After the weeks of blue skies today was a bit of a surprise. There was a high cirrus cover with some cumulus clouds in a lower layer. There was some brightness through the cirrus so, with a bit of luck, some thermal activity was still possible. The wind was very light from just west of north. The forecast was for showers in the afternoon but while these were evident to the south, they did not affect the airfield.
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| The upper cirrus cloud greatly reduce thermal formation |
One big advantage today was the fact that the top field was in use, which allowed us to extend the winch by 400 metres. This meant that, even with no effective headwind component, the K13 could still launch to 1350 feet and the K8 nearer to 1600 feet. This would prove extremely useful in allowing the aircraft to find the ellusive thermals.
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| The lower cumulus layer provided the thermal activity |
With careful searching it was definitely possible to soar. Not the strong cores of the last few weeks but usable for local soaring. The longest flight of the day was by Malcom Wilton-Jones was flew the K8 for a little over an hour before airbraking down to let someone else have a go. The K13 made several shortish soaring flights.
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| Steven Hassall |
Today we welcomed Steven Hassall who attended for a One Day Course. He enjoyed flying with both myself and Rick a was able to make some tidy turns by the end of the day. We hope this is the just start of his glider flying journey. Also visiting today was Alexander Hughes who enjoyed a couple of Trial Flights with Rick.
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| Steve Raine breifing Alexander before his first flight |
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| Alexander and Rick waiting to launch |
Rick was also kept busy with club instruction today with several flights with David Archer followed by A series of practice cable breaks with Steve Raine who was keen to practice this,
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A "Busman's Holiday".
Retired farmer Phil could not resist cutting the grass |
A good club day.
Steve
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