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