Wednesday August 30th 2017
Posted: 01/09/2017 12:55
Wednesday:
After Andy's briefing Justin Wills and Mike Armstrong were awarded bottles of wine for their exploits the previous day and each gave a resume of their impressions of the "rival" gliders they flew. It was interesting to hear that both of them found the machine they flew had much in common with their own in spite of big differences in span and design.
Justin then gave us all a fascinating talk on the Hjordis glider - its design history, flying characteristics and performance. This was illustrated with photos and cuttings from the Times dated August 3rd 1935 which included its first flight from the Slingsby works with its designer, Mungo Buxton, at the controls. Justins father, Philip, flew the glider later in the year at the 1935 Nationals held at Sutton Bank. Justin was thanked for the presentation in which those present had shown huge interest and appreciation.
As forecast, the day started slowly with a very light SSW drift under high overcast. Flying started in earnest around midday. One of the first away was Phil Lazenby entrusted to fly the Rhonbuzzard in which he had an hours soaring flight in very weak thermals under the top cover. He landed happy, but cold, to be followed soon after by Ken Reid flying the glider and soaring for 1-20 in slightly better conditions. This was the longest flight of the day. Ten flights in all for the vintage gliders several of which demonstrated it is perfectly possible to soar when there is no lift. These flights were generally in the 30 mins to one hour range.
The vintage gliders did not have the air to themselves. A succession of club 2-seater flights kept the instructors busy, these being augmented by three trips for Astir DPO. The only privately owned glider to fly was the syndicate DG1000T flown by Messrs Newbery and Son, a description which makes them sound like a local plumbing company. Their flight time was two hours and we guess that the engine got a burn at some point.
Yet another fine soaring day for the Slingsby Week attendees - will it last?
This blog describes a snippet of life at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. Why not take a flight and try it yourself, or we can teach you to fly as a full club member.