A forecast for a light/moderate breeze from the west, no rain and thermic conditions improving through the day things looked good for a enjoyable day flying. The unfortunate cancellation of the Women Go Gliding weekend caused a relatively low turn out of experienced members. But we did have five trainees on the field to continue their training.
First to fly with me was Sean Westrope. A good circuit and practice launch failure saw him cleared for a couple of solo flights in the K13. Hopefully more to follow on his route to conversion to the K8.
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| A happy Sean ready for another solo flight. |
Sean's first re-solo was delayed by an un-forecasted hail shower. This delayed flying for about an hour.
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| Ed caught in the hail shower. |
After Sean had completed his flights, Toby Irons was next to fly with me. We looked at the zig-zag circuit to improve judgement and also stall speed increasing with g. The judgement came in handy late in the day on a hangar flight when we got low in circuit and had to do a much modified circuit. Well done Toby.
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| Another training flight launches. |
We were joined today by holiday makers who came in to see what we were up to. Due to the previously mentioned cancellation, we were able to fit them in for a couple of flights each. Joanne Marshall and Alex Apps who are engaged and down this way enjoying some cycling in the area. Duty BI obliged with a couple of flights each in the Puchacz.
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| Joanne and Alex receiving their certificates. |
Training continued with both David Moorley and Val Kiely both flying with me. David making steady progress with approaches and landings. Val was getting back into the swing of things after the long period of bad weather.
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| Val happy to be back in the front seat. |
New member Viktor Skochko also joined the Sunday Soarers and had three flights in the Puchacz to progress his general handling skills.
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| Viktor waiting for his instructor. |
Our solo pilots enjoyed some good flying. Steve Fletcher had a couple of circuits in the Open Cirrus. Ed Borlase after a long stint on the winch had a couple of solos in the K13. The second included a climb to 5016ft which should enable him to finally claim his silver height.
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| Ed's view of the expanse of Dartmoor. |
John Allen had a flight in his Mini Nimbus visiting Roadford, Launceston, Plymouth and Meldon to claim flight of the day with 2 hour 27 minutes.
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| John's view of Plymouth. |
The local Councillor for Mary Tavy, Robert Oxborough came on a pre-arranged visit to see what we do with possible support for some grant applications. Steve Fletcher took the opportunity to take him for a flight.
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| Robert and Steve getting ready. |
Toby's mum Sarah was also treated to a flight and experienced what her son so enjoys.
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| Sarah being shown around the glider by Val. |
Thank you to all at the club today. Some good personal achievements and some good flying enjoyed by all.
Peter Howarth
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