Wednesday 20th April 2011

With sunhats and sun cream the order of the day, an enthusiastic group turned out to improve their skills and exploit the soaring opportunities presented by some strong ‘blue’ thermals, hints of wave and the sea breeze which stirred things up in the late afternoon.

It was good to have ‘Hopalong’ Howe back with us manning the control tower for most of the day - complete with crutch - following his knee operation. Also Martin Broadway regaining currency upon his return from the Caribbean. Sue Buttery and Alan Carter (normally ‘weekenders’) joined the ranks of experienced members present who worked hard to get everyone airborne, and there were several new faces in the form of visitors and temporary members. Many thanks to Ged Nevisky, my co-instructor for the day, and also to the winch drivers, for all their hard work.

"Hopalong" Howe sporting brand new knee and and impressive scar.

With the single seater fleet temporarily depleted, the Zugvogel, which all too often remains ignored at the back of the hangar, really came into its own, with members who had previously made the effort to become and stay current on it achieving some creditable soaring flights. Full marks to Jeff Craggs who completed his type conversion to the ‘Zug’ and in the process achieved a very tight and impressive thermal climb off the top of the launch to achieve a half hour Bronze ‘C’ leg. Sandra is also poised to convert, so watch out, you ‘Zuggers’!

Alan Carter waits to assist Jeff Craggs with his first flight in the Zugvogel 3A 

The private-owner fleet, represented by Bob Sansom’s K8, Phil Hardwick and Andrew Beaumont’s Astir and Trevor Taylor and Steve Lewis’s Jantar, achieved some creditable flights. Most noteworthy of these were a one-hour flight towards his cross-country endorsement by Andrew, nearly two hours by Steve (topping out at 4700 feet), and only slightly less by Trevor.

In all, we achieved 37 launches with - to the best of my knowledge - not a single cable or weak link break. So well done everyone.

But the best bit till last! Having trained hard for so long - interspersed by some big gaps due to his nautical pursuits - Chris Fagg did all the right things today and it gave me great pleasure to send him off on his first solo, which he completed impeccably. Congratulations Chris - and ‘bon voyage’ as you prepare yet again to abandon us in favour of the seas around the Greek Islands.

Instructor Bob Pirie (left) congratulates Chris Fagg after his first solo.

Bob Pirie