The occurrences and happenings at Shalbourne Soaring Society. A gliding club near Andover, Newbury and Hungerford.

Flying Open Day 4th June


Fancy a day going up on the downs? Gliding Open Day Saturday 4th June.

Looking for a family day out full of adventure in an area of outstanding natural beauty? Then walk, cycle or drive to Shalbourne Gliding Club’s airfield near Hungerford. You can join in the excitement and adventure of gliding over the beautiful downland countryside, or just watch the fun while you enjoy a family picnic with your tea, cake and biscuits. There will be discounts on trial lessons if you want to try the gliding experience. All visitors will be welcome to join in the fun, or maybe just watch and chat and find out what gliding is all about.

  • Discounted Trial Lesson: £30 for a single launch and up to 15 minutes (duration of the flight is dependent upon weather conditions and may be shorter)
  • Trial Lesson Vouchers purchased on the day as a gift will receive a free launch voucher worth £8:00
    (for use in the month following the use of the voucher)
  • All trial lessons include one month of membership. If you subsequently join your trial lesson will be charged at member's rates, e.g. A 15 minute flight would cost £12.20

A blustery sort of day (28May)

Some early fettling whilst the weather improved and then some good training flights in the morning. In the afternoon 23 Girl Guides appeared over the hill on a hike and we flew a few before the rain, then it cleared and we started on flying the rest, however the wind was strengthening and gusting more and more and we decided to call it a day before the gliders took off sans pilote...

They then set about a BBQ in the shelter of the clubhouse.

Wednesday 25th May

The day started with a stronger wind than expected so we pulled out a couple of 2-seaters but with nobody rushing to launch. James H was the first to give in and when he carried on vertically after coming off the wire there was a flurry of activity in the rigging area. His flight of just over an hour turned out to be the longest of the day but there were plenty of other soaring flights.
We discovered that the trailer Rod has been touring the around the country actually contains a glider which came out to play. It was good to see the Swales flying - and even better to fly it (thanks Rod, a new type for my log book).
JMX reappeared and the test flight proved it launches well (to 2,100'), climbs well, spins nicely and the controls oh so crisp.

Saturday 21 May

A cracking day but a number of those who headed off XC reported how difficult it was to make progress up-wind. A busy day with visitors from Wyvern (with 3 gliders) escaping from their closed airfield. Some good lift but big pockets of heavy sink to ensure some folks only getting short flights. 30 launches, 22 hours flown and 21 people flying. Highest reported climb was to 3,300 and Martin Hoskins managed a 2,000' launch in a K13

15th May

Today I rigged...

managed 2 hours, some good climbs (3-4kt ave) to 3700ft QFE but everytime I pointed away from the airfield the next cloud was raining...

14th May


Should have rigged...

Eden Week Photos

Just a few photos taken at Eden recently.





Paul shared the living room with his pet sheep...........he said he especially liked its blue eyes.......didn't want to ask!

Weekend 7th/8th May

The overnight/morning downpour appeared to have dampend folks interest in flying on Saturday and only the fettlers appear at the airfield.

The duty team plus a few hardy types appeared on Sunday. With the rather lively southerly we only flew 2-seaters (2 up). Launches were high (up to 2,000') and landings short (demanding full concentration with the significant wind gradient and turblence over the trees). The bit inbetween presented mainly broken thermals but with the occassional one that presented the opportunity to climb (and drift). Best climb achieved was 1,200 to 2,500 and Chris Keating took the longest flight honours (39 minutes).

Eden week

Well we are all back from our Eden expedition and I can honestly say a great time was had by all.

Only 4 days of flying but Chris got to 11,000 ft in the IS28 and Colin to 7,000ft in the LS3 both in Helm wave. The rest of us enjoyed many XC flights over and around Penrith, Ullswater, Haweswater Reservoir and Warcop Range.

Unfortunately we did not have any westerly winds otherwise we would have experienced ridge flying as well! That said when we did run the ridge after gaining height in the valley we found that the into wind gullies were kicking off some stonking thermals which enabled us to get some good climbs.

With good thermals in blue conditions regularly taking us to over 5,000ft we all had a great time and add to that good local pubs and accomodation can't wait to return next year.

If you want to see some of our traces drop me an email and I will send them to you.



Phil

Eden saturday

Saturday was the first day of flying as Friday was too blustery. Too windy to fly until 4.30 when we rigged Pete Whiteheads IS 28b and launched Pete and Chris B into the wave bar over the field. 3 hrs later we decided to leave them to it and went off to the pub for our meal when a phone call from Chris came through saying they had landed out and needed a retrieve! Seems after getting to 11,000 ft they found the rotor over the airfield and decided to land about 3 miles away, luckily they were only 1/2 mile from our pub so all was good. Glider was left in field overnight for retrieve this morning.
At least Chris is maintaining his 100% land out record!,