Saturday 28th July 2012 - The Bocian Expedition

Sandwiches – check, tea – check, cheque book – check, trailer – check, ….and we're off on a 600 mile round trip to Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club. Martin Smith generously offered to drive with Alan Carter and Sandra Buttery going along to help. With a 6.30 am start for the driver it was a very long day, especially as he did not return home till 10.45 pm

On arrival at the airfield, the Bocian waited patiently for us outside the hangar while Martin and Alan gave her a good check over. After some serious negotiation, the deal was done and we set about de-rigging and loading our precious cargo, but it was such a beautiful day as I looked across at the well manicured, flat runway in the distance with a tug aircraft being kept busy and a Puchacz with my name on it.

SZD Bocian waiting for inspection

The temptation was too great and my first ever aerotow was calling me. Within minutes we were gracefully launched to 2,000 feet over the exceptionally flat countryside – a wonderful experience. 23 minutes later and back on the ground, I rushed over to help with the Bocian, but it was too late – sorry boys!

The Bocian seems to fit on the K13 trailer

Martin delivered the glider to Brentor Sunday morning and put it in the hangar, still on the trailer for now.

Sandra

The Bocian will give DGS the added capability of moving the Club forward, allowing one of the two seater gliders to be taken offline for extended periods without affecting training or trial lessons. With all three gliders in operation, it can act as another solo machine and be used for Friends and Family without interfering with existing two seater operations. The Bocian still has to be insured and the ownership changed with the CAA during the coming week.

We are looking to rig the Bocian next Saturday (4th August), wind and tide permitting, It will need a check flight and acceptance into the fleet. Instructors will need to undertake difference training etc., before it is fully integrated into DGS operation.

As part of the purchase, we also negotiated two Irving parachutes. These are only 3 years old and have only been worn a few times.

DGS Committee