The forecast was for strong WNW wind and it delivered in spades! Not many people seem to believe we were going to have a good days’ flying on the ridge as was predicted.
Such a shame as it was one of the best for a very long time. I was covering for Guy Adams and was helped by, James Flory, Simon Leeson and Steve Westlake.
Mike Rigby managed to get a lift to the club so he could diligently do his AM launch marshal duty, he had locked his bike in his shed and then forgot where the key was! Old age is a wonderful thing. PM duty was covered by Andy Bachelor, both were fantastic!
Sally Hender manned the launch point expertly all day, I don’t know how she does it!
All the kit was set up but flying was not able to be undertaken immediately as an enormous black cloud arrived dumping heavy rain, luckily no sooner we sought shelter it had passed.
The winch was set up as far along the north edge as the comms cables would allow, initially driven by Rob Hender, launches were in excess of 1500 feet.
The west ridge was working well, and flights were extended right from the start.
Simon Leeson started Simon Jordy’s yearly instructor checks but had to cut them short to fly some visitors and first flights. Friends of Sally were given flights and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We were also joined my Martin Haywood a visiting pilot from Aston Down, Martin had soaring flights with Steve and was very keen to tell us that he was “absolutely blown away” (his words) with the friendliness of everyone he met. Thanks to everyone who engaged with Martin.
As the day progressed the conditions improved dramatically as the airmass dried out, climbs were very strong with occasional burst of “10 up” ( 1000 feet per minute climb rate).
Runs to beyond the motorway were standard on every training flight with cloudbases at over 3000 feet.
Dan Hender bravely ventured into the very strong wind 60 kilometres to the west, “at times it was very difficult due to the thermals being chopped up”) getting home was extremely easy with the strong tail wind! Well done Dan!
Later in the day, the gusty crosswind had calmed down and Simon Leeson got the tug out to enable Ian Mitchell and Pete Harmer to test fly OL, (having not flown for 3 years). Following a successful engine run, and an hours’ soaring, OL will be off to Edge Hill Gliding Centre shortly.
An absolutely fantastic day, everyone worked together and the conditions were stunning, such a shame more members did not turn up to enjoy this special day. But we did see the first Swallow return today – welcome back! – Mark Courtney
