A light NE breeze and clear skies all day brought a steady, but small group of pilots to the airfield today. Steve Fletcher was missing in action due to being laid low by a seasonal bout of man flu. The one visitor booked in today asked if his partner who had a voucher, but not yet booked, could also be flown. After a discussion with Phil Hardwick, who was at the club today, it was agreed he would step in as duty BI and fly both visitors. Phil also brought a friend to the club to experience the joys of silent flight.
First to fly with me was Jess Nicholson who is now doing the whole flight although some prompts are still required on the approach and landing. Nex to fly was brother, Ed. After a circuit and statutory launch failure, he was allowed another solo flight to add to his total.
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| Ed Nocholson ready for his check flights. |
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| And off on another solo flight. |
Next trainee was Aiden Hughes who's first flight was without the use of an ASI. A couple of flight coping well with the cross-wind launch and approach followed by another launch failure practice sees Aiden well on his way towards his target.
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| Aiden on approach. |
Phil's first visitor arrived. Michele Muschamp was a friend of Phil's and enjoyed two flights in the Twin Astir.
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| Michele and Phil waiting to launch. |
Lewis Gillingham and partner Meg Smith arrived for their flights with Phil.
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| Meg ready for her flights with Phil. |
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| Phil shows Lewis around the Twin Astir. |
Both left happy with their experience flights. After a delay whilst the K13 received some TLC, Steve Lesson had a couple of flights with me.
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| Steve and I discussing the flight plan. |
Solo pilots Viktor Skochko (K6), Ed Borlase (K6), Sean Westrope (Astir), John Smith (Astir) and Michael Malric-Smith (Astir) all tried their luck in a sky that looked a lot better than what it delivered. Longest flight was only 8 minutes by Michael.
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| Viktor returns in his K6. |
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| Ed returns in his K6. |
Due to the earlier delays and daylight running out decisions had to be made. Eleanor who has been flying the Twin Astir was moved to the K13 for two flights. This didn't stop her progress as she started flying the top part of the launch as well as general flying.
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| Eleanor receiving last minute briefing. |
Returning pilot Freddie Purkiss decided to have an experience flight with Phil Hardwick in the Twin Astir, just to say he had flown today. This was a short lived experience as Phil had a launch failure just off the ground. This caused a further delay and it was decided to curtail flying for the day. Richard Hattersley unfortunately did not fly today.
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| Trainees Richard, Jess, Ed and Eleanor. |
28 flights with nearly everybody flying. Thanks to all at the field today for an enjoyable autumnal flying day.
Peter Howarth
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