With no rain for a change, and a brisk NNW crosswind drying out the airfield, the usual group of midweekers - plus several of our newer 'almost regulars' - took advantage of the conditions and the fact that the airfield operation had been set up good and early by the 'Launches-R-Us' team of Phil Hardwick, Dave Rippon and Steve Raine. Meanwhile in the workshop John Bolt and Dave Bourchier continued working towards the resurrection of our recently-acquired second K7M G-DCLT.
While some were unpacking the hangar, and Steve Lewis was welcoming back one-day courser Michael Welby and new temporary member Thomas Watson, an earnest think tank of 'wise-heads' was seeking to maximise the potential of our trailer park, with Cap'n Broadway's tape measure ("Suits you, Sir!") proving that that a quart just ain't gonna go into a pint pot.
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| One Day Course Candidate Michael Welby |
Apart from a few cable breaks, the flying programme proceeded smoothly with firstly Steve Raine and then Messrs' Rippon and Craggs giving us some great launches to around 1300 feet. Almost all pilots layed off for the cross wind impeccably, meaning no cables dropped over the fence.
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| Air Experience visitor Kath Wherry and nephew David |
By mid-afternoon, developing cumulus showed signs of being productive despite the strengthening wind, and several short soaring flights were achieved both by the two-seaters and the K8; the latter really proving to be a winner in the popularity stakes. Phil Hardwick (back seating with me in DMX) managed more than 20 hard-earned minutes.
It was good to have Darren Wills back with us from sick leave, and also having Andrew Beaumont, Bob Sansom, John Howe, John Rogers and Rupe Seward seemingly everywhere and itching to get airborne.
And the high point? I guess that was when Adrian Pike, whose three months' temporary membership had just ended, brought a smile to the face of our field treasurer by dusting off his cheque booking and taking out a full flying membership. Welcome aboard, Adrian, and we look forward to providing an evening of fun and flying for your Rotary Club colleagues next summer.
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From left to right. Bob Sansom, bright spark John Rogers (a shining example to us all apparently),
new member Adrian Pike and Instructor Bob Pirie |
Finally, we were pleased to welcome microlight pilot Jorg Beasley who turned up on the off-chance of getting a flight; flew with Steve, and is already starting to show some symptoms of getting hooked.
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| Jorg Beasley |
Bob Pirie
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