Gliding Club News - Aston Down Expedition Day 1. 15th May 2023

The forecast was quite good but the winds from the North West quite strong. Mike Bennett and Adam Hoskin had their check flights with Sam the professional instructor.  Both were short soaring flights 

The task for the day for the DGS pundits was a 182 km triangle: Aston Down, Shobdon East, Stourbridge, Aston Down. Andy and Phil took Scratch on a lead and follow to let him get his 50 km, Silver leg.  Unfortunately the conditions were challenging and the dashing trio didn't make it across the River Severn.

There was a break in the proceedings due to various winch problems and Aston Down members were launched, one in a Ventus who was aiming for Snowdonia, but he eventually managed to get to Welshpool and visit the Long Mynd.

 

"DGS are Go!  Anything can happen in the next half hour" (Ed: Are you reliving your Gerry Anderson inspired youth?)

Heather flew with Rick in the Aston Down DG50O.  While she was waiting to take off she was treated like a Queen: fed and then a quick nap (Dave Archer you are not alone).

Service indeed

Just resting my eyes

River Severn in the distance

I took a launch just before 1400 and managed to set off on task at 1410, but more of that later.  Adam and Hugh got away in their K-6s after a relight for just under three hours a piece.  Mike Jardine flew in his Standard Cirrus after Scratch had finished with it.  John Allan had landed earlier after a rewarding flight in the local area.

John relaxing in his Mini Nimbus

A brace of K6s

I started on task at 3,500 ft QFE and crossed the River Severn. Even cruising at 75 knots progress was slow in to the 15 knot head wind. There were some good climbs but at 17 km short of Shobdan East I got low, perhaps some 1,600 ft above the ground. I decided prudence was the word rather than land out. I eventually climbed up to safe height and then noticed that I was only 2,000 feet below final glide to Aston Down. Crossing the Severn where it meanders and the air should be dead I found a massive thermal that peaked at 7.9 knots on the averager.  Back at the field I pushed east and then south over Highgrove house at 5,000 feet before meeting the M4 and turning back before the airspace at Bristol Airport.

When everyone was back and the gliders pegged out over night Mike Bennett cooked a great Spaghetti Bolognaise, complemented by a banana and chocolate chip cake for afters.

End of the day

The conditions look better tomorrow and with a lighter wind.

Gavin Short