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