With lockdown restrictions being eased this week, a small group of the most current solo pilots gathered for their first tentative steps back into the air. After various discussions it was decided to fly a K13 and the K8. The aircraft were given a thorough DI and towed to the east end. Due to the very light wind it was decided to remove the west end fence in case of any low level launch failures.
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| The first cables arriving at the launch point. |
After a thorough briefing, I took the first launch in the K13. The conditions were very benign, so it was time for the other pilots to prepare to fly. Andy Davey got ready in the K8 and Malcolm got ready in the K13.
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| Andy in the K8 |
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| Malcolm in the K13 |
Each pilot had three flights, mainly to prevent re-sanitising the cockpit continually. Steve Fletcher, Gavin Short, Hugh Gasgoyne, Phil Hardwick and Steve Lewis all took their turn as the day progressed.
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| Steve Fletcher getting ready |
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| Gavin Short ready to go. |
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| Hugh Gascoyne happy to be flying again. |
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| Phil Hardwick refamiliarising himself. |
Most of the pilots were keen to make the most of the calm conditions and elected to continue flying.
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| K8 taking off. |
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| And arriving back. |
A very successful day with 35 flights, and all pilots leaving the airfield with smiles, very happy to be back flying again. No soaring with the longest flight of 10 minutes, but the circuits were just what was needed to start blowing the cobwebs away.
Thank you to everybody who were at the airfield today and contributed to a successful day and smooth running. A special thank you to Heather who retrieved all day providing the steady supply of cables.
Peter Howarth
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