The final planned flying day of our week at the Long Mynd began as a bit of a damp squib, as Jack Sewell reports:
“The day started when we walked into the café and saw the fog looming over the airfield (a shame I woke up early). We all ate our breakfast and sipped on our hot drinks as we watched the fog.”
Although the view of the nearby fence outside the clubhouse window was at times excellent, the more experienced members stated that the visibility would not suffice for safe gliding operations. There were mutterings of derigging early and another trip to Cosford. Mark and Simon departed towards Church Stretton to further explore the oft-discussed state of the Burway for vehicular traffic.
However, after a few false starts, the DG-505 was moved away from the hangar and unpacking commenced under the supervision of MGC No. 1, Mark Sanders (yes, another Mark!).
We set up in the “Long South” configuration and lots were drawn to decide who should test the cloud base beneath the low overcast. Adam Smyth bravely volunteered to go with Mark, and the two quickly disappeared into the cloud at around 500 ft on the winch launch. A neatly flown turning pattern followed, and the flying day was underway.
A few minutes later, the lowest layer of stratus disappeared and the next launch reached full height, with even some reduced sink available in the light south-easterly wind.
Now on our third day flying at the Mynd, our Juniors had gelled into a well-practised team. Their eagerness to get stuck in on the ground was commented upon by our host instructor, Mark, who soon had Adam and then Arthur Lean authorised to fly the ASK-23.
This single-seater had already received positive reviews from Dave, Callum and Richard.
Some difficulties with the winch parachute throughout the day were handled in good humour by the ever-helpful professional winch driver, Mark (I know, another one!). Most of the Juniors also had a go at operating the retrieve winch, while Benjie Pitts and Arthur Hier did longer stints. Jack was often seen logging and organising.
One launch failure was caused by the webbing on the brand-new winch parachute giving way, resulting in a low-level launch failure for Jack Sewell and Mike Sloggett in the K-21.
Adam’s ASK-23 debut was handled with aplomb: he even managed a clear “too fast” signal on the winch. Arthur’s launch must have been a little faster still, because his first flight in the type resulted in a broken blue link at around 700′ resulting in a relaxed circuit to land back at the launch point. Well done, both!
Meanwhile, as Jack recalls:
“While people were flying, Simon and I prepared the trailer to derig the DG-505. Once it had landed, the juniors were quick to derig it, ready for the trip home the following day and, of course, the leaving feast — steak!”
The flying day ended with a beautiful sunset and gently misting canopies, but with the satisfying feeling that we had squeezed every possible minute of flying out of the day.
Jack continues:
“Adam’s speech was spot on, thanking everyone involved in the trip for a great time.
After the meal, the juniors headed to the sim, keeping themselves entertained, to say the least! 😂”
A massive thank you to Mark Courtney, Mike Sloggett, Simon Leeson, Richard Lean, Callum Ellis, Dave Perriam, Andrew Logan and all the Long Mynd crew for making this trip possible. – Jack Sewell and Richard Lean
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