Wednesday’s low cloud and fresh breeze had provided a chance to further prepare for the coming Vintage Week. Early morning arrivals were greeted by the sight of Supacat’s mobile hospitality suite and freshly erected gazebos, as well as a renewed layer of stratus just above the grass at North Hill.
A good turnout ensured that vehicles were quickly readied. With Golf Buggy 2 back in service, the full fleet is prepared for the visitors’ arrival.
The low cloud also allowed time for an extended briefing, giving instructors the chance to perfect their description of the local airspace agreement.
The forecast of a slowly backing southerly wind raised the prospect of a possible “change ends” during the day. We set up with launch control on the north-eastern boundary, and flying began under a gradually rising cloud base. The opportunity was taken to carry out a good number of practice launch failures for Julian West’s and Aston Key’s card renewals.
The lower layer of stratus gradually rose and broke up, allowing full-height winch launches and a First Flight aerotow.
The solo pilots were initially reluctant to fly, but as the sun came out the launch queue became busier, joined by Callum Ellis’s LS4, Ashley Thomas with the ASW19, and Chris Woodward’s Astir CS 77.
A good number of launches were flown, providing useful circuit practice, though extended flights proved elusive.
Just before 1500, the crosswind, as forecast, began to show a consistent tailwind component. We changed ends, only to find that the western end of the field still had a more westerly wind component. The local effects at North Hill never cease to surprise even the more experienced members.
So the flying day ended in unbroken sunshine and very warm temperatures, with the promise of a memorable Vintage Week just around the corner. – Richard Lean
