After the recent biblical rains, I was half expecting to see a boat perched on North Hill. Instead, the early birds had already started the club gliders’ Daily Inspections, eager to make the most of the short winter day.
The club house was brimming with pilots at the briefing, keen to fly and make the most of the limited daylight. Fortunately the Duty Instructor, James Flory, was joined by several club instructors, providing ample capacity.
The whole club’s fleet (less one of the Juniors) flew, with over eight hours logged across 44 launches. The South ridge had some-sort of lift powered by gentle south westerly wind, which prolonged flights for the more adept pilots, but not enough to gain height and low clouds surrounded low areas around Collumpton.
Longest flights:
Chris Warnes: 35 minutes (aerowtow)
Jeff Taberham: 24 minutes (winch)
The day started off with North circuits as the wind speed was low and we’re wanting to be out of the way of Dunkeswell traffic as it was busy. But, as the wind got stronger we decided to go back to Southerly circuits.
Arthur Lean started spin training with Shaun Dayman, Arthur Hier started launch failures,
Josh Howlett went on a solo aerowtow with the perkoz and Joel Roulson had his first DLM duty. We’ll done!
The daylight and weather conditions make this a challenging time of year, so it was excellent that so many members could train, and enhance their recency and currency. The club Treasurer will be pleased with the number of aerotows, mostly for stall and spin training. December is the time to get this essential training done, before the start of the soaring season. And so, while the conditions were not conducive to soaring, the day was still incredibly productive and a reminder of the value of turning up – even if the forecast looks bleak.
Finally, thanks, as ever, to Vicki for the wonderful catering.
Josh Howlett and Jack Sewell
The day’s flying was followed later by the DSGC Christmas party in the cubhouse.
Lots of hideous christmas jumpers, and much fun and merriment was had by all, aided and abetted by Sally, who filled the evening with Christmas games and a quiz. Again, massive thanks to Vicki who laid on the most amazing Christmas Dinner for all!
