Thurs 6th February

Mike Sloggett’s email on Wednesday evening  forecast a second flying day in a row for Thursday and so it was, a bright Blue sky but cold with a brisk ESE wind making it feel below zero. The club fleet (minus DG505) were all out and DI’ed before the 9:30 briefing with a good crowd of Thursday regulars present. Mike  welcomed newish members,  Josh  Howlett from Nympsfield returning to gliding after a long break and Michael Webster trying gliding after many hours of power flying. 

Bright Blue Sky and a Blue flag (Mike Horwood)

The easterly wind necessitated the long walk to the west end with five gliders and the first met flight got away  at 10:30. The strong easterly delivered excellent winch heights with at least 2 reaching 2000ft. A weak wave was in evidence North-South just east of Sheldon which turned into some rather lumpy rotor around the 1200ft level. The lee of Hembury Hill was explored for wave but none was found.  An initial yellow rating flag soon turned to blue as the easterly strengthened giving the two-seater training list good experience in the prevailing conditions. 

Mike Horwood with Mike Sloggett
 

A lunch break was called at 13:00 to give everyone a chance to warm up. The wood burner was going well - 14:00 and back to the flying list.

Mike was joined by Glenn Turpin to progress the training list and by close of play everyone had flown and most had flown twice. The last hangar flight landing at 17:05, thanks to the longer days. As we drove down the field with the launch point there was a lovely sunset over Dartmoor behind us. In all 11 solos, 18 dual. 27 winch launches and 2 aerotows (thanks Mark for Tugging) . - John Borland