The forecast gave a moderate breeze increasing during the afternoon and possible showers around lunch time. A k13, Puchacz, K8 and Astir were readied and the airfield set up to fly from the east end.
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| Would we be lucky to escape the showers. |
As it was the first flight was delayed by a shower. Finally Misha Skochko and I launched with Misha practising rolling out of a turn at specific landmarks. His second flight was made just before a second shower approached.
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| Another shower on the way. |
After a short break Freddie Purkiss launched in the K8 and Jamie Young launched in the Astir. Each managed extended flights of 16 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. Both flights were initially the longest of the day. Duty BI Phil Harwick greeted One Day Course member Michael Malric-Smith. Phil gave him two introductory flights, but with Michael's experience of flying helicopters and light aircraft it was necessary to quickly place him with a Flight Instructor. Luckily RNGSA instructor Jamie Steele was at the club today and took over in the back seat of the Puchacz. By the end of the day, Michael was doing a large part of the flying.
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| Michael and Jamie ready for another flight. |
Today also saw the return of member David Moorley after 12 months away due to various family commitments. After four flights today David was well on his way back to where he was before the break.
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| David happy to be back in the saddle. |
Other solo pilots also enjoyed flights in the K8 & Astir. Viktor Skochko (K8), Steve Fletcher (K8 & Astir) & Ed Borlase (K8) enjoyed extended flights in the sometimes buoyant air. Steve Fletcher stayed aloft for 29 minutes to claim flight of the day.
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| Another rainbow viewed by Ed. |
I swapped back seats to the Puchacz to fly with Freddie Purkiss preparing him for his transition to the Astir in the near future. Jamie also swapped back seats to take Michael for a flight in the K13.
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| The final flight lands. |
A good days flying, initially dodging the showers, but ending with all happy pilots saying they were glad we made the effort to fly. Michael was also signed up as a full member and we look forward to seeing him again.
Thanks to all at the field today, including Alison who did the majority of the retrieving today.
Peter Howarth
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