Faith in the forecasters' predication that early showers would dissipate (or at least become 'occasional') encouraged a dozen or so regulars to set aside thoughts of tea and log fires to get the show on the road early(ish). But one of our first tasks, while the winch was being prepared and gliders DI'd, was to help Andrew and Phil roll their trailer down to the hangar for that glider's annual inspection by our senior engineer, John Bolt.
For most of the day the sun shone and sufficient cumulus appeared occasionally to keep us interested - if not airborne. But as has been the case for the whole of the winter, the main challenge was the fence-to-fence mud which, combined with some much rawer air that rolled in during the afternoon, was a real challenge to our resilience.
 |
| The cloud bases remained low most of the day but offered some entertainment for the pilots |
We started and continued the day using just two gliders; DAK with me instructing and the Zugvogel which Steve Lewis once again persuaded us to excavate from the back of the hangar. Apart from a brief 'hop' to test the airs, Steve spent the whole time on the ground, running the launch point and helping to keep spirits up. He had plenty of experienced helpers - the usual crowd, so I won't name them all - but two of our most determined ab initio students, John Rogers and Jorg Beasley, deserve a special mention. Thankfully they managed to get some air-time today, but otherwise they worked hard and competently along with the rest of the team.
 |
Many hands make light work.
Bob Pirie, Phil Hardwick, and David Rippon (he must be wearing that hat for a bet). |
Throughout the day DAK was kept busy with refresher flights and pre-solo training for Jorg and John. Meanwhile practically everyone had a trip in the Zug, with Robin Wilson achieving the longest flight of 12 minutes. (At this time of year we must be grateful for small mercies!)
 |
| Today's "ace" Robin Wilson waiting for a launch in the Zugvogel |
With only one winch cable available, a slick launching and retrieving operation was needed - and delivered - and by the time the late pm drop in temperature persuaded us all that gliding was longer fun, we had achieved 20 or so launches plus a couple of cable breaks. As with last Saturday, this again proves that even with a single cable, provided members get their act together, and provided there's a sensible ratio of gliders and people to operate them, a satisfying day's flying is achievable. Had we had more gliders out on the muddy field today, it would have been chaos.
Apart from couple of instances late pm when the subtle wind-shift from south west to south caught out pilots and cables fell over the fence, the aftermath of one cable break caused us concern for a while. Having retrieved the cable and parachute from among the gorse on the north slope of the hill, when the team returned to the launch point it was discovered that Phil the Farmer was missing. A search by glider and ground team was initiated, but he then reappeared having been attending to some other task, so all's well that ends well.
One additional bit of good news. Apparently while we were all at the far end of the field, Colin Boyd dropped in at the clubhouse to deliver a new vario for the K8.
A really worthwhile day with a great group of people - but there must surely be an end to all this mud, cold and damp soon.
Bob Pirie
No comments:
Post a Comment