Twice around in late afternoon.

Saturday April 25 TIB-DIS-PIC-NOE-TIB
With the DG back on line and two short flights made in April, I was cursing missing the good weather found by John and Ray earlier in April, due to ongoing building work at my place and running the business in hard times, but Saturday looked possible, depending on which forecast was correct, either before or after the predicted weak cold front. Rain in the West.
Mid morning rigged with help of Mark, whose comment " Where is everyone?" was answered by me, "We are here, let's get rigged!" to forestall him getting stuck into a late breakfast from Delia.
Some short local soaring with weak conditions was going on, but as I finished fettling I could see the 7 to 8 eighths cloud which had rolled in from the South beginning to thin behind, so I decided that it must be a very weak cold front indeed. (A strong cold front is more common at this time of the year, which normally consists of towering walls of cloud, rain and often thunder for less than an hour, followed by bright, crisp cool air. Normally good soaring conditions, but often unstable with smaller localised showers with snow above 2000 feet........ good fun!)
Clearance of overcast took another half hour or more, but eventually I was up into unstable air but disappointingly low cloudbase at 3000 feet with only Norman in 20 for company, plus the occasional 2 seater. I messed about locally for over an hour, noticing that the cloud base was rising, even though I did not get near it due to rejecting weak climbs often. Of course, this was a very weak front, so the whole thing was very mixed up and the new airmass was slow to become its pure self. Decision was to start as soon as I could do so at 1000m, so with a climb at last to 3800 feet, I burned the height a bit and made a start at 14.53. I was far too cautious as it panned out, as the conditions improved rapidly, so that by the time I was thermalling close to Watton and watching their cadets launching, the cloudbase was almost 5000 feet and I found my vario shouting "6 knots!!" So from then on, a fast run with a wide detour away from Costessey, I was round in 1 hour 21 min.
This was too good to waste, so I thought another lap was in order, but unfortunately I did not get away from my finish height and relaunched(thank you Iron Thermal) and restarted at 3330 feet at 16.37. Faster first two turnpoints, but then the sky was beginning to clear of clouds and the brisk 15 knot wind was increasing. At Norwich East, I could smell the sewage but did not expect to get back, so messed about trying to get enough height from Thorpe Business Park for final glide. I failed and set off directly upwind to Tib, expecting not to make it. However, due to luck and it being directly into wind, I found enough reduced sink in the blue street that I did manage to make a competition finish, unobserved, as all the gliders were away and everyone was in the bar. 1 hr 37. Thanks Dave for helping to derig.
So, a very good afternoon's flying! 2 complete laps of the triangle and my fist ladder entry of the year.
Lesson learned: do not be impatient. If I had started 30 mins later and just done the one lap, I could easily have increased my 86 kph by another 10. Ray still leads the President's Triangle mini comp.

Please put all your flights away from Tib on the National ladder. This then forms the club ladder for NGC and all flights posted with logger files are counted towards the ladder trophy. Current holder is Tom Smith.
See it on the BGA ladder:
http://www.bgaladder.co.uk/DispLadder.asp?Season=2009&ClubID=NGC&Ladder=O&PageSize=9999&ExComps=&Log=Y

Peter

(PICture is PIC with its new thermal generating wind turbines!)

Best flight yet

To go or not to go, that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and glides of a poor day or to stay at home and do something useful!

I was up at the crack of dawn to check RASP and the other forecasts. We were still in the grips of the stable high pressure air that has dominated for quite some time but there was a cold front due to pass though during the day which might change things. Anyway, I decided to stay at home and to try to finish off my kitchen worktops. I was keeping half an eye on the weather as I was interested to see if the cold front would make much difference. By lunchtime I had pretty much forgotten about it all when I noticed a tiny cumulus cloud through the window. 'Oh my god,' I said out loud. Poor Robyn thought I had just discovered something terrible in one of the cupboards. 'I've got to go,' I said. She now understood exactly what I meant!

I got to the airfield at about 1:30 and put my name on the list. People were just managing to stay up. There were thermals around but they were pretty tight and disorganised due to the relatively stiff Southerly wind. The K21 was free so I took a winch launch with Jan due to the fact that I was still getting back into it after a long layoff. We found a little lift but were back on the ground fairly shortly. The remnants of the front were starting to clear and it was all beginning to look rather promising. I had a feeling this was going to be a good chance for me to get a decent flight in. Timing seems to be everything in gliding and my turn in the Astir came round just about perfect. I got about 1350' from the winch and pushed South into the wind hoping to pick up some lift. It's a great feeling flying into lift, especially off the winch when conditions look good. So I was off, right up to 3000'. I have flown on days with reasonable lift but never anything as good as this. It just seemed to be getting better and better with the cloud base eventually reaching 5000' plus. For the first time I had the feeling it could actually be possible to go somewhere by flying from thermal to thermal. Not that I did go anywhere, but I'm sure I could have. After what seemed like ages I radioed down to see how long I had been up. Jenny told me 50 minutes and that there wasn't anyone else waiting for the glider. X-ray 19 told me to stay up for at least an hour and ten to get a bronze leg. At the time I thought this was Ray Hart flying Jenny's ASW 19 but I now think it was John R K. What he didn't tell me at the time was that if I had stayed up for 2 hours I could have got something towards my cross country endorsement. Anyway I decided I would just stay up there until someone told me to come down. The air was crystal clear by now and the view was stunning. It's just amazing how quickly things can change when a different air mass comes through. There was lift everywhere and I really felt like a proper glider pilot. Inevitably that call eventually came so I pulled the air brakes and was on the ground in about 10 minutes. I did a rubbish landing. Ray said the third one was OK!. There was an hour and thirty nine in the log book, which was by far my best and longest flight so far. I felt so calm and happy, having achieved that magical combination of a free glider, and perfect conditions.

When I got home I looked up the satellite pictures of the day (see below). You can clearly see the cold front pushing away the hazy high pressure air and replacing it with clear unstable air which immediately started to boil.


8am

12am

4pm

That's more like it!

As I said "always make a declaration".

Will on duty, and as the morning progressed more pilots appeared. Having already done the monthly check on the winch, once again the ASW19 was rigged. A few others had done similarly: Ray; Paul W. ; Barry and Ben; Mark (the CFI); Des and Dave; Phil H; Phil S plus others I am sure I missed. A later start than planned, the sky took a while to get going, but Ray and I were off to christen the new version of The President's Triangle (TIB-DIS-PIC-NOE-TIB). Cunningly devised to be over 100km, away from the western stub projection of Norwich International Airport but close enough to remind them we have the right to be here (although we do live in harmony).
At about 14.07 I took a winch launch, and then again 10 minutes later, connecting this time. Ray was off first time and, given his speed had probably finished before I got to 3000'. I got round pretty briskly and took a thermal before finishing just to extend the flight time!
Great views over the city and a splendid inauguration. On landing a tired looking Ass Cat (Jan)asked if I would mind taking a trial. 16.30 and the sky was dying quickly but the trial had a great 30 minute flight. I derigged and set off for the committee meeting, a glorious end to a glorious day!
Art; you have to be in a glider by 14.00 if you are going to get that silver height, never mind the Tiger Moth. They don't need thermals (noisy, smelly, dirty, engined things!)

Turned out nice again...

The morning started clearer than yesterday with hopes from RASP of thermals up to 5000ft. Will ran the day, with myself, JRK and Ben Magnani flying the trial lessons. After a runway change the soaring started around midday.

The Astir N12 returned back into service after its C of A and Bob Grieve test flew it ready for George Backowski to completed his silver height - well done George (apparantly he's never bothered claiming it).

Paul Wilkinson finished his BI acceptance flights with Mark and is now ready to join the roster - well done Capt Wilko.

When the K13 was returned to Will a number of AFRs and checks were completed, spinning being the theme of the day

Many gliders were rigged on such a good forecast, and tasks planned. Tasks seemed to be of the order of 100-150km as the weather appeared to be locally good, thermal strength between 3-5knts and cloudbase reported over 5000 at times. However the top cover spoiled the day around 4pm.

Those going places included Ray Hart (doing the presidents triangle in just over an hour), Dave Taylor, Des O'Brien, Ben M, Barry Marcham, JRK, Tom Smith, Phil Hayward, Mark Wright and probably a few others - it was quite busy. Dont forget to put your flights/traces on the ladder!

I had originally planned to come and fly the Astir as my glider is already over in Wales, but I didn't managed to get into the Astir until well after the sky had collapsed, with a fantastic 9 minute flight! Never mind, I did do over 2 hours instructing in lovely soaring conditions and it was great to see so many club members out.

Pre-Frontal...

A few flights on aero-tow and in the Falke and G109 motor-gliders, plus a few other power movements. There was a little scratchy soaring but nothing like yesterday! Peter Molloy, visiting CFI from Dorset GC, enjoyed the best soaring flight of the day at just under an hour. An evening pre-frontal wave slot added some interest and the G109 allowed us to explore some gentle, if rather short-lived, lift (engine-off) towards the end of flying.

Always make a declaration

What a day! Phil S standing in for Will, a gin clear sky (at 9.00 BST), very bleary eyed (clocks going forward etc.) I figured that I might rig just in case. I helped get the club gliders out first as there was a BI course running and they needed the K13 for high tows. DIed the K21 and helped tow it out. Not many folk rigging, Ben and Barrie rigged Libby and Tim and Chris rigged HNC. As I reached the launch point a newish member needed a finishing lesson on how to use the winch. Well the sky still looked poor so why not? Only one launch needed so we dragged the cable back to the launch point only to discover that all the other winch driving pilots had gone for tea. Our new recruit was thrown in at the deep end and so I gave him a briefing on my launch and sent him back for his first unaccompanied launch. I waited for Ben to take an aerotow and then pushed on line for the winch. Away.... not bad for a first timer, 1000' before I released to prevent over speeding. Thermals were just building and I got to 2000' with no problems. From then it was charging around the market towns of Norfolk and a foray over the city at 4000'. A better pilot would have declared but I had a great time (4 hours and 17 minutes worth). Cloud base reached 5200' at times but cold feet defeated me in the end. What a marvelous day.

Not much ...

Front, trough, front, trough.

Ray Hart and I sat in on a BI Course and helped where needed - so you can now watch the BGA Winch Launching Safely videos on the computer in the briefing room - http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/safety/safewinchlaunching.htm

We also redesigned the "President's Triangle" so that it doesn't cross the Norwich approach.

A PDF will be distributed but the basic details are

TIB - NOE (Norwich East) - PIC (Pickenham) - DIS - TIB
or reverse

for 116km

Blustery but Bright Sunday

A very bright and windy Sunday eventually saw soaring flights of over an hour for George B'ski. Will Day, John Kinley and Geoff T & Barry Marcham. Not to be left out, I shook the cobwebs off my Cirrus and after a shakedown and trial flight following winter maintenance, managed over an hour myself. Conditions not ideal for XC with 21kts of wind at 2k and launching off 33 meant an interesting approach with the trees providing plenty of curl-over. At least the vis was much better than the previous 2 days.
Andy Vidion ran the day with help from Ben Mangnani and Jonathan A. Thanks to Paul Thompson and his wife for providing the catering.
Others out were, Grum Ashworth, Mark Wright, James Francis Andrew Hewitt, Mike Tate and Pete C.

Hazy Day

A murky start did not put people off rigging, and although the thermals got going late under a thick inversion, it turned into a good local soarable day with many flights over 1hr. Dave Munro ran the day, with John Roche-Kelly kindly stepping in to take some trial lessons.

Our ab initios turned out in force including Oliver Bloomfield, Ben and Steve Kirk. Amongst the others out enjoying the day were Tom Smith, Chris Lawrence, Tim Highton, Mark Wright, Art Kerkoff, Geoff Tilly, Josie Briggs, Paul Wilkinson, James Francis. Ian Atherton and Roy Colman took a trip in the Grob 109 to Rattlesden returning at the end of flying.

I did just over an hour and a half in the 20, cheating a bit by taking a high tow above the 3000ft inversion and dropping down into the top of the thermals! Still a nice flight despite the poor visibility.

4 hours of thermals...

A misty start with the sun burning through to rapidly raise the cloudbase during the morning. The dew point quickly climbed above the inversion and the day went blue - but that was definitely not the end of the thermals. The inversion rose to around 3000ft and despite a SE wind there was around 4 hours of usable thermal activity. Country member Roy Colman got the longest flight of the day in Astir NG1 with 3 hours soaring. Others out included Paul Wilkinson doing some BI course prep, Tony Griffiths and Tim Highton, with Ian Atherton instructing and Jim Lawn providing the aero-tows.

Not a cloud...

Not a cloud in the sky. Very weak and short-lived blue thermals did finally bubble up but were mainly capped at 1500' by the inversion. Geoff T. did, however, somehow manage to scrape up to 2200'! Andy V. ran the day whilst I flew the G109 for Field Landing Refresher training with Wade, Adrian and Clive. Launching was off RWY 21 with winch launches reaching around 1600ft despite very light winds. This morning Jim L. retrieved the tug from Old Buck after maintenance.

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NGC's Grob 109a Motor-Glider

ATC Visit

A dull day with a weak front passing through so no flying. However, the day was used for some useful briefings in the morning followed by a visit to Norwich Airport ATC where we were shown round the Tower and the Radar Control Room. Our thanks to ATC staff Ian, Mark, Kate and Steve for an interesting afternoon - we even got a free cup of tea!

Blue, Blue, Blue...

Blue skies and stable conditions gave us a pleasant day to be out at the airfield, if slightly frustrating, waiting for a trigger temp that never quite got there. Some useful flying was achieved in the G109, whilst others fettled club kit.

Soarable Sunday

Light NW winds and soarable conditions lead to long thermal streets enabled several cross-country excusions; the first of the year from Tibenham.

The Season Starts??

Sunday 15th March

A super day, half the club appeared to be out with a number of privateers rigging. A patient wait until 12.00 was rewarded with the sight of cumulus slowly developing in the Tibenham hole. Taking a launch at midday I almost paid the ultimate price, narrowly avoiding the fate of the next launch by hanging in the weakest of thermals as it developed. It took me the best part of an hour to reach 2000’ but once there the lift was 2-3 knots and by 13.30 went to 3300’. I spent most of the time in gliding range, just, with one or two excursions around turning points just beyond range. Streets formed later and I made Wymonham to Beccles with the loss of only 200’. I finished by spinning the 19 just to remind myself that the single-seater does recover when you do the right thing. Three hours seventeen minutes. Not bad for March, and RASP looks good enough for a proper cross-country on Saturday!

JohnR-K

And they're off...

Beautiful blue skies this morning with a light NW wind. Cu started to pop around 11:30am pretty much as forecast and a number of soaring flights followed over the next 4 hours until top cover killed the day around 3:30pm. There were several X/C excursions by private owners, mainly running the well established street between East Dereham (a military exercise DZ at Sculthorpe prevented us going much further NW) and Bungay allowing some decent 'local tasks' of well over 100km and nice views of each coast at the respective TPs. JRK soared the longest scratching away early to clock up well over 3 hours. Longest X/Cs were around 140km. Bob and Ben ran what turned out to be a really busy day with gliding and SLMG flying. Thanks to all who helped make it a good club days flying.

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One of several XC tasks completed today. TIB-SWA-BUN-EDE-TIB (145KM)

Saturday

Poor weather in the morning gave way to better conditions in the afternoon. Mark Wright ran the day and a productive afternoon of instructional flying was acheived.

Friday

Mick was doing a few NPPL lessons in the motorglider and I turned up early afternoon after work to fly a member of the local press.

Cloudbase was around 1700ft, quite blustery and it looked like the forecast front was going to put paid to any afternoon flying. However this was not the case; I took an aerotow in the K21 at about 2:30pm to show our visitor what gliding is all about, and although we were sculking around the cloudbase on an extended tow, he still had an enjoyable flight. There were a few areas of reduced sink and if the wind hadn't been quite so strong we might have had a few more minutes airborne.

We retired to the clubhouse whilst other club members turned out to fly the motorglider - it must have been airborne most of the day.

I Can’t believe my season is over!!!!! (Gary M)

Having recently accepted a job offer to work in India, I find my season over almost before it's begun! So where do I start? I suppose today is the best place...

8th March the morning after thinking there wasn’t going to be anything left of Jenny’s or my awnings on the caravans!! Last night was horrendous with the wind and rain that came down. I thought my caravan was going to turn over at one stage. Anyway I laid in bed until just before 0900am expecting the weather to be bad and thinking I could get up have a shower and start DI’ing the gliders before anyone was to turn up. To my amazement the sun was shining and the gliders were already out and DI’d!!! Did everyone know something I didn’t? So I had a quick shower and followed the club gliders out with B12, only to break my wing dolly in the process. I shot off to the launch point to get someone to help to walk my wing to the launch and had the pleasure of meeting our new Cadet flyer Grant, who gladly obliged.

I then had to shoot off too Long Stratton to meet my brother’s sister in-law who I didn’t realise till last week, lives in Newton Flotman. (How long have I been here at Tibenham)? Anyway Maggie decided that she wanted to come flying with me, but this was when we were both a wee bit tipsee at my brothers 25th wedding doo, so you can imagine I didn’t really believe that she would come. Well I was proved wrong!

So I went and dragged the Grob 103 out which was already DI’ed! Once reaching the launch point Mark our CFI told me to jump straight in it. I pre-arranged last night to do my Passenger Endorsement with Mark. But never really thought I would be able to take Maggie flying myself. However, Mark signed my Passenger Endorsement off despite the strong wind conditions which allowed me to take Maggie up.

So there I was sat in the glider with this lovely lady doing my first Passenger Flight. I have flown mutual flights loads of times but somehow this was much different. For the first time in years I was really nervous about flying and after doing all the briefings with Maggie we were there about to launch.

The launch was un-eventful and we turned right to get away from the launch. I kept talking to Maggie and pointed out the local landmarks. The view was brilliant today as well we could see for miles. She seemed quite at ease at this point. Well we hit a bit of lift so a made a few gentle turns to see how Maggie coped and I didn’t hear anything in the way of screams or whimpers from her and she was seeming to enjoy it so I wound it into the thermal even more and found ourselves climbing. I couldn’t believe our luck as everyone else had just gone straight up round and down till this point. Well we managed 17 minutes in all. After landing I was keen to see the look on Maggie’s face and she was beaming all over so I guessed she enjoyed it!!!! Once we had pushed the glider back she quietly whispered to me to say to everyone that she didn’t scream once!!! (I was about to ask her to say that to everyone).

So after a quick warming cup of tea we went for round 2. But the weather was starting to close in and after seeing the duty instructor Phil have and eventful approach I was on the verge of scrubbing our second flight, but seems we were strapped in and secure Maggie was wanting to go for it! So I went through the ‘CBSIFTCBE’ clipped the cable on and waited for the all out signal. Fortunately I emphasized the eventualities bit and guess what we went through a big wind shear and had a cable break. The wind had swung so we ended landing in the centre triangle. It was the safest option and the least scary one for Maggie.

To my amazement I found Maggie must have enjoyed it because she very quickly asked about the different types of membership that she might be able to join. This was when Ratty turned up and quickly whisked her away to his car to look for the membership rates, !!!!!!!! Hum…I wonder.

So back to my feelings, what can I say? It was fantastic to be able to take a total stranger up flying, and to give them the amazing experience of gliding. It was just an awesome feeling to give that gift to someone. I would well recommend it to anyone.

Also this week:
Due to our March offer of free reciprocal membership I had the pleasure of 3 of my Burn Gliding Buddies turning up for the Tibenham experience. Firstly on the Monday Keith Springate came with me . He flew with Ian A in the motor glider and had 2 hours. Keith managed to complete his cross country checks , one hour soaring the 109, and a site check. So he was happy. Keith flew the winch a couple of times later in the week.

Gary Vaughan and Tommy Lynch then turned up on Wednesday evening just as I was leaving the ‘Fox and Hounds’ so we stayed for a few beers. Over the next 2 days Gary enjoyed a couple of 1 hour soaring flights and Tommy did some winch work and further flying with Will and Ian. All three guys enjoyed it and pledged that they would like to get back some time soon.

On the Friday I rigged B12 with the help of Tommy. Gary and I decide to try and launch together in the clubs Astir and me in B12 so we could do a quick cross-country together. Unfortunately due to a cable break this didn’t turn out as planned and it left me only 40 minutes to fly before shooting off to work.

After taking off I managed to climb to base at 2900 feet and pushed forward to just south of Watton on the edge of Thetford forest and the danger area. And got back with loads of height!!! There was a good distance to be had I am sure.

What a great week it was for the visitors, Gary, Tommy, Keith, and Maggie. It was good for the club with around 200 to 300 pound spent on flying and I don’t know how much on coffee teas food and beer, and a possible new member at that as well. What a marvellous experience for me to gain my passenger endorsement and fly one of my family. I just want to finish this by saying a great thank you to all that winched instructed cooked food served beer and pushed and pulled gliders and every thing else that makes flying in this fantastic club so good.

Good and safe flying to all from Ting Tong Slumdog.........

PS Unfortunately due to me going to work in India for 2 years…B12 is for sale!

Gary Marshall.

Wild Westerlies...

Phil S ran the day with winching off RWY 26. Not much soaring in the 'wild westerly' winds but the best was made of a blustery day until heavy showers stopped the flying around 3pm. So despite some variable weather we have flown all but one day in March so far with some good soaring flights on 3 days.

Busy to the last minute!

Tim Davies ran most of the day, covering for Mark Wright who was at the BGA Conference to attend the 'CFI forum' this morning. JRK was BI flying and it was a busy training day with a good turnout including more visitors. Launching off 21 we were regularly winching to 1800ft+ in the 2 seaters, with some gaining over 2000ft. I took over as D.I. at 3pm when Tim had to go, shortly after which Mark also turned up to help out for the last portion of the day. We were busy to the last and only stopped flying due to running out of daylight. Thanks to all who helped out winching, etc. to enable us to get the most out of the day.

And the soaring continues...

Will Day covered for Mick, who was away for his medical. Launching was off RWY 33. The kit came out early and when I arrived after work around 1:45pm lots of soaring had already taken place. Even Grum soared for over an hour solo in the K21!!! I helped out with some instructing and Will managed some soaring in the Astir before the day cut off earlier than expected around 3pm or so, though by then most had managed some soaring. Thanks to all those who pitched in with the winching to enable yet another good days flying. Others out included; Mike Bean, Ratty, Paul Wilkinson, Paul Woodcock, Geoff Tilly and Dave Taylor, plus our visitors from Burn - Gary V and Tommy L. Gary is hoping to come back and fly the Eastern Regionals at the end of May.

Big Cu

A good soaring day for the time of year. Moist and unstable air leading to some over-convection and some large cells that gave the odd light shower. Mick and I instructed. I flew with Andy B and the visitors from Burn, one of which (Gary Vaughan) gained the longest soaring flight of the day at over 1hr 20min solo in the G103, before returning for the next pilot.

Late Clearance

The morning was poor with a later clearance of the front than hoped for. Nevertheless, Mick and the Wednesday regulars managed some winching for a few hours this afternoon. No soaring but at least Keith got to solo on site before his journey back up North to Burn. We wish him well on his BI course at the end of the month.

Best Day of the Year So Far

Keith Springate (visiting from Burn GC) and I made good use of the best soaring so far this year.
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Flying the Grob 109 for 2 hours we briefly explored the local area before turning the engine off to soar in thermals of up to 3 knots for almost an hour. Cloudbase was around 3500ft with well defined streets. The thermals started to die after 3:00pm, so we restarted the engine and completed a field landing refresher before landing back at Tibenham.

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Considering the excellent weather it was just a shame that more people couldn't get to the club to enjoy it today. Wednesday still looks promising at the moment so hopefully we'll get more soaring.

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The BGA ladder shows lots of X/C flights, several of 200km plus: http://www.bgaladder.co.uk/Enquiry.asp

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Don't miss the next good day.

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Forecasts at; http://norfolkglidingclub.com/Weatherton.aspx

Saturday

Although it wasnt particulalrly soarable, it was good to see a number of club members flying including ab initios Oliver Bloomfield, Ben and Steve Kirk. Ben and Ray got the only soaring flight of the day apparantly a thermal found them whilst doing stall recoveries! Also out were Brian McClean, Geoff Tilly, Art Kerkhoff, Josie Briggs, Berkeley Pittaway, Tony Griffiths, and Rebecca Woodcock. Temporary member Bob Fairfield(?) returned to the club after his trial lesson last weekend and really got involved with helping after his flight.


We did around 25 winch launches and 3 aereotows. Not bad for a Weatherton 'day 1'.

Slightly Soarable

Another busy day, and slightly soarable for a while despite the broken layer of cloud around 3000ft AAL which didn't let much sun through. Andy V ran the day which turned out to be quite busy and a popular one for the club Astir. Operating off RWY 33 we both winched and aero-towed. Sunset is at last becoming noticeably later (around 17:30), so the most was made of our cheap winch launches after 3pm winter offer which ends soon!

LAA Fly-In

Matt Cooke was around the club about to test fly his newly assembled Tipsy Nipper and agreed to authorise flying to start the days operations. The usual suspects were around and organised launching at a respectable 10am start. I turned up around 11am to take over as duty to an airfield begining to fill up with light aircraft. John Cooke had organised an LAA fly-in and by lunch time its was in full swing.

We were operating on 26 and were able to winch up to around 12pm when the big rush started. It ran very well and the power visitors were fitted in very happily with the gliding operations. Between 12-3pm we went to aerotow only as aircraft were landing at a rate of 1 every 3 minutes. Tibenham International Airport was definitly open for business!! In total we had around 40 visiting aircraft and some had flown from as far away as Sleap, Enstone, Tatenhill, Rochester, Stapleford, Elstree and North Weald.

It was soarable - with Geoff Tilley and Josie Briggs both getting soaring flights over 20mins from the winch. Gary Marshall rigged and flew his newly polished B12 on aerotow, Oliver Bloomfield had an exciting flight doing spin training with Matt Cooke, John Roche-Kelly flew a visitor on a trial lesson, Dave Taylor helped out by operating the winch for a few hours in the morning, others out were Tim Highton, Steve Flewitt-Hill, Nick Owen, Jenny Novak, Dave Allen and Jim Carter. Mike Tate and Josie Briggs helped man the radio. Steve Catermole and Steve Banyard were tuggies.

Thanks to all club members who pitched in and made this a very enjoyable day for gliding members and visiting pilots.

That was the trial run, roll on 20th June!!!

TRY TIBENHAM!

To launch our “Golden Jubilee Season” Norfolk GC invites all members of approved BGA affiliated clubs to fly at Tibenham at normal club rates on a FREE reciprocal membership during March 2009. Visiting pilots pay only for launches with FREE AIR-TIME in club gliders, just like our club members, and we’re open 7 days a week.

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A/T or winch launch. Large airfield with tarmac and grass. 3x2-seaters, 2xSingle-seaters, Grob 109 motor-glider.

If you would like to visit, organise an exped, etc, please contact our full-time instructor Mick Hughes at; manager@norfolkglidingclub.com or call 01379 677 207

Surprisingly Soarable

Light winds and the first half-decent thermals of the year enabled the first bronze leg duration flight of the year. Tim Davies ran the day. As well as the gliders, there were several of the Tibenham based powered aircraft out to play, including the club G109 motor-glider.

Still No Snow in Norfolk

Another snow free day in Norfolk.

Phil Sillett ran the day and everyone was out early to make the most of the fine weather. Winching was off the main runway and despite little wind, we were still achieving launch heights of up to 1900ft. As a result there was lots of fun with aerobatics, spinning and instructor checks.

Snow Free

Despite much of the country grinding to a halt with heavy snowfall, Norfolk remained mostly snow free with beautiful blue skies and crystal clear visibility allowing flying as normal at Tibenham. Winching was off 33 (our mid-length runway) achieving around 1500ft in the two-seaters. There was even a little gentle soaring around lunchtime with Art eeking out the longest flight of the day. Mark Wright ran the day with Nick Owen assisting as BI. Others out included Jenny, John K, James F, Ben K, Geoff T, etc. Paul Wilkinson and I finally managed some BI patter training in the Grob 109 for an hour and were very glad of the cabin heater! We also got a good view of the edge of the snow-line which started roughly at the Suffolk boarder, just a few miles to the south of the airfield.
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Brilliant Blue...

Brilliant clear blue skies and light winds provided a very pleasant days flying. Mick H and Andy V provided instruction off the wire with both the K.21 and K.13 working hard. Phil M, flew the club G109 motor-glider, and after lunch Nick Owen and I used it for simulated A/T failure refresher training to complete his BI Annual Checks. Others out included Paul Woodcock, Clive P, Wade, Berkley, Dave A, Brian K, Mike T and Mike L. Tonight's clubhouse meal was an ample portion of cottage pie and veg, which many of our neighbours from nearby Priory Farm partook before their monthly Breckland Strut meeting which they hold in our clubhouse during the winter.

Tales of Summer

- Click on page to expand -

Snow Flurries...

Another sub-zero flying day with intermittent light snow flurries gradually increasing in strength and frequency as the day wore on. Even so, a number of hardy souls were out lead by Will Day. Those out included, Bob G, Ben M, Phil S, Andrew H, Chris L, and John K, with Jonathan Abbass manning the tug. There was even a bit of soaring with the longest flight of the day being 40 minutes from an aero-tow and the longest off the wire being 13 minutes. Winch Master John R-K (he of newly acquired S&G fame page 50 & 51 Feb/March issue) performed some annual winch driver checks. Paul Wilkinson and I tried to brave the elements in the Grob 109 in what looked like a gap to start work on his BI patter but this was cut short by an approaching snow shower and the motor-glider was quickly put back to bed! Shortly afterwards a heavier snow shower curtailed flying for the day and we all retired to the clubhouse for a winter warmer!

Wind Chill

Despite the bitter Easterlies Ray Hart inspired everyone to brave the cold and out came the K.21. The wind chill was significant, taking the temperature on the skin to sub-zero. Jan volunteered to drive the winch to start the ball rolling (nice and warm that winch cab!). Young Ben Kirk has finally convinced his dad Steve to join, and they both enjoyed some winch launches. Others out included Geoff Tilly (who's 71 tomorrow), Art Kerkoff (longest flight of the day), Paul & Rebecca Woodcock, and Dave Taylor who flew his annual winch checks with Ray. Thanks to Steve Cat. and Wurzel for manning the tug.

Propeller-Head Invasion!

A cold day but clear day, and a bit of a slow start. However, Dave Munro was on duty and soon got everyone motivated, and once we got going it turned into a really busy day. The westerly wind meant we were on our 'short' runway with the winch at the far end of the grass section to enable extra height from the launches. It turned out to be a perfect day for power flying with both the Tibenham based Grob 109 motor-gliders out as well as the two Tiger Moths, amongst others. Our first visitor was a PA28 from Shipdham, followed by the Falke, G-BUEK. Then came a stream of light aircraft including a couple of micro-lights, a vintage Aeronca Chief and G-ARNE, the Piper Colt from Knettishall. It was great to see the airfield so busy in January!

Sub-Zero

Despite the bitter sub-zero temperatures, it was another decent turnout. Will Day ran the airfield with help from Phil S. With the wind right down 26 flying was from our 'short' runway but due to the frozen ground the winch was able to be positioned at the far end of the grass without sinking into the field so still achieving good launch heights. Jim Lawn provided aero-tows. Steve F-H completed his BI annual checks, including some sim A/T rope-break revision in the G109. Enjoying the benefit of the heater in the motor-glider, Steve and I decided to fly over to Rattlesden for a visit. We received a warm welcome and enjoyed a hot cup of tea in their clubhouse (the old control tower). Back at Tibenham, many of us enjoyed Rachel's first Sunday Lunch of the new year - roast beef with all the trimmings, followed by apple pie and custard - Great!

The New Private Power Hangar at Tibenham

A Good Start To The New Year

Ian (covering for Ray) teamed up with Jan to run the airfield. The weather was cold, but clear vis and high cloudbase allowed an early start. All three 2-seaters came out and Josie got the ball rolling by flying the K.21 solo for the first couple of winch launches. Despite very little wind we were still getting 1300ft on the wire launching from the intersection on 03. Several folks turned up to complete their annual checks including Tom Smith, Art and Geoff T who were all sorted by the end of the day. Steve F-H and JRK started work on their annual BI checks with CFI Mark Wright. Also out were Paul Wilkinson, Rebecca & Paul Woodcock, Jenny Novak, Will Day and Andy Smith. Mike Bean and Nick Owen flew 'Bugle', Phil Morgan flew his G109, Mike Lindsay & Steve Banyard flew the Condor. Visiting was G-VOID which flew in from Stapleford for lunch, Rachel & Eddie providing welcome hot refreshments in the clubhouse as usual. Tugging was provided by Steve Catermole and John Gamage. It was a full day with us packing up at dusk and retiring to the clubhouse for a well earned beer!

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Cadet Rebecca Woodcock with her dad Paul after their flight in the K.21

Frosty Flying

. Photo: Early birds tow out the K13 with frost still on the ground.

Another decent turnout and crystal clear blue skies again allowed everyone to make the most of the continued respite in the recent poor winter weather. Phil S. and Ben M. did the lions share of instructing with Steve F-H and JRK helping with Air-Ex Flights. I flew with Andrew Hewitt in the K21, who then flew his first solo since joining the club. Dave Munro flew the Grob109 - great to see good use of it again now it's back online with the re-furbished engine, and the cabin heat keeps you toastie on these cold winter days! Lots of winching and A/Ts were packed into the short daylight hours available before an early retirement to the clubhouse to admire the amazing sunset.

Photo: Andrew Hewitt after his first solo as a Norfolk GC member.

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Winter flying

A chilly start to the day, but this didn't put off the brave souls who turned up to fly. We spent some time rigging the K21 after its trip back from Sutton Bank, then a few hours flying before canopy misting stopped play about 3.30pm.

New member Allen Merrilees, and David Allen who usually flies midweek, both got some flying in with Jan towards the end of the day. Ray flew with a chap who came for an air experience flight to celebrate his 50th Birthday today. Ray then kindly went down to the winch for a couple of hours. Bob completed his year3 instructor checks with Mark, and later found time to fly with Ian in the motorglider (yes its back on line!!!).

Other members who flew were Jenny, Brian McClean, Berkeley, Tim H, Geoff and Art.

Sutton Bank Expedition

The end to a near perfect week.

Sutton Bank Thursday 20th Nov 08

We awoke to very fresh westery winds giving promise to some challenging flights. G.Marshall had joined us. Unfortunately our K21 went u/s on us as the front canopy strut developed a crack preventing the canopy closing properly. Not to be beaten we obtained use of a club K21 and the DG-1000 giving some members another challenge. The day went well giving everybody another enjoyable day. The weather for the next two days was not not very promising for ridge flying so we packed up Friday returning before being possibly snowed in. In all the week was a great success with many wanting another expedition, to be planned as soon as possible.

Sutton Bank - Wednesday19th Nov 08

Today's weather followed the previous day's with north westerlies. Two more members had turned up, B.McLean and P.Hayward making a good opportunity for a site check. Mid-day the wind backed round to a fresh westerly making the flying much more interesting. Beating up and down the ridge really focuses you in improving your lookout. Even two or three gliders can make big demands on your work load. Eventually the low sun and misting canopies forced us to stop after a really rewarding day.

Sutton Bank - Tuesday 18th Nov 08

Arrived late on Monday to some very low cloud. Next day the skies were clear for the prospect of some fine flying. The day was clear with high lenticulars within possible grasp. High tows throughout the day left us a little frustrated at not getting into wave but all enjoyed just getting use to a new site with new challenges. Five members flew P.Woodcock, M.Crook, P.Ward and even Don Johnstone managed to get solo, so not a completely wasted day. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Summer 2008

Looking at the stats from the UK met office, it can be seen that East Anglia had the highest actual and highest mean temps this summer. It also had the second highest amount of sunshine and the lowest rainfall. So despite the poor weather, it seems we probably did have the best of the summer soaring season here in the East.

Just think what we can achieve when we get some good weather next year!

www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/2008/summer/averages1.html

Sunday 19th October

Will Day was duty dog. It was definitely starting to feel autumnal with a moderate SSW wind which allowed us to achieve winch launches to over 2000ft. Some A/Ts also took place to take advantage of the reduced prices for Annual Refresher Training for stalling & spinning. A reporter from 'The Mercury' (local paper) came for a trial lesson and tried both winch and A/T. Ben volunteered to fly her and Sharon seem to enjoy the experience very much. We may have even got ourselves a new member! We look forward to reading the report. I also did some instructing, to help make best use of the 2-seaters and get everyone flown. A good day was had by all. Photo: Ben & reporter Sharon waiting to launch.

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Saturday 18th Oct

Another lovely sunny day, with both winch and aerotow launches available. Paul Wilkinson, Des O'Brien and Berkeley Pittaway took the opportunity to use reduced rate AFR aerotows to complete their annual checks - spinning was had by all!!!

Chris Lawrence and Dave Munro flew thier own gliders and we had Ben Kirk and Rebecca Woodcock under training. Others out today included Geoff Tilly, Art Kerkhoff, Jenny Novak, Gary Marshall and Nick Owen (flying his Falke). Several power pilots also came out to play including the yellow Tiger Moth.

Thursday 16th October

Brisk winds but good flying. We operated off 'The Church Run' with both winch and aero-tow. Mick ran a day course and I was able to get to the airfield this afternoon to help with the club instructing. Jim Lawn completed his AFR - the second pilot to do so this year! Geoff T. and George B'ski both had soaring flights. Others out today included Paul Thompson, Paul Woodcock, Mike Tate, Berkeley Pittaway and Phil Morgan (driving the winch).

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Saturday 11th October

Fine weather and beautiful blue skies all day provided the opportunity for pilots to start work on their Annual Flight Reviews (AFR). The K13 was re-weighed this morning by Stu Hoy and has been re-placarded lowering the minimum solo weight significantly.

The whole fleet came out and we flew both aerotow and winch - successfully using lights as the primary signal method for the winch. In addition to 5 air experience flights, we welcomed some new members; Miles Harrison (formally Cambridge GC) and Jay Craddock, 14, who is a friend of Art's son who also flew today. Paul Woodcock flew with Mark Wright and completed his passenger carrying endorsment. Jenny Novak and Paul Wilkinson did AFR flights with Paul starting his back seat training for BI.

Photo: Jan, Miles & Ben putting the K.13 to bed at sunset.

Thanks to all that helped out to make it an enjoyable day.

Ian.

Midweek Report

Following the rain on Tuesday, the weather improved for the rest of the week with club members turning out and enjoying some good flying. Wednesday was particularly good with quite a lot of soaring, longest flights were over 1hr 30mins.

Weekly flying.

Hi Guys,

A glorious Monday morning with no one here to fly but we're planning to fly the rest of the week. The tugs back online so why not come along.

Sunday, 28 September 2008

There I was thinking we had seen the last of the summer soaring ... and low and behold even more soaring on Sunday!

Will started us off with over half an hour soaring, having declared that his flight would be short as he was actually undergoing his Full Cat Conversion examination with Dave Munro!

This was followed by Polish George staying up in the Astir for over an hour. Then of course our resident thermaller ... Geoff Tilley stayed up in the K13 for 1hr 08min, beating George by just 1 minute. Apparently they both only came down to let someone else have a go!!

I finally managed to get some winch cable break checks done with our beloved CFI ... as I have only had 1 winch & 1 aerotow launch in 2 months. However, I am now back on form (as much as can be) and will now be flying with my usual regularity. Now ... where are all those thermals ..?

Jenny Novak

So late September is getting toward is the end of the soaring season, but as Ians flight yesterday proved, there's still some good flying still to be had.

So optimistically I set a local cats cradle task (TIB-DIS-WYM-BUN-GAB-TIB). No tug today so I had to launch the 20 on the wire for the first time and got a suprising 1700ft in very light winds. However it was quickly apparant that any cross country would be unlikely due to the poor visibility. So my fall back task was to get a climb that went through the 2800ft inversion - I succeeded a couple of times to 3000ft and did just over 2hrs airborne in what looked and felt like dust soup, but never got very far from the airfield.

The report from our flight with the Diss Express has been published and was a talking point in the clubhouse - you can find it here http://www.dissexpress.co.uk/sport/Gliding-Life39s-little-problems-seem.4529430.jp

Sat 27th Sept - Into The Blue...

The fog burned off quickly this morning. All the club kit came out and several private owners rigged. We were again winching, but despite virtually no wind 'The Wildcat' provided excellent launches and most pilots got high launches and some soaring from a day that remained blue throughout. The longest flight was over 2 hours. One or two had planned X/Cs but the gloopy vis discouraged most and only Bob got round a TP before deciding against venturing further away. It was also good to see a number of young members out at the launch point. The club had a flag presentation from RAF & USAF representatives in memory of those who served at Tibenham during WWII on the the day that was the 64th anniversary of the 445th Bombardment Group's most notorious mission - the Kassel Mission of 27 September 1944.

http://tinyurl.com/46zegv

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Tibenham

http://www.kasselmission.com/society.htm

http://www.tibenham.fsnet.co.uk/445th_bg_links.htm

The Summer's Still Here!

Another inspiring day. Winch launch only today (thanks to Phil M. for driving the winch) and the few of us that flew did manage some decent soaring. After a misty start the weak inversion burst earlier than expected and Cu had formed by 11am with a low base. We decided to wait a while. As the cloudbase rose so did the inversion & the dew point, and the Cu was rapidly squeezed as the day went blue, or as Adrian put it; " The cloud bottoms are catching up with the tops!"

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Mick Hughes and Paul Woodcock went off for an hour in the G103, landing about 1pm. They reported climbs to 2,500ft so I took off in 'LY' with 100km planned and after a bit of a scratchy getaway I was soon off into wind towards Bungay. I never find it that easy in the blue but I did finally get round my 100km task landing around 3:30 pm.

http://www.bgaladder.co.uk/dscore.asp?FlightID=17973

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Meanwhile Adrian had set off a bit later and found himself flying round the TP at Bungay in the encroaching sea air. The thermals that Hardwick runway were kicking off earlier were gone by the time he got back there and he made a safe outlanding, with Paul Wilkinson off on the retrieve shortly after. The soaring window lasted about 4 hours, with the cloudbase reaching over 2,500ft by 1pm and climbs reaching 3,500ft at best around 2:30pm. Thermal strengths varied but averaged 1-2 knots with 3.5kts the best I saw on the averager. The useful X/C window was probably about 2hrs30.

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The Diss Express has a good article on the club at;

http://www.dissexpress.co.uk/sport/Gliding-Life39s-little-problems-seem.4529430.jp

Ian.

Sunday, 21 Sept 2008

Today, Sunday 21 September 2008 started as such a normal end of summer day, with poor visibility, very few thermals and mediocre flying, etc.

However, as the day progressed it turned out as a quite an interesting day in many respects. Oh, not as any major recordable record or even cross country achievement, but in a number of small events which assisted in making this a memorable day.

Derek Piggott had been around for the previous 24 hours lending his vast experience in assisting Stu Hoy in preparing the famous experimental green Optimist glider (similar to a K18) to take to the air, both with additional electronic engines and without, as a normal glider. Derek first flew this glider several years ago and was now assisting its designers to push the boundaries a little more. Small electric engines had been fitted to make it self-sustaining. Today, Derek certainly tried hard in keeping it airborne close to the ground by using a combination of ground effect and the small but reasonably powerful electric engines just before touchdown, proving that those engines can be used to sustain flight … at the last minute!

Following Derek’s flight, he suggested that some other club members have a flight in the Optimist, so Will Day volunteered to be the first, followed by Mike Tate and our CFI, Mark Wright. Not to be left out, Steve Flowitt-Hill decided that he too wanted to try it out at the end of the day.

Amongst the many trial flights being flown by John Roche-Kelly and Steve Flowitt-Hill, a completion course was in progress run by Dave Munro for 3 assistant rated instructors, enabling them to legally put us all to the test in their new capacity …

Two of our pilots also decided to break the mould of submitting to such low inversion restrictions in the local area by flying further afield .. Dave Taylor flew the 100km President’s Triangle and Pete Ryland flew to Ridgewell and back.

The strange thing was that whilst we were all still coping with the restrictions and frustrations of the local conditions, two pilots from Wormingford managed to fly their first 50km Silver Distance, landing at Tibenham and putting most of us to shame!



Jenny Novak



We also welcome three new members from Shipdham, all who flew today. Jerry B flew his newly aquired open Cirrus and John and Andy H flew to get checked out, we have prospects of seeing some more gliders types flying here soon (including a Pheobus and an IS30).

Jan

A Bimble Around.

I started off in 'LY' intending to try for TIB-NWI-RAT-TIB 111km flat triangle releasing from tow just South of TIB, but as I ventured North it soon turned into a bimble around the local area following the weather. I wandered North to Heathersett and tuned into Norwich LARS 119.35 to keep an ear out for traffic, then turned right to Norwich TP (NWI). Heading South towards Rattlesden I was doing OK as I passed TIB but as I reached the disused airfield at Sherpherds Grove the weather further South looked decidedly uninviting so I turned North again and wandered up to Snetterton. I was now in contact with Old Buck DZ and was careful to remain well clear. I then pushed onwards to Shipdham Airfield. At this point the thermals were starting to collapse so I called Old Buckenham drop zone again on 124.40 for clearence to final glide through their overhead for TIB. Fortunately they had finished dropping for the day and they cleared me through making the glide home easy. I arrived overhead TIB at 1500ft. A pleasant wander round adding up to about 120km flown.

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Ian.

Sat 20th Sept...And The Soaring Continues.

Another sunny day, if rather hazy. SRE Dave Munro started the instructor completion course and Mark Wright ran the day. The First Aid ‘Trauma Course’ was well attended during the morning, after which the thermals started to pop (around 1:30pm again) producing about 3 hours of useful thermals keeping Steve Catermole busy in the tug for the next couple of hours! Several private owners rigged and a number of soaring flights were made with the longest over 2hr 30. Later, in the still evening air the Green Machine (Edgely Optimist) again took flight, but with multiple small electric motors attached as part of a university project experiment, and Derek Piggot again graced the Norfolk skies.

More Soaring & a Silver Distance

The high pressure was setting in and it took a while for the thermals to bust the inversion, but when they did it went with a bang with thermals to over 4000ft. It finally triggered around 1:30pm and the few who turned out were rewarded with good soaring. I launched last and flew for 2hrs 46mins finally landing at 5:20pm, Mike turned up to tug and managed 1:30 in the k13 with Paul Wilkinson flying the K21 for over an hour. The star of the show, however was Paul Woodcock who flew to Ridgewell in the Astir to gain his Silver Distance. Mick and Brian went to retrieve him later.

A Late Spark of Summer

A good soaring day with the longest flight at over 4 hours - well done Paul. John K. rigged the Vega and soared for over 2 hours, whilst both Ratty and Berkley had over an hour each in club gliders. There was around 6 hours soaring available. Nineteen flights from both winch and A/T produced an average flight time of 49 minutes. There were good climbs to over 4000 feet.

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The weather should remain good into the week-end and the week ahead looks like it sees us remaining under high pressure with a generally easterly flow. Make the most of it whilst it lasts.

Solo day

A big congratulations to Harley Grayling in going solo off the winch today on his 16th birthday. He must also be congratulated in achieving a 0:58 min flight on his second solo in such overcast conditions, gaining a bronze leg in the process. Well done Harley..
Thanks also to all those turned up and supported him.

Mick Hughes.

Sunday 14th Sept

Sunday was OK for mid September. Good climbs occasionally (3 metres in the G103 to 3,500 feet with a trial lesson was my best).

Some chaps went to the east coast. Mark Wright flew the 27 and Ben got the rest of his hours in the Libelle. Phil Sillett flew the DG.

Launching on 08 with the winch at the end of grass stub & the aerotow from the hard is always a pain! Happily a rare wind strength / direction.

Cheers

WILL

Talgarth Photos

More at: http://www.flygliders.org.uk/blog

Last day at Aboyne

Final day here(Wednesday) and at last there is wave!
Monday was a good thermal day but unreliable . Set 250 kms abo-lgg-eas- abo but it went to worms near the Feshie valley, west of Linn of Dee, so I had to run downhill away from the unlandable moors(again) into the Linn of dee and towards Braemar I terminated with an engine start.
Tuesday overcast then rain.
Today looked very promising. launched to 3000 feet and spent 30 mins searching for wave until I went round the back(NE) of Morven when I hit the hotspot. 8 to 10 knots on the averager, vario off the stop 3 to 7000 feet in no time but strange wave with teriffic roughness around it. At that height I could see nothing but rain and darkness to the South, so elected to make a quick exit to derig and decamp before the rain. All accomplished just as the rain arrived!
Pictures:1 .Balmoral and Dee valley(yes the flag is flying)
2. Looking East to Club and Aboyne village.
3. Ballater and Muick valley.

Peter

Talgarth Expedition.

Follow the news at:
http://www.flygliders.org.uk/blog

Good weather in Scotland!!

Hi All.
Picture of top of Lochnagar on Thursday.
Day 5 here at the Mountain comp.
Being a flatlander, I have to say I bottle out easier than the dyed in the wool Haggis hunting Deesiders.
Today the haggis were given a run for their lives when a swarm of gliders followed a cloud street West into the mountains, when, with only about 1000 feet from rolling moors to cloudbase, it dumped(some) of us.
I saw one glider seemingly scratching at 50 feet above a sunny spot and two at about 500 feet, but felt it too close to join them and, following the terrain down and not finding a useable ridge, started the engine. 22 kms, and last for the day! Todays winners the (famous) John Williams and the junior hero, Charlie Jordan.
Great time up here, with wonderful hospitality and Trade Winds by Cairngorm Brewery on draught. 5 days flying out of 6 so far, and possibly one tomorrow, with first wave of the week, tho wrong direction of NE. Aboyne gives regular wave to 9000 feet, and often to 20000 plus in all directions from SE to N.

see the website with pictures on:
http://ukmsc.deesideglidingclub.co.uk/index.php

Pete

Saturday 14.30
Scrubbed now today and prizegiving over, the sun is coming out.
Overall task winner is Roy Wilson of Deeside.
Height trophy.........John Ellis of Sutton Bank