After almost 2 weeks of continual rain it was a wonder we managed to fly at all today – particularly in view of yesterday’s gale force winds, the day dawned with the windsock hanging down at its post, and we had to rely on the forecast of a N-NWl’y to justify changing ends. Fortunately, on firing up the Guslaunch, that decision was vindicated (see photo) as a plume of diesel exhaust trailed away to the south-east.
 |
| Starting the winch confirms we were right to change ends..! |
 |
| Our visitor today was Freya Kennedy-Bruyneel, who flew with Roger Appleboom. |
Our only scheduled visitor today was Freya Kennedy-Bruyneel, who was taken aloft by IFP Roger Appleboom - the lack of further bookings allowing Roger to give Freya’s father, Paul some flights in addition to his tasters of a couple of weeks ago. This included exploring the view of a most unusual cloud formed by bonfire smoke rising from Higher Farm (see photo), which was indicative of today’s low temperatures.
 |
| A bonfire at Higher Farm fed directly into this low level cumulus, base 300ft agl.. |
A well predicted trough line then arrived, which fortunately was coincident with lunch. In the afternoon returning member Josef Nobbs converted onto the Zugvögel, and Roger Green was able to practice flying from the back seat in preparation for formal IFP training. With CFI Don Puttock on hand for the benefit of trainees, we were able to get through the Flying List, including Dave Downton and new Fixed Price to Solo member Alec Birch, before the inevitable reduction in ambient temperature reached dew point and condensation on the canopies forced us to stop well before sundown
So as the gliders received a thorough wash down prior to their return to the hangar we were able to reflect on a rewarding, albeit short and (in the soft ground) relatively tiring flying day. Flight of the Day went to Adrian Irwin - or was about to until he was pipped at the post by the final launch when Allan Holland managed to beat him by a short, ‘final glide’ nose..!
 |
| Allan Holland pilots the Zugvogel over Brentor church during his 7 minute flight of the day... |
Martin Cropper
No comments:
Post a Comment