The Green Party goes to the Long Mynd (again)

More news from the Mean Green Flying Machine.We have just, evening of Sunday 19th, returned from the Long Mynd. We went having studied the weather forecasts intending to do our 5 hour flights for Silver.

The Long Mynd airfield from the Asir

Wednesday morning gave a very strong west wind, spot on, but getting stronger as we unpacked the hangar. We pulled out two K21s and the club discus, which was eventually flown by a club instructor to 6500 QFE, he descended through almost 100% cloud using GPS. The briefing by the CFI gave instructions to get into the glider in the shelter of the hangar and to be towed to the launch point,just two hundred yards away,using a ground crew and a Land Rover,and when landing to use an approach speed of 90 knots, Yes correct, 90 knots and to stay in the machine until a crew arrived to assist.The wind by now was about 32 knots. gusting 42 knots.

Staying aloft for 5 hours for would be no problem, assuming the wind continued to blow and visibility allowed. I elected to stay grounded so Roger got prepared, we cautiously towed out and, without further ado, he was launched.The winch launch into a west wind is VERY short but all that is needed is about 300 feet which is enough to get over the slope. Roger managed well over an hour until squalls and poor visibility forced him to abandon the endurance test and land, approaching at the prescribed 90 Knts.and holding off until the speed had bled off to not a lot more than jogging pace. Only four launches were made,and then the hangar was repacked.

Thursday morning looked good and, after a comprehensive briefing,  we towed out to the launch. Conditions had deteriorated but after doing follow the leader in ridge lift, thermals started so I landed after well over an hour so Roger could have a go. He got under a street at about 1800QFE and had to fly at 70 to 80 knots to avoid being engulfed,eventually landing after some three quarters of an hour as a very large squall approached. At least one pilot flew till the rain passed,but it did not look very enjoyable.

Friday saw more westerlies. Roger flew first for just over an hour,and once again conditions worsened. The CFI elected to change ends,so all the gliders had to be moved,winch and retrieve winch also, a couple of hours lost. I eventually took a launch in our faithful Astir into weak ridge lift for follow the leader yet again, I managed just under an hour,landing when I could not sustain 400 Ft.

We both flew on the Saturday,each doing well over the hour. I was lucky in that I was able to get 2700 above the field,possibly the highest of the day. I was able to fly to Bishops Castle and look straight down upon the house where I lived as a young lad.

Roger and Barry Grenn and the trusty Grob Astir

There was a crowd from Lasham on site at the same time and what with wine,beer and good food cooked by the club, a good time was had by all.

Still no Silver 5 Hour,but never mind we had a very enjoyable time.

Keep watching this space,

Barry