The Mean Green Flying Machine,otherwise known as the Green Party, AKA Barry and Roger, collected our Astir FLJ from the home field at Brentor in the afternoon of Tues.12 August. We delayed briefly to admire the Bleriot monoplane replica that was being parked in the hangar overnight.Talk of those Magnificent Men, they must have all been Heroes in every sense of the word. Speaking as a glider pilot, we owe those early pioneers a great deal. Personally, having examined the wing section and other features, I would NOT wish to take to the air in such a machine.
However, I digress. We drove away toward Nympsfield, having been informed by David Jesty that an epic time was to be had over the next few days. An easy drive followed, we arrived to find room keys etc. as promised,so a beer,then bed.
Up early, breakfast in Stroud, then out with all the club kit. All very tidy. Roger had an aerotow with David in the back seat. I think the lady tug driver had her work cut out [mine was not much better]. During this time all sorts of exotic glass ships were being assembled and proposed tasks of gargantuan proportions were being plotted, the sky now was looking GOOD.The long distance fliers were all gone in a surprisingly short time.
Roger and self now had check flights,surprising how much more concentration is needed to do decent circuits and landings at a different field. However, all was acceptable.
We are both desperate to get silver distance and duration, however being the guy that I am, [always modest], I let Roger have first launch in our Astir. By this time the sky was not so good, another launch ensued. Roger flew for some 50 mins. and explored over a considerable area, but no 50Kms. today.
Shortly after he landed gliders were returning in large numbers, some with tales of "daring do". At least one 500km around various turnpoints, plus other long flights [grrrrr].
Next day weather not so good, field very quiet. Roger continued aerotows, self took one launch in Astir, for 55 mins. Not bad considering conditions,and I believe longest of the day,flying very conservatively,in gentle ridge lift and the odd weak thermal.
Having towed our glider to the Long Mynd [Church Stretton] and Shennington [Edgehill],earlier this summer we are finding that completing Silver Tasks is not as easy as we thought,but Nil Desperandum, Persistence will prevail, only the timing is uncertain.
Good Flying All,
Barry and Roger Green [The Green Party]
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