A southerly: a bit like wide-mouthed frogs, you don’t see many of them around here. As the cloudbase rose, however, so the wind was forecast to back SE’ly and the clouds to decay. So no wonder the pundits made yesterday their day of choice.
But every situation presents an opportunity and this we did by tasking solo trainee Ed Borlase to practice his field landing skills with a landing in the K-13 on the stub runway – all grist to the mill when it comes to obtaining his Cross-Country Endorsement.
 |
| Ed Borlase’s view as he turns finals to land on the stub runway. |
We then welcomed Ed’s Friends and Family member: Simon Davidson. Simon has visited before and is very keen to aviate but, sadly, vertically challenged, being too tall. Having found that we could not concertina his legs enough times to fit into the front cockpit Peter Howarth hit on the idea of putting him in the back where, surprisingly, it was possible for Peter to obtain full and unobstructed movement of the flying controls. Simon and Peter subsequently enjoyed two flights, which they were able to top off with a further flight towards the end of the day.
 |
| Peter Howarth explaining a point to visitor Simon Davidson. |
 |
| Simon Davidson observes from the rear cockpit… |
 |
| …as Peter Howarth brings the K-13 to a perfectly held-off landing. |
Our returning to solo trainees were Ray Boundy and Karon Matten: Ray taking a significant step forward with simulated cable breaks (“I never realised you did it like that…!”) and Karon refreshing her skills on return from holiday. Earlier than predicted the wind began to show an easterly hint so we decided to decamp to the west end before tailwinds became a factor. Changing ends coincided with the decay in cumulus so no soaring advantage was noticed, although it was after the move that Martin Broadway clinched Flight of the Day in the K-8. After some training flights earlier in the week today’s benign conditions also allowed Colin Boyd to re-solo – well done Colin!
 |
| Karon Matten sanitising the controls prior to boarding the K-13. |
 |
| Ray Boundy conducting ABCD checks. |
Thanks go to Phil Hardwick who, having flown yesterday, winched for us today without flying, to Rich Roberts who was everywhere, and especially to Peter Howarth who, having seemingly tried every which way, eventually found a method of flying with Simon Davidson – Simon’s grin shows whether it was worth it!
 |
| Smiles all round as Simon Davidson is presented with his certificate by Peter Howarth. |
Martin Cropper
No comments:
Post a Comment