The Easterly wind had proved too strong on Wednesday for flying but the forecast was marginally better for Thursday. Marginally was a good description. The Wind still a strong East/South East, however it was decided we would try. Peter Smith was duty Instructor support by Steve Westlake. A good group of Thursday regulars were present for the 9:15 briefing. The field was set up for launching from the west end. It was decided to concentrate on flying the two K21’s and leave the lighter Junior single seater in the hangar.
Both instructors opted to fly Met flights to assess the conditions. The launch height as expected in the strong wind was spectacular at 1700ft and then 1800ft, however the height soon disappeared in the strong sink in areas in the lee of Hembury ridge. The early flights being the longest of the day at a less than spectacular 8 and 9 minutes. It was decided to work through the list to get everyone flown for currency. In the strong conditions it was decided that all flights would be dual. As the morning progressed the wind became stronger, more gusty and more cross, so with everyone flown at least once it was decided to put all the kit away and have a late lunch. A total of eleven flights, three of which reached 1800ft on the launch. One mystery remained after the days flying. The saga of the soggy front seat in HCX. Discovered on it’s first flight of the day as the front seat pilot strapped in. Lots of theories were put forward but none “held water” so to speak. The front seat pilot, who will remain nameless, dried out fairly quickly after the flight. Thanks to Peter Smith and Steve Westlake for running the day in the difficult conditions.- John Borland
