DGS News Saturday 30th March 2013

The day started with a beautiful blue sky and a fairly gentle easterly breeze. The day looked stunning from indoors. Outdoors it was COLD, in fact, VERY COLD. Still this would surely assist thermal formation; after all, it is only the difference in temperature that matters.

The cloud streets formed early and worked much better than they looked.
 Will Wilson returned from his usual winter hibernation in India, took a 16 minute check ride with CFI Don Puttock, jumped in the Zugvogel and promptly soared for 2 hrs 10 minutes to claim his 2 hour flight to complete his Cross Country Endorsement. Well done Will and welcome to the world of the licenced glider pilot.

Vice Chairman Colin Boyd congratulates Will on completing his Glider Pilot's Licence
The soaring was brilliant. There were several flights over 2 hours. Two of them were in the same aircraft, Ged and Mike in the Open Cirrus. Trevor had the longest flight of the day at 2 hours and 44 minutes in the Jantar 1. I flew it later taking off just after 4pm and, after initially scratching away, I was astonished by the conditions higher up. Cloudbase was 5300 feet QNH (above sea level), and returning to the airfield just before 5:30 I had a 5 mile straight run heading north across the easterly wind which showed a 4.7 knot average climb rate the whole way. Probably some wave assistance then.

The cloud shadows added to the already varied colours. This picture taken  by Heather from the front seat of the K13 while Rick was flying it from the back seat
We welcomed new member Jerry Wellington who has joined us via the Fixed rate to Solo scheme. I conducted Jerry’s initial training in the Bocian during a 1 hour 3 minute soaring flight after which he took several flights in the K13 with Don. He progressed well and before the end of the day had completed his first landing. Amazing.

New member Jerry looks pleased with himself after an intensive day's flying.
A fantastic day.

Steve

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