"Stand-in" Wednesday duty instructor Ron John's optimistic forecast for today didn't quite work out as predicted as the blue skies never materialised, and we spent all day under increasing cloud cover. The early crew took a Junior out of the hangar but decided against proceeding any further due to the softness of the airfield, so there was a delay until a detailed field inspection was carried out. The decision was to aerotow only and try and keep to the north as best as possible on the harder ground, as the rain during the night had made winching unadvisable.
Aerotow only (Mark Layton)
Ron, joined by Guy Adams & Martin Woolner (plus JB) along with tug pilot Peter Field started proceedings and worked through the flying list using the two K21's with various pilots wanting training, currency flights or just to fly for fun. The Junior was used by all the rest who could fly solo aerotow. We had a visiting glider pilot, who normally flies from Nympsfield drop in for a flight and stayed all day to help.
Sandy - solo aerotow (Mark Layton)
Sandy Harrup got signed off solo aerotow, which is one less to do for her glider pilot licence application. With Peter Field as the only on-site tug pilot we had to stop for an extended lunchbreak as the club house was full to bursting and Vicky did well to get everyone fed before we ventured out again. During lunch a couple of chaps in a Dimona motor glider flew in from the Mendip Gliding Club for tea & cake (the word must be spreading!)
With the need to refuel the tug there was a bit of a delay when they realised the fuel storage tank was empty (turned out to be a fuel tanker delivery issue) but Chairman Nick came to the rescue as he knew of a secret stash in the tug hangar that we could use. It worked out well as there was now enough to complete all the aerotows ensuring everyone flew. The flights were uneventful in the light winds and almost zero sink but nonetheless enjoyable. Once again it was great to retreat to the lovely & warm clubhouse before everyone went home happy. - Mark Layton
