A lovely sunny day greeted the early risers. The RASP forecast seemed overly
optimistic predicting some reasonable soaring around mid morning but thermic
conditions deteriorating over lunch time. The aviation forecast was for the wind
to veer round to the SW and slowly strengthen during the day. An occluded front
was due over the far west of Cornwall about 1200 and some showers ahead of that
could be expected with cloud steadily increasing from about 11.00.
Needless to
say it didn’t work out like that. By 9.30 it was overcast and the wind was
already freshening but rigidly staying from the South. Grey clouds loomed but as
usual this didn’t stop us. After helping the sorcerer and his apprentice (Colin
and Dave) de- rig DMX the very small Wednesday crew of Steve Raine, Phil
Hardwick, Mike Sloggett and myself set up the field and took HXP to the launch
point.
 |
| Visitor Angela Mitchell waiting for her Air Experience Flight |
We had two trial flights arrive. The first to fly was Angela Mitchell from
Cornwall. As conditions weren’t great she had two flights which she thoroughly
enjoyed. Next up was Peter Prynne from Ivybridge who is slowly working his way through
a list of things he wants to do. A recent balloon flight and today two glider
flights. He now wants to do a parachute jump, good for you Peter, personally I
see no reason to jump out of a perfectly healthy aeroplane.
 |
| Not planning to use that parachute are you Peter? |
After our happy visitors departed and with the weather deteriorating Mike
offered to be ballast whilst I, followed by Phil had a quick flight and
practised our cross wind landings. We then packed up the airfield and were all
done and dusted by 1500 ready for the rain, which was forecast but needless to
say, never arrived.
 |
| Steve surveying the view while trying to emulate Mike |
A big thank you to Mike Sloggett for being duty instructor
and therefore allowing us to fly and to Phil and Steve Raine for winching.
Best
flight of the day was 7mins by Mike, hovering with minimal control inputs which
I tried and failed to emulate!
Steve Fletcher
No comments:
Post a Comment