Due to the dry, sunny and relatively warm weather forecast, it was encouraging to see that by 9.00 a.m. the dual list exceeded 10 members with only a slightly shorter solo list. An excellent turnout for what was anticipated to be the best day of the weekend.
Mark Courtney was the Duty Instructor and with all gliders promptly inspected, the briefing started at 9.15 leading to the first glider being at the launch point (by the glider trailers) less than half an hour later.
As there was a full training list, all serviceable two-seaters and single seaters were in use (one K21, the DG505, the Perkoz and one Junior) with Peter Smith and Shaun Dayman fellow instructors. Later in the day Steve Westlake, John Pursey, JB and James Flory (tug pilot) bolstered the instructor team. Thanks to all for their dedication. The second K21 was brought out after a little fettling.
Over the next six hours, the club operated (with Rob Hender and Fred Marks taking turns on the Winch) straight through lunch only finishing when the last member had been flown and canopies began to mist. In all we averaged around 6 launches at hour and to add to the day’s entertainment Ian Mitchell and James Hood brought the Stearman into North Hill late afternoon.
At 14 minutes winch pundit of the day was Dave Perriam, and with an aerotow of 3000ft John Pursey and Pete Harmer were airborne for just over half an hour finding the best of the day’s weak wave.
A day which appeared to be enjoyed by all including a relatively new junior member Jayden Graves (kindly mentored by Joel Roulson). And congratulations to Callum Ellis for completing his Cross-country endorsement. – Karen K.
