The forecast was correct, basically, but I wish the winds had been less inclined to be temperamental.  What lift there was tended to be blown away as the NE breeze appeared.

 

Barry McCarthy and Lyn, with her father an interested spectator, had everyone organised and getting GYK and CQC out of their pyjamas was under way as I arrived.  All I could do was join in setting up the van on 30.  Actually, I was the assistant as Lyn towed the van to its appointed spot before heading off to get through some chores after helping with the launch.  Karl Bodi had arrived to look after SPA for the day so thanks to Barry and Karl, we had our usual fill of Friday flying.  I must say, however that our spirits sank a trifle as any cloud disappeared as we set up.

 

With GYK sitting alone with SPA, I eventually managed an annual check (chewed hand or no) before CQC arrived, along with a flurry of activity from the GA traffic.  What instincts drive them to stay in hiding until we settle and are ready to launch?  Quite an interesting phenomenon to ponder.  Anyway, joining this activity was our newest student member, Dave Crocker, who immediately took over the spot I’d vacated in the front seat of GYK for the rest of the day.  

 

Bob Hainsworth and Charles Hoch made quick use of CQC before Arthur Mailey invited me to try my luck with him in the 28.  I was happy with our flight but the honours must go to Barry and Dave in GYK with 57 mins.  After that it was all down-hill.  The NE breeze arrived and we, and the remaining GA traffic, thereupon changed to runway 06.  It was much cooler there.  Also in the air then was John Ashford in HG but I have no idea what he did or where he went but he didn’t need additional help from SPA.  Looked good in the air though.

 

Charles and Bob tried their luck again in a hangar flight in CQC, but I won’t mention the result.  Dave and Barry persisted in having their hangar flight and then we all settled to the task of putting ‘jamas on again (amid talk of the difference in ease of ‘off’ versus ‘on’), moving stuff from the van to the ‘office’ and assorted settling down jobs before we lapsed into lethargy in the hangar.  Karl advised us that he could not refuel SPA because the panel on the bowser has been changed and would not talk to him so Saturday members, be forewarned.  Also, be advised that the earlier flights seemed to be the most successful so tomorrow, don’t say  we didn’t tell you.

 

Of our 7 flights, we had 3 in CQC for 1.20 and 4 in GYK for 1.52, and we were all finished flying by 14.32.  We don’t waste time on Friday unless there’s a good reason.  We left for home about 17.00 after a nice little chat. 

 

We even emptied the bins.

 

 

 

 

Judith

On behalf of the Friday crew