The general airflow is still westerly and WET. There was some hope in today’s forecast with a break early in the morning with the forecast winds starting light and increasing to 35 knots+ by the end of the day. So if we were going to fly it would need to be an early start and an early finish. And that is what we did.
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| Mike Gadd ready for his first flight in the Pirat |
The aircraft of choice today were the K13 and the Pirat. The K8 was left at the hangar because, if the winds really did reach the forecast levels, it would be difficult to get it back to the hangar safely.
Arriving at the very wet launch point, the cloudbase was still very low. But fortune favours the brave and within minutes the cloud rolled away giving very usable flying conditions.
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| Matthew ready to go |
Mike Gadd converted to the Pirat. Matthew Wiles flew it for the first time in 2 years. Stefi Guiu was very keen to convert but by the time she had completed a couple of successful check flights in the K13 the wind had strengthened so much that a first flight on type was inadvisable. Better luck next time Stefi.
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| Stefi trying on the Pirat for size |
Elsewhere, Allan and Rick continued with the TLC of the ML winch. Despite their best efforts and a long day in the cold and wet conditions cleaning pipes and fuel filters , the engine is still reluctant to run properly. Diesel fitter Ray has been summoned.
We returned to the clubhouse by mid afternoon as the winds had strengthened as forecast and the flying was becoming increasingly challenging. This gave Don the chance to hold an impromptu ( but well prepared ) lecture.
We made the very best of what today had to offer.
Steve
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