Finally there was some promise in a Saturday weather forecast. Driving to the airfield through the early morning fog led me passed several magnificent magnolia trees in full bloom which definitely raised spirits by reinforcing the idea that spring is finally winning it's battle against the winter weather.
Although there was blue sky above the airfield it was obvious that visibility was going to be relatively poor at perhaps 5 miles but with the fresh south easterly breeze sometimes swinging to the east it was game on.
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| K13's waiting to go. |
The very keen group of assembled members quickly had the gliders and equipment ready to go. The early morning cloud revealed some wave bars in the area but by first launch these had all disappeared. The air was quite buoyant from the first launches but finding that elusive thermal was the order of the day. Several flights were extended beyond normal circuits and then suddenly things got going with 3 flights approaching the half hour mark. Later in the day, the wave made a re-appearance although it was never really very strong with definite bars giving 0 to 1/2 knots. Careful flying would allow extended soaring at launch height. Interesting.
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| One Day Course Candidate, Brian Cunningham, waiting for another flight |
We welcomed Brian Cunningham today who joined us for a One Day Course. Brian was able to enjoy all the best soaring that the day had to offer and was making good progress flying the K13 by the end of the day. We also had visits from Martin Strawbridge and Chris Pope both of who joined us for Air Experience flights.
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| Visitor Martin Strawbridge |
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| Visitor Chris Pope and family |
Instructor Rick Wiles was kept busy today with club members today all of whom were keen to re-establish their flying status after the winter lay offs. This seemed to involve quite a few practice launch failures which were handled efficiently by pilots and ground crew alike. Experienced pilot Joe Nobbs re-soloed after a lay off.
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| The gliders needed ( and got ) a good wash at the end of the day |
So what a day. Lots of flying with 36 flights in total. Thanks to all who helped, not just Heather for retrieve driving all day but also the winch drivers who provided a first class service all day and all those who helped moving the gliders around the somewhat muddy launchpoint and a special mention for Steve Raine who worked all day as log keeper.
Steve
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