Admittedly the forecast wasn’t great and schools restarting always takes off the edge but this Saturday was decidedly quiet. At the briefing we really only had just enough to contemplate operating the airfield and with low cloud brushing through the trees one had to wonder if the majority weren’t right!
My confidence that the morning at least would be become flyable paid off as with the field set up the super low cloud edged back towards Dunkeswell and with launches from the west there was good margin to safely start.
Congratulations Alan Rappaport resolo after 30 year break (John Pursey)
With the support of the ubiquitous James Flory wearing two hats as both tug pilot and instructor No2, I effectively only had young Arthur Lean and not so young Alan Rappaport to deal with and we had the luxury of multiple launches and trading exercises. For Alan this was cable breaks and a re-solo in a glider after a break of 30 years. Welcome back Alan!
On cue, the rain arrived mid-afternoon but only once pretty much all the planned flying had been done and the hanger was being packed. Tom Sides managed to fly 3 visitors and the curious weather allowed at least one aerotow.
"North Hill Tower" Sally in her element (John Pursey)
The biggest stars of the day were the usual suspects that despite the frankly zero-soaring opportunities drove the winch, manned the control, ran the wing and generally made things happen. Dave, Ashley, Paul, Rob, Sally, Alan T and others I thank you! - John Pursey
