With a forecast for 25 knot winds gusting to 40, the Portmoak Duty Instructor said the day would be "sporty". And though the wind direction was supportive of the Bishop ridge, we knew flying today was for more experienced pilots.. A horizontal windsock just told us it might be prudent to wait a bit before launching, but by 11:00 am, the first gliders were launching, and reported back that wave was available.
Sporty (Tom Sides)
Pete Startup was the first North Hill pilot to launch, and he used his 5 hour flight to climb to almost 11,000ft. Simon Minson followed, achieving 13,500ft over 5 hours.
SM at 13,500ft (Simon Minson)
Andy Davey was able to reach 4,600 ft while Stu Procter and I took JZK up to 8,200ft!! Andy Williams and Guy Adams both had long flights, and Stu flew again with James Flory, but the wave had collapsed by then and they were limited to ridge flights.
Tom Sides and Stuart Procter in JZK
Some of us are heading south tomorrow, but as the weather looks promising, there are a few who are staying through Friday or later, so as to continue enjoying Scottish gliding conditions. All in all,this week was a very good trip and top notch companionship. - Tom Sides
