Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th April 2024
Posted: 20/04/2024 12:24
Wednesday 17th. An weak occluded front moving south brought low cloud and light rain as a light to moderate NW'ly strengthened and veered into the N, but it was the strengthening NW'ly that resulted in a non flying day. The visitors from the Dartmoor GC decamped to and flew at Pocklington.
Thursday 18th. A bright start to the day as a light WSW'ly blew saw flying get under way just after 1000 hrs, as Polly Whitehead flying K21 JVZ solo took the first of the day's 8 ATs off runway 24. The WSW'ly slowly strengthened to become moderate, with the result that, although the first 5 of the day's flight were of the up, round and down variety, the next flight by Guy Hartland/Peter Hill in K21 KLW resulted in 42 minutes hill soaring the main W'ly ridge to its northern limit at High Paradise Farm, albeit at heights of 5/600' QFE. They were followed by Steve Scothern flying Astir DPO who had 33 minutes also using the full extent of the W'ly ridge, but at 8/1,000' QFE. The final flight of the day saw Paul Whitehead/Andy Davy have 25 minutes soaring the main bowl as cloud amounts increased and lowered prior to a lengthy period of rain setting in around 4pm as a cold front moved south across the UK. Guy provided the following photo of Thirsk from his flight.
Friday 19th. Thursday's cold front left the site in a moderate to fresh N'ly, a bright start to the day soon leading to increasing cloud before it cleared late afternoon. 4 of the day's 5 ATs were for First Flight pupils with the remaining one for a guest of Guy Hartland. The cloudy conditions were not conducive, to soaring although Nigel Burke, flying the 4th First Flight pupil on K21 JVZ, did manage to climb 200' in a weak thermal, so extending his flight time to 20 minutes, the best of the day.
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.