Wednesday 31st August 2011

The day started off somewhat overcast but with a brisk wind from the east and with the eternal optimism of glider pilots a grid of 4 club gliders and 5 private gliders assembled.

There was signs of wave trying to set up with some relatively light rotor on the approach and some fleeting areas of reduced sink but ultimately the conditions were not quite right.

However, during the early afternoon the high cloud cover cleared away and we were treated to strong thermal conditions with cloud streets from horizon to horizon. Lots of pilots took advantage of the conditions the best flight was ( predictably ) Trevor flying the Jantar who returned after 2 1/2 hours with a big grin and stories of “daring do”.

High level cloud then stopped the thermals as quickly as they had started but the shrewd pilots now waited to see if the wave would set up as the heat of the day died away. Good try, better luck next time chaps.

Many thanks to visiting instructor Mike Sloggett for looking after our One Day Course candidate and several air experience lessons.

For me, the highlight of the day was the successful test flight and return to club use of the Zugvogel. Perhaps it is not referred to as the “Chairman’s Barge” for nothing. I claim the 5th Amendment.

The "Chairman's Barge" flies again 
Steve

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