With no flying yesterday, the journey to the club contemplating a busy day was in trepadation. On arrival all was well with initially four trainees which rose to five by the time we started flying. A K13, Puchacz, Astir, Twin Astir, Libelle and a brace of K6's were readied and taken to the launch point.
During the day we were to receive three visitors. I must now appologise as our usual photographers were otherwise occupied and we missed photos of Julia Collins. Julia enjoyed her flights including a 22 minute soaring flight with BI Phil Hardwick.
Malcolm Clackworthy enjoyed a 20 minute flight with Phil and stayed for a while watching operations.
 |
| Malcolm Clackworthy chatting with Phil. |
The third visitor Carl Knight had three short flights with Phil and left happy.
 |
| Carl ready to go. |
 |
| Carl Launching With Phil. |
The training started with Ed Nicholson with three extended circuits in broken lift. He learnt the changing effect of the rudder near the stall which resulted in a small yelp from the front seat. A valuable lesson. Next was Freddie Purkiss. First flight a launch failure practice followed by a soaring flight finishing by being put out of position where he made the right decision to land in the opposite direction safely. Back at the launch point he was told we might fly again later!
 |
| View to the south past Tavistock |
 |
| Airfield bathed in sunshine. |
The day progressed with trainees Aiden Hughes, Connor Redburn and Ray Boundy. All steadily making progress.
 |
| Ray waiting for cables. |
Solo pilots today took launches when the conditions looked favourable. Ed Borlase (K6 EWO), John Osment (K6 FUB), Sean Westrope (Astir DNE), Andy Davey (Libelle KCM) and Malcolm W-J (Twin Astir DSL). Longest flight of the day was claimed by Andy with 1 hour 46 minutes.
 |
| Ed in K6 EWO |
 |
| John in K6 FUB |
With still time to fly Freddie was given the chance for a couple of flights. The first was very short as it was a demonstration of the ultra-low launch failure. The second was not much longer as he suffered a slow power loss by the winch. Again well flown. Only one thing for it now, send him solo. After the relevant briefing and allowed to prepare in his own time it was time to put all the training into practice on his own.
 |
| Very proud George Purkiss. |
An excellant day at Brentor Gliding. Another Junior joining the ranks of solo pilots. Thank you to all at the club today, 30 flights and one very happy Freddie.
Peter Howarth
No comments:
Post a Comment