After last Sunday's unexpected wave-flying exploits, today, with its fierce crosswind from the south, looked like being a bit of a non-event. Nevertheless I was looking forward to getting back in the saddle on the last day of 2014 after nearly three weeks of personal 'unserviceability' - and what a ride it turned out to be.
Neither that wind nor the forecast of occasional rain (which actually didn't materialise) failed to deter a dozen or so of the club's most dedicated enthusiasts from turning up at the field and persuading me that it was worth getting K13 DMX on line for a day of dual flying in what were really quite challenging conditions.
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| Jeff looked like he'd been over indulging at Christmas |
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| Until he removed the coat to reveal his parachute |
With everyone from Jeff Cragg at one end of the age spectrum to young Ross Pratt (who flew with Steve Lewis) at the other, everyone was keen to blow away the cobwebs and, as ever, I was very impressed by the way several experienced solo pilots were happy to swallow their pride and fly with an instructor, in order to stay current and hone their skills. It was good to have Ross's mum, Leslie, with us too, and hopefully one of these days she'll succumb to the temptation to take a flight - but definitely not on a day like today.
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| Cable on |
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| Take up slack |
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| All out and the K13 is off on another flight |
Everyone who wanted to fly flew, and with some areas of weak and ill-defined lift lurking around the mostly low cloudbase, life got slightly competitive occasionally, with Bob Sansom ultimately pipping Adrian Irwin to the post for the longest flight of eight minutes. Practically every flight offered its own share of excitement and although our flight times were modest, I think everyone who flew felt it had been a day well spent.
Meanwhile, as ever, we continue to be indebted to Colin Boyd, David Bourchier and Alan Holland who remained around the hangar and clubhouse maintaining our gliders and equipment. The best news from their direction, by the way, is that the 'new' K13 G-CHXP is now ready to be test flown.
Personally, as ever I enjoyed spending the day and sharing the action with a good bunch of friends and enthusiasts - and here's to our collective success and enjoyment in 2015. A Happy New Year to you all.
Bob Pirie
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