Today was a reminder of my old saying, if the forecast is doubtful but you come to the club you might just fly, if you stay at home you definitely won’t!
For those who did the former they were treated to an exciting, challenging, extremely rewarding day!
Peter Field kindly stepped in to cover the day as Mike Sloggett and the other Thursday instructors were all away. By 09:30 there were just enough to operate, luckily the Thursday regulars are not only enthusiastic they are also multi talented. This meant we had several winch drivers and log keepers to run the day despite the low turn out.
After the forecast front went through the wind immediately settled to west northwesterly, from the very first launch the ridge was working, there was a mix of enthusiastic thermals, wave interference and a solid ridge, this all made for a very enjoyable experience!
Peter flew first with new member Tony Palfrey, Tony comes from hang gliding and owns a paramotor, having flown many hours in the UK and Europe he quickly adapted to ridge soaring!
Jeff Taberham needed an aerotow, I “volunteered enthusiastically” to get the tug out, after Jeff’s tow the tug was put away!
By now the gusts that were forecast were now making themselves felt and the card colour went to blue, this is for experienced pilots only.
Flights were now as long as you wanted, unfortunately because it was blue card the private owners had to fly with an instructor, they all had memorable flights however and had beaming smiles on their faces when they returned.
It was lovely to hear the chatter at lunch and after flying in the clubhouse about the days flying.What a day, it was lucky that young junior member Jack was here to lower the average age to a number I won’t divulge!
With autumn and winter approaching and the forecast of a “Godzilla El Niño” pilots must fly at every opportunity.
For those who stayed at home and watched Loose Women (*other TV programmes are available) you really missed a cracking day! – Mark Courtney
