Not wishing to waste a good ridge day, the four of us present set up the airfield and towed JMX and EGF down to the launch point. After being idle for a couple of weeks in sub-zero temperatures all equipment obligingly roared into life on cue. Launches to 2000 ft revealed a top wind in excess of 25 kt, so getting to the ridge from half way along the airfield required some patience. This was amply rewarded by good ridge lift to 1 200 ft along to and beyond Combe Gibbet. Being decent types (and to avoid frostbite) we limited our flights to around 30 minutes. By midday we numbered an even half dozen, which kept operations going nicely until mid afternoon.
Some may say we're crazy , but it certainly beats sleeping on the floor at Terminal Three
Saturday 18th Time to dream of a white Christmas
Just in case anyone hasn't guessed we won't be flying today.
All reports indicate falling snow across the area with low cloud. Our weatherman reports he is snowed in and expects similar conditions. Reports of accidents on nearby main roads indicate it is not safe to attempt travel to the club.
Time to wrap up the XMAS presents (at least those not stuck min the post) and murder an old song.
All reports indicate falling snow across the area with low cloud. Our weatherman reports he is snowed in and expects similar conditions. Reports of accidents on nearby main roads indicate it is not safe to attempt travel to the club.
Time to wrap up the XMAS presents (at least those not stuck min the post) and murder an old song.
Sunday 12th Earliest sunset
Well from now on sunset starts getting later, even though dawn doesn't start getting earlier until the new year.
The day started with the Ka13 launching to 2300ft. Something between the club and Great Bedwyn was causing reduced sink and occasionally the vario would creep into the positive half. Tom and Bob shared the honours for the longest flight, beating me my two minutes.
The day started with the Ka13 launching to 2300ft. Something between the club and Great Bedwyn was causing reduced sink and occasionally the vario would creep into the positive half. Tom and Bob shared the honours for the longest flight, beating me my two minutes.
Sunday 5th December
Surprisingly after all the adverse weather we have had over the last few days it was a good day for flying. All in all we managed to get in 3 hrs and 21 launches of flying with Rod Harris claiming the longest flight of the day with 19 minutes in the K8, a full 5 minutes longer than everyone else!
Steve Gaze and James Walters got their annual checks out of the way and Chris Bessent took a flight in his LS7 and after a bit of arm twisting let me have a go as well.
Must admit the LS7 is a very nice glider to fly and another one for the list........thanks Chris :-)
Phil
Steve Gaze and James Walters got their annual checks out of the way and Chris Bessent took a flight in his LS7 and after a bit of arm twisting let me have a go as well.
Must admit the LS7 is a very nice glider to fly and another one for the list........thanks Chris :-)
Phil
Sunday 28th November
Decidedly nippy but none of the snow covering other parts of the UK. A few "I flew the Helm" woolly hats on show and Rod H reported a spotting a brass monkey in search of a welder. Not enough wind to bring the ridge to life but folks were squeezing 10 or 11 minutes out of the K8 with Chris K taking the days honours with 13 minutes. Highest reported launch was 2,000'. First launch to last landing was 3:21 and in that time we clocked up 3:17 flying off 22 launches (only 2 gliders in use).
Saturday 13th November
The appearance of DI Tim R wearing a jacket confirmed that Winter has definitely arrived. Mind it wasn't fastened and he was just wearing a tee shirt underneath it. Some us were donning our Ozee's. Another up and down day but Tim was kept busy in the backseat. I threw down the gauntlet for the longest flight with 8 minutes in the K8 (up till then all flights were 5 minutes). That was comprehensively beaten by both Rob J and Richard D clocking up 12 minutes each.
Cloud of white smoke from the winch end of the airfield hinted that something was not quite right. The broken fan belt was replaced by Ken H, Rob J and Steve B but the attempt to launch following that was abandoned due to misting.
Just 12 launches (1:23 flying time)
Cloud of white smoke from the winch end of the airfield hinted that something was not quite right. The broken fan belt was replaced by Ken H, Rob J and Steve B but the attempt to launch following that was abandoned due to misting.
Just 12 launches (1:23 flying time)
Saturday 6th November
After the initial rain cleared we took adavantage of the dryer conditions to get some flying in. Ok so it wasn't great soaring weather but that did not stop us managing to get in 2hrs 49 mins of flying from 28 launches, 4 of which tied with 8 mins each !
Colin got his 3 year instructor checks done and Nigel his annuals so at least they went home happy :-)
And finally many thanks to Steve Ottner for helping out with the trial lessons.
Phil
Colin got his 3 year instructor checks done and Nigel his annuals so at least they went home happy :-)
And finally many thanks to Steve Ottner for helping out with the trial lessons.
Phil
Saturday 30th October
Clear skies, a good turnout - the day looked set to be a good one. Then the pre-halloween spell kicked in. Pajero had to be helped out of the container with a push and then a tow start. The prime mover engine on the bus winch refused to start - left for a quiet 10 minutes it then co-operated. When removing the filler hose from the gas tank clouds of LPG erupted and there was nothing we could do until the tank emptied itself and froze everything nearby (including Chris K's thumb). Over tea and bacon butties the theory was formulated that a ladybird had got lodged in the valve preventing it from shutting and tha pumping some gas in should clear it (there was a reason for suspecting a ladybird!). The theory proved to be sound (the blockage was cleared (but unproven if the culprit was a ladybird). Naturally, the bus engine refused to start (this time there was access to hook on jumper leads). Winch put in position, glider and caravan in position - we were raring to go. Towing out the cable, just short of the launch point, loud ping as the weak link broke on one cable - yup, drum overrun and a snarl-up.
So, we finally got to fly and Steve B flew the K8 to set the standard with a 15 minute flight and Peter E and myself were kept busy flying our keen new members. Just over an hour later Graham T showed me his soaring skills in a 38 minute flight along the sunny side of a cloud street. I sat in the back seat and enjoyed the autumn colours and the view of the showers to the south and east of us. To confirm we had broken the spell we also picked up a new member - Andrew Farrow had a trial lesson at the begining of the month and came back to sample some more and decided to join us.
Thanks to the C team, especially Chris K who fixed each problem encountered and then drove the winch for 20 of the 22 launches.
So, we finally got to fly and Steve B flew the K8 to set the standard with a 15 minute flight and Peter E and myself were kept busy flying our keen new members. Just over an hour later Graham T showed me his soaring skills in a 38 minute flight along the sunny side of a cloud street. I sat in the back seat and enjoyed the autumn colours and the view of the showers to the south and east of us. To confirm we had broken the spell we also picked up a new member - Andrew Farrow had a trial lesson at the begining of the month and came back to sample some more and decided to join us.
Thanks to the C team, especially Chris K who fixed each problem encountered and then drove the winch for 20 of the 22 launches.
Halloween - Sunday 31 Oct...spooky...
...in spite of the hour change, it still wasn't fully light.....the field was so quiet it was spooky...but wait... what are those shadowy figures I see waiting at at the gate as I arrive?
Are they the ghosts of trial lessons past?
The undead (now then, now then!) waiting tirelessly for soarable weather?
Zombie ab initios marching inexorably towards the duty instructor baying for blood?
Souls of long departed glider pilots who roam the world restlessly howling for the days before the malign god EASA ruled the skies, sucking the heart out of our thermals?
Or have the committee just let the grass get a little too long?
Thanks to Chris for making me laugh out loud when I arrived in the gloom of this morning to see the lights flickering in their eyes.
Soaring Sunday 24th October - in thermal!
Again a lovely autumn weekend day with thermals and a light northerly wind. A quiet start suggested sunday lie-ins but the launch point got progressively busier. 185 was the only private glider to rig but the club gliders were kept busy with soaring, annual checks and beginner lessons. Colin repaired the "new" Pajero so we are back to a full compliment of vehicles.
Wed 20 Oct
Another splendid day for October. No private owners rigged, but the four club aircraft were kept busy, amassing over 11hrs between them off their 24 launches, reaching over 4000ft again.
Sunday 17th - cold at 4000'
It was great to find two new members at the launch point as we walked the gliders down. We'd thought that we'd only need one two-seater but that soon changed with Peter Elison easily distracted from removing sheep 'residue' from the private Puchacz to fly one of the new members and a couple of trial lessons.
Rob Jarvis and Chris Keating had decided it would be a Ka8 day and Rob duely proved it with the longest flight of the day with an hour and seven minutes. Meanwhile Graham Tanner took me to cloudbase at 4000' above ground where it was distinctly chilly. Well it is October.
I could have done without encountering the wing of the Puchacz on my way out of the hanger at the end of the day. Many thanks to those who patched me up. You'll be pleased to hear the wing was completely unharmed.
Rob Jarvis and Chris Keating had decided it would be a Ka8 day and Rob duely proved it with the longest flight of the day with an hour and seven minutes. Meanwhile Graham Tanner took me to cloudbase at 4000' above ground where it was distinctly chilly. Well it is October.
I could have done without encountering the wing of the Puchacz on my way out of the hanger at the end of the day. Many thanks to those who patched me up. You'll be pleased to hear the wing was completely unharmed.
Visit to Parham Saturday 16th
After our little trip to Eden didn't quite go to plan we thought we would finish the week off with a day trip to Parham.
A 1000ft aerotow was all that was needed to get us onto the ridge which was working quite well, and so we set off to see how far we could go.
Rod flew his Swales for a couple of hours of so but seemed to prefer to stay low to scare the rabbits (just like at Eden last year!)
All in all not a bad day, great fun on the ridge and i'm still current on aerotow!
Maybe we should organise a return trip with a club two seater?
Sunday 17th October
A very pleasant day with little cumulus around and thermals to cloudbase at 4000ft. Not bad for an autumn day.
Saturday 16th October
After the early morning low cloud cleared we were hopeful for some ridge action, alas the ridge was too westerly and too slight for the NNE 12kt wind, but good launches allowed training progress and annual check opportunities. Welcome to the 2 new members who signed up today.
Thanks to some hard work, the guys refurbishing the other K13 (JPC) have made significant progress and the argument over the final colour will soon be due.
Thanks to some hard work, the guys refurbishing the other K13 (JPC) have made significant progress and the argument over the final colour will soon be due.
Wednessday 13 October
Slow start with no one desperate to get launched. Steve Barber did the decent thing and offered to take the first launch and we held a sweepstake on what height he would meet the cloudbase. We were pleasantly surprised to see that he got almost to the top of the launch and then started soaring, achieving 17 minutes. A few flights later Rob Jarvis moved the bar up to 30 minutes. After several more folks just doing circuits Paul Prentice went along with Rob in the K13 to observe the master of soaring. Not much chance to observe soaring technique in a 6 minute flight. So then Rob went to with Paul (this time in the Puchacz) to see how he faired. 48 minutes later (longest flight of the day) a triumphant Paul returned. Highest launch of the day was 2,100' in the K8.
In total 24 launches of which a quarter were 30 minutes or more. A much better day than any of us had expected (plus the usual Wednesday donuts that Peter Mason feeds us).
In total 24 launches of which a quarter were 30 minutes or more. A much better day than any of us had expected (plus the usual Wednesday donuts that Peter Mason feeds us).
Saturday 1st October
With Saturday being a reasonable day sandwiched between very wet days (and the weekend being declared a 1 day weekend) we'd expected a good turnout. We did have a strong turnout of TL's but a modest one of club members. Low cloudbase limited flight times with Paul Prentice taking the honours of longest and second longest flights (10 and 11 minutes). A record held until after 15:00 when Steve Barber jumped in the K8 after his marathon session on the winch and he soared away for a whole 17 minutes. No one else was able to crack the 10 minute barrier. 30 launches in total with TL's accounting for a dozen of those and annual checks for another 7.
Thursday 30th - 100 year old birthday boy takes to the skies!
Wednesday slipped a day this week because of the somewhat wet real Wednesday. I was able to take my neighbour for a Trial Lesson for his birthday - his 100th birthday! Not only his first flight in a glider but his first in any sort of small aircraft (30 seater being the smallest aircraft flown in previously). Many thanks to Rob, Paul, Peter, Alan B and Chris K for turning out to make the day possible (with Colin and James in reserve but working on things to keep us flying).
After our visitor (and his family, friends and photogaphers from the Newbury Weekly News) departed there was a hottly contested "keepie-up" challenge. With not much more than a 1,000 cloud base (occasional gaps to sneak through) the benchmark was set at a whole 8 minutes. This stepped up in 2 minute increments, topping out at 18 minutes
After our visitor (and his family, friends and photogaphers from the Newbury Weekly News) departed there was a hottly contested "keepie-up" challenge. With not much more than a 1,000 cloud base (occasional gaps to sneak through) the benchmark was set at a whole 8 minutes. This stepped up in 2 minute increments, topping out at 18 minutes
Sunday 26th - Ridge day!
The few that turned up enjoyed playing on the ridge trying to distinguish between ridge and thermal lift. It was good to welcome a former member who was getting to grips with winch launching. Between the few of us and a couple of TL's we manged to get 16 launches out of the day.
Sat 25th September
Well its Autumn. But that ment we all enjoyed the Autumn thermals. The northly wind teased on the ridge but it was the thermals that kept most aloft with flights of 20mins to 3hours.
Sat 18 Sep - a good day! (Well, brilliant actually)
The forecast was for good soaring conditions even by summer standards, and here we are well into September. What's more, it delivered pretty much as promised, even on Liz's day (it must have missed her swap with Tim). Here's what Liz said:
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As forecast, conditions were good; I saw climbs up to 6kt sustained average (thanks Chris for lending me B1 to find them in towards the end of the day!). Best weather was to the SE although Phil and Chris aiming at a 300k Shepton Mallet / Parham got stuck with a blue hole between Salisbury and Southampton which caused them to have to abort the task and head for home. Had they got across it, reports were of excellent conditions to the east as well. To the north however as forecast it wasn't so good - various people tried to go that way and all gave up around Newbury-ish. Around 3pm the nice streets that had been set up all day seemed to dissipate which seemed as if it might be the end of the day, but in fact it continued to work in the blue, and then some splendid streets set up that were still working at 5 when the top cover finally damped it all down.
I finally got to fly the Vega at the end of the day and confirm that it scratches very nicely in the last broken thermal of the day, averaging around 0.2kt from 850' to just over 1000' before I decided it was time to go and try those comforting airbrakes. No need to overshoot anything there, is there!
A great time was had I think by all - including Stephen's 1-day course whose grin was probably a thermal source in itself. I hope we'll see him again.
----------------------------------------------------
Stephen's stats analysis tells us that we did more hours today than any day in the preceding 3 years. We also had several hundred km XC (mainly Chris and Phil's, but also a couple of quick 60k out-and-returns in flights of just an hour or less, and Trevor took the Skylark a-wandering. Well done to all.
No doubt Pete would have added to them in 737, but he was otherwise occupied - completing his Full Category Instructor's qualification, congratulations.
Steve
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As forecast, conditions were good; I saw climbs up to 6kt sustained average (thanks Chris for lending me B1 to find them in towards the end of the day!). Best weather was to the SE although Phil and Chris aiming at a 300k Shepton Mallet / Parham got stuck with a blue hole between Salisbury and Southampton which caused them to have to abort the task and head for home. Had they got across it, reports were of excellent conditions to the east as well. To the north however as forecast it wasn't so good - various people tried to go that way and all gave up around Newbury-ish. Around 3pm the nice streets that had been set up all day seemed to dissipate which seemed as if it might be the end of the day, but in fact it continued to work in the blue, and then some splendid streets set up that were still working at 5 when the top cover finally damped it all down.
I finally got to fly the Vega at the end of the day and confirm that it scratches very nicely in the last broken thermal of the day, averaging around 0.2kt from 850' to just over 1000' before I decided it was time to go and try those comforting airbrakes. No need to overshoot anything there, is there!
A great time was had I think by all - including Stephen's 1-day course whose grin was probably a thermal source in itself. I hope we'll see him again.
----------------------------------------------------
Stephen's stats analysis tells us that we did more hours today than any day in the preceding 3 years. We also had several hundred km XC (mainly Chris and Phil's, but also a couple of quick 60k out-and-returns in flights of just an hour or less, and Trevor took the Skylark a-wandering. Well done to all.
No doubt Pete would have added to them in 737, but he was otherwise occupied - completing his Full Category Instructor's qualification, congratulations.
Steve
Saturday 18th
As I had not completed a 300k flight yet, Chris and I decided to set RIV,SHM,PAR,RIV as the task. The run to Shepton Mallet was not too bad but the lift was not quite consistent enough to really get a move on.After turning SHM the run back to Frome was interesting! The lift we had left to run to the TP had done a runner and made us both really work at scraps of lift before being rewarded with decent climbs. At Warminster we headed south and followed the edge of the danger area round to Salisbury, keeping clear of Boscombe Down. It was here that we noticed that what little Cu there was had melted away leaving only a few wispy bits to aim for.
As we got further round the danger area the lift was more spreadout and harder to find. We decided to abandon the task near Chilbolton and make the run back to Rivar.In hindsight we should have just hung around where we were and wait for the conditions to improve a bit because after we had landed it looked like things had improved and maybe we could have carried on a bit further.
All in all a very enjoyable flight just a shame we encountered the different airmass which caused us to wimp out. Still at least we managed to fly all the way round the danger area and flew just over 160K.
Phil
Wednesday 15th September
The words "interesting" and "character forming" were ones heard around the airfield today. 90 degree crosswind and lots of it. Colin did a weather check launch and declared it a "BI and above" day and suggested that I check conditions before riding shotgun with any members wanting to fly. Chris K jumped in offering his services as ballast and video crew. Off the launch into a thermal 2 up on one side and 4 up on the other. So, we climbed (up to 2,400') and drifted (alongside the Gibbet). Stately progress heading back to the field but looked fine until we hit the 6 down and then the 8 down (the airbrakes were closed!). Got back to the point we started but 300' lower. Ran down the side of the field (pretty close in) and turned in for finals at 800' to land across the field. Still had plenty of the width of the field left by the time we rolled to a halt. Chris is planning to edit the flight for viewing and promised to replace the soundtrack (lots of laughter interspersed with the occasional expletive) with music.
Most of the members in attendance got a taste of landing across the field as well as a couple of visitors from Aston Down
Most of the members in attendance got a taste of landing across the field as well as a couple of visitors from Aston Down
Vega at Parham
Nigel took this photo of the Vega after his Silver distance flight to Parham.
Nice photo and great flight well done! Who's next for a first 50K?
Sunday 12th September
A great days gliding in september...
Firstly congratulation to Nigel Burt on his 90km silver distance flight to the seaside (Parham) in EGF, thanks also to Colin and Alan S for retriving.
I met up with a friend above Sandhill Farm and we flew to Basingstoke and back to Sandhill where he flew back to Nympsfield and I flew back home. Carol and Phil in the Janus flew away from the good conditions in the south to Bicester, where Phil struggled in the poor conditions there, before returning home. The Duo did a couple of 100km laps and pretty much everyone else did some soaring.
We also had the pleasure of Rod's Swales returning to its home skies.
Also heard on the radio were pilots turning St Catherine's Point on the Isle of Wight...
Firstly congratulation to Nigel Burt on his 90km silver distance flight to the seaside (Parham) in EGF, thanks also to Colin and Alan S for retriving.
I met up with a friend above Sandhill Farm and we flew to Basingstoke and back to Sandhill where he flew back to Nympsfield and I flew back home. Carol and Phil in the Janus flew away from the good conditions in the south to Bicester, where Phil struggled in the poor conditions there, before returning home. The Duo did a couple of 100km laps and pretty much everyone else did some soaring.
We also had the pleasure of Rod's Swales returning to its home skies.
Also heard on the radio were pilots turning St Catherine's Point on the Isle of Wight...
Sat 11 Sep
The forecast was for cold front passage late morning. So we decided we'd turn up about lunchtime and fly in the afternoon. The few of us who did, plus the Trial Lesson had a flight each. But I guess everyon else decided Sunday was going to be the better day - after all the ridge was building behind the front.
Sunday 5th September
After waiting for the rain to stop we finally got going at 12.30 and despite the lack of useable lift Liz flew one of her friends in JMX for 23 minutes beating the next nearest flight by a whole 13 minutes :-)
Congratulations to Richard Greenaway who convinced Richard Dann to sign him "off checks", his manic grin said it all........well done!
Finally I can't let the opportunity pass without mentioning the slightly desperate radio call we received from the winch. It seems a gust of wind slammed the door of the winch shut leaving Paul Prentice stuck inside, the tone of his voice as he asked for assistance was priceless!!!!
In the end those who hung on for conditions to improve all had a flight so it well worth the wait.
Phil
Congratulations to Richard Greenaway who convinced Richard Dann to sign him "off checks", his manic grin said it all........well done!
Finally I can't let the opportunity pass without mentioning the slightly desperate radio call we received from the winch. It seems a gust of wind slammed the door of the winch shut leaving Paul Prentice stuck inside, the tone of his voice as he asked for assistance was priceless!!!!
In the end those who hung on for conditions to improve all had a flight so it well worth the wait.
Phil
Saturday 4th September
Not the most promising of weather but a few people managed extended flights of an hour or more in the afternoon.
Very nice to see a new member, John Turks, who is at the very early stages of learning to fly.
Very nice to see a new member, John Turks, who is at the very early stages of learning to fly.
Saturday part 2
Carol and I had planned to do Didcot then onto Glastonbury but strong winds and deteriorating conditions meant that we abandoned the task near Keevil. Three gliders from Lasham landed out near Wantage showing just how awkward the conditions were at in some places.
Passing Welford
We were joined near Wantage by a K6E from Lasham who followed us to Devizes before making the run back to lasham. Adrian Emck manages to get some great flights in his K6E, apparently he has alomost done a 750k in it!
K6E over Devizes
Caen Hill Locks at Devizes
Running back from Devizes was quite good as with about 20 knots tailwind and with 100 knots on the ASI we covered a lot of ground quite quickly!
All in all a good flight but at 3hrs 6 mins was quite slow. I did managed to take a photo of another Janus which joined us near Rivar but couldn't quite make out the reg.
Phil
Saturday 29th August
Soaring for all during rapidly cycling conditions. Cross country for those that tried but with most falling back from tasked routes due to spreadout and strong winds - Carol mentioning flying past Upavon several times on the same leg...
Sunday 22nd August
Forecast through the week was for Saturday to be OK and Sunday rubbish. In the event no flying Saturday and the forecast on Saturday for Sunday changed its tune. Duty Instructor (Ken P) had his hands full with 2 folks on the instruction list and 4 TLs booked in. Not a great soaring day with over half of the 30 launches being basically circuits (i.e. less than 10 minutes) and with a light cross wind launch heights were nothing to get excited about. However, our fearless CFI showed what could be done by taking a run (well, more like a stroll) to Marlborough and back - most of it not much more than 1,600' with a high point of 2,700. The LS3 was the only private glider to rig but clocked up 3:24 off 3 launches.
Sunday 15th August
The day started with a burst of enthusiasm - 4 club gliders pulled out and 5 private gliders rigged. Then everyone stood around and nattered - something to do with the top cover and the murk. Chris B broke ranks and went to see if the ridge was working - he stayed up for 26. For the next 2 hours launch rate very slow and only 1 glider doing any better (by 2 minutes!). Carol launched and didn't return so then a grid formed and we were rewarded with a number of hour+ flights. I have no reports of anyone going anywhere or what heights folks got. The 2-seaters were reporting 2.000' launches.
One landout, one visitor (with Ventus) from Talgarth, one TL, one annual checks. 34 launches (highest number we've seen since the Open Day) and 17:45 flown. As we packed the hangar we gazed up at the best looking sky of the day (seems to have been a fairly common occurance this year).
One landout, one visitor (with Ventus) from Talgarth, one TL, one annual checks. 34 launches (highest number we've seen since the Open Day) and 17:45 flown. As we packed the hangar we gazed up at the best looking sky of the day (seems to have been a fairly common occurance this year).
Weds 11 August.... 750k day..not....?
Sat at work, looking out at the complete cloud cover and suspecting I didn't miss as much as was promised... But doubtless those who flew will tell us all about it.
Meanwhile, the forecast for Saturday is looking promising and it's E Team day so be there and join in the fun
Meanwhile, the forecast for Saturday is looking promising and it's E Team day so be there and join in the fun
Sunday 8th August
Congratulations to James Hunneman who today heeded advice (not that he really needed it) and flew off in the Vega in search of the elusive 50k flight.
Not only happy with just making it he smashed it by a fair margin ending up at Shennington!
Well done James........where next :-)
Phil
Not only happy with just making it he smashed it by a fair margin ending up at Shennington!
Well done James........where next :-)
Phil
July Stats
This July we managed more launches (all 9 of them) than last year and more flying time than either the last 2 years. The later quiet an achievement when you take into account that July 2 years ago we did almost 50% more launches than this year. To do a fair comparison we really need to lump July and August together as it varies which month Course and Task Week fall into. That said, year-to-date position is that we are behind (compared to last 2 years) on launches but ahead on flying time.
The arrival of the Sport Vega (EGF) this month pushed the k8 to being the least flown of the club aircraft. EGF clocked up over 25 hours off 50 launches and was flown by 21 members. 12 private gliders got exercised with EFF(737) being the most active (launches and time - we don't have enough information on km's)
The arrival of the Sport Vega (EGF) this month pushed the k8 to being the least flown of the club aircraft. EGF clocked up over 25 hours off 50 launches and was flown by 21 members. 12 private gliders got exercised with EFF(737) being the most active (launches and time - we don't have enough information on km's)
Saturday 7th August
Only 4 members turned up but we still had an enjoyable day. Not a day for that big XC with cloudbase not much more than 2,000' all day but soaring to be had. We only huddled in the caravan a couple of times waiting for light showers to passed through (presented the opportunity for a nap for 1 person - no names...). Fortunately we were joined by a visitor from Heron (Paul Ginter who pops in periodically) and a TL. Richard G made an appearance to fill in holes in the hangar and had his arm twisted to take a flight. Chris B had his first sample of the Vega and took longest flight of the day honours with 26 minutes. A little later we had a cable, Puchacz and no one wanting to do the necessary. So, I felt obliged as DI to take a pop at Chris's "record". 40 minutes later pointed proved and enough money spent (have to admit it was very nearly only a short circuit).
Thu 5 Aug Task week
Well Tuesday was tough, the sort of day when out and return to Burbage was an achievement - some did achieve, and others enjoyed some local soaring.
Wednesday was declared a scrub due to the forecast, and yes, there was rain, in the form of heavy showers.
Today (Thursday)had promised to be good, but the nice little cumulus didn't appear to plan - rather overcast with some bigger clouds embedded. Still, out-and-returns to Frome and Devizes were achieved (admittedly undeclared, but then declaring anything ambitious would have been lunatic). Lift was really good at times, but not very consistent.
More rain tomorrow, it seems.
Wednesday was declared a scrub due to the forecast, and yes, there was rain, in the form of heavy showers.
Today (Thursday)had promised to be good, but the nice little cumulus didn't appear to plan - rather overcast with some bigger clouds embedded. Still, out-and-returns to Frome and Devizes were achieved (admittedly undeclared, but then declaring anything ambitious would have been lunatic). Lift was really good at times, but not very consistent.
More rain tomorrow, it seems.
Mon 2nd Aug - Task week
Colin said: We went soaring We went cross country. RIV-BIC-BUL-RIV. Two landed out, one got round. More tomorrow?
Before landing at Ilsley, Chris had already done RIV-BUL and rejoined us late launchers (it had gone flat for a while) for the RIV-BIC bit. Steve got to BIC and a little way back. Colin was also flying, presumably modesty forbad mention of who got round. James Hunneman took the Vega to Marlborough and Membury. Carol went somewhere too, but at the time of writing I don't know details. Thanks to Paul, Paul, Ken and Alan for being ground ant retrieve crew.
Before landing at Ilsley, Chris had already done RIV-BUL and rejoined us late launchers (it had gone flat for a while) for the RIV-BIC bit. Steve got to BIC and a little way back. Colin was also flying, presumably modesty forbad mention of who got round. James Hunneman took the Vega to Marlborough and Membury. Carol went somewhere too, but at the time of writing I don't know details. Thanks to Paul, Paul, Ken and Alan for being ground ant retrieve crew.
Sunday 1st August
Congratulations to Nigel who converted to the Sport Vega for his first solo glass machine in his logbook. Earlier he practiced for a half hour solo in the K13. Claire also flew it for the first time.
Meanwhile, as it was somewhat quiet on the instructing front I had one of these, a true work of art you'll agree:
Chris had cooked a giant fried breakfast earlier, this gave him the energy to show Carol how to fly a circuit in 383. Carol then had a go and of course showed Chris his favourite TPs, Devizes and Wantage for 107km.
Others managed some good soaring and so I declare Task Week open!
Meanwhile, as it was somewhat quiet on the instructing front I had one of these, a true work of art you'll agree:
Chris had cooked a giant fried breakfast earlier, this gave him the energy to show Carol how to fly a circuit in 383. Carol then had a go and of course showed Chris his favourite TPs, Devizes and Wantage for 107km.
Others managed some good soaring and so I declare Task Week open!
Saturday 30th July
After conditions improved a bit I thought that as I was at 3000ft over Chute Causeway I would fly to Andover and take a few photos of my house (as you do!).
It was at this point that I had the idea to carry on to Chilbolton as I had only been there once before many years ago when Dave Owen, determined to land out in the Puchacz, took me for my first XC flight. I should have taken that as an omen as shortly after leaving Andover I encountered steady sink finally turning CBN at 1500ft and not finding any lift!
Looking below I noticed some large recently harvested fields that were very tempting but I was determined to try not to land out (how I wished I had put on the 17mtr tips!). I thermalled down looking for lift until eventually I contacted a small thermal no more than 1000ft agl. I drifted with it over to Wherwell and spent an eternity looking down on the village cricket match and I was sure I could almost see the score on the board!
Pete in 737 called me to say that there was good lift between Andover and the club but the problem was I was 1500ft below final glide. Eventually I gained enough height to leave the thermal and push on back to Andover but all I found was sink again. Once again I found myself looking for a good field but as I passed over the new council dump on Walworth Industrial Estate on the eastern edge of town I contacted a strong thermal that peaked at 5kts, took me up to 2500ft and within final glide of Rivar.
Just goes to show that it doesn't have to be a long flight to be memorable! Oh just in case you are wondering why there is not a photo of CBN .............I was a little to busy to take one!
Phil
It was at this point that I had the idea to carry on to Chilbolton as I had only been there once before many years ago when Dave Owen, determined to land out in the Puchacz, took me for my first XC flight. I should have taken that as an omen as shortly after leaving Andover I encountered steady sink finally turning CBN at 1500ft and not finding any lift!
Looking below I noticed some large recently harvested fields that were very tempting but I was determined to try not to land out (how I wished I had put on the 17mtr tips!). I thermalled down looking for lift until eventually I contacted a small thermal no more than 1000ft agl. I drifted with it over to Wherwell and spent an eternity looking down on the village cricket match and I was sure I could almost see the score on the board!
Pete in 737 called me to say that there was good lift between Andover and the club but the problem was I was 1500ft below final glide. Eventually I gained enough height to leave the thermal and push on back to Andover but all I found was sink again. Once again I found myself looking for a good field but as I passed over the new council dump on Walworth Industrial Estate on the eastern edge of town I contacted a strong thermal that peaked at 5kts, took me up to 2500ft and within final glide of Rivar.
Just goes to show that it doesn't have to be a long flight to be memorable! Oh just in case you are wondering why there is not a photo of CBN .............I was a little to busy to take one!
Phil
Sun 25th July
Bob said: Despite a humid start, thermals up to 5 knots were available to 3000 feet. Sadly only two gliders were out due to the lack of attendees. However, the Sport Vega again earned its existence!
Stephen said: By the afternoon it was possible to get to 4,500 before things started to get murky (I only managed 4 on the averager)
(copied from yahoo)
Saturday 24th June
Good conditions abounded at Rivar, with plenty of soaring, strong climbs and high cloudbases: I chose to head north to Milton Keynes by which time the return was through an area of greyness left being as good conditions retreated to the east. I ended up at Thame with 7 other gliders. Thame weren't operating but that didn't stop us operating 3 tugs; retrieving to Dunstable, Booker and Bicester! It stayed soarable at home, such is life!
June Stats
The good news is that this June was the best for 3 years (stats not so readily available before that). More launches and more hours flown (probably more km's flown but those don't get recorded). There were 16 days we flew on - most days in a month this year and the same number as June last year (only 10 the year before). 365 launches (307 last year) clocking up 179 hours (131 last year) means the average flight time increased by 4 minutes to 29.
Starting with "the good news is" implies that there's some bad news. Well, there's a bit of "not so good news". The total number of launches for the flying year (i.e. starting October) was 1,823 at the end of June - that's 66 less than the same time last year (3.5% down). However, total flying time flown was 672 hours and that's 50 hours more than last year.
I'm a bit late with this posting and we are now well into July and it's looking like this year will be well short of the same month last year. With any luck the course week will help narrow the gap.
Starting with "the good news is" implies that there's some bad news. Well, there's a bit of "not so good news". The total number of launches for the flying year (i.e. starting October) was 1,823 at the end of June - that's 66 less than the same time last year (3.5% down). However, total flying time flown was 672 hours and that's 50 hours more than last year.
I'm a bit late with this posting and we are now well into July and it's looking like this year will be well short of the same month last year. With any luck the course week will help narrow the gap.
Wednesday 21st July
The Shalbourne Local Soaring Society were out in force today with a handful of gliders rigged plus the complete club fleet kept busy. I'm not sure if anyone went anywhere much, but broad grins all round were the measure of the enjoyment. For my part I finally got around to flying the Vega. All in all one of the nicest gliders I have flown and a fantastic addition to our fleet.
Colin
Colin
Sun 18th - Peg w/e
You should have been there - glorious mid-July thermals - actually that's what we were wearing against the cold howling drizzle that persisted all morning.
At 1pm when the only people there were the Peg-fest crowd and the Puch CofAers (too few to run the field) we scrubbed the day which resulted in an immediate clearance, sunshine and probably some nice thermals we could have gone soaring in.
By then however we'd made good use of the day and done some xc prep, some trace analysis from the previous days flights, map study etc etc - and made friends with pilots from other clubs who say they will be back. So, a useful day - but flying would have been better!
Liz
(posted by Steve)
At 1pm when the only people there were the Peg-fest crowd and the Puch CofAers (too few to run the field) we scrubbed the day which resulted in an immediate clearance, sunshine and probably some nice thermals we could have gone soaring in.
By then however we'd made good use of the day and done some xc prep, some trace analysis from the previous days flights, map study etc etc - and made friends with pilots from other clubs who say they will be back. So, a useful day - but flying would have been better!
Liz
(posted by Steve)
Sat 17 Jul - Peg w/e
Chris's invitation for Pegase owners to come and play at Shalbourne was accepted by a couple of others. Unfortunately, it was a bit of an awkward wind (90deg cross and 15kt) which made it difficult for those not familiar with our site. However, once launched, it was possible to soar away and the usual suspects wandered off - including Ken R taking the Vega to Devizes and back for its first XC. Others decided not to battle upwind, contenting themselves with several hours' local soaring.
Vega
After speaking with some of the instructors, and others who have now flown the Vega, I have decided to lower the limit on who can fly it.
From today the limit is now Bronze but certain members who have not quite gained their Bronze badge as well as Bronze badge holders can now convert to the Vega if they can meet the following conditions:
1) Demonstration of two or three consecutive fully held off landings in the Puchacz (solo or dual).
2) Demonstration of the ability to keep the wings level from "All out" until stopping after landing (wings MUST only touch the ground after the glider has stopped).
3) Must read the briefing notes and have their Logbook countersigned by the Duty Instructor to confirm they have read and understood them and have been cleared to fly following the check flights.
4) It is the members duty to prove to the Duty Instructor they they are current by producing an up to date Logbook. No logbook no fly.
So far all those who have flown the Vega are more than happy with it.
Yesterday I took a launch and released at 1200ft and quickly thermalled down to about 1000ft. I contacted a good thermal which took me to 4,400ft averaging 3 -4kts. A quick flight into wind along an energy line to Burbage followed and I only lost 800 ft getting there, on the return leg I only lost 500 ft. Back over the airfield I pulled full airbrake and maintaining 70kts descended at something like -60 degrees with the speed steady. Also when landing reciprocal (towards the hanger end) closing the airbrakes low to the ground to extend the float did not cause the glider to drop suddenly but just gave an increase in speed, very reassuring! Oh yes, it also has a new battery fitted as well.
So if you are Bronze, or not far off, get yourself checked out to fly the Vega as I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Phil
From today the limit is now Bronze but certain members who have not quite gained their Bronze badge as well as Bronze badge holders can now convert to the Vega if they can meet the following conditions:
1) Demonstration of two or three consecutive fully held off landings in the Puchacz (solo or dual).
2) Demonstration of the ability to keep the wings level from "All out" until stopping after landing (wings MUST only touch the ground after the glider has stopped).
3) Must read the briefing notes and have their Logbook countersigned by the Duty Instructor to confirm they have read and understood them and have been cleared to fly following the check flights.
4) It is the members duty to prove to the Duty Instructor they they are current by producing an up to date Logbook. No logbook no fly.
So far all those who have flown the Vega are more than happy with it.
Yesterday I took a launch and released at 1200ft and quickly thermalled down to about 1000ft. I contacted a good thermal which took me to 4,400ft averaging 3 -4kts. A quick flight into wind along an energy line to Burbage followed and I only lost 800 ft getting there, on the return leg I only lost 500 ft. Back over the airfield I pulled full airbrake and maintaining 70kts descended at something like -60 degrees with the speed steady. Also when landing reciprocal (towards the hanger end) closing the airbrakes low to the ground to extend the float did not cause the glider to drop suddenly but just gave an increase in speed, very reassuring! Oh yes, it also has a new battery fitted as well.
So if you are Bronze, or not far off, get yourself checked out to fly the Vega as I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Phil
Puch ready, Vega news
The forecast was for poor weather; it might have been wrong, so a few of us went to the airfield. We would have flown, (2500ft launches would have been on) but we were so few and things needed doing. The Puch repair/inspection was completed and it is now rigged and ready for test flying, etc. etc. The hangar was repacked, now all aircraft are rigged.
The popularity of the Vega led us to make sure that it can be extracted from the hangar with minimum effort, so it is now neatly parked in the space left by the ME7 - this is much easier than trying to put it where the Astir used to live. Please note it is secured with a trestle under a wing, not a tyre on a wing. Peter Mason kindly presented us with wing covers for it. To prevent damage to the wing covers please remove them after the a/c has been removed from the hangar and place them along with the canopy cover in the brown laundry basket provided. Put them back on before pushing the aircraft into the hangar.
The Vega flew a lot over the weekend and in the process picked up several hours worth of bugs. The standard `bug test' tape contains 20 bugs per metre and can typically be expected to reduce the efficiency of a laminar flow wing by about 10% at best L/D. When I cleaned the leading edges today there were more like 20 bugs per inch. So the last person to fly the a/c may well have thought he was flying a Ka8. Let's get into the habitof keeping it clean!
The popularity of the Vega led us to make sure that it can be extracted from the hangar with minimum effort, so it is now neatly parked in the space left by the ME7 - this is much easier than trying to put it where the Astir used to live. Please note it is secured with a trestle under a wing, not a tyre on a wing. Peter Mason kindly presented us with wing covers for it. To prevent damage to the wing covers please remove them after the a/c has been removed from the hangar and place them along with the canopy cover in the brown laundry basket provided. Put them back on before pushing the aircraft into the hangar.
The Vega flew a lot over the weekend and in the process picked up several hours worth of bugs. The standard `bug test' tape contains 20 bugs per metre and can typically be expected to reduce the efficiency of a laminar flow wing by about 10% at best L/D. When I cleaned the leading edges today there were more like 20 bugs per inch. So the last person to fly the a/c may well have thought he was flying a Ka8. Let's get into the habitof keeping it clean!
Great lift enjoyed by a few (July 11th)
I arrived this morning to find the field had been set single handed by Chris with his Pegasus at the launch point ready to take the first launch. He was almost the last to land, having been to Ely and back (320km).
Back at base even complete novices were managing 3 kt climbs with others reporting 9 kts at times. What a day but where was everyone? Only 10 members enjoyed some of the best conditions of the year.
The Vega clocked up another 3 hours to add to the 4 hrs 30 mins (11 different pilots) achieved yesterday. Its certainly proving to be a popular addition to the club fleet.
Back at base even complete novices were managing 3 kt climbs with others reporting 9 kts at times. What a day but where was everyone? Only 10 members enjoyed some of the best conditions of the year.
The Vega clocked up another 3 hours to add to the 4 hrs 30 mins (11 different pilots) achieved yesterday. Its certainly proving to be a popular addition to the club fleet.
Midweek Maintenance (Wed 8 Jul)
As happens from time-to-time, even in 'Summer' the day dawned grey with a total overcast which did not clear until late afternoon. With a good breeze to produce high launches these were excellent conditions for Ab-Initios (Trainees) to learn to fly a circuit and land safely. Lacking a supply of Ab-Initios we set to on maintenance tasks.
Cable tow-out gear was transferred to our new (to us, previously owned) Pajero. Make sure to calibrate the altimeter at DI. When driving have due regard for the inclinometer! NB: Like our previous Pajero, the automatic pre-heat is inoperative; there is a toggle switch which must be used for a few seconds before a cold start.
The telephone line was rewired - the outside (old-fashioned) bell is difficult to ignore! Please answer with "Shalbourne Gliding + your name". If you cannot answer the query, apologise, write down the contact details and promise to call back.
I saw our Chairman mowing grass, the Treasurer clearing rubbish, fitting a shelf in the ladies' and fixing the cooker. No doubt, other work was done unseen by me or you.
The Skybrid Winch brakes were adjusted: no excuse for gear pulled into rollers now! Please re-check pull-out tension after a few launches - it needs to be a bit higher than on the Tost Winch.
We are a DIY Club. Instruction is FREE! YOU must make a contribution. If you are able to service our equipment and aircraft please contact the Equipment or Aircraft Oficers. Otherwise, the Airfield Officer needs members to clean, mow and re-supply our facilities.
Cable tow-out gear was transferred to our new (to us, previously owned) Pajero. Make sure to calibrate the altimeter at DI. When driving have due regard for the inclinometer! NB: Like our previous Pajero, the automatic pre-heat is inoperative; there is a toggle switch which must be used for a few seconds before a cold start.
The telephone line was rewired - the outside (old-fashioned) bell is difficult to ignore! Please answer with "Shalbourne Gliding + your name". If you cannot answer the query, apologise, write down the contact details and promise to call back.
I saw our Chairman mowing grass, the Treasurer clearing rubbish, fitting a shelf in the ladies' and fixing the cooker. No doubt, other work was done unseen by me or you.
The Skybrid Winch brakes were adjusted: no excuse for gear pulled into rollers now! Please re-check pull-out tension after a few launches - it needs to be a bit higher than on the Tost Winch.
We are a DIY Club. Instruction is FREE! YOU must make a contribution. If you are able to service our equipment and aircraft please contact the Equipment or Aircraft Oficers. Otherwise, the Airfield Officer needs members to clean, mow and re-supply our facilities.
Sunday 4th July
Just enough folks turned out to operate so we pulled out just one K13. Ken P (as DI) did a weather check followed by flying friends who Stuart T had dragged along. Half of the remaining folks (i.e. 2) took a launch and the toys were put away. Coming off the wire at just over 2,000 I flew straight into wind in weak lift and was barely making progress over the ground.
North Hill update
As Chris said it was a difficult day on Saturday, in fact my launch was immediately after Chris' first and because I was towed behind the Pawnee and he was towed behind the Rotax Falke I actually came off tow about 20 seconds after him, he turned downwind to where it looked 'better' and I headed into wind to where it looked like something might eventually happen. Neither option proved fruitful, however, being upwind I had the ridge to fall back to and that kept me airborne long enough to wait for a thermal whereas Chris had little option but to take a relight. This just demonstrated something about the conditions - one wrong decision and you were on the ground.
Having scraped away from 800 feet before the start I set off on task (NHL-STU-FRO-NHL - 181km) fully expecting a landout. Heading downwind conditions slowly improved and after a couple of low scrapes I picked up a cracking climb at STU and for the first time was able to even contemplate the idea of finishing. The optimism didn't last long though and after a reasonable run to The Park things got worse again and after rounding FRO I had my second real scrape away from 1000 feet before heading in the general direction of NHL and towards an obvious line of spreadout and showers. A couple of reasonable climbs on the way and I was into the rain and for the second time on the task looking at Merryfield as the likely end of the flight, with wet wings and water streaming up the canopy I couldn't turn at much under 60kt so thermalling had to wait until I was through and had blow-dried the glider! Through the rain and into a sea-breeze front with good lift and once at cloudbase sticking my port wing into the cloud and careful flying got me to 700 feet above cloudbase with clear downward, forward and starboard visibility. Off the end of the front there was a decent climb to final glide.
Of the field of 15 only 3 (all pundits) got back (plus one who motored home) and the provisional results for Shalbourne pilots were:
Novice - Steve came 2nd
Intermediate - Chris came 1st (despite penalties at turning points due to NAV settings)
Pundit - I finished 3rd
Shalbourne has, therefore, relinquished its place at the bottom of the league!
Having scraped away from 800 feet before the start I set off on task (NHL-STU-FRO-NHL - 181km) fully expecting a landout. Heading downwind conditions slowly improved and after a couple of low scrapes I picked up a cracking climb at STU and for the first time was able to even contemplate the idea of finishing. The optimism didn't last long though and after a reasonable run to The Park things got worse again and after rounding FRO I had my second real scrape away from 1000 feet before heading in the general direction of NHL and towards an obvious line of spreadout and showers. A couple of reasonable climbs on the way and I was into the rain and for the second time on the task looking at Merryfield as the likely end of the flight, with wet wings and water streaming up the canopy I couldn't turn at much under 60kt so thermalling had to wait until I was through and had blow-dried the glider! Through the rain and into a sea-breeze front with good lift and once at cloudbase sticking my port wing into the cloud and careful flying got me to 700 feet above cloudbase with clear downward, forward and starboard visibility. Off the end of the front there was a decent climb to final glide.
Of the field of 15 only 3 (all pundits) got back (plus one who motored home) and the provisional results for Shalbourne pilots were:
Novice - Steve came 2nd
Intermediate - Chris came 1st (despite penalties at turning points due to NAV settings)
Pundit - I finished 3rd
Shalbourne has, therefore, relinquished its place at the bottom of the league!
Saturday 3rd July
A classic English soaring day: that's to say thermals formed, overdeveloped and spreadout which made getting away tricky. It looked better up country, Jim zoomed 737 up to Norman Cross (I have no idea where that is either) for 300km out and return whilst the Janus and Duo also went somewhere. Closer to home Richard claimed a 2hr xc endorsement flight and Steve G escaped from the winch for a bronze leg.
Phil test flew the Sport Vega and then opened it up to the proletariat. James H obviously liked it more than the blown Pajero turbo and completed an hours soaring in it.
In the evening the impromptu BBQ, organised during the week, was enjoyed by all; the only casualty being a single sausage that was much enjoyed by the dogs.
In the evening the impromptu BBQ, organised during the week, was enjoyed by all; the only casualty being a single sausage that was much enjoyed by the dogs.
A tale of extremes from Northhill
Sat-Sun was the penultimate round to the interclub between 5 clubs. While the weather to our east was looking fantastic, things here weren't quite as good. The skies looked less than promising with dark spread out to our north and northeast.
We briefed and fairly short takes were set for Novice, Intermediate and Pundit.
We watched the skies and the starting gate opened at 11;30, everyone carried on watching the skies. I had a chat with Tim Robson with the view that it would be better to sneak off before the air took a turn for the worse (it was already looking poor!) Tim agreed it was a sound plan so I took an aerotow to 2000 feet and had a wide look around the skies to get a 'feel'. I landed 20 minutes later not getting a single turn in rising air.
The second launch half an hour later proved much better and Tim had already launched a little time before my second re light.
I started my task, the first turn point Shaftesbury. It was hard going, but with a lot of deviation, back tracking and parking; waiting for the skies to change I made it to the first TP. I scratched towards my second TP Taunton, got a couple of great climbs and occasionally saw the needle off the clock. Again there was a degree of deviation required to stay in the air. On track to the TP the air turned horrid and 45km out from the TP I was at 800 feet QFE looking at the farm I thought I'd be landing in. I carried on scratching at a little lift I found and eventually worked my way back up the cloud base at 2900 feet QNH.
There was a foul black street heading in my direction and nothing else, but after trying a similar street earlier and finding nothing under it I was hesitant to give it a go. As there was nothing else I decided to have a bash; at least I'd land out a bit closer to home if I landed out.
Good job I did, I got to cloud base, headed on track and the cloud worked like a hooker on overtime! It sucked and I got a tremendous run of about 35km skipping along the bottom of the street at speeds varying from 70 to 90 knots- all the time loosing no height at all.
I got near my TP but by this time the air had changed once again and not for the better. There was a mid layer and nothing to indicate any lift once I turned for my last leg and home. I only needed 2500 feet to make it back but apart from a little very weak lift there was nothing. My altimeter showed +100 feet, then 000 feet then minus 100, 200 and 300 feet and I landed just after the TP.
I couldn't have done more to get further and was pleased although any land out always makes my heart race.
Getting back to North hill I learnt that every one in the intermediate class had either landed out or fired up their engine and an initial check looked like I'd won my glass.
Problems with the log download meant we couldn't look at my trace but we worked it out and sure enough I'd gotten further than anyone else.
Eventually we downloaded my trace and my heart sank, the ClearNav had turned for the next TP too early and it looks like the TP radius had reset itself to a large diameter on a recent software update.
So from first to last in a few minutes is sickening, made worse by all the hard word I'd put in getting around a difficult task.
Next time I will check and double check!
Still a great day and a big thank you to Tim and Jo for retrieving me (again).
Chris
We briefed and fairly short takes were set for Novice, Intermediate and Pundit.
We watched the skies and the starting gate opened at 11;30, everyone carried on watching the skies. I had a chat with Tim Robson with the view that it would be better to sneak off before the air took a turn for the worse (it was already looking poor!) Tim agreed it was a sound plan so I took an aerotow to 2000 feet and had a wide look around the skies to get a 'feel'. I landed 20 minutes later not getting a single turn in rising air.
The second launch half an hour later proved much better and Tim had already launched a little time before my second re light.
I started my task, the first turn point Shaftesbury. It was hard going, but with a lot of deviation, back tracking and parking; waiting for the skies to change I made it to the first TP. I scratched towards my second TP Taunton, got a couple of great climbs and occasionally saw the needle off the clock. Again there was a degree of deviation required to stay in the air. On track to the TP the air turned horrid and 45km out from the TP I was at 800 feet QFE looking at the farm I thought I'd be landing in. I carried on scratching at a little lift I found and eventually worked my way back up the cloud base at 2900 feet QNH.
There was a foul black street heading in my direction and nothing else, but after trying a similar street earlier and finding nothing under it I was hesitant to give it a go. As there was nothing else I decided to have a bash; at least I'd land out a bit closer to home if I landed out.
Good job I did, I got to cloud base, headed on track and the cloud worked like a hooker on overtime! It sucked and I got a tremendous run of about 35km skipping along the bottom of the street at speeds varying from 70 to 90 knots- all the time loosing no height at all.
I got near my TP but by this time the air had changed once again and not for the better. There was a mid layer and nothing to indicate any lift once I turned for my last leg and home. I only needed 2500 feet to make it back but apart from a little very weak lift there was nothing. My altimeter showed +100 feet, then 000 feet then minus 100, 200 and 300 feet and I landed just after the TP.
I couldn't have done more to get further and was pleased although any land out always makes my heart race.
Getting back to North hill I learnt that every one in the intermediate class had either landed out or fired up their engine and an initial check looked like I'd won my glass.
Problems with the log download meant we couldn't look at my trace but we worked it out and sure enough I'd gotten further than anyone else.
Eventually we downloaded my trace and my heart sank, the ClearNav had turned for the next TP too early and it looks like the TP radius had reset itself to a large diameter on a recent software update.
So from first to last in a few minutes is sickening, made worse by all the hard word I'd put in getting around a difficult task.
Next time I will check and double check!
Still a great day and a big thank you to Tim and Jo for retrieving me (again).
Chris
Wednesday 30 June
An unpromising start was followed by excellent soaring. Big clouds produced large areas of weak lift. A search often found four knot averages, with cores of seven knots, to over 4,000 ft.
James has been camping at Rivar Hill and we hope to see his Pirat flying soon.
The Vega acceptance flights should be carried out at the weekend.
The Puchacz, trim tab cable and tailplane release, repair should be completed soon.
Next weekend Tim, Chris & Steve will be representing us in the Inter Club League at North Hill. I will try to post the results here as they become available.
James has been camping at Rivar Hill and we hope to see his Pirat flying soon.
The Vega acceptance flights should be carried out at the weekend.
The Puchacz, trim tab cable and tailplane release, repair should be completed soon.
Next weekend Tim, Chris & Steve will be representing us in the Inter Club League at North Hill. I will try to post the results here as they become available.
Weekend 26th - 27th June
The great British summer seems to be here with a vengeance for a change with high temperatures and some good soaring all weekend.
Saturday was a busy day with the club fleet enjoying extended soaring until it eventually went blue late in the afternoon. Prior to this cloud base reached 5000' QFE with some strong climbs around. The private Puch, Janus and Nimbus were all rigged. Carol in the Janus flew RIV - LAS - CAL - RIV for 193km@69 kph and Pete in the Nimbus RIV - LA6 - ISL - WLY - DEV - RIV for 218km@76kph. A Nimbus 3 from Lasham dropped in late in the day and was given a typical Shalbourne welcome and taken to the pub until the retrieve crew arrived.
Sunday was quieter but conditions were again excellent and it was soarable from 11am until well after the hangar doors closed. Cloud base reached over 4000' QFE and the club fleet enjoyed extended soaring all day. Cockpit temperatures were high (25degC+) but the lift was reliable if not overly strong. Jim in the Nimbus flew RIV - RUS - DID - LBN - RIV for 255km@75kph (landing at 15:30!) and the private Puch also and enjoyed an extended flight. Much more fun than watching England getting thrashed by Germany!
There were also two new faces on the field and several bronze legs and silver heights flown over the weekend details to follow when the loggers are downloaded.
ps thanks to everyone who helped look after Barney the cocker spaniel while his owner flew
Early flying on Saturday
5 of us managed to get a flight in between 7am and 8am on Saturday.
Chris Bessent and myself flew a couple of solo aerobatic flights followed by Paul Prentice, James Walters and James Hunneman flying more sedate but just as enjoyable ones. With a nice Northerly blow we were launching the Puchacz to 1800ft or more.
Later on Carol and myself in the Janus flew RIV, BLA, BUL, RIV with mostly a 23kt headwind and Chris flew RIV, DEV, MAR, RIV. Piccy is of James Walters in the K8 above the Janus.
Phil
Sunday 13th June
After sneaking a flight in the LS3 (it was my duty day after all), when Colin kindly offered to fly the day course chappie for me, I was launched into a good thermal which took me to 3200ft.
By hopping across the cloud streets I managed RIV,NES,LAS,RIV in just under the hour to give me an average xc speed of 82kph.
By hopping across the cloud streets I managed RIV,NES,LAS,RIV in just under the hour to give me an average xc speed of 82kph.
Saturday 12th June
A day that just kept getting better, well with thick overcast skies as we set the airfield up it was just as well. The Nimbus, Pegase, Libelle, '15, Skylark and Janus rigged. I did about 200km after abandoning the original task at Cirencester as it looked flat ahead. Chris and Liz did RIV-Swindon and back without turning later in the day, it was later in the day as earlier Chris landed out.
Sunday 6th June
A very quiet day, perhaps due to the earlier forecasts, but one with soaring opportunities throughout. The crosswind provided a tailwind component that followed us all day despite changing ends at half time but most people ended up with flights in the half hour range. Plenty of instructing and solo flying capacity was available and the repaired Skybrid ran perfectly on both drums.
On the hill down to Fosbury is this interesting piece of hedgerow…
The web of the Ermine Yponomeuta moths (google), unless corrected.
On the hill down to Fosbury is this interesting piece of hedgerow…
The web of the Ermine Yponomeuta moths (google), unless corrected.
Sunday 30th and Monday 31st May
After the persistant rain of Saturday...
Sunday brought strong climbs and 5500ft QNH cloudbase, but only me in 737 and Chris in FRP rigged and flew, the others maybe put off by the 20kt winds aloft... Cirrus came over during the afternoon so I abandoned my task and headed to the brighter north instead, ending up with around 200km - Chris flew the Reader's Digest version.
Monday had been promissed as a cracker but one of you angered the soaring gods and the day broke overcast and the morning forecasts equally gloomy. It didn't get a whole heap better... Jim in 737 and myself 'n' Phil in 383 managed half an hour and other scratching took place. Prior to this Phil signed Jim off as a Half Wit instructor.
Sunday brought strong climbs and 5500ft QNH cloudbase, but only me in 737 and Chris in FRP rigged and flew, the others maybe put off by the 20kt winds aloft... Cirrus came over during the afternoon so I abandoned my task and headed to the brighter north instead, ending up with around 200km - Chris flew the Reader's Digest version.
Monday had been promissed as a cracker but one of you angered the soaring gods and the day broke overcast and the morning forecasts equally gloomy. It didn't get a whole heap better... Jim in 737 and myself 'n' Phil in 383 managed half an hour and other scratching took place. Prior to this Phil signed Jim off as a Half Wit instructor.
Bank Holidays and Weather
What is it with British bank holidays and rain?
Its already damp at the club and all the weather forecasts say its going to get very wet this morning. However, our resident weather expert expects a clearance around 14:00.
There are already a number of members at the club taking care of a number of maintenance tasks and we have a plan to swap the worn out cable on the bus winch when the rain stops.
We may get a chance to fly this afternoon. I've swapped with Liz as Duty Instructor so I'll be there.
Sunday and Monday look a lot better so hopefully we'll get at least two days flying out of the long weekend.
Its already damp at the club and all the weather forecasts say its going to get very wet this morning. However, our resident weather expert expects a clearance around 14:00.
There are already a number of members at the club taking care of a number of maintenance tasks and we have a plan to swap the worn out cable on the bus winch when the rain stops.
We may get a chance to fly this afternoon. I've swapped with Liz as Duty Instructor so I'll be there.
Sunday and Monday look a lot better so hopefully we'll get at least two days flying out of the long weekend.
Sunday 23rd May
The hot, blue conditions didn't make for the best of soaring but nice simple conditions for early solo flights. And for once we had someone ready for his first solo.
Luddite(s)!
So Canute tried to hold back the tide and now we have our own Canute trying to hold back the tide of technology! What does 'The Management' have to say about this blog I wonder?
Authors
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Weekend 22nd & 23rd May
It was hot, blue and yuk!
Saturday was reasonably busy with TLs and 737, JNG, HAX & 185 rigged and endured the conditions.
Sunday was hotter, bluer and yuker, a few TLs and 737 & EUF playing.
ICL was at The Park, report to follow.
Saturday was reasonably busy with TLs and 737, JNG, HAX & 185 rigged and endured the conditions.
Sunday was hotter, bluer and yuker, a few TLs and 737 & EUF playing.
ICL was at The Park, report to follow.
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