On arrival at the Club, possibly due to a mixed forecast of sunshine, showers and thunderstorms, it was immediately apparent that only a few members had been sufficiently tempted to come along on the last ‘pre-Summer Solstice Saturday’ of 2025. Maybe saving themselves for the club’s Social Event on Saturday 21st (note to all members - if you aren’t on the paper list please let Sally know asap if you’re attending).
James Flory kindly stood in last minute as Duty Instructor, with Simon Jordy available for trial flights and Stuart Proctor in attendance as Tug Pilot. Given the low numbers and that the weather/cloud base was likely to be changeable, rather than a ‘no flying day’ the decision was taken to do aerotows only. A decision gratefully supported by all present.
Junior next (Karen King)
Over the next four hours, with a one-hour lunch break due to a downpour, there were 6 launches with 3 of those soaring flights taking the relevant pilot to a cloud base of around 3000feet. James and Stuart each did a couple instructional flights, and by special request Stuart did some aerobatics during the final flight of the day (at the blogger’s request to ‘burn off height’ although in reality a reason is never needed!).
All helping to dry the glider (Karen King)
Despite the forecast it was a reasonable day with Gordon Hutchinson Saturday’s pundit (72 mins), new members ‘family Hoggarth’ always keen to help and a small but efficient team of long-time members, particularly when it came to wiping down gliders. - Karen King
