After storm Antoni blasted across the southwest yesterday, what would today bring for the Sunday soarers? A forecast gave a moderate Northwesterly with possible soaring from late morning. This prospect brought out a collection of privateers (Ed Borlase - K6, Steve Fletcher - Open Cirrus, Phil Hardwick - DG300 and Malcolm W-J - Twin Astir). It also led to at one point 8 trainees being at the club today (unfortunately David Moult had to leave) and the prospect of 3 visitors for Richard to fly. Two K13s and a K8 were also prepared and taken to the launch point.
After his recent spin training at North Hill (DSGC), Sean Westrope was keen to progress his training at Brentor. Three good flights including a practice launch failure sees him progressing towards his target. Next into the front seat with me was David Moorley. Steady progress including flying the whole launch for the first time sees David progressing.
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| Off David goes flying his first full launch. |
With one cancellation and another visitor getting their dates muddled up, Richard was left with only one visitor to fly. Phil Keast arrived and was soon briefed by Richard and seated into the front seat of the K13.
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| Phil Keast with Richard getting ready. |
Next to fly with me was Freddie Colton. Two good flights including a 28 minute soaring flight left him happy. Although not able to add to his solo count due to a bumpy approach and recency because of the weather Freddie will soon have more solos under his belt. He spent time at the winch and with a couple of launch failures handled at the winch, he will soon get his winch wings.
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| Our view of Brentor Church |
Also back from spin training at North Hill, Matthew Stone was next to fly with me. Three flights including a launch failure sees him also progressing.
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| Matthew waves off another K13 flight. |
We managed to wrench Val Kiely away from the launch point log for her three flights. Val is starting to get to grips with the controls more and is making slow but positive progress. She is determined to improve and this attitude will see her progress along her journey.
The last two trainees to fly with me were Riley and Ollie. After a long day for me the plan was for each of them to have two flights each. Following a 27 minute soaring flight for Riley and both having to leave early for a family gathering their flights were reduced to one each. Ollie's was only short, but received a demonstration of ground effect on a hangar flight which he enjoyed.
Well how about those privateers. Steve Fletcher enjoyed 2 hour 35 minutes, Phil Hardwick 2 hour 43 minutes and Ed Borlase 34 minutes.
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| Steve's view of the airfield. |
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| And Tavistock to the south. |
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| K6 joins the K13 in a thermal. |
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| DG300 flies by. |
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| Open Cirrus launches. |
Malcolm W-J claimed man of the match with 3 hour 10 minutes. During his flight he managed to climb to 2,600ft in what he thought was very weak wave near Chillaton.
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| Twin Astir at 2600ft |
Thank you to all at the airfield today. A fairly busy day, but it was nice to be actually flying again. More good weather please.
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