With a dubious forecast and strong winds, it was surprising how many members were in the clubhouse first thing. To Be Honest there were probably more instructors than there were pupils, but it wasn't a bad turn out.
Duty Instructor Steve Westlake, supervised getting the kit out, then we all retreated back to the warmth of the logburner, while keeping an ever-optimistic eye on the quickly moving clouds.
At 10:45am, Steve Westlake and Mark Courtney took a met flight to check out the conditions, and quickly made the decision on a blue card day. James Flory and Alan Turner took a currency flight, followed by myself and Steve taking a launch and achieving what would turn out to be the longest flight of the day at 17mins, with the ridge working just enough to maintain our height.
Wash and brush up now the field has had some rain. (Mark Layton)
Stuart Procter then flew with Simon Minson for SPL Instructor validation, Simon Minson was then authorised, so took Benjie Pitts for a flight. James Flory took Paul Harman for a launch in the ever increasingly challenging conditions. Dan Hender then took his dad for a flight, but couldn’t manage to out soar me!!!! 🤣
Thanks also to Peter Smith and James Hood for spending most of the day servicing and fitting new blades to the mower.
Stuart did a currency flight with Wyn, followed by Mark Courtney and Josh Howlett in what turned out to be the last flight of the day. The wind was becoming stronger and more gusty, and to compound the problem a shower came through!
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| Team Hender using the simulator (Rob Hender) |
The decision was made to pack everything safely away for the day, as everyone had flown, in a variety of combinations! A small but efficient team, ably assisted by Fred Marks on the winch! Vicki was then kept busy over lunch, with the simulator being utilised in the afternoon by the Hender’s, Steve Westlake and Josh Howlett. - Sally Hender
