Wednesday 10th to Wednesday 17th February
Wednesday 10th. The snow showers, albeit less frequent, continued throughout the day, carried on a chilly, light to moderate NNE’ly, the temperature never getting above zero C. The gliders and the pilots remained indoors.
Thursday 11th. 9 ATs were flown off a snow covered 02 into a light to moderate NW’ly, the attendees enjoying blue skies and bright sunshine but still braving a surface wind chill of -5C at ground level. The flying utilised one of the club’s K21s and the DG1000 with the majority of the flights dual as pilots regained their currency. Weak wave was in evidence and was utilised by Jesper Mjels with a flight of 1.1 hrs solo the DG1000, an AT to 5,500′ maximising the chances of contacting wave. Albert Newbery/Mo Fay managed 47 mins off a 2000′ AT in the K21, only returning to earth to let others fly, including a Trial Lesson pupil who also enjoyed wave flying at around 2000′ QFE with Mike Wood. The approach of dusk ended flying for the day, the photo below giving a flavour of the day’s flying, snow and wave.
An email from Phil Lazenby in Western Australia gives an alternate flavour, noting nothing special in gliding terms, only 5 x 300 kms and blue thermals to 6/8000′!!!!
Friday 12th. A day of sunshine and showers in a moderate NNW’ly saw 3 ATs of runway 02, all in the K21, with Andy Parish/Colin Troise sharing a 31 minute flight off a 3000′ AT, soaring opportunities being strictly limited.
Saturday 13th. A low cloudbase in a moderate N’ly flow that brought in some showery rain late afternoon, kept the gliders in the hangar but allowed a single Rotax Falke flight. However, the simulator was put to good use giving a 7 strong group of visiting Scouts from Washington, Co Durham, some virtual air experience flights. In the evening, John Marsh gave a lecture on Air Law and this was followed by an early Valentine’s day dinner provided by Brian.
Sunday 14th. An early shower did not dampen enthusiasm and improved flying conditions compared to Saturday allowed 14 ATs off runway 02 into a moderate N’ly, the club K21s and DG1000 being flown. Lift was sporadic, but Dave Latimer made the most of it by flying the DG1000 solo for 58 minutes while Geoff Harrison took Trial Lesson pupil, E Spencer, for a 24 minute flight in the K21.
Monday 15th. A damp, light to moderate SE’ly flow kept the site in cloud before rain arrived in the late afternoon, so no flying was possible.
Tuesday 16th. A light and variable flow that started in the WSW before backing into the S was accompanied by partly cloudy skies and some early showers. These uninviting conditions left the gliders in the hangar but the simulator was again put to use.