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.
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| 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.
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| 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
