In gliding there is an often used comment of “You should have been here yesterday” and today was undoubtedly one of those days. The forecast was for grey skies and a lowish cloudbase to start the day but with sunny spells likely as the day unfolded.
A small but keen group of members had assembled and whilst all talented with various skills useful on an airfield, it did not take long to work out that we were going to be a little thin in numbers and experience to be able to winch. So after suitable deliberation it was decided that we would have an aerotow day – which actually turned out well for some…
Whilst we waited for the cloudbase to improve Andy Pincombe organised the K21 and DG505 to be brought out of the hangar – with Mike Sloggett completing some briefings.
With Simon Jordy suitably refreshed and invigorated through a hearty North Cafe breakfast the EuroFox was soon available for the first two aerotows of the day – which were only able to climb to 1500’ before having to release due to cloudbase being reached, but with lots of sink around the airfield it was evident that there was a possibility of wave.
The next aerotow saw Mike Sloggett and Graham Hawker in JZK release at 2000’ and the extra height provided time to search for the wave and in turn enabled a short climb to 2700’ – albeit ‘skirting the clouds and gaps in same’ meant that they could not really take full advantage of the wave returning to land shortly thereafter.
With increasing gaps appearing Chris Wool and Misha Artemiev took the next aerotow and as they had evidently contacted the wave the rest of us went to lunch – actively watching ‘Glide and Seek’ as HCX climbed through 3000’, 4000’ and 5000’ AGL (above ground level).
By the time everyone else had returned to the Launch Point after lunch Chris and Misha were nearly at 6000’ AGL having been airborne for just under an hour – “invited” to return to allow others to fly, Chris’ delight at getting such a radio call was evident or maybe it was just static?
Andy and Derek Ryall then took the DG505, again managing to contact the wave and getting to over 4000ft AGL
Mike and Peter March then endeavoured to get into the wave in HCX but by now it had all but disappeared.
However for a few hours, as someone said, what an exceptional and rather unexpected day (although a number of us went to great lengths to explain to Misha and Derek, as relatively new members, that these will be plenty of less exceptional days ahead during their gliding journey!)
It was good to see Mike Fairclough keen to get into the air and see his evident delight at doing so. Great teamwork throughout the day which enabled us to make the most of the conditions – thank you to all who helped others to get into the air today. – Mike Sloggett
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