The day began with clear skies and a sense of enthusiasm as early arrivals prepared for a promising day of flying. Duty Instructor Peter Smith led the morning briefing at 09:30 with his usual efficiency, setting the tone for a well-organised day ahead. Winch operations commenced promptly, with both Juniors and the club’s two K21s brought into action without delay.
Throughout the day, weather conditions remained firmly within a yellow rating card classification—flyable but requiring caution (especially with clutching hand). While the sunshine offered a cheerful backdrop, a persistent northeasterly wind brought a sharp chill, keeping everyone layered up. The cold made launch control duty a surprisingly popular assignment, offering some much-needed shelter and warmth. Despite the conditions, the team maintained a positive, proactive atmosphere, ensuring that operations continued smoothly from the outset.
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| Blue skies again (Mark Layton) |
As the day progressed, thermal activity began to stir. Post-lunch conditions became more favourable, offering opportunities for soaring. Pilots took full advantage, with several extended flights recorded. The standout flight of the day was achieved by Richard Roberts V5, who managed an impressive 52 minutes aloft from a winch launch—a testament to both his skill and the improving air.
The afternoon proceeded efficiently until an unexpected technical fault took the winch out of service. Thanks to the flexibility of the team and availability of aerotow support, flying continued with minimal disruption. The final launches of the day were completed by aerotow, ensuring all scheduled flights were fulfilled.
By the end of operations, the team had successfully completed 23 launches in total—19 by winch and 4 by aerotow. Despite the mid-afternoon hiccup, the day was a clear success, showcasing excellent teamwork, adaptability, and strong flying spirit. - Joel Roulson
