The day started off by getting all the gliders out and vehicles DI’d as usual in the already blazing heat which would only get worse as the day progressed. We had briefing at 9:15 where duty instructor Mike Sloggett made the decision for it to be an aerotow-only day due to the number of people and also extremely little thermal activity. With the decision of aerotow-only operations we then had to pack away the only other 2 seat glider as well as LRD which was taken back to the hangar for maintenance on the wings.
We then brought the Perkoz to the south eastern side of the airfield ready for the first flight. The plan for the day was to get everyone flown once then stop after lunch. Simon Jordy did a great job of dealing with the heat in the EuroFox throughout the morning and bringing the gliders up to 2000ft. Up in the air was very still with the odd pocket of lift which wouldn’t stick around for long. This led to the longest flight only being 17 minutes flown by Mike and Adam. We found that gliders would release off the tug and then would land only 5 minutes after releasing. Everyone flew who required 2-seater training and lots of progress was made. We stopped for lunch and then had all the gliders packed away for 2:00 where we then went to listen into the Briefing Room for a circuit briefing led by Mike. Overall a good day to get up in the air and make the most of a bad soaring day.
Special thanks to everyone on the ground today for making operations as smooth as possible and to Mike and Chris for getting everyone flown. – Adam Smyth
