Saturday 27th August 2011– Open Day

An early start for lots of members today, getting out the gliders, cleaning the clubhouse ready for our visitors.

The weather did not really cooperate with early showers giving way to a generally overcast day. The wind was westerly i.e.. straight down the runway enabling 1300 - 1400 feet launches even with the slightly shorter cable length. The fence is currently up between the runway and top field while some cattle take advantage of the ungrazed top field.

There was a steady flow of visitors, eager to learn about gliding and take advantage of the trial lessons on offer. Also popular with the visitors was the simulator which was kept busy all day.

At 12:30 there was a temporary halt to gliding while visitors and members alike took advantage of the BBQ. This ensured that the local airspace was “sanitised” waiting for the arrival of the star of the show; the Battle of Britain Flight Avro Lancaster. Everyone was enthralled by the exciting show which included several passes and culminated in a  low “beat up” of the launch point. Absolutely brilliant.

Lancaster on low approach to the launch point.

Was it all play today? No, the “Three Mustfixiteers”, Martin Smith, John Bolt and Chris Kaminski, finished the upgrading of the Zugvogel ( 30 jobs in total ) and assembled it ready for a test flight and return to the club fleet. I think I speak for the whole club when I say thank you once again. Almost seems like too small a phrase for the debt of thanks we owe to you guys. Thanks also to the legions of club members who also lend a hand with the airworthiness tasks.

The Zugvogel being reassembled ready to go.

I will publish slideshows of the Open Day ASAP

Steve