Only a small group started the day but they were keen with GYK ready to go to 12 and CQC soon to follow under Bob Turner’s leadership. Pat brought John Knox along to fly the tug for us and Karl Bodi was there to help out with SPA as well. We were four hopeful pilots, Bob Hainsworth, Arthur Mailey, Peter Jacobs and me with David Crocker to arrive later.

 

At least we had no doubt about which runway we were to use with the wind being strong enough to make launches, as well as landings, quite interesting. It was a pity it also tore the thermals to bits and made them rather rough to fly. Top times were just over the half hour and sink we encountered had us being very wary of venturing too far downwind. Maybe it will ease by tomorrow?  The local birds did not seem to mind the rough air and a large unidentified raptore was seen climbing high with the usual ibis starting somewhat lower.  

 

Meanwhile, on the ground, Dave Crocker took the opportunity to jump into CQC and, with advice from Arthur Mailey, use the windy conditions to learn the art of the keeping wings level. His wingtip assistant was Peter Jacobs and Bob Turner observed the success of their efforts.

 

Just as we were thinking it would be an early-ish day, Kevin Rodda called to advise that we had a passenger, Jeff Bruce, who had been omitted from the day's flight list ... so we collected him and waited for Steve Bowtell to arrive to be his pilot in CQC. Somehow, we recorded a total of 13 flights by our small group. Five flights in CQC for 1.34 and eight flights in GYK for 2.18. The times indicate how hard It was to stay aloft and how diligently we persevered.

 

Jeff Bruce was given a briefing on the cockpit of CQC while waiting for Steve to arrive and also, for GYK to return to the flight line. Jeff seemed to enjoy his flight with Steve Bowtell in CQC.  

When we finished packing up, Speedy  joined us in Hangar 22 as we attended to paperwork while Steve Bowtell refreshed the oil in SPA and fitted a new filter, all ready for tomorrow!

 

Comment was made about how close the gliders are to needing their l’hoteliers greased, etc, and Bob Hainsworth and Karl Bodi checked the battery on charge and were pleased to report that it is charged and ready if needed in one of the vehicles.

 

 

Judith Smith

On behalf of the Friday crew