All forecasts agreed with the wind strengthening as the day progressed, no chance of soaring, but al least there was no rain for today. The K13, Puchacz and Astir were DI'd and towed to the east end launch point. The low clouds delayed start of flying.
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Cloud over the moors and a line of cloud at the end of the runway,
could the forecast be wrong? |
Eventually some bigger gaps appeared in the clouds above the airfield, so I took Freddie Purkiss for a weather check flight. A slightly bumpy launch, a similar approach and the sky clearing, it was deemed flying could start. The conditions would be a test for trainees Freddie and Viktor in their early stages of doing the approach and landings.
Freddie's first training launch was watched from the ground and when we were observed maintaining height and climbing slowly it provoked activity on the ground. Steve Fletcher rigged his Open Cirrus and Steve Lesson launched in the Astir. Freddie flew most of his first approach and a second flight was completed with Freddie doing the whole flight.
It was deemed the conditions were OK to fly today's ODC student Darren Clark. Duty BI Gavin Short suitably briefed him and were soon ready for the first flight of their series.
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| Darren and Gavin ready to fly. |
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| Puchacz about to launch. |
A couple of flights were combined as they managed to extend the flights in the lift around the area. Darren received his certificate at the end of the day having thoroughly enjoyed the day.
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| Darren being presented with his certificate. |
Next to fly with me was Viktor Skochko. A 1,500ft launch (his highest) and flights of 14 and 22 minutes brought a broad smile to his face.
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| A very happy Viktor. |
Whilst I took a break from the back seat. Phil Hardwick took over to fly visitor David Osment. Last week we flew David's dad John and he liked what he saw and wanted to fly with us. One short flight and a longer soaring flight certainly wetted his appetite for more.
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| David receives his certificate. |
After supporting his son, John Osment flew with me, proving he hasn't lost his touch by soaring for 25 minutes.
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| John enjoying being back in the air in a glider. |
Sean Westrope took a couple of flights with me in preparation for his Bronze flying test. This included a demonstration of a steeper full airbrake approach to lessen the effect of turbulence on the approach.
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| Sean preparing to fly. |
Solo pilots Steve Lesson (Astir), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) and Malcolm W-J (twin Astir) all enjoyed soaring flights. Flight of the day was claimed by Steve Fletcher with 2 hours 24 minutes.
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| Puchacz below the K13 near Peter Tavy. |
There were different theories about what was producing the lift today. Certainly not a classic wave day. A mixture of wave, thermal and possible hill lift was the conclusion. Thank you to all at the club today. A day that promised so little, but delivered a lot. We do not say that very often.
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