Wednesday 19th August 2010

Most of group arrived promptly and set to work getting ready for the 'off', John Bolt and Martin Smith having already completed essential minor work on both two-seaters. Also the control van now boasts an elegant staircase and handrail hand-crafted by John.

Rain stopped play for a while and returned a couple of times, but excellent teamwork during set-up and launching/retrieving operations meant we made the most of the day in terms of training and soaring, with 40 launches. Well done Barry and Heather, who spent the day in the winch and cable retrieve car respectively.

Conditions weren't great, but we were all surprised and encouraged by Martin Broadway, who suddenly found 36 minutes-worth of lift in the K-8, soon to be joined by both two seaters. But then it all disappeared.

Martin Smith spent the day training our first one-day course candidate, Dick Strong, introducing him not only to flying a glider, but also to many of the other essential activities on the field. Meanwhile our father and son 'fixed price to solo' team of Jim and Nelson Rose really started to get to grips with flying a K13.

Bob Sansom made further progress from last week by re-soloing in the K8, and it was good to have Dave Rippon back with us and getting in a couple of solos following his recent hand operation. Could the Michael Jackson-style white glove become the latest 'must have' gliding fashion accessory?

Bob Pirie

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