DGS News Sunday 21st April 2013

"Well, the rooks are nesting higher", stated Martin Broadway wryly:  clear evidence that we are going to have a good summer this year.  And he should know, being a bit of a migratory being himself who, having spent the winter months sailing around the Caribbean had obviously been made aware of the news about the rooks, and decided that now was the time to return to Brentor for a check flight.  Which, based on yesterday's inspiring conditions, would have been a pretty safe bet, but, as Martin surveyed the lines of grey clouds from the protection of his woolly hat and thick, seaman's sweater, demonstrated that Dartmoor is not a safe place to bet on at any time of year. 

And so it was, yet again, for the Sunday Soarers, uncharacteristically to be dealt the dud day of the weekend.  Not that a bit a low cloud and (the odd spot of) rain would put us off.  So, with Leith Whittington knocking on the door of Don's caravan at 7.00am and Roger Appleboom and Dave Parker determined to 'get the kit out' (not in a Royal Marines manner) as early as possible, there was nothing for it but to try and get as many flights in as the forecast approaching 'weather front' would allow.

Twelve year old Trial Lesson student Edward Hughes is ready to go
in K-13 DMX.

One Day Course student Oscar Lazaga, having travelled from Surrey to fly with us, proved game for the course, his final launch of six merging with the cloud at 900ft, whilst Leith and Dave got in some very interesting launch failure practice (well it looked that way from the ground) and Roger Appleboom shook the rain from the wings of the K-8 a couple of times.

Sadly, 12 year old Trial Lesson student Edward Hughes (pictured) had to put up with a first launch low cable break followed by a very brief introductory flight before the rain really came in and put paid to practical aviation.

That also prevented Fixed Price to Solo member Jerry Wellington from flying and Martin Broadway from getting his check flight in.   Still, without them, the others wouldn't have been able to fly (thanks guys); and their day will come, possibly next weekend (when Sunday is confidently predicted to be, well, Caribbeanesque, at least at this range..!)

Martin Cropper