Sat 22 Oct - Long Mynd Expedition

 As a concerned mum, I was awake early, wondering where ‘independent son’ was, as he was travelling up from Devon on his motorbike this morning. My tracking device failed me, telling me I was at the Long Mynd! Only to have Dan knock on our door at 7am, having ridden up at 9:30pm last night, arriving at 1am when we were all asleep! He even managed to do the trip quicker than everyone else who had been able to use the motorways! 

 

DSGC Grid (Sally Hender)

With the weather forecast looking like it could be the best day of the week (and even that wasn’t brilliant), the DSGC visitors were all up bright and early ready to rig. The briefing was held at 9:15, and rigging commenced shortly afterwards. The DG505 (JZK) was first to the start line, but the duty instructor decided to wait until 12:00 for the cloudbase to rise. The first launch was at 12:07pm with John Borland having a check flight with said Duty Instructor, William.

Dan avoiding the sheep but picking up a tailplane walker! (Rob Hender)

 Flying then went ahead at a pace with the cable retrieve showing its worth, the DG505 was put through its paces by Mark Courtney, Simon Leeson, Steve Westlake, Rob Hender, Stuart Procter and Mike Sloggett. Private owners Dan Hender (JDP), Andrew Logan (FMS), Andy Davey (KCM) and John Borland (FAJ) all took their turns, with Dave Perriam signed off to fly the K23 (LUV) and Rob Rand having flights in the K21 (JGE). No one managed any soaring, Dave had the longest flight at 19 mins for his check flight! Dan was next with 15 mins.

Simon and Mark in DG505 (Rob Hender)

 Flying stopped at 4pm as the cloud/rain was coming in from the west (or east if you had the map the wrong  way up, Mark!) Giving us time to de-rig and pack the hangar before the rain arrived.

Putting the gliders away before the rain (Sally Hender)

 The evening meal was another triumph from Helen and team, followed by my quizzes (and games), which EVERYONE, thoroughly enjoyed!!!!!!! The home Long Mynd team beating the visitors (they know their boats!). - Sally Hender

Sat 22nd October

 Forecast not overly encouraging with a strong suggestion that low cloud could be sitting on the hill, certainly by late morning but possibly from the off. My trip up from the cloud-locked South Hams got suddenly much brighter by Haldon Hill and with blue skies up to the Blackdowns fingers were crossed. But orographic cloud was already clinging to the south ridge and blowing overhead. A small band with Team Batchelor as DLMs were hiding in the clubhouse watching James Flory scour the met reports looking for something positive. Having foolishly  posted on Google groups about flying if at all possible I was honour-bound to be cup half-full and so we did set up the field - more for something to do than real hope. Calling Exeter tower I got a “good luck” and calling the parachute club “ you flying - really?” so the cup started to leak… 

 

Towing to the launchpoint (John Pursey)

The Falke with Ian Mitchell and JimBob scurried off to Dunkeswell at about 300ft which didn’t help James and me one iota with the cloud height - but it didn’t look great. The only way was to try it and strangely James thought me more the type to have a go so let me take Joel Roulson for a Met ride. Luckily we caught a well timed gap and though out of sight of the winch we were in clear air to 1500ft. Great winching by Batchelor Snr! Joel pointed out we passed the low stuff around 600ft, so we were definitely in a hole. Good demo of how to keep a safe station with lower cloud but a good strong hole upwind.  Keeping good speed we had a spectacular cloudscape around us (sorry no pics) and as the strands of cloud upwind closed in, we airbraked down to a closein high key at 650ft. Clearly the ridge was working but being a responsible adult I took us back! Landing I sensed that maybe it was a good decision as the cloud filled in. 

A break for coffee and James to give some good “how gliders fly” chat allowed the day to make its mind up and we had the last glider away just as the rain really started.
Big thanks to all for pitching in to get Joel flying and especially Team B for winching and putting away kit in the rain! Well at least we flew. - John Pursey

Thurs 20th October

 With yesterday wiped out, there was hope for an afternoon of flying at North Hill depending on how the forecast rain moved away. 

The morning was busy with new members learning about the Safe Winching Initiative and experienced members refreshing after the latest safety bulletin release. In between times, the DG505 was derigged ready for it's trip to the Long Mynd with Mark Courtney.

Another burst of rain soaked the gliders that were outside the hangar which were speedily put back in the dry. 

Sky cleared nicely for aerotows (Mark Layton)

 After lunch, there was a positive looking clearance with the humidity showing signs of the air drying out and the gliders were readied. To avoid any risk of a muddy winch run, it was decided that aerotow-only would be best. So with two K21s and a Junior, and Chris Wool, Pete Harmer and Mike Sloggett taking turns in the back seats, and Robert Lee tugging it was all go.

Making the most of the flyable weather (Mark Layton)

The light southerly wind started to increase a bit, but not enough to make the south ridge work, but last flight of the day Andrew Logan in the Junior managed to find a bit of lift (maybe weak wave) for 20 mins.

So just 11 launches on a short afternoon but at least we flew - thanks everyone - J&P

Tues 18th October

Yesterday I sought help to move the glider trailer shelter project forward and am pleased to report that it was well supported and we made good progress today.

Digging the first hole (Peter Smith)

We managed to excavate for the first 3 of the 9 major supports and erect the substantial posts therein without mishap using bespoke methods to cope with the strata which is hard packed flints and chert.  Jonathan Erskine was present in his official role as observer of things archaeological, and fortunately his knowledge was not called upon.

Erecting the second post (Peter Smith)

  Chairman Nick kept us in order from the digger cab and Ashley Thomas, Trevor Russell, Brian Knight and George Sanderson divided the tasks between them and made it all happen, thank you all.

First 3 posts all in a line (Peter Smith)

 We hope to fix another day in a week or so to continue the progress. It’s always nice when things start going up, not down. - Peter Smith

Sat 15th October - Juniors Winter Series Long Mynd

The morning briefing, announced for 9am, was pushed back to 9:30am as three showers and 100 young people doesn’t quite add up, and allow for an early start! Due to these numbers, the briefing was held in the hangar by Rose (CFI) with full attendance, and a minutes silence for Oliver Summerell.

Junior Gliding remembering Oliver Summerell (UK Junior Gliding)

It was then a bit of a race to the launch point! Dan was very grateful for having his own glider at this point, the two-seater list was three pages long! 

Flying started at about 10:00, Dan getting his launch at 10:46, he started on the ridge, scratching to stay up, but managed to get some height using thermals. 

JDP with a long lens (Rob Hender)

The ridge then turned off, which meant everything else came back to the airfield, except Dan, who luckily had the height in hand to push out to some known wave spots and caught some very low weak wave. He maintained his height for a total of 2 hours 40 mins, coming back only to avoid the crowds who would want to de-rig at the same time, when the forecast rain came in. 

JDP returning before the rain (Rob Hender)

 Therefore, the glider was away and we were safely in the clubhouse enjoying coffee, by 3:30pm when this happened.

We headed off at 5pm to retire to the Pub, and drove past at least an hours worth of launches! There were 68 launches yesterday in four hours, and 118 launches today. - Sally Hender

Sat 15th October

With a poor forecast from most of the mainstream media it was not surprising to see few members first thing. Three Juniors turned up because of a promise of lectures and some simulator practice. From the start after studying the rainfall radar is was clear that we would fly at some point in the morning, probably sooner rather than later.

Alan Turner woke the wildlife up early in the morning to get all the ground equipment ready, with all the vehicles inspected and full of fuel by the time the first blackbird opened its eyes, thanks Alan! The three Juniors Joel, Tom and Jack had lectures on “controls and instruments” and “how a wing works” they had obviously been studying and at times I was almost redundant! Well done boys.

A beautiful sky ( Mark Courtney)

 

The small keen group decided (wisely) to get the field set up and the aircraft inspected  ready for the anticipated weather clearance. With a brisk SW wind the winch was set up nearly in the centre of the field at the west end (next to the dark green bit) and the launch point way back against the fence near the trees in the NE corner. This run works brilliantly, keeping gliders away from the Beech tree during the launch, and allowing pilots to land on the run next to the trailers and therefore not hindering launching. (ed: hidden message from CFI !)

Launch point in NE corner (Mark Courtney)

 

Launch heights from the start were up to our current approved height of 2000ft above site, enabling pilots time to explore the somewhat turbulent conditions and confused lift.


Stu Procter got the tug out so that James Flory could have a solo aerotow in the Perkoz. We had a visitor from Brentor today Mark Elliott, Mark seemed to enjoy the challenging conditions flying the K21 and managed a second in the Perkoz with Stuart  who helped out with the flying list.

Trevor Russell enjoying the challenging conditions (Mark Courtney)

Glenn turned up early for his afternoon duty and grabbed a solo in the K21 having been away in the sunshine for several weeks.

By now the wind was strong, the Juniors all managed two flights and treated the second as an exciting experience in the difficult conditions, they were grinning!  By 3 o’clock everyone who needed to fly had filled their boots so we put the kit away for an early finish. A great day with some great conditions with a mixture of lift sources and well worth turning up, several flights near the 30 min mark and every flight extended. Thanks to everyone who made it happen, and thanks James and Stuart,  for helping Glenn and me with the flying list.

Another example of “turn up you may fly, stay at home and you won’t”! - Mark Courtney

Fri 14th October - Juniors Winter Series Long Mynd

Leaving home at 5am, we arrived at the Long Mynd at 8.30am in time for the declared 9am briefing, which was promptly put back to 9.40! Dan attended, and after speaking nicely to Rose (CFI), was given clearance to rig and launch without check flights (he was only here recently at Enterprise, and was memorable for being the only junior).

Dan Hender ready to launch in DG200 Long Mynd (Rob Hender)

We then rigged JDP, and towed it out to the launchpoint at 12pm, Dan managing just 9 and 6 mins, only finding sink as the wave was out of sync with the ridge.

Long Mynd (Rob Hender)

He then pulled it off-line, and watched as others slowly took longer and longer flights! He then rejoined the queue at 2pm getting to the front at 3pm, only for flying to be stopped just as he reached the front!

JDP landing (Rob Hender)

 The day was then scrubbed, with everyone returning to the clubhouse for tea and coffee. Helen and Dave then provided meals for 74 people for the evening.

An enjoyable day, catching up with friends from the summer Junior Nationals, and meeting new ones.  - Sally Hender

Thurs 13th October

One of those Autumn days starting with North Hill in glorious sunshine over the fog in the valleys below, and light winds.

The fog disappearing in the valley (Mike Sloggett)

 Some of the Thursday regulars had returned from holidays, but it was still a depleted group that got the kit out.

Some orographic cloud to the southwest, (but clear skies to the northwest) (Rob Hender)

 

Winch launching to start  and then cumulus clouds started forming just above launch height that spoilt the view of the fog tops. Even with plenty of cumulus around, it never got very soarable (even for Pete Startup) with just extended circuits for most. 

 

Mark Courtney flying the Pawnee (Rob Hender)

It was a good day for training and card checkflights, and mid-afternoon the top cover arrived to save the problem of landing into-sun.

CFI Mark Courtney with Dave practising back seat (Mike Sloggett)

 A glorious Autumn day, thanks to all for mucking in - 35 flights in all. - J&P

Wed 12th October

 The day started with debating how few members we could operate with. Fortunately before we reduced it to the fingers of one hand our numbers doubled and it was thunderbirds are go. The wind was light south westerly as forecast with cloudbase higher and brighter than expected. Given just the K21s and a Junior to operate we set up for the longest run possible NE – SW and were rewarded with 1750ft for the first launch by Andy Davey, getting back to currency after an enforced layoff. We had good launches all day.

The fields down towards Broadhembury were spectacular in colour and pattern in the early sun. (Peter Smith)

 More members steadily appeared and Robert volunteered to do the trial lessons, enabling me to start tackling the list. The booked trial lesson was well impressed and is hoping her son will join the junior ranks. Numbers were increasing steadily and Peter Warren left the tug in its box and brought out the Perkoz to fly with Ashley Thomas. He handed it over to Ex CFI Stu Procterwho we were delighted to see, definitely more relaxed with the weight off his shoulders. He flew with Taunton Peter L Smith while Pete Warren completed the afternoon with Jonathan Erskine.

All was going well until the lingering cloud and murk in the west made a rapid approach across the valley bringing my last flight with Paul Harman to an abrupt end as indeed it had to Stu in the Perkoz. Sandy missed out on flying after being in the launch point all day which we will address next week, but as promised we made the most of the day. - Peter Smith

Sun 9th October

 When I came out of the caravan this morning it looked like it could be another lovely day…. until  I realised that the wind was pretty much straight across the field, from the South at about 20 knots. The cloudbase wasn’t great either, so I began to get the feeling that I wouldn’t be getting any solo flying today.
When I got to the clubhouse Graham and Cheryl were busy cooking breakfasts, one of which had been bought for me! Thanks Bev.
Somebody else clearly got to the club early and got all the ground equipment out and DI’d, Thanks Dave (I think).

Whilst waiting to see how the weather panned out, Dave Perriam, in preparation of his BI training, got a short notice request from Mark Courtney to think up and present a minimum 20 minute briefing about any subject he liked. Dave was then asked to brief Mark, Simon and Dan on that subject. He chose "General Airfield Safety" and by all accounts gave a very good briefing, (Mark was even heard to say he learnt some new things)!

Even though it looked like it was going to be challenging and there were only a few club members on site, with the usual glider pilot optimism ,we decided to give it a go.
The winch was set up at the West end and the launch point in the North East. The Perkoz, KEK and LRD were readied and taken to the launch point.

Dave Perriam took the first launch in LRD at 11:02, followed by an aerotow for Paul Summers in the Perkoz. Paul was having B.I currency check flights with the AM duty instructor Simon Leeson. Dan Hender had check flights with Mark Courtney and Mark has now signed Dan off as a blue card pilot. Well done Dan!
Chris Wool and Pete Warren braved the conditions and had the longest flight of 46 minutes.

Peter Warren with Chris Wool (Chris Wool)

 As I feared, I had no chance of flying solo as the conditions were considered to be “upper blue” by the CFI, which also meant that today's trial lessons had to be cancelled.

Total flights, only eight, but a productive use of a very challenging day. Thanks to those who came and tried, but couldn’t fly. It's always appreciated. - Rob Hender (birthday boy)