Today's low cloud and drizzle cleared through during the late morning, leaving us with a lumpy crosswind from the north and some interesting cloudscapes, which became particularly spectacular as the sun set and misting canopies (coinciding with a cable break) causing us to knock flying on the head for the day.
We achieved 14 launches.From the outset, may I reiterate my apologies to those who failed to fly today. Also to Steve Raine who, as darkness fell, found himself abandoned at the winch without transport while the rest of us, having put the gliders away in record time, were settling down in front of the log burner.
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| Mike Gadd in wheel changing mode |
The day started productively with early-birds Steve and Dave Rippon braving the weather to prepare the airfield and launching equipment, while the rest of the team got the gliders ready. Mike Gadd very commendably bit the bullet and replaced DMX's main-wheel, which has has a slow puncture for weeks now, while our Fleet Manager Ged Nevisky and Engineer John Bolt repaired DAK's worn tail skid. John also sorted out the sloppy airbrake lock on the K8 and, with John Howe, lubricated that glider's aileron linkages which had become stiff and creaky (rather like the rest of us!).
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| Camera shy Ged working on the tail skid of DAK |
Meanwhile our hard-working Vice Chairman, Colin Boyd, appeared with a trailer-load of sand and gravel which he decanted into 'dumpy bags' ready for a further decanting into the field roller. The latter used to be filled with water, but now leaks. Colin has also 'led the charge' to get the fallen beech tree sawn up, with logs now available in return for donations to the Tea Swindle Fund.
As soon as the weather improved, it was out to the east end launch point with the two-seaters, but conditions were a bit too lively to risk the K8.
During several years at Brentor, in all seasons and weathers, I have heard a lot of discussion about exploiting the short and shallow ridge running along the north side of the airfield and I know a few pilots have used it productively, albeit to a limited extent. However, today it was my turn and during a solo test flight in DMX, having started flying a ridge pattern shortly coming off the launch, I eventually subsided into reliable ridge lift at around 600 feet. Throughout the day several pilots dabbled with this phenomenon, but gradually the wind diminished and for most of the day it was back to normal circuits (with several stub landings adding spice to life).
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| One Day Course candidate Steve Barr |
We had four instructors on the field today (Steve Lewis, Ged, David Jesty and yours truly), several solo pilots and plenty of students; a level of turnout at this damp and frigid time of the year that says a lot about the levels of commitment and enthusiasm existing within the club. But for the ultimate in enthusiasm, we need look no further than one day course candidate Steve Barr who,. having turned up and participated in ground-based activities on two 'duff' days, actually got airborne several times today as well as working hard on the ground from early morning until sunset.
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| K13 G-DDMX "laying off" on the wire to compensate for the cross wind fron the right |
Today the number of launches was few, but our thanks go to Steve Raine and Phil Hardwick for delivering some splendid ones in tricky crosswind conditions. Not a single cable was dropped across the fence, but it's clear that many pilots still need to brush up their crosswind layoff skills. If in doubt, ask any instructor.
Bob Pirie
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