Sunday 16th October 2011

The day started early and the airfield was a hive of activity by 8.45. The cloud looked low with 8/8 cover to start with, not all promising. However, with a look at RASP and the other forecasts, it was certain conditions would be flyable soon and get better as the day went on and indeed it did.

Don decided he and I would fly to complete my Basic instructor acceptance checks, First launch was at 10.56, at about 200 feet the strop decided to detach itself from the rest of the cable, Don was adamant he didn't pull the bung so didn't get to test for cloud base, however always good launch failure practice. Second flight shortly ensued to see what height cloud base was, going into cloud at 750 feet I decided it prudent to release and turn away from the cloud.

Having now established cloud base I decided to hand over to Marta Radkowska and I would fly later again. Marta worked hard for the rest of the morning with 3 flights, and there was an buzz in the air as she went on to fly her first solo in the K13. Well done you,

Marta in playful mood after her first solo

Don was in contact with Ian Mitchell from North Hill on each hour to advise him of local conditions, and just after 13.13 he arrived in the Rotax Faulke to give one trial lesson and field selection and cross country training. I am pleased to announce that Alan Carter successfully completed his Bronze “C” Cross Country Endorsement and field selection. Well done!I am further pleased to announce the successful completion of his Bronze Cross Country navigation exercise by Phil Hardwick Well done! Thank you Ian for taking the time to help out. Much appreciated!

Alan Carter (left) is congratulated on his Cross Country Endorsement by Instructor  Ian Mitchell

I am particularly pleased to announce that Sandra Buttery, who worked relentless under the watch full eye of our winch master Alan Ballard for most of the afternoon, who gained her wings on the ML winch. Sandra is now signed off to drive both winches, I wonder if net curtains, or pink paint will appear on the winches shortly Mmm!.

Sandra looks at home in the ML winch

We welcomed Ciok Slawek back to today, who has decided to pursue gliding again after doing some in his native country. Instructor Martin Cropper worked hard getting trial lessons completed. Total launches for the day were 37.

And to close this momentous day I finally got my instructor rating finished with the acceptance flights being completed with Don today. My thanks to Don, Mark, Martin, Ged and Bob, without their help none of it would have been possible. (scary ah!)

CFI Don congratulates yours truly on completing my BI rating

Sean Parramore