Wednesday 6th March 2013

In contrast to the Club's recent run of winter Wednesdays with gale force winds, rain, snow and boot-topping mud (whenever the temperature crept above zero, that is), today turned out to be a corker. 

Undeterred by rain and low cloud encountered during their early morning journeys from various parts of the peninsula, the small group of regulars who made it to the club were rewarded 'in spades' with a dry airfield and 'wall-to-wall' wave from mid-morning through to about 1700 hours.

This uninspiring sky gave low level wave all day

Twelve hours of flying time were achieved from 17 launches (some of which were simulated launch failures) by just four gliders; with the spoils of our day including one five hour flight to complete a Silver C badge, a flight of two hours to complete a cross country endorsement, and three solo pilots well and truly 'refreshed' after winter lay-offs, as well as several pilots enjoying flights of half an hour or more - just for the fun of it.

The day started with the wind blowing more from the south than the forecast southeast, 10/10ths high cloud cover, and at a lower level signs of lenticular activity developing. With the 'early gang' having set up the airfield, and K13 DMX parked and ready for the 'off' at the launch point, the emphasis switched to rigging gliders. First of all Barry Green (accompanied by Heather), having landed out on Sunday, led the rigging of the K8, while Phil the Farmer and Andrew Beaumont, and Mike Gadd and Ged Nevisky, respectively, set about rigging the Astir and Open Cirrus.

Instructor Bob points the way for a 'refreshed' John Howe.

Meanwhile as duty instructor, I thought I would be failing in my duty were I not to inspect the launch point, sniff the air, and test the conditions in the K13. So after the first launch of the day - signalling 'too fast' for most of the way up due to a marked increase in wind with altitude - I released at 1200 feet in zero sink, which after about 15 minutes of searching, developed into useable wave which wafted me up to 1900 feet. I then loitered to provide a marker for the next glider to launch - Phil in the Astir - who established himself immediately, while I landed to start a day's instructing.

A little later Mike (followed by Ged) went soaring in the Open Cirrus, as well as various solo pilots sharing the K8.

Is it an Astir or a Cirrus?

 With the low level and variable consistency of the wave, today was not an obvious one for badge flight, but as we watched with bated breath, the Astir maintained its place at the 'top of the heap' until late in the afternoon, just as the wave was dying, Phil returned to base with five hours plus a margin for error in the bag - mostly flown at not much higher than 2000 feet. We were all delighted not only for Phil, but also because he was the first Brentor-trained pilot for several years to have completed all of his Silver C legs from our site.

Astir syndicate partner Andrew Beaumont congratulates 'Five Hour Phil'.

The two-hour flight to complete his Cross Country Endorsement was achieved by Mike in the Open Cirrus, for whom now have great expectations when he flies the DGS flag at the Inter Club League competition.

Mike Gadd in the Open Cirrus tracking south at 2400 feet QFE and still climbing (just).

I am sure you will all join me in congratulating both of these dedicated pilots and club members.

By late afternoon, and well before sunset, we had all 'filled our boots' with flying, so the kit was put away in a leisurely fashion and celebratory cans of beer were consumed around the wood burner.

Smiles all round! Instructor Ged (left) congratulates syndicate partner Mike, while Bob (right) congratulates Phil (whom he sent solo four years ago).

Bob Pirie