Yet another sparkling start to a Sunday led us expect a decent day's flying;
so, with the windsock giving no clear indication of wind direction, we set up
for a westerly launch. After a later than usual start, getting underway at about
1145, the air was so still it was as if we were in flight test conditions in
which the glider did exactly what you asked of it, and your position in the sky
was the exact result of your own actions, with no allowance being necessary for
(or excuse capable of being attributed to) external forces. Even the cups on the
launchpoint weather station were still (and yet it was possible to feel a slight
movement of air from the south on your cheek, or hair).
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| Visiting pilot Henry Ford, from Mendip GC, about to launch in the Zugvogel. |
And so, with Peter Howarth conducting operations, we were able to crack on
through some very useful check flight/currency work with Dave Downton, Chris
Owen and Peter Harvey, whilst Roger Appleboom, Leith Whittington, Karl Andrews
and visiting pilot from Mendip GC Henry Ford attempted to stretch their flights
beyond 5 mins (Henry's bold venture in the Zugvogel across to Blackdown taking 6
mins, thus equal with two of Roger's energy conserving efforts in the K-8).
Today's visitor was Josh Balsdon, a land agent student at Leicester
University who, at home on holiday, was brought to the club by his parents, both
of whom had flown with us some years ago (not easily frightened then..!)
 |
Visitor Josh Balsdon (whose parents had previously flown with us)
flew with Roger Appleboom. |
Sadly, having got into a groove of about 6 launches per hour, the afternoon's
flying was suddenly curtailed by the curse of condensation – misting canopies
causing us to return the gliders to the hangar by 3:30pm. Still, 22 launches
between 11:45 and 3:30pm (with a couple of simulated launch failures thrown in)
was not too bad – for which thanks go in particular to Barry Green and Heather
Horswill, the winch and retrieve driving machine!
Whilst wishing everyone all the best over the seasonal break, please remember
that Licensed pilots can fly any day they can get the requisite number of
suitably qualified members together, and that the next training flying day will
be New Year's Eve, Saturday 31 December.
Happy Christmas!
Martin Cropper
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