12 months ago we were enjoying a good wave flying day with flights exceeding 2 hours. With an easterly wind forecast would we have a repeat performance. The wind was a light 5 knots and thermal activity increasing during the day would put paid to any expectations.
First flight of the day with Sean Westrope did show signs of very weak wave which enabled the flight to be extended to 15 minutes.
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| A quiet airfield below, |
This prompted a few of the privateers to give it a go. Adam Hoskin (K6), Mike Bennett (Club Libelle) and Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus).
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| Private aircraft wait their turn to fly. |
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| Mike in his Club Libelle waiting to launch. |
The bigger wings of the Open Cirrus gave Steve early claims to the longest flight with 27 minutes. Next to fly with me was Matthew Stone. Three good flights sees Matthew back up to speed after a couple of wobbles recently. 27 minutes on one flight saw Matthew climbing in weak thermals with some smooth well coordinated flying. Well done.
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| Matthew keeping a good lookout whilst climbing. |
The first trial flight visitor was American Bryan Cluts, who arrived with wife Chrissy and their young daughter, who was born in UK during their four year posting here. Currently living in Wadebridge he enjoyed views of the south and north coasts during his two soaring flights that proved to be a very enjoyable Father's Day present. The choice of present was apposite as Bryan's father learned to fly gliders in Australia and New Zealand, but not the USA due to costs, and achieved a Silver C badge.
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| Bryan Cluts being shown around the cockpit by Gavin. |
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| Bryan receiving his certificate. |
Dan Blight and partner came from Plymouth for a single trial flight for him as a birthday present. A fabricator by trade in his spare time he is a radio controlled model glider operator. He enjoyed seeing the practical effects of the controls up close and personal during an extended soaring flight. He also observed the operation of the rudders by one's feet which is very different from the joystick operation from a RC controller which he is used to.
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| Dan receiving his certificate. |
Our final trial flight was Stephen Wyeth, a retired IT consultant. He and his wife travelled from Okehampton to enjoy the pleasant warm weather with us on Dartmoor. Stephen enjoyed two extended flights which were also a birthday present.
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Stephen Wyeth with Gavin.
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| And receiving his certificate. |
The solo pilots had all taken off and were enjoying themselves soaring away. Mike Bennett had to leave early which temporarily left us without a winch driver. As soon as Gavin finished his Basic Instructor duties he was sent to the other end of the airfield to operate the winch to enable flying to continue. After a quick check flight, Freddie Colton was allowed a couple of solo flights to add to his total. Freddie will be back off to university and we will next see him at Christmas.
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| Freddie off on another solo flight. |
The solo pilots were all getting some good flights in. Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) 1 hour 10 minutes, Adam Hoskin (K6) 1 hour 37 minutes, Scratch (Cirrus) 1 hour 45 minutes and man of the match after another 5 hour attempt Ed Borlase (K6) 3 hour 12 minutes. This was a personal best and I'm sure the 5 hours is just around the corner.
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| K13 view of Ed in the K6. |
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| And as seen by Scratch. |
Finally our BGA inspector has been trying to regain solo status. A quick launch failure practice and a well flown circuit saw Colin dispatched on a solo flight. Keep flying regularly Colin to maintain this status.
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| Colin alone in the K13 again. |
A good days flying with plenty of soaring for a change. Thank you to all at the club enabling some personal achievements to be met.
Peter Howarth
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