Peter Smith kindly stepped in to cover Duty Instructor today. Briefing at 9.15am gave promise of blue thermals, and possible cross country opportunities, but with fog in the valley, launching was delayed slightly.
There were eleven names on the two-seater list, and with Dan Johns stuck on the M5 closed in both directions, Ron Johns kindly offered to help with instructing. By the time Dan arrived John Pursey appeared and also helped Peter work through the list.
Justin Wills in the Rhonbussard (JB)
Justin Wills took a launch at 12:55 in his Rhonebussard (387) heading for Lasham, we’re unlikely to see him again! Eric Alston (G29) and Ron and Dan Johns (711) followed.
After a lunch break, flying resumed with JB taking over from Peter Smith, and JP continuing down the list. Barbie Fairclough (DFK) also took a couple of launches late afternoon. The last two launches were for Harry Dunbar and Arthur Hier, unfortunately Arthur’s launch was a cable break, which meant Callum Ellis and James Smart had to splice before being able to pack away the winch, thank you for your efforts. We were packed away by 6:00pm. A lovely sunny summers day, what a way to spend a Sunday.
- Sally Hender
The Rhonbussard (JB)
I flew with Sally Hender for an hour, Arthur Hier for 46 mins and then with Harry Dunbar for 40 mins. All showing determination to battle the frisky thermals in the heat. I then let Jonathan Erskine take me for two circuits. Then flew Harry again and was trying to give Arthur a second go when the launch failed at 1ft and the crew all opted to pack up rather than give us another go! Ron and Dan in 711 wandered off for 94 mins. Big news will be Justin Wills got to within 7k of Lasham and landed on a private airstrip - then found the gate was locked! They did eventually escape with the glider in the trailer! - JP
