Today started with all the equipment out by the time I arrived, and Ged and Dave B. grappling with the grey Discovery’s water pump.
The airfield was sodden (despite impressive drainage work by Bob Jones and others) - and there was still some snow on the moor. Flying from the east end, we managed to operate relatively ‘cleanly‘ by landing on a narrow, hard(ish) strip of grass beside the centre track - retrieving gliders on the track.
The day became flyable late morning with a sometimes gusty x-wind from NW, some light showers, cloud base variable and sometimes low over the field, but some good gaps, enabling launches to 1400 feet agl. Three cheers for the Gus Winch - and all who drive it!
We achieved 17 launches - mostly K13, which a few in K8 - until everyone had had their fill. This gave time for a respectable retreat in daylight, with glider wheelboxes etc. hosed down ready for the weekend.
Not a big turnout but we had just the right number to operate.
Phil the Farmer, Dave Rippon, Martin Broadway and Robin Wilson all had a good workout with check-flights - the latter two in a brief ‘window’ before they retreat to sunnier climes.
Our sympathy to Dave, who appeared to be suffering from ‘field treasurer’s finger’ (a large bandage - meaning he could only grip the stick with one hand - only joking!), and well done Phil for making the first tentative steps towards driving a winching machine rather than a milking machine.
Bob Pirie - Wednesday Instructor
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