Yesterday’s sniff of a good forecast (well flyable) followed by Duty Instructor Mike Sloggett posting positively on What’s app suggested an early arrival time to get to the front of the flying list might be sensible! But when I got there the early crew had already got the ground kit out and DI ed (do you ever sleep??). So following a phone call from Mike, on his way up from Plymouth with permission, we got the K21,s and Junior out and DI ed. During briefing (it was Very very well attended by that point) it was evident that George Sanderson had returned from his visit to Cambridge (taking the Perkoz bits for repair on a private visit (THANKS!)) so a crew was assembled to fit them.
Perkoz back together (Jack Sewell)
That task was challenging and took a few try’s but by the end of the day, it is now rigged and, in the hangar, again, it only needs a DI and wing tape before its available to use. Shaun Dayman went to get the Junior LRD back after its repair (just now needs its Annual finished) and Pete Startup repaired the DG505 canopy restraining bolt so it is also flyable.
DG505 back flying (Mike Sloggett)
That means by the end of next week we should be back to a full fleet of aircraft available. Many thanks to the maintenance team you are all much appreciated.
Crystal clear visibility over North Hill (Mike Sloggett)
On the flyng side of activities, the rest of the members got four aircraft to the launch point and started flying. Conditions in the Northerly wind were cold but flying progressed, well mainly circuits but some extended by using the north ridge. Following a hunch and some knowledge from the local pundits, I thought that the northerly wave (set off from the Wellington monument ridge) might be there and so took a 3000ft aerotow to the north. It did work with very gentle lift in an east / west band just south of the monument. I was soon joined by Ron Johns and Jack Sewell in a K21 both gliders achieved just over 30 minutes in gentle wave before heading home. From his comments and facial expression, I think that Jack enjoyed his flight.
The sun is setting (Jack Sewell)
A total of 39 flights achieved on a cold day but everyone flew and currency was maintained, all in all a very successful day but it was Cold! On a final note it is obvious even instructors need little encouragement to make the best of the few flyable days as by the end of the morning there were 6 on site, thanks all we really do appreciate your enthusiasm and efforts. 31 winch launches and 8 aerotows - Gordon Hutchinson
South Africa with Dan Hender
And news from South Africa - Dan Hender has a a few good flights in the Nimbus 3DM with Steve, just a little 630kms on Monday https://www.weglide.org/flight/961410 and 400kms today https://www.weglide.org/flight/962732
