Thursday started as forecast with a bitterly cold northerly coming right across the airfield. The usual early team of Dave Perriam and myself had a quick coffee break and then set to work getting the ground equipment DI'd and out of the hangar. Other than a couple of starting issues all was ready by the time Mike Sloggett and Mark Courtney arrived. With the earlier arrival of a few other hardy members Mark quickly set us to work in anticipation of a busy day.
Thankfully the launchpoint was set up at the east end avoiding a cold walk to the far end of the airfield. With a few more members arriving gliders were taken out of the hangar, DI'd and moved to the launchpoint opposite the glider hangar. Flying commenced with a mixture of training and check flights. As the day progressed the anticipated high turnout failed to materialise. This enabled a number of instructors to fly for their own benefit, most notably Ron John's and Chris Wool taking a aerotow in the DG505 to the Wellington monument. Later in the day the Junior was free and Mark Courtney appeared at the launchpoint. They were quickly put together and Mark was able to take a solo flight on the west ridge.
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| That's Mark Courtney in a Junior! (Ashley Thomas) |
As part of their progress to their BI rating Dave Perriam took a number of back seat flights in the Perkoz with willing volunteers in the front seat and Shaun Dayman likewise had a number of flights with Chris Wool. The Eurofox was taken out of the hangar and a small group was seen grouped around the engine cowling. Later in the day it was decided to take a test flight and this was followed later by a aerotow with a K21 crewed by Mike Sloggett and Geoff Lawrence.
Pawnee was available (Mark Courtney)
A welcome lunchbreak was called when everyone took advantage of a warm clubhouse and the opportunity of having some hot food. Motor Falke VG also had two flights.
By the end of the day most members had had multiple flights. With the temperature dropping quickly it was decided to take the gliders to the hangar as they landed.
A good day was had by those that braved the cold weather. Total of 23 winch and 6 aerotow flights. - Ashley Thomas
