We opened the club this Friday on Mike Sloggett’s initiative to welcome twelve members of the Exeter University Aviation Society for a day of First Flights, combined with club flying.
The forecast north-westerly breeze felt a little fresher than expected, but the clear skies promised a good October day.
James Flory flew the first couple of aerotows, but the wind strength and direction proved challenging close to the ground. One more rather bouncy tow for Jeff Taberham in 380 was enough to convince us to switch to the winch. Jeff was obviously unfazed as he thermalled away for almost two hours.
The Perkoz and DG-505 were used for the Exeter group, while the K-21 and Junior were largely kept busy with club flying. Notably, Sally Hender took to the skies with Mike, having not flown for some time.
Thanks to all the pilots who flew our ten new visitors: Josh Howlett, Dave Perriam, Paul Summers, Shaun Dayman and Dan Hender. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces, with each of the new flyers enjoying at least 30 minutes airborne, in some cases over three winch launches.
Kristiyan and Misha, whom we have already got to know over recent weeks, also took to the skies once the other visitors had completed their flights.
Thanks to everyone who came up to help out, especially those who didn’t get to fly themselves. For those who did, it turned out to be a sunny, thermic October day. All the Aviation Society members now have three months of club membership, and we hope to see them back at North Hill soon! – Richard Lean
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