Sunday 27th January 2013

A clear blue sky and bracing westerly wind offered a challenge that couldn’t be resisted by a hardy few eager to remain (or get) current.  But mindful of conditions on the field, only the minimum of movement was made on the ground to avoid damage to the ground and/or aircraft. 

Thus the launch rate was not at the forefront of our minds.  By the time we had got to the launch point some white/grey rapidly forming cumulus gave a hint of convection, just enough to tempt the unwary…Nigel Williamson was not one of these, however, carefully resisting the urge to respond to 5 up on the vario on the diagonal leg (SE corner of the field), and a textbook reaction to a simulated launch failure enabling him to re-
solo in what could best be described as ‘sporting’ conditions.  

Nigel in K13 G-DDMX

David Jesty also took the opportunity to restore his currency, winning the flight of the day award with a duration of 9 minutes, deftly achieved by maintaining straight and level flight in the narrow ribbons of rising air, rather than attempt the 360 which would a. have put you instantly in 4kt sink air and b. placed somewhere over the Tavy valley on completion of the circle.

Roger Appleboom also took advantage of the wind to practice his 60kt two-thirds airbrake approaches – none of that ‘shallowing approach – put the airbrakes away ’ stuff for him! 

On completion of which we gave DMX a good wash down, which was surprisingly easy with a. water in the tap and b. mud on the glider that wasn’t c. f-f-freezing.

Martin Cropper