A small, but beautifully formed, crew were attracted by the very good soaring forecast. The wind was light and variable gradually moving from just east of south to eventually settle at just west of south. There was a lot of top cover which made the sky look more white than blue.
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| Mary Tavy looking west |
At first it seemed that the soaring forecast must be very optimistic but if you could find your first climb then there was indeed good soaring to be had. In fact there was 5 flights over an hour, the longest being Steve Fletcher with a flight of 1 hour and 39 minutes in his Open Cirrus. With there flights and a large handful of flights in the 30 to 40 minute range the average flight time, including all the training flights and circuits was still over 20 minutes. Perhaps the RASP forecast was right after all.
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| Ged is enjoying some 2 seater flying. Pictured here while soaring with Mike Jardine |
A notable flight was the 1 hour and and 25minutes by Andy Davey celebrating his first flight on type in the Zugvogel 3B which he now owns a share in.
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| Andy waiting for his first flight on type |
Towards the end of the day, the top cover and lack of other cloud made soaring look like a non starter but, just when the sensible would be heading for the hangar. I launched in my Zugvogel 3B followed by Rick in the K8. After about 20 minutes of grovelling around at circuit height trying just to stay airborne a convergence formed nearby and we were whisked up to 3500 feet in a very strong thermal core. This was followed by a magical romp along the convergence maintaining height and climbing easily without the need to stop and turn. As it was getting late we both decided to land after about an hour or so to allow the crew to finish putting things away and my glider to be de-rigged.
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| While waiting to launch I thought I'd take a selfie. |
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| 20 minutes later I had this view of Tavistock from 3500 ft under the convergence |
Today, we had 2 visitors, both of whom came for some Air Experience flying, Tim Johns who flew with Mike Jardine and Gloria OBrien who enjoyed some soaring with me in K13 G-CHXP in the earlier boyant conditions.
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| Time and Mike |
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| Gloria and me. |
Also visiting today was a group from the 2nd Plymstock Cub Group who had an enjoyable time getting up close and personal with the aircraft and observing the airfield activities. As always on these occasions, the simulator was a firm favorite, with Rick making sure that everyone had a good fly in it. Many thanks to the members who selflessly, helped to make this visit successful when they could have been soaring.
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An interesting "flying" photo of the Cubs.
The larger one on the right is club member Mike. |
Adversity, brings out the best in people. Today, this was once again demonstrated when the K13 suddenly got a punctured main wheel. Several members arranged to re-inflate the tyre and then take the aircraft to the hangar where the wheel was changed go that the Sunday Soarers would have a 2 seater to fly.
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| Wheel surgery |
Thanks to everyone today for making the day a success. Special mentions must go to Barry and Heather who provided the a lot of winching and cable towing all day without flying themselves. We will make this up to you.
Steve
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