Mike Sloggett issued a hopeful advisory on Wednesday evening, and almost 20 members made the trip to North Hill in hopes of flying. Gliders were readied for the day while Mike made a field inspection, judging that the north side of the field had drained sufficiently from Wednesday's heavy rain to allow aerotows, but we still would have to wait for low cloud to burn off before starting play.
Low cloud is lifting into streets (Mark Layton)
After a bit more tea and moaning, Mike made the clever call at 11:30 for the Thursday regulars to take their lunch break then and fly afterwards.. Unsurprisingly, the opportunity to have more of Vicki's food was readily accepted.
Becoming a nice sky (Mark Layton)
Alan Rappaport prepared Bumblebee over and flying began at 12:30. The initial 1500 foot aerotow flights all hovered around the 10 minute level, but after Dave Perriam's decision to spend the extra dosh for a 2000 foot tow, flight times jumped to 30 minutes and beyond. A cloud street formed near the club, and even when we received a bit of light precipitation flying under it, many had to airbrake down as a courtesy to the next pilot to fly.
Towing back on the drier parts of the airfield (Mark Layton)
Thanks go to Mike and Alan, plus to the experienced Thursday regulars (almost all of whom were aerotow current and were looking for solo flights). A good launch rate insured everyone had at least one flight and the last glider landed just before 5pm. A good day with 15 flights.
Cleaning the wheelbox (Mark Layton)
My little advertising message is that the current low-priced aerotows have had the excellent result of increasing pilot skills, thus allowing more to fly during these wetter times. So whether you're a pre-solo or are more experienced, I really encourage you to get some aerotow training while the 2024 pricing scheme exists.... - Tom Sides
