The start of the club flying weekend.
The RASP forecast looked favorable. The weather was ok for the most part but the wind strength may be a problem with 20+ knots from the north ( just east of north actually) and gusty with it. There was definitely a chill in the air with most members sporting several layers but the sky looked enticing with streets stretching to the NE as far as we could see. Game on.
 |
| Looking down at the airfield. from the south west |
There were several private owners getting ready. Richard with his Discus, Roger with his ASW20, and Stephen with his Open Cirrus. The club fielded the 2 K13's. The K8's were left in the hangar; this was not a day for them. The airfield was layed out with the launchpoint at the east end.
 |
| Looking down to Plymouth |
The first K13 launch confirmed what we thought. The launch was rough. There was strong thermal activity. The final approach was euphemistically described as "sporting". The second launch confirmed all this.
 |
| The K13 climbing well ^knots on the vario. |
Next up was Richard Roberts in his Discus. His intention was a long cross country flight ( 600 km was whispered). His launch was uneventful and after a little local soaring, he disappeared to return 5 1/2 hours later after a magnificent flight of around 360 km. Astonishing given that the wind at flying heights was around 25 knots. Richards story of this flight is available here. Awesome!
https://dartmoorgliding.blogspot.com/2019/05/dartmoor-gliding-360km-in-one-flight-by.html
 |
| Richard getting into his parachute. ( I promised not to comment of the sheepskin) |
 |
| Discus V5 waiting to go. |
Roger Green launched his ASW20 a little later. After a circuit and a relight Roger disappeared for 2 hrs 44 minutes during which he reached 6000 feet above airfield height QFE ( 6820 feet above sea level QNH ). He flew to Eaglescott and back and the went down to Plymouth and back. Good flying.
 |
| Strong cloud shadows |
 |
| Gliding to the TP at nearly 6k and having the TP made ! |
 |
Roger photographed this golf course north of Okehaampton.
But which one is it? |
The wind gradually settled a little as the afternoon wore on, never easy but certainly less gusty. The K13 made several soaring flights. The other notable flight was 1 hr 23 minutes by Steve in the Open Cirrus.
As the day wound down there was a flurry of activity at the clubhouse as the members a guests settles down for a BBQ to get the Members flying weekend of to a good start.
Many thanks to all the helpers, especially the winch drivers who had to put up with the very strong crosswind and had to retrieve the cable from the south field more than once.
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment