A tail of two ends. The forecast was for a South South East wind which would normally require a long walk to the West end of the field to launch in an easterly direction. Mike Sloggett (Duty Instructor) conducted the briefing after all the group equipment and gliders had been readied and it was decided to go to the west end. Launch Point and winch duly set up and the windsock stubbornly showed a slight tail wind alternating with an occasional crosswind. Mike took the first flight and on landing decided on a change of ends. So all change to the east end and that’s where we stayed for the rest of the day.
The rasp forecast was not very encouraging but given the recent poor weather any flyable day had to be exploited. Five private single seaters were rigged and flown with Eric G29 taking the longest flight of 79 minutes. Many flights were extended to over 30 minutes however the thermals were few and far between making staying up a bit of a lottery. The southerly cross wind made landing a little interesting at times which all adds to the learning process. Michael Malric-Smith joined us for the day from Dartmoor Gliding Society for aerotow training and one voucher flight was completed.
All in all a good day to go gliding after the poor spell of weather. Ron Johns and Chris Wool assisted Mike with the train flights. In all there were 14 dual flights 12 solo flights and a good team effort saw all kit safely hangered by 6pm. Thanks to Mike for running the day and Vicky for keeping us so well fed. – John Borland
