With the recent poor weather and lack of flying, the weather for Saturday looked very promising. The challenge was the condition of the field after all the recent rain. But having put their optimistic hats on there was a small but enthusiastic turnout when I arrived at the club just after 8. The next question was is the field up to it? Following several pitch inspections by me, Simon Leeson and Stuart Procter it was decided aerotowing would be possible from the north side. Decisions made, we got the gliders and Disco across to the launch point area and went in to brief whilst the low cloud cleared. By this time the Clubhouse was pretty full, with lots of expectant members wanting to fly. It was therefore agreed that we would use Bumblebee along with our EuroFox to help with the towing.
 |
| Two-tug day (Rob Hender) |
There was a long list of people wanting spinning checks for card renewals and Neil from Mendip Gliding club who had come down specially to spin as part of his IFP rating checks. Whilst we waited for the cloud to lift Simon and I therefore took the chance to do spinning briefing.
The first tow with Simon Leeson flying the Tug and Alan Turner and I in a K21 at 11:00 revealed not just flyable conditions but some thermals. Apart from a shower around midday the rest of the day saw improving conditions with blue skies, white fluffy clouds forming streets, some nice thermals all mixed in with a little bit of ridge lift.
 |
| View of Devon from the front (Simon Leeson) |
The improving conditions were echoed in the flight times with Pete Startup, Dave Perriam, Simon Leeson now in a K21 with Benjie Pitts and John Borland all getting over an hours soaring. At one point we had four club gliders all enjoying the same thermal, magic. All spinning trips were completed by Stuart and I, and the Trial flight visitor enjoyed her flight with Tom Sides.
 |
| Lookout! how many gliders? (James Flory) |
Whilst many of us were enjoying the flying thanks go to all those involved in finishing the DG505’s 3000 hour check, led by Carl Tharme, George Sanderson, Pete Startup and John Burrow.
Overall a brilliant day. The field held up well, everyone flew and most had prolonged flights, even if they were spinning. As always great team work by everyone with Rob and Sally Hender at the forefront of supporting operations, all the tug pilots present got the chance to fly and keep current, thanks to Alan Rappaport for flying Bumblebee and everyone else for making it a lovely day at North Hill.
 |
| End of a brilliant day (Simon Leeson) |
We then concluded the day with the DSGC Charitable Trust AGM, another example of the great ethos at our Club, thanks go to all the Trustees.
Finally and most importantly of all, I know you will all join me in wishing CFI Mark a very speedy recovery. Get well soon Mark we’re missing you already and we hope to see you soon. - James Flory
