A moderate wind straight down the airfield and dry conditions forecast, the assembled members started to set up the airfield. Winch to the west end, K13 and K8 to the east end. Frome the first launch and circuit it became obvious that the air was more turbulent and stronger wind than forecast. The K8 was parked up in the lee of the bus to protect it, hoping that conditions would improve to enable solo pilots to fly it.
First to fly with me was new member Matthew Stone. The turbulent conditions prevented some of the planned training, but he did see the effect of airbrakes along with a demonstration of undershoot and overshoot on the approach. He also gained valuable experience of flying in the conditions of the day.
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| Matthew completing pre-flight checks. |
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| And off we go. |
Our first visitor arrived along with the first squally shower of the day which delayed flying for about an hour. Takara Dover arrived with partner James from Plymouth. This was her second attempt to fly with us, after the first was cancelled due to low cloud. After some friendly chat in the shelter of the bus, the sky cleared and Takara flew twice with Gavin. She marvelled at the views of the countryside that she and James often walk, whilst bagging the two longest flights of the day.
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| Takara excited about flying. |
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| Takara receiving her certificate. |
John Smith and Ed Borlase each took turns in the front seat to have a couple of flights. Both found the conditions challenging, but gained vital experience for the future. Phil Hardwick then took to the back seat for currency experience of flying in the conditions. Whilst in the air we could see yet another squally shower heading our way, so made a decision to hangar land the K13.
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| K13 on approach. |
Everybody flew and gained vital experience of flying increasingly rougher conditions. Matthew agreed that further training in the conditions would not really be beneficial. So with the toys washed down, dried and safely back in the hangar, the days flying came to a premature end.
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| Rainbow over Blackdown. |
Thank you to those at the airfield today. At least we tried and are looking forward to some calmer conditions.
Peter Howarth
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