 'round, and with spirits high and hands aplenty, dinner was served right on the dot. A merry time 'round the crackling fire led to a coin collection of over £300 for the charity coffers - the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Motorneurone Disease Association. 

A gift from a grateful Capstan supporter (Phil Morrison)

 The morrow greeted us (albeit with some hangovers) under a thick dew. The forecast at briefing was like a broken record, echoing the days afore - much the same, with clouds playing coy.

Undeterred, we lined up on the grid, and due to a vacant spot, AXJ and BBB managed prime positions up front. When the clock struck twelve, the first launch commenced, with cloudbase a tad lower at 2500ft, aye. Miraculously, both eagles made it back to the nest, having completed the grandest task!

Low cloudbases (John Pursey)

 BBB, helmed by Captain Pursey and his trusty First Mate Vest, wasted no time and set sail promptly, anticipatin' the forecasted decline in soaring conditions as the day waned. Their gamble paid off, catapulting them to the second spot overall in the Wood class.

As for AXJ, under the command of Captain Armstrong and his trusty Quartermaster Melhuish, they swiftly rounded the task, clinching the day's glory and extendin' their lead even further.

DD3, commanded by Captain Morrison and that scallywag known as Rappaport the Rotten, cruised through the task at high speed, surging into first place in the Hot Ships class and takin' second place overall!

It's summer (Phil Morrison)

 

Stirling, Steph and Connor keeping warm (Phil Morrison)

Once all our ships had returned, the heavens started to brew some thunderstorms, so we secured the gliders with extra lashings afore diggin' into another of Captain Pursey's culinary masterpieces, this time in the form of Italian Meatballs. - Phil Morrison

Sat 26th August - Junior Nationals

 With North Hill all showered out today,  I’ve run out of different ways to start the blog, and we still have another day to go!!! Not that I’m complaining, as it means we have flown every day so far, and there were high hopes for today!
Although, sat on the grid looking at the sky, I think the pilots had visions of fields ahead! Launching started at 1pm, with Dan literally the first to go… there was no way he was going to be late across the start line today!

 

First on the grid (Sally Hender)

With everyone in the air within 38 mins the start line was announced s as opened at 13:52! However, with a rain shower between the majority of the competitors and the start line, things looked like they could get a little tricky…… and they did!

So where are those pesky showers? (Sally Hender)

Half the field managed to get across the start line, and commenced the task. However, the other half struggled right from the start and ending up getting caught by the rain and having to land back at the field. Dan did achieve crossing the start line, so although he was one of the ones that landed back (at time of writing) he got 2 points for distance!!!

Sitting in the rain (Rob Hender)

He then sat on the airfield with the other landed pilots to watch the lightning and follow tracks of the airborne competitors. Of the remaining pilots only one made it around the whole task, and back to the field, well done George White (NW)(remember your ASW20 Mark!) what an amazing effort. I went out for more supplies later, and easily found my way back, by following the trail of glider trailers going out on retrieves.
So an early finish to the day for us at least… steak for tea! - Sally Hender

Fri 25th August - Junior Nationals

 After talk last night of the fabulous day predicted for today and a possible 500k task, there was disappointment when we looked to the skies this morning. It was likely to be flyable, but nothing like the conditions that had been  suggested.

Ready to go - but forgot the fancy dress (Sally Hender)

Hence at briefing, a much shorter 157km task ‘A’ was set. After a group photo at the front of the grid, with the doctors and nurses fancy dress outfits taking pride of place, launching commenced at 11.30am. The start line then opened at 12.28, Dan was the sixth glider to call his start, never one to wait with the pack!!! 

Back in time for a late lunch (Sally Hender)

 Again he was with the leading group, topping up to a lovely 4000ft just before the first turn point (TOW) Towcester. He then met a pack of gliders coming the other way, all using the same lift. However, he continued the next leg following Chris Gill (LEW) and Peter Freeland (766), although he had to top up his height so fell behind, this meant he was third back to the airfield. Final place for today 17th, and 19th in the competition so far. Doing well!- Sally Hender

Fri 25th August - Course week

 A later start this morning. Dave Perriam was out at 7am this morning remaking the 2nd winch cable to ensure we could all fly today after replacing the first cable on Wednesday. Thank you Dave!! The first flight setting off around 10am.

The second August course (Tim Petty)

 Good Westerly launches to 1500ft.With rain/thunderstorms forecast for early afternoon the 'three Js'  (Joel, Jake and Julian) got underway with further solo flights. Mike Fawcett, Tara Ashwood and Luke Stabb continued with finessing their pre-solo flying. Joel missed out on his first 1hr flight, by mis- hearing on the radio that he could have stayed up rather than come down for lunch! Mike Fawcett finished on a high having a soaring flight of over 20mins before an early lunch was called due to impending change in the weather.

After lunch, decision was made to call it a day for flying, gliders all packed away at 3pm just before the rain set in for the rest of the day!

A big thank you to our instructors Pete Smith, Mike Sloggett and our helpers, Dave, Brian, Tim and Kevin for getting us up in the air, their encouragement and patience too!

A good course week crowd where we all mucked in to ensure we maximised the day's flying. - Mike Fawcett (ed:back to pick up where he left gliding a couple of years ago)

Thurs 24th August - Course week

Today the course was running with the two K21s and ordinary club flying used the DG505 and the Junior (FZF). Weather was good in the morning with a light North-Westerly that was good enough weather for 3 solos each for the people on the course and some easier handling for less experienced pilots. 

Instructors Peter and Mike with time to spare while the solos are flying (Mark Layton)

Over the day there was small amounts of lift on the bowl (North-West ridge) then a more thermic period after lunch when Tara Ashwood managed a 4000 foot aerotow before a small band of rain came through along with more tricky conditions at around 4:30.

A short shower (Mark Layton)

Stuart Procter was checking out Chris Wool for his five-year instructor check throughout the day in the Perkoz with an aerotow and some simulated launch failures. 

Mostly it was quite bright and very clear in the late afternoon (Mark Layton)

  Heating up conditions, with the grass drying quickly after the rain in the early hours of the day, gave mostly clear skies for a lovely set of flights. 51 winch launches and 5 aerotows in all, with Pete and Rob having the longest flight just short of an hour. 

The Junior that the early solo pilots aspire to (Mark Layton)

After the cable breaks of Wednesday, we have had no real launch failures today with the newly-replaced cable holding strong - thanks to Dave Perriam and Kevin Fairburn.

In the evening the course dinner was fish and chips from the Fish Plaice and Grill in Dunkeswell to finish a successful course week.

Today’s tug pilot was Mark Courtney and Pete Harmer instructed for club regulars, while Mike Sloggett and Peter Smith remained instructing on the course. So with the course coming to a close tomorrow, the successful day of flying was appreciated.  - Joel Roulson (Junior Member)

Thurs 24th August - Junior Nationals

There was a young lad from Devon’s
Who wanted to fly in the heavens
He flew Gransden Lodge
Other gliders he dodged
And yesterday he came eleventh!

I think I’ll give up there! I definitely can’t compete with John Pursey when waxing lyrical!

We had a little bit of a lie in this morning, after a karaoke evening last night! Needless to say Britain’s (Gliding) doesn’t have Talent! So a later grid, 8:30, and briefing at 11:15.

Keeping cool, changing the task (Sally Hender)

 First launch was announced for 13:10 with the grid all in the air by 13:46, the start line opened at 14:06 and for a change Dan let quite a few of the other competitors go before he started at 14:12, most of the pilots deciding to go fairly quickly this afternoon. The first leg looked very busy, with so many leaving at a similar time, but true to form Dan edged towards the front of the pack, taking the first turnpoint Manton (MAN) in amongst the leaders. The second leg looked to be more of a challenge, with a few lower points for him along the way.

Leaving a footprint (Sally Hender)

 

However, he was second to the next turnpoint, Hb Control Point East (HB5) following the leader Henry Inigo-Jones (95). The third leg looked even harder, scratching away in the first half, and managing to climb away from 600ft!!! We thought we were retrieving at that point. 

Ready to launch (Sally Hender)

Dan screamed back reaching 120knots over the finish line! Another enjoyable flight ending up 12th at time of writing, 21st overall. - Sally Hender

Wed 23rd August - Two-seater Comp

Beneath the leadened skies, we awoke anew,
Briefing's meteorologist's view askew.
Grey skies prevailed, as if the window lied,
Gliders gridded, awaiting skies to confide.

Lunchtime came, and skies remained still grey,
Tannoy's tones prolonged potential launch's sway.
Snuffers launched, into the quiet expanse,
Grey skies loomed, a hesitant dance. 

Humber Estuary (JP)

At 13:45, the launch call was made,
Gliders dropped in air, like promises unswayed.
Pocklington's thermals, feeble and mild,
North hill nomads, through skies reconciled.

Eagles BBB with AXJ (JP)

 Eagles soared, courtship above the ground,
Plastic admirers, they enchantingly found.
Wooden pair, from second point, did rise,
AXJ soared higher, skill in their skies.

The gaggle below (JP)

Huttin Cranswick, they parted their ways,
BBB nestled, in a stubble's embrace.
AXJ pressed on, toward Humber's embrace,
Lead skies encroached, a somber space.

Football club's edge, Hull's landing found,
AXJ grounded, sky's promise unbound.
DD3 raced, the task's path they wove,
Iron thermal's embrace, from Brigg they drove.

Another nice field (JP)

Tag team Eagles retrieved, day's journey done,
Thai takeaway savored, as setting sun won.
An unexpected day, weather's fickle grin,
Joy in the skies, despite lead skies' din.

John Pursey

Wed 23rd August - Junior Nationals

 Groundhog Day!!? - However this time the decision-making was a little prolonged! So we managed to make it to the clubhouse for a coffee and chat, and caught the unusual sight of a certain junior emptying bins!!

Rebriefing (Sally Hender)

 The briefing at 10am gave options of tasks A,B and C. Although at 11:25 a rebrief was called at the front of the grid suggesting Tasks D and E!!! The initial start ‘not before 12:00’ message was then put out. This was pushed back a total of seven times, the first launch finally being called at 13.45 on task B 140km! Much to the consternation of the pilots, the weather briefing this morning had advised failing conditions by 16.30!

Grid squatting (Rob Hender)

 The grid was cleared in 32 mins and the start line was announced very quickly at 14:33. As ever, our impatient young pilot started early at 14:40, along with a handful of other early birds, up the first leg of the task, all managing to keep heights of about 3000ft. 

Halfway up the second leg he took the lead keeping his speed up. Turning the second turnpoint MTD Methwold after approx 50 mins of flight. The last leg was slower into a slight wind, but Dan was first back on to the airfield, which meant when he loaded his trace he was temporarily in first place, needless to say he took a screen shot of that one!!!

First back on the airfield (Rob Hender)

Overall he came 11th for the day, a significant jump to the previous days placings, putting him 20th for the week so far, and he even got asked in the debrief as to his decision making. - Sally Hender

Wed 23rd August - Course week

 A sharp start to the day for the course and the first flight commenced around 9:40.

The conditions were very mild with a weak southerly wind. The sky was blue and clear making flights relatively short from morning to early afternoon. A lunch break was taken at around 12:30 as the regular Wednesday flying group carried on flying operations. Course flying restarted at around 13:30 with mainly planned launch failures. Flying slowed down after this as there were some difficulties with cables - thanks to Dave Perriam for changing the cable. 

Proud Dad Ivan with Joel Roulson (Peter Smith)

 

Today was a very successful day for some of the course participants as Joel (Junior member) achieved two solo flights in the early afternoon, 

 

Mike congratulates Jake Stabb

I also managed to achieve my first solo and would like to thank all instructors and ground crew that have helped me throughout my training. Julian also did a re-solo after a break from gliding since last year , so congratulations to all. 

Peter congratulates Julian West resolo (Mike Sloggett)

Everyone on the course managed to fly and gliders were passed over to the Wednesday evening crew at 18:30, - many thanks to Mike Willmott for winching all evening and not flying, as the only winch driver. - Jake Stabb (Junior Member)

Tues 22nd August - Two-seater Comp

In the early morning briefing, the meteorological forecast didn't promise much, casting doubt over the possibility of soaring for the day. Thus, a pragmatic choice was made – no task was set, and a midday rebrief was scheduled to reassess the conditions.

After a refreshing cup of tea, we reconvened for the rebrief session. Though the sky had taken on a more hopeful appearance, the persistent low cloudbase and unwavering strong winds necessitated a decision in favor of safety. Regrettably, the competition day had to be scrubbed. Yet, in the spirit of embracing the unforeseen, we seized the opportunity to inject a dash of adventurous flying into the mix.

With a gesture of encouragement, reduced-price aerotows were offered, paving the way for a unique kind of challenge. Pilots embarked on the skies, not in pursuit of a task but with an open-ended quest for soaring joy. The day's exploits weren't in vain, for rewards awaited the pilots who achieved the longest flight and demonstrated the most enterprising aerial endeavors.

AXB Blue Eagle (Connor Williams)

 As the North Hill team launched into the expanse above, the initially promising sky underwent rapid transformations, cycling through changes that were both unpredictable and fascinating. The journey of AXJ, carrying the skilled duo of Mike Armstrong and Stirling Melhuish, concluded with a graceful landing back at the Pocklington base.

BBB Yellow Eagle, Lovely field (John Pursey)

Meanwhile, the hum of DD3's engine could be heard as Phil Morrison and JB decided to utilize the iron thermal and BBB, a stalwart competitor, JP and Alan Rappaport embraced a downwind journey that ultimately led to an outlanding in the picturesque wolds.

 

East coast with Hornsea under DD3 wingtip (JB)

The end of the day marked the successful retrieval of BBB from its scenic resting place. As twilight descended, we gathered once more to share camaraderie and delectable sustenance. John Pursey, as ever, treated us to a sumptuous meal, wrapping up a day filled with unexpected turns, flying pursuits, and the enduring spirit of adventure. - Connor Williams

Tues 22nd August - Junior Nationals

 Eat, sleep, glide, repeat!!!

 Same timings as every other day, with the first launch taken at 11:55am, the challenge, a 205km task - this time the first heading towards the west for 58km. Dan was the fourth glider to launch today, so we didn’t hold out much hope of Mr Impatient starting at the back!!! 

 

Near the front of the grid today (Sally Hender)

Although with the whole grid launched in 34 mins, he didn’t have too long to wait. However, the start was called for 12:39, and Dan crossed the start line at 12:49!!! He was in the pack on the first leg, turning with the leading gliders, although he’d started earlier than the more experienced pilots.

The second leg was downwind and he reached speeds of 112 knots with a big grin on his face. The last leg he flew with three of the very experienced competitors, and held his own to begin with, but with water in their wings, they beat him with much better penetration. Another great flight, with amazing thermals, going up to 5000ft!

(ed: Devalued task again as the leaders completed in less than 2 hours, but well done Dan with a provisional 17th place and a handicapped speed of 104kph - 24th overall.)

Pizza tonight (Sally Hender)

Now just waiting for the pizza van to arrive! - Sally Hender

Tues 22nd August - Course week

 With a positive forecast for the day ahead, the course members were keen to get flying.  With all vehicles and gliders ready for 9:30, flying commenced around 9:40.

Westerly light winds and a developing blue sky, a handful of private members turned up and began to rig their single seaters. The first three course flights came back swiftly due to it being fairly early in the day.

KEK on approach (Luke Stabb)

 Ambitiously Sir Chris Colville  decided to take the Junior for a launch and achieved 64 mins! From then on everybody managed to soar and get away meaning the ground became quiet .

DKU landing  (Luke Stabb)

 

Breaking the silence  Pete Startup, Dave Perriam and Robert Lee all launched within the space of half an hour and all achieved over 2 and a half hours ! Thank you to everybody who helped out today to get the gliders turned around quickly. Also thank you to the Instructors for making sure everyone had some good flights today! - Luke Stabb  (Junior member)

Mon 21st August - Junior Nationals

 Another day of flying ahead, although it looked like it could be out into the blue! Again the grid was opened at 8am with Dan moving further towards the front. Briefing at 10am and ‘A’ task was a 178km with the longest leg heading east. CAX-ACB-ELM-STD-WTB-GRL.

 

Getting on the grid (Sally Hender)

The call was made 11:55am for the first launch, and the grid was airborne in a record time of 34mins, with approx ten tug planes involved, what a spectacle! The start line opened at 12.52pm with very few taking the challenge. However, an ever-impatient Dan was again in the group starting early, crossing the start line at 1:14pm.

He made good progress through the first two turn points, leading the pack again and making his own choices. After turning Elmswell W (ELM) however, things changed, struggling to find lift his height dropped to 900ft, and we were biting our finger nails at this point, as he was at the furthest point from the airfield and it would have meant an hour and a half drive to get him! But he saved it again and got his height back up to 3000ft!

Completing the task - no penalties today (Sally Hender)

 The fourth leg was also a difficult run with some more low points on his trace and flying close to Cambridge Airport. The last run was a dash for the finish, hitting unexpected sink along the way. He was the first of the competitors back to the airfield, with a final placing for the day, at time of writing, of 22nd, and overall 23rd. An improvement on his previous flights. - Sally Hender

Mon 21st August - Course week

 Day 1 of course week started with introductions and the course briefing with instructors Mike Sloggett & Peter Smith. Course participants were Michael Fawcett (welcome back), Joel Roulson, Tara Ashwood, Luke Stabb, Jake Stabb, & Julian West.

Weather looked slightly promising, quite dry & light westerly winds to start, with cloud base estimated at 800 feet. Course helpers worked hard to get the airfield set up with the winch at the West end. The two K21’s & the Junior were carefully DI’d ready for the days flying. 

Stabb family with Mike Sloggett (Julian West)

 Early launches achieved around 1,350 feet and as the morning progressed cloud base started to lift.  Final approaches were tricky due to the turbulence over the trees. 

Jake skillfully dealt with an instructor induced launch failure on his very first flight, landing ahead with no issues. Even more impressively Jake shared his delicious birthday cake with everyone!

The instructors worked hard & all students had three flights before we all stopped for lunch just after 13:00.

Joel Roulson with Peter Smith (Julian West)

 The afternoon sky looked a little more promising with some mild thermal activity over Broadhembury. Conditions improved enough to tempt a couple of the more experienced pilots to take the Junior up. As the day drew to an end the air cooled and flight times remained fairly short. 

Turbulence over the trees (Julian West)

 The last few flights were cut short due to simulated launch failures. All in all a great first course day & everyone very much looking forward to day two. - Julian West

Sun 20th August - Two-seater Comp Pocklington

 On Friday, the North Hill Nomads set up their encampment consisting of 4 tents, 4 camper vans, Nick's caravan and a large gazebo for the barrel of Otter!
Saturday was a non-contest flying day and young Connor weedled his way into the back seat of Chris Fox’s Duo Discus for a couple hours of wave hunting to the west near York.

North Hill Nomads (JB)

The Two-seater comp started on Sunday with a 234k task with 4 turning points. Similar to Competition Enterprise, competitors can choose to return to Pocklington finish from any of the turning points which provided a choice of tasks for the varying performance of gliders in the comp. Phil Morrison and Connor Williams won first place for the ‘hot ships’ class in DD3. Mike Armstrong and Stirling Melhuish won the Wood class and were overall winner of the day with an amazing flight up to Sutton on Forrest and down to Gainsborough and back - a flight which many of the modern plastic gliders failed to complete!

Humber Estuary heading South from DD3

 Unfortunately JP and JB in BBB didn’t fare so well and after a struggle to get the first TP found themselves stranded and had to fly east for miles to Pickering and beyond, slowly getting further and further offtrack from Pocklington in a desperate attempt to remain airborne in the hope that they would eventually find a route of ‘energy’ to get them home!

Mike and Stirling collecting the Bubbly (Nick Jones)

So on Day 1, AXJ Blue Eagle came overall 1st, DD3 came 2nd overall and BBB came 2nd to last!  But the winners got bottles of bubbly so after an uneventful 2nd day of the comp the Nomads still had some bubbly from the first day to celebrate together with another of John Pursey’s amazing suppers! - JB

Sun 20th August - Junior Nationals

 Another good flying day was predicted at Gransden Lodge today, with similar weather to yesterday, but less bumpy! The grid was set up at 8am again, and the briefing set a task of 150km,  this time there was less distance into wind!

Unfortunately, Rob and I missed Dan’s launch by seconds, due to a mistimed visit to the Supermarket!!! (Gliding or wine??🤔). However, we again spent an afternoon sat in the sun watching his progress on glide and seek, wine sitting unopened in case of a land out, need to be able to give the farmer something!

Back on the airfield today (Sally Hender)

 

It was a good flight, Dan set off after waiting longer this time, letting others mark the lift for him. Although Dan was again in the leading pack after the second turnpoint (RDN, Rattlesden). Coming back third to the airfield, unfortunately 32ft below the finish line, for which he was awarded 32 penalty points!

Straight in approach (Sally Hender)

 He finished in 23rd place out of 40, with only a few landing out. Another great day. - Sally Hender

Sun 20th August

 The weather forecast for today suggested flying from first thing through to the end of the day with improving  skies as the day unfolded. But as has been the case recently the actual weather was somewhat different.....

The members present had all four two-seaters and a Junior out of the Hangar well before 9am so with the winch and launch point set up soon after the only question was whether the cloudbase was sufficient to allow full height launches.

As it happened the first winch launch was a simulated ‘land ahead’ launch failure anyway and the second winch launch was released just below cloudbase which was only around 750ft.

And so it was an appropriate time to return to the Clubhouse for coffee, which was timely as the Women’s’ World Cup Final was about to start.  The next few hours saw various members watching the football avidly, whilst other members were seen regularly wandering in to the Clubhouse to check on the score and watch a few minutes of the match before returning outside to see if the weather had improved to allow gliding to re-commence.

Skies improving (Mike Sloggett)

And then with the blue skies starting to become more prevalent in and amongst the wispy clouds Pete Warren and Mike Sloggett took a met flight which confirmed that the afternoon might just allow some gliding.

With the afternoon weather steadily improving the rest of the day saw Robert Lee look after our Trial Lesson visitors, the flying lists for training and solo pilots completed and James Flory flying with Simon Minson for James’ Full Cat Rating preparation.

Thank you to all who stayed patient today and helped others to get into the air. - Mike Sloggett