Wednesday 6th October 2010

With bright sunshine and some tasty cloud streets (most of which seemed to 'kink' and avoid Brentor) we had a good turnout and pre- and post-solo pilots alike enjoyed a good day of training and keeping current. We were pleased to welcome a number of temporary members coming back for more!

A strong cross-wind proved challenging for those who flew and variable attempts at 'laying off' stimulated criticism worthy of Craig Revel Horwood from our 'Strictly Come Winching' team. Seriously, gents, thanks for all your efforts at getting us airborne - and thanks also to those who mended the fence. On the plus side, it is always encouraging to see relatively inexperienced pilots progress to the point where they can cope competently with strong crosswinds and wind gradients, and yesterday was such a day.

It was especially nice to see John Bolt airborne solo in the K6 showing the youngsters how to do it. John, an ex instructor, has had a bit of a lay off from flying but is now solo again and has that very satisfied, knowing smile sported by pilots the world over.

John Bolt

Talking of progress, there was some excitement early on in the day when John Bolt re-weighed the Greens' Astir to ascertain whether or not Andrew Beaumont was within weight limits. The result was positive, so Andrew and Phil the Farmer have now become the proud owners of the glider - leaving Barry and Roger contemplating the future, with the deposit money for something big and shiny burning a hole in their pockets.

Bob