With another severe heat warning in place it was going to be a day to keep up with the water intake, plenty of sun cream and hats particularly for those follicly challenged. RASP gave a rare prospect of thermals to above 8000ft AGL so what would happen. Gliders were prepared and towed to the west end launch point.
First launch at a respectable 10:10 was newly signed up Fixed Price To Solo member Sean Westrope with me. Sean had a trial flight last week and now wants to swap his hang gliding experiences to gliding. At the top of the launch we managed a small climb which then gave Sean chance to get used to the controls. At the end of the three flights, Sean was starting to get used to coordinating the controls in gentle turns.
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| Sean familiarising with pre-flight checks. |
Next to fly with me was Robin Wilson for a couple of circuits on his route back to solo. Our first visitor Ken Cassidy arrived with his partner Barbara who had flown with us about four years ago. Todays duty IFP Phil Hardwickwent through the statutory paperwork and briefing with him, Ken enjoyed two flights. The second an extended circuit of 16 minutes.
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| Ken being shown the glider by Phil. |
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| Barbara watching Ken off on his flight |
Hot on the heals of Ken was Rob Love. Rob enjoyed a 9 minute flight with Phil.
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| Rob waiting to launch with Phil. |
Although most flights seemed to be circuits, Richard said 'It must be going by now' and trotted off to bring his Discus to the launch point. After launching he promptly turned 180° and headed back to the scrapyard and was soon climbing slowly away. Following a perambulation around the area visiting Plymouth West, Roadford Reservoir, Fernworthy Reservoir and Dartmoor Prison he returned after 2 Hours 20 minutes. A flight of 125km achieving a maximum height of 7800ft ASL and always staying within gliding range of the airfield.
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| Dartmoor Prison. |
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| Plymouth West |
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| Busy on the water at Roadford. |
Whilst Richard was away activity continued at the airfield. Freddie Colton was next to fly with me. Following a demonstration of stall speed increasing in the turn, this left us out of position. Freddie heard the words 'You have control' and promptly turned towards the airfield and got us safely back on the ground with only a couple of helpful prompts. This flight was followed by a land ahead launch failure demonstration and a second which was flown by Freddie. To finish his flying the intention was to fly a nice circuit, but a real launch failure ensued which was well executed by Freddie. And yes we did take another launch for that well executed circuit.
Phil's last visitor arrived for his flights. Daniel Wilson arrived with hid dad and had two flights, the second of which was 32 minutes. He left with a beaming smile across his face.
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| Daniel waiting with Phil |
Our solo pilots Ed Borlase and Adam Hoskin brought their K6's to the launch point. Unfortunately they both struggled to contact any lift, but managed a couple of extended circuits.
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| A brace of K6's waiting to launch. |
With only one outstanding flight, the success of the day was with the trainees who made good progress on their journeys towards solo. Thank you to those at the airfield today who all worked hard in the hot conditions to keep things moving.
Peter Howarth
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